Oregon's Quilt Barn Trail Will Enchant You Beyond Words
By Catherine Armstrong|Published October 30, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Handmade quilts serve many purposes: they tell the story of a family’s history, they serve as cherished heirlooms, and they’re perfect for wrapping up on a cold, rainy day. The Tualatin Valley celebrates the heritage of quilts with large wooden quilt blocks displayed on barns, and businesses, and you can take a journey along the Quilt Trail to see them all.
The Tualatin Valley is one of Oregon's most beautiful, rural spots. Stretching from the outskirts of Portland all the way to the coast, this pastoral landscape includes tons of vineyards, family farms, orchards, and more. It's also home to The Quilt Trail - a project that celebrates the history and heritage of quilts.
Every block tells a story about the farm or agricultural business it graces. This block at Grossen Peaches represents a peach tree. Constructed in the late 1800s, the barn is the site for the sale of peaches, and also serves as a wedding venue.
This beautiful star block adorns the barn on the Reichen Farm. Its colors each represent something grown on the farm: red for the crimson clover there, blue for blueberries on the farm, and gold for the wheat that's harvested.
Three generations of the Epler family have lived and worked on the L Bar T Bison Ranch, which got its start with dairy cattle. The eight-pointed star quilt block was originally designed by pioneer women traveling on the Oregon Trail, and it celebrates their heritage.
This quaint little barn was built in 1943, and it's located in Browns Ferry Park. The park sits on the banks of the Tualatin River, and it's a popular place for canoeing and kayaking. This traditional quilt block is called, "Crossed Canoes."
These are just a few of the quilt blocks along the trail; you'll find more than 50 blocks installed on barns and buildings in the Tualatin Valley. Take a road trip to see them all, and don't forget your camera!
To see a map and details of all the quilt blocks on the trail, click here.
The Quilt Trail is a project of Westside Quilters Guild. Learn more about the guild and the Quilt Trail on its website. What’s your favorite quilt block on the Tualatin Valley Quilt Trail?
