Washington County located minutes away from downtown Portland – spans 727 square miles and is home to world-class golf courses, award-winning wineries, scenic parks, wetlands and wildlife preserves, and a variety of restaurants and shops. Family activities are abundant, from sports, educational, and annual events, and festivals. Washington County is home to several universities and colleges. It is also home to some of the largest employers in the region that play an important role in the local development and economy, along with other small and medium-size businesses in the county.
In the mid-19th Century, Oregon Pioneers came to the land and began calling it the “Twality Plains.” Over the years, Twality Plains has evolved into the name of the Tualatin Valley. Today, whether you hear the Twality Plains, Northern Willamette Valley or Oregon’s Washington County, know that all of these monikers are synonyms for the Tualatin Valley. Just minutes from downtown Portland, Tualatin Valley offers a host of events near Portland throughout the year. Enjoy unique Oregon festivals guaranteed to offer seasonality, community and entertainment. Explore our lively theater productions, welcoming wine tasting events, invigorating sporting events, friendly community events and more.
What is Tualatin Valley? Geographically speaking, Tualatin Valley is the heart of Oregon’s Washington County, just outside of Portland. The Tualatin River runs through the valley with the Tualatin Mountains—also known as the “West Hills” which is a natural border between the Tualatin Valley and the city of Portland—creating a north and east border for the region, and the Chehalem Mountains to the south.
Tualatin Valley has more than a dozen cities, towns and neighborhoods including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tualatin, Tigard, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Aloha and many smaller communities; each with its own unique flair and style. From bustling urban centers to quaint rural communities, our cities, towns and neighborhoods provide visitors with authentic flavors of Oregon life.
