Where to Stay Near Cornelius Oregon
Learn about Where To Stay Near Cornelius Oregon
If you’re wondering Where To Stay Near Cornelius Oregon, the short answer is: look to nearby Forest Grove and Hillsboro. Cornelius has limited lodging, but you’ll find great options within 5–20 minutes, from historic stays to family-friendly suites. This guide explains the best areas, what to expect, and how to choose.
Quick Answer
The best places to stay near Cornelius are in Forest Grove (5–10 minutes west) and Hillsboro (10–20 minutes east). Choose Forest Grove for charm and wineries; choose Hillsboro for modern hotels, suites, and easy transit. For nature or camping, head to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (25–30 minutes). Hagg Lake is day-use only.
What Where To Stay Near Cornelius Oregon Means
In practice, “Where To Stay Near Cornelius Oregon” means picking a base in the small towns around it. Cornelius sits between Forest Grove and Hillsboro, with Newberg/Dundee (wine country) and Beaverton also close. Your choice depends on whether you want wineries, family amenities, business-friendly suites, or campsites.
Where To Stay Near Cornelius Oregon
Here are reliable, easy choices with typical drive times from downtown Cornelius:
Forest Grove (5–10 minutes)
- McMenamins Grand Lodge — Historic, quirky rooms, soaking pool, theater, restaurants.
- Best Western University Inn & Suites — Solid value near Pacific University; breakfast and pool.
- Vibe: Walkable downtown, wineries nearby (David Hill, Apolloni), Fernhill Wetlands.
Hillsboro (10–20 minutes)
- Embassy Suites Hillsboro — Spacious suites, breakfast, good for families.
- Residence Inn / SpringHill Suites / TownePlace Suites (Hillsboro-Tanasbourne) — Kitchens or kitchenettes; great for longer stays.
- The Orenco (Orenco Station) — Boutique option steps from MAX light rail, cafes, and parks.
- Vibe: Newer hotels, easy parking, dining clusters, close to MAX Blue Line.
Beaverton/Tanasbourne (20–30 minutes)
- Chain hotels with shopping and dining nearby; good if you’ll explore Portland’s westside.
- Vibe: Suburban convenience, quick hop to US-26.
Willamette Valley Wine Country (Newberg, Dundee, Carlton; 25–40 minutes)
- Inns and B&Bs for tasting weekends and harvest season stays.
- Vibe: Cozy, scenic, higher demand on weekends.
Camping and Cabins
- L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (Buxton; 25–30 minutes) — RV sites, tent sites, and cabins; access to the Banks–Vernonia Trail.
- Gales Creek Campground (20–25 minutes, seasonal) — Rustic sites in the Tillamook State Forest.
- Note: Henry Hagg Lake is day-use only (no camping).
Short-Term Rentals
- Farm and vineyard stays pop up around Gaston, Forest Grove, and Helvetia. Great for privacy; check driveway access and rural road conditions in winter.
Why People Search for This in Cornelius, Oregon
- Visiting Pacific University or events in Forest Grove.
- Wine tasting near David Hill, Montinore, or Dundee.
- Family trips to Hagg Lake (picnics, paddling, trails), Jackson Bottom Wetlands, or Fernhill Wetlands.
- Business in the Hillsboro tech corridor (Intel campuses) with a quieter base nearby.
- Scouting neighborhoods before a move.
What to Expect
Travel times
- Cornelius ↔ Forest Grove: 5–10 minutes
- Cornelius ↔ Hillsboro MAX stations: 10–15 minutes
- Cornelius ↔ Downtown Portland: 35–50 minutes by car (traffic varies)
- Cornelius ↔ PDX Airport: 45–60 minutes by car
Pricing (ballpark)
- Hillsboro business hotels: midweek higher, weekends often cheaper.
- Forest Grove/McMenamins: moderate, unique rooms vary by size/amenities.
- Wine country inns: higher on weekends/harvest.
- State park campsites/cabins: budget-friendly; reserve early.
Weather
- Nov–Mar: Rainy, cool, occasional fog; bring waterproof layers.
- Apr–Jun: Mild, green hillsides, wildflowers.
- Jul–Sep: Warm, dry; busiest for wineries and outdoor spots.
- Roads are straightforward; rural gravel driveways are common outside town.
Getting around
- Car is easiest. Parking is generally free at suburban hotels.
- TriMet Bus 57 (TV Highway) connects Cornelius, Hillsboro, and Forest Grove.
- MAX Blue Line from Hillsboro gets you into Beaverton/Portland without parking hassles.
- Rideshare late nights can be limited in Cornelius; plan ahead.
Tips for Visitors / Residents
- For winery weekends, book early (May–October and harvest season).
- Coming for Pacific University events or Intel business? Reserve midweek rooms early in Hillsboro; weekends can be deals.
- Want walkable evenings? Forest Grove downtown and Orenco Station (Hillsboro) are your best bets.
- Families: pick suite hotels with kitchenettes and pools (Embassy Suites, Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, SpringHill Suites).
- Quiet matters? Ask for rooms away from TV Highway or major arterials.
- Designated driver needed for wine tasting; consider a local shuttle or tour if sampling widely.
Best Local Resources
- Visit Tualatin Valley (Washington County tourism)
- City of Cornelius and City of Forest Grove event calendars
- Pacific University events (move-in, graduation, athletics)
- TriMet Trip Planner (Bus 57 and MAX Blue Line)
- Oregon State Parks (L.L. Stub Stewart) and Washington County Parks (Henry Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park updates)
Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Stay Near Cornelius Oregon
How far is Cornelius from Portland?
- About 35–50 minutes to downtown Portland by car, depending on traffic. MAX light rail is available from nearby Hillsboro.
What time of year is best to visit?
- Late spring through early fall offers the driest weather and winery events. Winter is quieter and wetter, with lower hotel rates.
Is it kid friendly?
- Yes. Look for suite hotels with pools in Hillsboro or Forest Grove. Nearby family spots include Hagg Lake, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, and Rood Bridge Park.
Is parking available?
- Yes—usually free at suburban hotels in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Beaverton. Wine country inns and parks also have on-site parking.
Do I need a car?
- It helps. You can ride Bus 57 locally and MAX from Hillsboro, but wineries, parks, and rural stays are easier by car.
Summary
To stay near Cornelius, aim for Forest Grove (charm, wineries) or Hillsboro (modern hotels, suites, transit) within 5–20 minutes of town. For nature, head to L.L. Stub Stewart; remember Hagg Lake is day-use only. Book early for winery season and big local events, and expect free, easy parking almost everywhere.
Related Guides
- Best Things To Do Near Cornelius
- Parks, Trails, and Hagg Lake: Outdoor Guide
- Getting Around: MAX, Bus 57, and Driving Tips
- Moving to Cornelius: Neighborhoods and Commute
- Where to Eat Near Cornelius (Forest Grove & Hillsboro)

