About Helvetia

Against the backdrop of sweeping vistas of lush farmland, Helvetia, Oregon attracts more than 100,000 people every year who come to our pastoral countryside to enjoy a variety of recreational experiences in a rural setting.  One journalist referred to Helvetia as “Oregon's Brigadoon” to describe its magical sense of place.

Helvetia's Christmas tree farms, pumpkin farms, U-pick farms, taverns, vineyards, lavender farms, equine businesses and alpaca and llama farms, subscription farms, organic farms, and running and biking roads provide year-round enjoyment to residents from throughout the region. 

Throughout the year, HCA presents educational talks about Helvetia's history, heritage, farming, events and other topics of interest to various groups.  A presentation entitled "Helvetia, Our Sustainable Treasure" has been made to Helvetia's local high schools.  Click the title or the image to the right to view it.  (Warning: 120MB PDF file.)

The following is a brief summary of Helvetia's unique cultural heritage, natural resources, and farming traditions.

Helvetia's Cultural Heritage

Helvetia's unique character derives from a blend of Native American and European cultures.

Native Americans

Helvetia's cultural heritage embraces the pre-settlement Atfalati (Twality) inhabitants, now part of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.  Helvetia Community Association partners with the Tribes to interpret the heritage of Helvetia's first peoples.

Swiss and Germans

German-Swiss farmers immigrated to the Helvetia area over 150 years ago.  They saw a strong resemblance to their native Switzerland in the fertile soils and rolling hills of the Tualatin Mountains and named the area "Helvetia", Latin for "Switzerland."  The Swiss culture remains a vibrant element of our area as we continue to honor their hard-working heritage.

The Helvetia Culture Fest

In past years, we have celebrated our unique cultural heritage by hosting the Helvetia Culture Fest.  This fun event featured inspiring music and dancing by local musicians, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Swiss community, as well as a rollicking Pie Walk and unique items for sale from the Helvetia Marketplace.

Helvetia's Natural Resources

Helvetia offers a rich habitat that supports a diversity of plants and animals.

Roosevelt Elk

For generations, several herds of Roosevelt elk have roamed our area.  Helvetia Community Association sponsors a Community Elk Sighting Project.

White Oaks

The native Oregon white oak tree is a defining element of our landscape.  Less than 1% of historic Willamette Valley native oak habitats still exist.  Helvetia Community Association sponsors a community-wide Oregon white oak mapping project.

Vulnerable Species

Four species are dependent upon the Oregon white oak for habitat and are listed as Vulnerable Sensitive Species.  Helvetia Community Association sponsors a community-wide bird habitat education project.

Helvetia's Family Farms

The Helvetia area sustains a diverse, agricultural-based economy.

Traditional Farms

Our farmers produce a bounty of high-value clover, grass seed, wheat, nursery stock and hazelnut crops.  These products are sold throughout Oregon and the global markets, providing valuable traded sector income to Washington County.  Helvetia's numerous Century Farms, now in their fifth generation, reflect our enduring farming traditions. 

Adaptive Farms

Our subscription farms (CSAs), organic farms, U-pick farms, Christmas tree farms, lavender farms, winery, alpaca, llama and equine ranches provide a year-round destination for residents of the Portland area.

Protecting Our Farms

Over the past thirty years, the Helvetia area has been the target of numerous attempts by local and state government to replace Helvetia's productive farmland with incompatible uses.  Helvetia Community Association and our sister organization Save Helvetia are committed to preserving and protecting our farming heritage.