Location

The Town of Forest Grove

Located in the foothills of the Coast Range at the base of the Tillamook State Forest, Forest Grove has a population of about 21,000.

Home of Pacific University, it transcends the college-town atmosphere with its collection of charming antique shops, a summer farmers’ market, wine tasting shops, and notable restaurants, most of which are located on Main Street and are navigable via the downtown’s wayfinding signs. This small city has a lot of history, from having some the oldest vines in the valley at David Hill Winery to boasting one of the oldest educational buildings west of the Mississippi, College Hall (at Pacific University).

Forest Grove’s appeal extends beyond its quaint downtown to its rural, agricultural landscapes. This area boasts an impressive collection of six estate wineries, as well as the region’s only saké brewery. In addition to wineries, Forest Grove is home to a bison ranch, which sells bison jerky and other unique products.

Annual events are numerous here, such as the medieval-themed Faire in the Grove; Concours d’Elegance car show; Forest Grove Uncorked, a food, beer and wine tasting event; and Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, among others. The city’s farmers’ market takes place on Main Street each Wednesday (May-October), as does First Wednesday when shops keep their doors open and local artists and wineries share their talents and wares.

Want to learn more about Forest Grove? Visit the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce or the City of Forest Grove for more information. (source: https://tualatinvalley.org/cities-towns/forest-grove/)

Undergraduate Campus

A plaque on the Forest Grove Campus still marks the log cabin of the original home of the Tualatin Academy, a school for orphans and precursor to Pacific University. Old College Hall, the oldest academic building still in use west of the Mississippi, also sits on the corner of campus, serving as the university museum.

Today, Pacific University’s Forest Grove Campus is a mix of historic brick buildings, giant oaks and evergreens, and state-of-the-art student facilities.

The Forest Grove Campus is Pacific’s primary residential campus, serving most of our undergraduate students. In addition to more than 65 undergraduate areas of study, we also offer master and doctorate level programs in education, optometry and business in Forest Grove.

On the west edge of the Portland Metro Area, Forest Grove offers perfect proximity to the city and the great outdoors. You’re a short drive or public transit ride from downtown Portland, or just an hour away from the Oregon Coast or Cascade Mountains. Surfing or skiing, kayaking or canoeing, biking, hiking and rock climbing are all outdoor adventures available just out our backdoor.

Launch Experience