Introduction to Beaverton, Oregon
Beaverton is located in the Tualatin River Valley in Washington County and is situated seven miles west of the city of Portland. In 2004 The municipality and Washington County revealed an interim plan which spans more than ten years. The plan includes annexation of nearby areas, which will make Beaverton the second largest city in the state.
The world headquarters of Nike is located in the area. Beaverton is included in the Silicon Forest and is home to numerous technology companies. The nearby landscape includes forests, rolling hills, rivers and wetlands.
History
The city's naming was inspired by the nearby large body of water, created by beaver dams. The Atfalati Indians were the original inhabitants. Settlers arrived during the 19th century. In 1847 Lawrence Hall bought a large acreage and constructed a grist mill. He made the first land claim in the region. In 1893 Beaverton was incorporated. During the early portion of the 1920s a movie studio known as Premium Picture Productions was located in Beaverton.
Attractions
- The Flicks by the Fountain offers free movie watching during the summer months at Beaverton City Park
- Beaverton's Farmer's Market is a prominent shopping location with residents and tourists
- Washington Square is a popular shopping mall
- Cedar Hills Crossing is a notable shopping location
- Kingstad Gallery
Activities
The coastline is little over an hour away from Beaverton. Touring the local wineries, including Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards is popular with tourists. The region is known for its Pinot Noir grape production. More than 100 parks provide the city with a vast amount of green area. Hiking trails and bicycle paths traverse through the city.
Golf enthusiasts enjoy the numerous golf courses including Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club, Progress Downs Municipal Golf Course and Pumpkin Ridge. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, The Jackson Bottom Wetlands and the Fernhill Wetlands offer visitors opportunities to view waterfowl, a variety of birds and other types of wildlife. The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is set in a scenic location and includes paved trails.
Higher Education
The city is home to Cambridge College Institute of Technology.
Transportation
A light rail system provides transportation to Portland.
