Page 43 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR

Rural Tourism Analysis by Site
Washington County staff started with all rural
sites in the consultant’s inventory of attractions
(121) and further researched rural tourism related
activities, events, and amenities offered on these
sites using publicly available internet map services
and/or promotional information and social media.

In some cases, advertising regarding the initial list of
properties was linked to publicity for similar activities
elsewhere in the County’s rural area, so the roster
was expanded to include 127 sites.

County staff further attempted to contact the
operator of each rural site on the list to inquire about Washington County Scenic Bikeway Photo courtesy of Washington
activities hosted, ultimately conversing with 106 by County Visitors Association
phone. The aim was to gather more data to clarify
the actual presence and characteristics of tourism in Site research does not reflect the Tualatin Valley
rural Washington County today. County permitting Scenic Bikeway, the Tualatin River, or similar

and case information were not used for this analysis. amenities that travel through the region across
The list of those contacted by County staff differs from many properties. These regional amenities offer
the roster of farmers, residents and rural tourism recreational tourism opportunities in their own
interests interviewed by the consultant. right and may contribute to tourism opportunities
at some of the sites researched (for example by
Though not an exhaustive inventory, County offering alternative travel modes such as biking or
staff's analysis considers a sample mix of locations kayaking to events).
intended to very generally reflect the larger rural
area where tourism activities occur (see Appendix B, Research included the following for each of the sites:
“Washington County Analysis of Rural Sites”). While
all 127 rural properties researched were included in • Primary use of site;

the analysis based on publicity indicating some form • Whether on-site activities, events, or
of invitation to visitors, further research clarified amenities are offered or publicized to attract
the extent of visitor activities - some sites providing visitors;
only small scale sporadic rural tourism activities • Whether an on-site farm stand is operated;
(e.g. small seasonal u-pick operations with no farm • Land use district and whether designated as
stand),and others hosting an array of larger events farm or forest “resource” land (subject to
including weddings and corporate gatherings.
state protections);
County staff also collected information on 30 urban • Approximate acreage; and
sites that host farmers markets or rural-related events, • Participation in off-site farmers markets.

as well as urban agricultural sites near rural lands.
WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY 39