Though Hillsboro, Oregon, is a suburb of Portland, you’ll find plenty of attractions and activities in Hillsboro for travelers of all ages. Couples and families alike will enjoy the convenience of Orenco Station, which puts you close to the best the region has to offer.
At TheOrenco, you can relax in comfort while planning your next outing—whether you’re into wine, nature, food, or fun for all ages.
Outdoor Attractions and Activities in Hillsboro
Natural beauty and outdoor fun await at our local parks in Hillsboro, OR. Orenco Woods, which is about a five-minute drive from TheOrenco, is a great place to start. Orenco Woods, though a bit less woodsy than some of our other park options, has scenic walking trails, a wooden arch bridge, stick sculptures, and easy connection to the Rock Creek Greenway—a local walking and wildlife-spotting favorite. We also have bicycles that guests can borrow—just ask!
Another option is Rood Bridge Park, nestled along the Tualatin River. It features trails through lush forests, open meadows, picnicking, tennis courts, and a playground—the ideal spot for families with children of different ages. Rood Bridge has several “hidden gem” pockets throughout the property, like the wading stream and rhododendron garden, which make it a fun spot to explore on a nice day. You’ll frequently see dogs and their owners enjoying these paved park trails, since Rood Bridge is also a pet-friendly spot. Rood Bridge is about a fourteen-minute drive from TheOrenco.
One can’t-miss natural area near Hillsboro is Jackson Bottom Wetlands—a birdwatcher’s paradise. This expansive stretch of preserved wetlands—635 acres, to be precise—offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with all kinds of animals to spot. It features four miles of trails (when the wetlands aren’t flooded) open daily from sunrise to sunset. Look for ducks, blue herons, bald eagles, and more. Please note, dogs are not permitted at Jackson Bottom.
Wine Experiences in Hillsboro
Our beautiful Oregon landscape is best enjoyed on a sunny day, sipping a delicious glass of wine and soaking in the view. There are all kinds of local spots near TheOrenco where you can indulge in the region’s best beverages. Blizzard Wines in Hillsboro, Oregon, is a property first purchased by Dave and Carol Van Schepen in September 1981. Their daughter, Dana, and her husband founded Blizzard Wines in 2011 and continue to run and cultivate the vineyard.
If you’re willing to drive thirty minutes, you won’t want to miss dusk at Hawk’s View Winery in Sherwood, Oregon. This winery has a rooftop terrace, outdoor deck, and indoor tasting room for guests to enjoy the view of the 50-acre property nestled within the Chehalem Mountains. Sample their world-class Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
A notable mention also goes to 19 Acres Cider Company in Sherwood. This cidery, owned by apple experts Oregon Heritage Farms, sits on a stunning property (especially in the fall) with a tasting room serving up flights and house-made cider cheese dip. Be sure to try their Hard Brazilian Limeade for a unique twist.
Family-Friendly and Cultural Hillsboro Attractions
Begin your adventure at Hidden Creek Park West, widely considered one of the best parks in Hillsboro. This exciting playground includes inclusive play elements, swinging benches, game areas, exercise equipment, a large lawn for activities, restrooms, and a 50-foot-long friendly forest giant made of cedar. It’s an afternoon of free fun just 1.5 miles from our front door at The Orenco Station Hotel.
Just outside of Hillsboro, you’ll find the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. This must-visit destination for geology enthusiasts plays host to one of the finest collections of crystals, gemstones, fossils, and meteorites in the Pacific Northwest. The museum is full of hands-on, interactive exhibits for curious visitors of all ages.
If you have some time to plan for your visit, check out the creative offerings at Hillsboro Parks & Recreation. At the Walters Cultural Arts Center downtown, you can enjoy an evening concert, pottery or painting class, art gallery visit, or even a Salsa Night—all at an affordable price.
For those interested in space and exploration, visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville. The museum is home to the iconic Hughes Flying Boat—The Spruce Goose—and has inspired aerospace innovation for twenty years. Plus, you can get a discount to the museum when you stay at our boutique hotel—just ask at the front desk!
Seasonal Events and Local Bounty in Hillsboro
Did you know one of our local farmers’ markets happens right behind TheOrenco from late April through late October? You can walk around the corner and find some of Oregon’s finest produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan goods, and crafts at the Orenco Station Farmers’ Market. You may also be in town to catch the Beaverton Night Market—a vibrant, intercultural, family-friendly market featuring multicultural food and crafts—or Ten Tiny Dances.
Hillsboro locals also love the Oregon International Air Show each year—an event that draws thousands for aerobatic performances, military jet demonstrations, and historical aircraft displays. This family-friendly event has activities, vendors, and even opportunities to meet pilots and crew members. It can get noisy, so you may want to leave your pup at home.
If you’re hoping to get hands-on in the Oregon sunshine, take a visit to Smith Berry Barn—a farm experience for all ages nestled in scenic countryside just outside Hillsboro. At Smith, you can pick your own berries, including strawberries, raspberries, tayberries, and blackberries, at peak season. The farm also has a market with homemade local goods like jams and honey, plus seasonal events that visitors can enjoy. In fall, pick up apples, pumpkins, and apple cider donuts at Oregon Heritage Farm. Try their apple slingshot game for a little extra fun!
Hit a round of golf
Tee up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, a premier destination featuring two championship courses against the stunning backdrop of Oregon’s countryside. Ghost Creek is a public course known for its lush fairways and strategic water hazards, while Witch Hollow is an exclusive private course that has hosted prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open. Pumpkin Ridge’s impeccably maintained greens and top-tier amenities create a world-class golfing experience less than twenty minutes from The Orenco Station Hotel.
Try a cooking class
If you love food, Decadent Creations is a favorite bakery in downtown Hillsboro owned by Chopped champion Mindy Crosato. Mindy also founded Collective Kitchen, a space for cooking classes and food education.
A class at Collective Kitchen is a fantastic way to get plugged into Hillsboro’s food scene and learn a few new culinary skills. Instructors cover everything from farm-to-table cooking and seasonal ingredients to global cuisine and artisanal techniques.
Classes are available for all levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks.
There’s something for everyone near Hillsboro, Oregon, and we’re excited to help you personalize your adventure when you book a stay at TheOrenco. No matter what interests you, you’ll find attractions and activities in Hillsboro for every traveler, in every season.
