How Far Is Gaston From Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, and Portland?

Learn about How far is Gaston from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, and Portland?

If you’re wondering “How far is Gaston from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, and Portland?” you’re not alone. Below you’ll find simple, clear travel times and routes, plus what to expect on the road. This guide helps residents, visitors, and movers plan everyday trips around the Tualatin Valley.

Quick Answer

Gaston is a small town in Washington County, close to wine country and Hagg Lake. Rough drive times in normal, non‑rush traffic:

  • Forest Grove: about 7 miles, 10–12 minutes
  • Hillsboro: about 15 miles, 20–30 minutes
  • Beaverton: about 18–22 miles, 30–40 minutes
  • Portland (downtown): about 28–30 miles, 45–60 minutes

What How far is Gaston from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, and Portland? Means

It’s a practical question about everyday life:

  • How long will your commute take?
  • How easy is it to reach shopping, jobs, schools, and medical care?
  • What’s the drive like from this rural town to nearby cities?

Below are the typical distances, routes, and timing—plus local tips to make trips smoother.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • You’re planning a move and want commute times.
  • You’re visiting wineries, Henry Hagg Lake, or Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
  • You live nearby and need quick runs to Hillsboro or Beaverton for errands and dining.
  • You’re comparing Gaston’s rural feel with easy access to bigger cities.

What to Expect

Distances and typical drive times from central Gaston:

  • Forest Grove

    • Distance: about 7–8 miles via OR‑47 north
    • Drive time: 10–12 minutes
    • Notes: Easy, straight shot. Forest Grove has groceries, restaurants, and Pacific University.

  • Hillsboro

    • Distance: about 14–16 miles via OR‑47 to OR‑8 (TV Hwy) east
    • Drive time: 20–30 minutes
    • Notes: Heavier traffic near Tanasbourne and the tech corridor. MAX Blue Line runs in Hillsboro for trips into Portland.

  • Beaverton

    • Distance: about 18–22 miles (two good options)
      • OR‑219 north to OR‑210 (Scholls Ferry Rd), then east
      • OR‑47 to OR‑8 (TV Hwy) east to Beaverton
    • Drive time: 30–40 minutes
    • Notes: Scholls Ferry can be faster off‑peak; TV Hwy is more direct but busier during rush hour.

  • Portland (Downtown)

    • Distance: about 28–30 miles
    • Common routes:
      • OR‑210 (Scholls Ferry) to US‑26 east
      • OR‑8 (TV Hwy) to US‑26 east
    • Drive time: 45–60 minutes in normal traffic; 60–75+ minutes at rush hour
    • Notes: US‑26 bottlenecks at the Vista Ridge Tunnel during peak hours.

Local landmarks near Gaston:

  • Henry Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park): ~4 miles west; popular for boating, fishing, and cycling. Day‑use fee applies.
  • Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Just east of town; flat trails and birdwatching.
  • Wine country: Dozens of tasting rooms within 10–20 minutes.

Seasonal conditions:

  • Summer weekends: More traffic to Hagg Lake and wineries.
  • Fall harvest: Busy rural roads; watch for farm trucks.
  • Winter: Fog, slick spots, and occasional ice on shaded curves; give yourself extra time.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Best routes

    • To Forest Grove/Hillsboro: OR‑47 is simplest.
    • To Beaverton/Portland: Try Scholls Ferry (OR‑210) off‑peak; use TV Hwy (OR‑8) if you prefer more services along the way.

  • Timing

    • Avoid weekday rush hours (6:30–9 a.m., 3:30–6:30 p.m.) if you can; travel time can increase 15–30 minutes.
    • Winery visits are calmer on Fridays or Sunday mornings.

  • Parking

    • Forest Grove and Hillsboro: Plenty of free street parking; check time limits downtown.
    • Beaverton and Portland: Mix of garages, meters, and street parking; allow time to park.

  • Transit

    • No direct TriMet service into Gaston.
    • Closest hubs: Forest Grove (Bus 57 on TV Hwy) and Hillsboro (MAX Blue Line). Consider park‑and‑ride for trips into Portland.

  • Safety and comfort

    • Rural highways have narrower shoulders; watch for cyclists, farm equipment, and deer.
    • Keep fuel topped up; services thin out between towns.

  • Handy resources

    • Road conditions: ODOT TripCheck
    • Parks/fees: Washington County Parks (Hagg Lake)
    • Transit: TriMet (routes 57, MAX Blue Line)

Frequently Asked Questions About How far is Gaston from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, and Portland?

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?
    About 28–30 miles to downtown. Plan on 45–60 minutes off‑peak, longer in rush hour.

  • Is there public transit from Gaston into Portland?
    Not directly. Drive to Forest Grove or Hillsboro to catch TriMet (Bus 57 or MAX Blue Line).

  • What time of year is best for easy driving?
    Late spring through early fall offers dry roads and long daylight. Winter brings fog and occasional ice; give yourself extra time.

  • Is it kid friendly to travel between these towns?
    Yes. Routes have frequent services for breaks. Family‑friendly stops include Hagg Lake and Wapato Lake NWR.

  • Are there scenic routes?
    Yes—Scholls Ferry Road (OR‑210) and the backroads around Hagg Lake and wine country are beautiful, especially in spring and fall.

Summary

Gaston sits close to everything: about 10–12 minutes to Forest Grove, 20–30 to Hillsboro, 30–40 to Beaverton, and 45–60 to downtown Portland in normal traffic. Use OR‑47 for Forest Grove/Hillsboro and Scholls Ferry or TV Hwy for Beaverton/Portland. Watch seasonal traffic and winter conditions.

  • Gaston to Hagg Lake: Best entrances, fees, and things to do
  • Easy Wine Tasting Near Gaston: Family‑friendly stops and scenic drives
  • Living in Gaston, Oregon: Daily essentials, services, and local favorites