Want a charming small-town escape with vineyards, hiking trails, and historic streets? Head to Forest Grove! Just west of Portland, Forest Grove blends Pacific Northwest beauty with wine country appeal. With tree-lined avenues, scenic parks, and a walkable downtown, it’s a perfect base for outdoor fun, relaxation, and great food and drink.
Forest Grove, OR Highlights:
- For Families: Enjoy outdoor play and picnics at Rogers Park – Let the kids run wild while you relax under old-growth trees.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike in Fernhill Wetlands – Walk scenic loops and spot migratory birds in this lush nature preserve.
- For Kids: Explore science and wildlife at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge – A short drive away, it offers family-friendly nature trails and hands-on learning.
- For an Adventure: Discover vineyard trails and wine tasting rooms – Sip local Pinot Noir while exploring the Tualatin Valley wine scene.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Main Street shops and local markets – Discover books, handmade goods, and antiques in a friendly downtown setting.
🌤 When I like to visit Forest Grove, OR
The best time to visit Forest Grove is from May to October, when the weather is ideal for vineyard tours, outdoor dining, and hiking. Late summer and early fall bring harvest festivals and colorful foliage in surrounding wine country.
🗺 My tips for getting to Forest Grove, OR
- If you are traveling by car: Forest Grove is located on OR-8, about 25 miles west of Portland and 40 minutes from the Oregon Coast Range foothills.
- By Air: Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 1 hour away, offering domestic and international flights.
- By Transit: Ride TriMet’s MAX Blue Line to Hillsboro, then take a connecting bus to Forest Grove.
🏬 Where I like to stay in Forest Grove, OR
- McMenamins Grand Lodge – A whimsical hotel with themed rooms, a spa, gardens, on-site dining, and secret passageways.
- Best Western University Inn & Suites – Comfortable lodging near Pacific University with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
- Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals – Choose from vineyard-view cottages, forest retreats, or downtown apartments.
😍 Best Things to Do in Forest Grove, OR
1. Wander Through Natural Beauty at Fernhill Wetlands Park
Encompassing just over 240 acres, the Fernhill Wetlands Park is a beautiful nature preserve that serves as both a critical wildlife habitat and as part of the local water treatment system. The landscape is characterized by a series of open ponds and wetlands, and visitors are welcome to come explore the hiking trails, try to spot the many birds that live here, and admire the views from the sheltered picnic area. The park's main trail is a 1.1-mile loop that circles Fernwood Lake, which is paved so as to be accessible for bicycles and wheelchairs.
97117, 1399 SW Fern Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-681-3600
2. Sip Award-Winning Wines at David Hill Winery
Located on a beautiful farm estate that was homesteaded in 1883, the David Hill Winery produces high-quality wine in a gorgeous, rustic setting. The tasting room is housed inside the original farmhouse, and two different tasting options are available: a tasting of five different estate wines and a tasting of seven wines made from the property's old vines. Visitors are also welcome to stroll through the beautiful vineyards, and if you want to take a self-guided tour, you can download the winery's free app. Tastings are offered to visitors.
46350 NW David Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-992-8545
3. Taste Unique Brews at SakeOne
SakeOne has been importing high-quality sake from Japan since 1992, and inspired by the intricacies of the beverage and the pure waters of the Willamette Valley, they began brewing their own sake only five years later. Today, they produce sake under four different brands, and anyone who visits their brewery can get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how this incredible beverage is made. Tours are held three times a day Friday through Sunday, but appointments can be made at other times as well. Several different tasting options are available in the on-site tasting room, and both domestic and imported bottles are available for purchase.
820 Elm St, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-357-7056
4. Savor Vineyard Views at Tualatin Estate Vineyards
One of the oldest vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Tualatin Estate Vineyards has been producing world-class red and white wines since 1973, and many of their wines are made with grapes grown right in their own vineyards. Tastings are available seven days a week, and complimentary tours are offered every day at 2 p.m. Private tours can also be arranged by appointment. The tasting fee is waived with the purchase of two or more bottles, and there are plenty of outdoor tables you can sit at while enjoying your new purchase and admiring the view.
7703, 10850 NW Seavey Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-357-5005
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. If You Love Fresh Finds, Stroll the Forest Grove Farmers Market
Operated by a local non-profit organization dedicated to empowering low-income Latina women, the Forest Grove Farmers Market is a great place to pick up some fresh, local food. Most of the stalls sell food products like fresh produce, grass-fed meat, and local honey, but some also sell goods like artisan soap, fresh flowers, and handmade dog treats.
2420 19th Ave Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-992-0078
6. Uncork Rustic Charm at Apolloni Vineyards
Proudly owned and operated by a first-generation Italian immigrant and his wife, Apolloni Vineyards specializes in Pinot Noir and Italian-style red and white wines. Visitors are welcome to stop by for a tasting any day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and when the weather is nice, you can enjoy your wine outside on the patio or play a round of bocce ball. Discounts and complimentary tastings are available for wine club members, and if you don't live nearby, they also offer a wine shipping club you can join to have wine delivered right to your door.
14135 NW Timmerman Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-359-3606
7. Admire Local Talent at Valley Art Gallery
Located right on Main Street, the Valley Art Gallery is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, and it showcases the work of more than 200 talented local artists. A wide variety of different items are on display, ranging from glass and metal sculptures to elaborate textiles, and all pieces are available for sale. The gallery is also home to a pottery studio and two spacious classrooms, and it regularly hosts classes and workshops for people of all ages and experience levels. Every September, the gallery puts on a sidewalk chalk festival that anyone can participate in with advance registration.
2022 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-357-3703
8. If You’re Thirsty for Craft Taps, Stop by The Growler Garage
In simple terms, The Growler Garage is a taproom, but it boasts an incredible 36 on-tap beverages with something to suit almost every palate. Most of the taps are dedicated to beer, with the selection ranging from IPAs to porters, but there's also a selection of wine, cider, and kombucha. Popcorn and pretzels are offered to customers free of charge, and several small snacks are available for purchase. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food as well, and if you want to order from a local restaurant, the bartender usually has a few takeout menus on hand.
1837 Pacific Ave Suite 133, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-372-5648
🥗 Where to Eat in Forest Grove, OR
- Bites Restaurant – Asian fusion spot serving creative sushi, noodles, and Korean-inspired small plates in a modern space.
- Ridgewalker Brewing – Family-friendly brewery offering rotating craft beers, pub food, and outdoor seating.
- OutAzaBlue – Eclectic, upscale restaurant known for bold flavors and seasonal ingredients in a cozy downtown location.
🎟 If you are interested in local events:
- Forest Grove Uncorked (August) – Celebrate local wine, beer, food, and crafts during this lively evening street fair.
- Chalk Art Festival (September) – Watch artists create stunning works on the pavement downtown, plus enjoy live music and food.
- Holiday in the Grove (December) – A festive holiday market, tree lighting, and community celebration of the season.
🚙 If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Forest Grove, Oregon:
- Hillsboro (20–25 min) – Visit the farmers market, shop local, or catch a game at Ron Tonkin Field.
- Banks–Vernonia State Trail (25–30 min) – Ride or hike through forested trails on a converted rail line.
- Gaston (20–25 min) – Sample boutique wines and enjoy peaceful countryside views in this quiet nearby town.
- North Plains (20 min) – Head here for pumpkin patches in the fall or the annual Elephant Garlic Festival.
- Helvetia (25–30 min) – Visit Helvetia Tavern or stroll scenic farmland in this Swiss-settled area.
- Scoggins Valley Park / Hagg Lake (25–30 min) – Swim, fish, or paddle in this popular recreation area surrounded by wooded hills.
- Cornelius (10–15 min) – Stop by vineyards, pick-your-own farms, or the Cornelius Farmer’s Market.
- Verboort (15–20 min) – Discover Dutch-American heritage and enjoy the annual sausage and kraut dinner every fall.
- Fernhill Wetlands (5–10 min) – Easily accessible nature preserve for birdwatching, walking, and peaceful views.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Forest Grove located?
- Nestled in Oregon's peaceful Tualatin Valley, Forest Grove is a charming community named for the white oak trees that once flourished here.
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What is Forest Grove known for?
- The town is home to some of the state's oldest and most respected wineries, including one of the largest biodynamic wine producers in the country. You can also find an abundance of local beer, kombucha, and even sake.
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What outdoor activities are available in Forest Grove?
- Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching or hiking in the beautiful Fernhill Wetlands Park.
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When is the best time to visit the Forest Grove farmers' market?
- If you happen to be visiting between May and October, you can stop by the Wednesday farmers' market to do some shopping.
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How far is Forest Grove from Portland, Oregon?
- Forest Grove is approximately 35 minutes from Portland, OR (26.7 miles via US-26 W).
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