Farmlandia Farm Loop Tour

September 1, 2014 (Updated March 1, 2018)

Portland’s urban buzz is surpassed only by its proximity to pastoral beauty. When you’re yearning to explore the tranquil countryside, check out the Farmlandia Farm Loop. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find farms, wineries and vineyards celebrating Oregon’s rural life and bounty along this 18-stop agri-tour. From farms stands and U-pick to plant nurseries and bakeries, the Farmlandia Farm Loop offers a tasty tour of Mt. Hood Territory.

Whole grain goodness

Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store, Restaurant & Bakery marks the northernmost point on the Farmlandia Farm Loop. Stop in at the store, restaurant and bakery to stock up on a variety of Oregon-grown grains, flours and cereals. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner created with Bob’s Red Mill products and other local, seasonal fare. The bakery sells more than a dozen types of whole-grain breads and pastries. (5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie)

One mile down the road, Bob’s Red Mill World Headquarters, a working mill, offers twice daily, family-friendly guided tours and discussion about the milling process. (13521 SE Pheasant Court, Milwaukie)

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Field and flower

Fiala Farms in West Linn offers a delightful selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. Run by the same family since 1906, the century farm has both U-pick and a farm stand. Make special note to visit during fall, when the farm opens its corn maze and pumpkin patch. (21231 SW Johnson Road West Linn)

Bosky Dell Natives nurtures more than 300 species of Northwestern native plants at its West Linn site for retail and wholesale. Beginning and experienced gardeners alike can find the right plants to attract birds and butterflies, for cooking or for just creating beautiful, natural ecosystems. With plants for coastal areas, drought tolerant varieties and woodland species, Boskey Dell has plants for every region and gardener. (23311 S.W. Bosky Dell Lane, West Linn)

Founded in 1982, Wilsonville’s Barn Owl Nursery specializes in culinary herbs and lavenders. The nursery offers more than 100 varieties of lavandula angustifolia for cooks and gardeners as well as a long list of fresh herbs from bay leaf and bee balm to tarragon and thyme. Just a walk through the colorful, fragrant gardens is worth the trip alone. The experienced staff can help you choose the best varieties to suit your needs and teach you how to care for them. Private classes about cultivating and using specific plants can also be arranged. (22999 SW Newland Road, Wilsonville)

Into the vineyards

Visitors to Pete’s Mountain Vineyard in West Linn enjoy estate-grown pinot noir and pinot gris just 20 minutes from downtown Portland. The tasting room patio affords sweeping views of the vineyards, Mt. Hood and the Willamette Valley. Enjoy the natural beauty and delightful wines in the company of friendly winemakers Mike and Kristy Thayer. Open by appointment on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (28101 S.W. Pete’s Mountain Road, West Linn)

Find small batch red and white blends as well as classic pinot noir at Twill Cellars from grapes grown on site and sourced from the Willamette Valley. The elegant tasting room, crafted with reclaimed wood from a historic Seattle building and incorporating solar power and LED lighting, is available for private events as well as tastings. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. (21775 SW Ribera Lane, West Linn)

Al fresco

To celebrate the culinary richness of Mt. Hood Territory, Chefs Pascal Chureau and Ian Ragsdale from West Linn’s Allium bistro have partnered with Field & Vine Events for their Dinners in the Field series. Headlined by Chureau and Ragsdale, the series includes about a dozen seven-course dinners, each designed to showcase the fresh, seasonal bounty of local farmers, winemakers and breweries. Each dinner’s intimate setting includes a tour of the hosting farm or vineyard.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.