10 Fun Things To Do Near Forest Grove, Oregon (Washington County Travel Guide)
If you’re looking for a laid-back Pacific Northwest escape,
Forest Grove, Oregon is a great place to start. This small town in
Washington County sits just about 25 miles west of Portland, but it feels like a different world—slower, greener, and surrounded by vineyards, farms, and forested hills.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a college visit to Pacific University, or a quick day trip from Portland, here are
10 things to do in and around Forest Grove that show off the best of this corner of Oregon wine country.
1. Sip Your Way Through Forest Grove’s Wineries
Forest Grove sits on the edge of Oregon’s famous
Willamette Valley wine country, so wine tasting is a must.
A few local favorites include:
- David Hill Vineyard & Winery – Set on an old farmhouse property with sweeping valley views. Pack a light snack and enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir while looking out over the vines.
- Apolloni Vineyards – Known for Italian-style wines and a laid-back tasting room. Their patio is perfect on a sunny afternoon.
- Shafer Vineyard Cellars – A family-run spot tucked into the hills with a cozy, low-key vibe.
Most wineries are within a 10–20 minute drive from downtown Forest Grove. Many are kid- and dog-friendly, but it’s always smart to check ahead.
Tip: Pick 2–3 wineries in the same area, bring a designated driver, and make a mellow afternoon of it. The winding country roads, especially in fall, are half the fun.
2. Stroll Historic Downtown Forest Grove
Downtown Forest Grove is small, but it has a lot of character. If you like walkable, old-fashioned main streets, you’ll feel right at home.
You can:
- Grab coffee at a local café and people-watch on Main Street.
- Pop into antique shops and bookstores.
- Check out the historic buildings around Forest Grove’s town square.
Pacific University’s campus sits just a short walk away, with tree-lined paths and classic brick buildings. In spring and fall, the campus is especially beautiful—think big trees, colorful leaves, and quiet paths that feel like a movie set.
Personal note: On my last visit, I just wandered downtown with a latte in hand, no plan at all. That slow pace is exactly what makes Forest Grove feel so refreshing.
3. Explore Hagg Lake (Henry Hagg Lake)
Looking for outdoor fun close to Forest Grove? Head about 7 miles south to
Henry Hagg Lake, a local favorite for year-round recreation.
Around the lake you can:
- Walk or bike the 13-mile road that loops around the water.
- Go fishing (bass, trout, crappie, and more).
- Swim at designated swim areas in warmer months.
- Launch a kayak, paddleboard, or small boat.
- Use picnic areas and playgrounds for a family day out.
The lake is managed by Washington County, so there’s usually a modest day-use fee per vehicle. Pack a cooler, some camp chairs, and you’ve got an easy all-day adventure just minutes from town.
4. Visit Fernhill Wetlands for Birdwatching and Easy Walks
If you like nature but don’t want a steep hike,
Fernhill Wetlands on the edge of Forest Grove is a great choice.
This restored wetland area has:
- Flat, easy walking paths—good for all ages.
- Tons of birds, especially in fall and winter.
- Peaceful views of water, reeds, and distant hills.
You might spot ducks, geese, herons, egrets, and even bald eagles. Bring binoculars if you have them. Even without, it’s a calming place to stretch your legs, especially at sunrise or sunset.
If you’ve been driving all day to reach Forest Grove, a 30–45 minute walk here is a simple way to reset.
5. Tour the Scenic Tualatin Valley Countryside
Forest Grove is part of the
Tualatin Valley, a region filled with farms, wineries, and rolling hills. It’s an easy place to explore by car, and you don’t need a strict schedule.
Consider:
- Taking a slow drive along rural roads south of town.
- Stopping at seasonal farm stands for fresh berries, apples, or corn.
- Checking out nearby towns like Cornelius and Hillsboro for more food and shopping options.
If you’re into photography, this area really shines at golden hour. Old barns, open fields, and long stretches of two-lane road give you that classic Pacific Northwest countryside feel—without needing to drive far from the city.
6. Try Local Craft Beer and Cider
While wine dominates the region, Forest Grove and the surrounding Washington County area also have a growing
craft beer and
cider scene.
Around Forest Grove you can:
- Look for small local breweries with rotating taps and food trucks.
- Find cider houses that use local fruit from nearby orchards.
- Sample flights so you can try a few different styles in one go.
Many spots are family-friendly during the day, with board games, outdoor seating, and sometimes live music. It’s a great way to unwind after a hike, a lake day, or a long drive.
If you’re a beer lover, Washington County is a nice alternative to Portland’s big brewery scene—more relaxed, fewer crowds, and still great flavor.
7. Hike in the Nearby Coast Range Forests
Look west of Forest Grove and you’ll see the foothills of the
Northern Oregon Coast Range. These forested hills are packed with trails, streams, and viewpoints, and many are within a 30–45 minute drive.
You can:
- Find easy forest walks suitable for kids.
- Take moderate hikes with some elevation for better views.
- Enjoy classic Pacific Northwest scenery: tall trees, moss, and cool, shady paths.
If you’re used to crowded trails closer to Portland, you might be surprised how quiet it feels here. Before you go, check trail conditions and directions in advance—cell service can be spotty once you get deeper into the hills.
Think of it like this: Forest Grove is your base camp. The Coast Range is the backyard playground.
8. Discover Local History at Museums and Landmarks
Forest Grove has deeper history than you might expect from a small town. It was one of the earliest settlements in the area and home to Oregon’s first university.
In and around Forest Grove and Washington County, you can:
- Wander Pacific University’s historic campus and read the plaques on older buildings.
- Look for historic houses and churches near downtown.
- Visit nearby history museums in Washington County that cover pioneer life, the Oregon Trail era, and early farming communities.
If you enjoy learning how places came to be, setting aside a couple of hours for local history adds a lot of context to your trip. Forest Grove isn’t just a pretty wine town; it’s part of Oregon’s early story.
9. Taste Your Way Through Local Restaurants and Cafés
For a small town,
Forest Grove’s food scene is surprisingly diverse. You’ll find everything from casual diners to local spots focused on fresh Northwest ingredients.
Consider:
- Breakfast or brunch at a cozy café downtown.
- Trying local comfort food after a day outdoors.
- Looking for spots that feature Oregon ingredients—salmon, berries, hazelnuts, and seasonal veggies.
Don’t skip dessert. Many local bakeries and ice cream shops use fruit grown right in Washington County. It’s a simple pleasure, but biting into a slice of berry pie that was baked that morning hits differently after a full day of exploring.
10. Use Forest Grove as a Base for Day Trips
One of the best things about staying in Forest Grove is how easy it is to explore more of northwest Oregon without packing and unpacking every night.
From Forest Grove, you can:
- Visit Portland – About 30–40 minutes east by car. Spend a day exploring neighborhoods, food carts, and parks, then return to the quieter pace of Forest Grove.
- Head to the Oregon Coast – Towns like Seaside, Cannon Beach, or Rockaway Beach are roughly 1–1.5 hours west. You can walk the beach, check out tide pools, and be back in Forest Grove by evening.
- Explore more of Washington County – Hillsboro, Beaverton, and other nearby communities have additional dining, shopping, and parks.
If you’re traveling with family or a group, staying in one place and doing different day trips can save money and stress. Forest Grove offers that sweet spot: close to big attractions, but calm enough to actually relax.
Planning Your Forest Grove Getaway
To make the most of your trip to
Forest Grove, Oregon and the rest of
Washington County, here are a few quick tips:
- Bring layers. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Reserve tastings. Popular wineries may require or recommend reservations, especially on weekends.
- Rent a car. Public transit is limited once you’re outside the main cities, and many of the best spots are spread out.
- Check hours. Smaller businesses and tasting rooms may have limited or seasonal hours.
If you’re looking for a place that mixes small-town charm, wine country views, and easy access to both city life and the coast, Forest Grove makes a great base.
What Would You Do First in Forest Grove?
Would you start with wine tasting, a lake day at Hagg Lake, or a relaxed stroll through downtown? Maybe you’re more into hiking in the Coast Range or chasing the perfect cup of coffee.
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences:
- Have you visited Forest Grove or Washington County before?
- Do you have a favorite winery, hike, or local restaurant in the area?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let other travelers know what not to miss. And if you found this Forest Grove travel guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to Oregon wine country or looking for a new weekend getaway spot.
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