How Far Is Gaston From Major Highways?

Learn about How far is Gaston from major highways?

If you’re wondering “How far is Gaston from major highways?” here’s the short version: Gaston sits right on Oregon Route 47 and is a short, scenic drive to bigger routes like US 26, OR 6, and OR 99W. Below, you’ll find simple distances, typical drive times, and what to expect on the roads around Gaston.

Quick Answer

Gaston is on OR 47. It’s roughly 17–20 miles to US 26 (Sunset Highway), 17–19 miles to OR 6 (Wilson River Highway), 7–8 miles to OR 8 (TV Highway in Forest Grove), 18–22 miles to OR 99W (Newberg/McMinnville), and about 28–35 miles to I‑5 (Tualatin/Wilsonville). Expect 10–55 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.

What How far is Gaston from major highways? Means

People want to know how quickly they can reach freeways and major state routes from Gaston. This includes:

  • How long it takes to get to Portland, the Oregon Coast, or wine country.
  • Which roads are fastest or most scenic.
  • What driving conditions are like on local two‑lane highways.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • Commuting to Hillsboro, Beaverton, or Portland tech hubs.
  • Weekend trips to Hagg Lake, Forest Grove, or the Tualatin Valley wineries.
  • Choosing a home base with quieter roads but good access to US 26 or I‑5.
  • Planning a coast day trip via OR 6 to Tillamook or via OR 18 to Lincoln City.

What to Expect

  • You’re already on a highway: Gaston sits on OR 47 (a two‑lane state highway).
  • Nearby major routes:
    • US 26 (Sunset Highway): about 17–20 miles via Forest Grove/Hillsboro; 25–35 minutes.
    • OR 6 (Wilson River Highway to Tillamook): about 17–19 miles via Banks; 25–30 minutes.
    • OR 8 (TV Highway): about 7–8 miles in Forest Grove; 10–15 minutes.
    • OR 99W (Pacific Highway W): about 18–22 miles via Yamhill/Newberg or Carlton/McMinnville; 30–40 minutes.
    • I‑5: about 28–35 miles via Newberg to Tualatin/Wilsonville; 40–55 minutes.
    • OR 217 (Beaverton/Tigard): about 22–26 miles; 35–45 minutes.
  • Local landmarks and distances:
    • Forest Grove: 7–8 miles north.
    • Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park): 3–6 miles west, depending on the entrance.
    • Hillsboro: 14–18 miles northeast (varies by destination in town).
    • Newberg: 18–20 miles east/southeast.
  • Road character: Mostly two‑lane rural highways with curves, occasional slow farm equipment, logging trucks, and cyclists—especially on OR 47 and around Hagg Lake.
  • Traffic patterns:
    • Weekday mornings/evenings: slowdowns on US 26 and through Hillsboro/Beaverton.
    • Weekends (spring–fall): more traffic for wineries and Hagg Lake; summer weekend beach traffic on OR 6.
    • Harvest season (Aug–Oct): increased vineyard and truck activity on OR 47.
  • Weather notes:
    • Winter: rain, fog, and occasional ice; OR 6 can see heavy rain and low visibility in the Coast Range.
    • Spring: potholes or gravel from winter repairs; watch for standing water.
    • Summer: dry shoulders and dust; more cyclists.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Choose your route by destination:
    • Portland/Beaverton/Hillsboro: head to US 26 via Forest Grove/Hillsboro.
    • Oregon Coast (Tillamook): take OR 47 north to Banks, then OR 6 west.
    • Newberg/Dundee/McMinnville wineries: take OR 47 south to Yamhill/Carlton, then connect to OR 240 or OR 99W.
  • Plan extra time on two‑lane roads. Passing opportunities are limited; slow vehicles are common.
  • Watch for cyclists on OR 47 and around Hagg Lake, especially weekends.
  • Fuel and food stops: Good options in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Banks, and Newberg.
  • Seasonal caution: In winter, check conditions for OR 6 (Coast Range) before committing to a coast drive.
  • Parking: Street parking in Gaston is generally easy; Hagg Lake has day‑use fees at main areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About How far is Gaston from major highways?

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?

    • About 30–35 miles to downtown Portland; typically 45–60 minutes via US 26, longer at rush hour.

  • What’s the fastest route to the Oregon Coast?

    • Usually OR 47 north to Banks, then OR 6 west to Tillamook (about 60–75 miles total from Gaston; 1.5–2 hours). For Lincoln City, consider OR 240/99W to the Newberg‑Dundee Bypass (OR 18).

  • Is it kid friendly to drive around Gaston?

    • Yes—roads are straightforward but two‑lane and curvy in places. Plan snack stops in Forest Grove or Newberg. Hagg Lake has family‑friendly picnic areas and trails.

  • Are there tolls?

    • No tolls on these highways.

  • Is parking available?

    • Yes. Easy street parking in town; Hagg Lake day‑use areas require a fee.

Best Local Resources

  • ODOT TripCheck: Live traffic, cameras, and weather for US 26, OR 6, and more.
  • Washington County Roads: Construction and closure updates near Gaston, Forest Grove, and Hagg Lake.
  • City of Forest Grove & Hillsboro transportation pages: Signals, projects, and commute tips.
  • Tualatin Valley Wineries & Travel Guides: Event weekends can affect traffic on OR 47.

Summary

Gaston is easy to reach: it’s on OR 47 and sits 20 minutes to US 26, 25–30 minutes to OR 6, 10–15 minutes to TV Highway, and roughly 40–55 minutes to I‑5 depending on traffic. Expect two‑lane rural driving, seasonal winery and lake traffic, and smoother freeway access via Forest Grove/Hillsboro or Newberg.

  • Getting to Hagg Lake from Gaston: entrances, fees, and best times to go
  • A simple driving guide to wineries near Gaston (Yamhill–Carlton and Forest Grove)
  • Living in Gaston: commuting times to Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland