Where Is Gaston, Oregon Located?

Learn about Where Is Gaston, Oregon Located?

If you’re asking “Where Is Gaston, Oregon Located?”, you want a simple, clear answer. Here it is: Gaston is a small town in western Washington County, in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley. It sits along Oregon Route 47 between Forest Grove and the Yamhill-Carlton wine country. This guide explains where it is, how to get there, and what to expect.

Quick Answer

Gaston is in northwest Oregon, about 30 miles southwest of Portland, 15 miles southwest of Hillsboro, and 7 miles south of Forest Grove. It lies on Oregon Route 47, with Henry Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park) about 5 miles west. The town is near the Yamhill County line, surrounded by farms, forests, and wineries.

What Where Is Gaston, Oregon Located? Means

People usually ask this to place Gaston on the map and understand its surroundings. In simple terms:

  • Region: Tualatin Valley (northwest Willamette Valley)
  • County: Primarily Washington County, near the Yamhill County border
  • Main road: Oregon Route 47 (OR‑47)
  • Nearby cities: Forest Grove (north), Hillsboro (northeast), McMinnville (south)
  • Nature nearby: Henry Hagg Lake and Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  • Approximate coordinates: 45.44° N, 123.14° W

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • Trip planning: Visiting Hagg Lake, local wineries, or wildlife refuges
  • Moving/commuting: Checking drive times to Hillsboro’s tech corridor and Portland
  • Day trips: Pairing a lake day with tasting rooms in Yamhill-Carlton or the Chehalem Mountains
  • Outdoor time: Birding, cycling, fishing, paddling, and scenic drives

What to Expect

  • Small-town feel: One main street, a few eateries and services; bigger options in Forest Grove and Hillsboro
  • Scenic drives: Two-lane country roads, vineyards, forests, and farm fields
  • Weather:
    • Fall–spring: Cool, wet, and sometimes foggy; occasional light snow
    • Summer: Warm, dry, and sunny; busiest at Hagg Lake on weekends
  • Road conditions: OR‑47 is a rural highway—watch for farm equipment, cyclists, and wildlife
  • Connectivity: Cell service is generally fine in town; can be spotty around Hagg Lake
  • Parking: Easy, free street parking in town; day-use fee at Hagg Lake

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Getting there
    • From Portland: US‑26 or OR‑8 to Forest Grove, then OR‑47 south to Gaston
    • From McMinnville: OR‑47 north through Yamhill and Carlton
  • Drive times (typical)
    • Portland (downtown): 45–60 minutes
    • Hillsboro: 25–35 minutes
    • Forest Grove: 10–15 minutes
  • Plan for the season
    • Summer: Arrive early for Hagg Lake parking; bring sun protection
    • Rainy months: Pack waterproof layers; fog is common on OR‑47
  • Fuel and supplies: Limited in town—top off and shop in Forest Grove or Hillsboro
  • Wine tasting: Many tasting rooms are a 10–30 minute drive; check hours (often Fri–Sun)
  • Nature highlights:
    • Henry Hagg Lake (5 miles west): boating, fishing, trails, picnic areas
    • Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge (nearby): birding and easy walks

Frequently Asked Questions About Where Is Gaston, Oregon Located?

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?

    • About 30 miles southwest of downtown; 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

  • Which county is Gaston in?

    • Washington County, very close to the Yamhill County line.

  • Is there public transportation to Gaston?

    • Not regularly. Driving is best. Rideshare availability can be limited.

  • Is it kid friendly?

    • Yes. Hagg Lake has picnic spots, fishing, and trails. The town is quiet and easy to navigate.

  • Where do I park?

    • Free street parking in town. Paid day-use parking at Hagg Lake. Most wineries have on-site lots.

  • When is the best time to visit?

    • Late spring through early fall for dry weather and vineyard visits; harvest season (Aug–Oct) is lively.

Summary

Gaston sits in western Washington County along OR‑47, roughly 30 miles southwest of Portland and 7 miles south of Forest Grove, with Hagg Lake just 5 miles west. It’s a peaceful gateway to lakes, farms, and wineries—perfect for day trips, scenic drives, and relaxed rural living.

  • Best Things to Do Around Gaston and Hagg Lake
  • Wineries Near Gaston: Easy Tasting Routes on OR‑47
  • Moving to Gaston: Commute Times, Services, and Everyday Living