Five Cool Reasons to Visit Oregon’s Washington County This Fall

Cool temperatures, golden colors of autumn and spectacular events are just three reasons to visit Oregon’s Washington County this fall. The season brings a cornucopia of places to see and things to do. We’ve collected some of the best reasons why you should plan a trip here in the coming months. 


 1. It’s Harvest Season
Autumn marks the height of the agricultural season, which not only means a bounty of autumn fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ markets, it also means that the season is heating up with fun, family farm events. Love apples? Three apple festivals this fall celebrate the diversity and deliciousness of Oregon-grown apples. In October, Pick a pumpkin, try a game of pumpkin bowling, take a hay ride and get lost in a corn maze, as pumpkin patches are open for the season.


2. The Colors Are Changing
On a cool, autumn day, the rural, agricultural and forested scenery of Oregon’s Washington County comes alive with bright red, orange and yellow leaves — a stark contrast to the deep, dark green of the fir trees that share these landscapes. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy the change of seasons that with a drive along the 60-mileVineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, or a cycle along the 50-mileTualatin Valley Scenic Bike way.

3. Bird Migration Season Is in High Season
September and October are busy months for bird watchers. Migratory and native birds call Washington County “home,” whether it’s for the winter or they’re just visiting on their southern voyage. Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 13-19 at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and discover the importance the national refuge system is to this ecosystem. Discover Washington County’s wildlife preserves and nature parks >>>

4. Wine Harvest Season Brings Signature Tasting Events
Celebrate the splendor of Oregon wine at two of the region’s biggest wine events, which happen annually in the fall. The North Willamette Harvest Trail and Grand Tasting is a full-day guided bus tour to three wineries featuring hands-on experiences,vineyard exploration, a wine country lunch, and wine tastings, culminating in a grand tasting of wines from North Willamette wineries. The valley-wide Thanksgiving Wine Weekend is a celebration of the completion of harvest and a time when several wineries open their newest vintages of Pinot Noir, some of which have been resting for nearly two years in the bottle.

5.Experience Tree-to-Tree Adventures at Sunset
Enjoy the crisp temperatures and spectacular colors of the season at Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course with six challenging courses and zip-line park, all rolled into one. These are the final months to enjoy this fun and exciting attraction until it closes for the season in November.

Plan your own Oregon’s Washington County autumn getaway. Read this great digital visitor guide for ideas and inspiration and use the Trip Planner to create a customized itinerary.


source: http://www.smarterlifestyles.com/2013/09/12/five-cool-reasons-to-visit-oregons-washington-county-this-fall/