History of Gaston, Oregon

Learn about History of Gaston, Oregon

If you’re curious about the History of Gaston, Oregon, you’re in the right place. Here’s a clear, friendly overview of how this small Washington County town began, what shaped it, and what you can still see today. This guide will help you understand the people, places, and events that built Gaston.

Quick Answer

The History of Gaston, Oregon starts with the Atfalati (Tualatin) Kalapuya people who gathered wapato around Wapato Lake. The town grew in the 1870s as a railroad stop named for railroad promoter Joseph Gaston and was incorporated in 1914. Farming, logging, and later Hagg Lake (1970s) shaped the area. Today it’s a quiet, rural community near wineries and wildlife.

What History of Gaston, Oregon Means

  • Indigenous roots: The Atfalati (Tualatin) Kalapuya lived in the Tualatin Valley for thousands of years, harvesting wapato (a potato-like root) from local wetlands—especially Wapato Lake.
  • Railroad beginnings: In the 1870s, a West Side rail line brought a station and settlement. The town was named for Joseph Gaston, a key railroad promoter.
  • Farming town: Early settlers drained wetlands for fields and dairies. Orchards, berries, and hops followed. A freight rail line still passes through town.
  • Cityhood: Gaston incorporated in 1914 and has remained small and community-focused.
  • Modern landmarks: Henry Hagg Lake (built by Scoggins Dam in the 1970s) brought water supply, flood control, and recreation. Wapato Lake is now a National Wildlife Refuge, restoring part of the original wetland.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • To learn how a small rail stop became a rural town with strong farming roots.
  • To understand Indigenous history and wetland restoration at Wapato Lake.
  • To connect local sights—Hagg Lake, wineries, and scenic drives—to the town’s past.
  • To get a sense of community character before visiting or moving.

What to Expect

  • Location: Gaston sits along OR‑47, about 8 miles south of Forest Grove, 14–16 miles southwest of Hillsboro, and roughly 30 miles west of Portland.
  • Historic feel: A compact downtown, rail line, older homes, and farm country all around.
  • Key places tied to history:
    • Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge (5–10 minutes east): Trails and signs about Indigenous heritage and wetland restoration.
    • Henry Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley (10 minutes southeast): A 1970s reservoir central to the region’s modern story.
    • Scenic farm and vineyard roads like Old Highway 47, Patton Valley Road, and Scoggins Valley Road.
  • Seasonal notes:
    • Spring: Green hills, bird migration at Wapato Lake, quieter roads.
    • Summer: Warm (often 80s–90s), busy at Hagg Lake, more winery traffic on weekends.
    • Fall: Harvest season; vineyards and orchards are lively, roads can be busy.
    • Winter: Cool and wet; occasional brief snow; trails can be muddy.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • For a quick history lesson, stop at Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge for interpretive signs about the Atfalati/Tualatin people and the lake’s restoration.
  • Pair history with scenery: Drive a loop Gaston → Hagg Lake → Cherry Grove → back to Gaston for classic farm-and-forest views.
  • Love wine? Many well-known producers in the Yamhill-Carlton and Chehalem Mountains AVAs are 10–20 minutes away.
  • Bring layers and waterproof shoes if you plan to walk trails—weather changes quickly in the Coast Range foothills.
  • Weekend traffic can be heavier on OR‑47 in summer and during fall harvest—plan extra time.

Best Local Resources

  • City of Gaston (city hall and community info)
  • Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
  • Henry Hagg Lake / Scoggins Valley Park (Washington County)
  • Five Oaks Museum (regional history, Hillsboro)
  • Forest Grove City Library local history collections (nearby)

Frequently Asked Questions About History of Gaston, Oregon

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?

    • About 30 miles west; typically 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

  • Where can I see historic sites or learn more?

    • Start at Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge for Indigenous and natural history, then explore downtown Gaston and nearby farm roads for a feel of the railroad-and-farming past.

  • What time of year is best to explore?

    • Spring and fall offer mild weather and great scenery. Summer is vibrant but busier at Hagg Lake and on winery routes.

  • Is it kid friendly?

    • Yes. Hagg Lake has picnic areas and easy trails; Wapato Lake has flat paths and wildlife viewing. Always supervise near water.

  • Is parking available?

    • Yes. Street parking in Gaston is straightforward. Parking lots are available at Hagg Lake (day-use fee) and Wapato Lake trailheads.

Summary

The History of Gaston, Oregon blends Indigenous heritage at Wapato Lake, a 19th‑century railroad start, and decades of farming and forestry. The 1970s creation of Hagg Lake added a modern chapter. Today, Gaston is a small, welcoming hub for wildlife, wineries, and rural life—close to Forest Grove and Hillsboro.

  • Best Things to Do Near Hagg Lake
  • Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge: What to Know
  • Living in Gaston: Weather, Commute, and Daily Life