Ice Cream and the Oregon Lifestyle
Summers in Hillsboro are warm, dry, and long enough to make ice cream a seasonal ritual. Families stop for cones after evenings at Shute Park, friends share pints at backyard barbecues, and many residents keep a favorite flavor in the freezer year-round. Oregon's dairy farms and berry fields have shaped a distinctive regional ice cream culture, with local brands celebrating marionberries, hazelnuts, and creative flavor combinations.
This guide covers ten ice cream brands that Hillsboro residents love, including Oregon originals found in local grocery stores and scoop shops, plus national brands with locations or wide availability in the area.
The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands
1. Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw began as a Portland food cart and grew into one of the most celebrated ice cream companies in the country. Its rotating seasonal menus feature imaginative flavors made with local ingredients, such as sea salt with caramel ribbons and honey lavender. Its pints are sold in grocery stores, making it easy for Hillsboro residents to enjoy at home.
2. Tillamook
Tillamook Creamery, a farmer-owned cooperative from the Oregon coast, is famous for cheese and equally beloved for ice cream. Its rich, creamy flavors, including Oregon Strawberry and Marionberry Pie, are fixtures in Hillsboro grocery freezers. A visit to the creamery in Tillamook is a popular family day trip from Washington County.
3. Ruby Jewel
Ruby Jewel is a Portland company known for handcrafted ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies and small-batch ice cream. Its combinations, such as lemon cream on ginger cookies, are a nostalgic yet sophisticated treat found in shops and grocery stores throughout the region.
4. Fifty Licks
Fifty Licks is a Portland ice cream maker known for bold, chef-inspired flavors and a scientific approach to texture. Its creations range from vegan coconut-based options to adventurous seasonal specials, appealing to anyone seeking something different.
5. Eb and Bean
Eb and Bean specializes in frozen yogurt and soft serve made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Its tangy frozen yogurt, dairy-free options, and housemade toppings offer a lighter alternative for warm Hillsboro afternoons.
6. Cloud City Ice Cream
Cloud City Ice Cream is a family-friendly Portland shop known for generous scoops, classic flavors, and housemade waffle cones. Its welcoming atmosphere and old-fashioned approach make it a favorite for families.
7. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins, with its famous variety of flavors, has long been a go-to for birthday cakes and quick treats. Its ice cream cakes are a popular choice for Hillsboro celebrations, and rotating flavors keep regular visitors coming back.
8. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery lets customers customize their ice cream with mix-ins blended on a frozen granite stone. Its interactive experience and indulgent creations make it a fun outing for families and groups of friends.
9. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is an American classic known for soft serve, Blizzard treats, and dipped cones. Its locations in and around Hillsboro serve as convenient, affordable stops for a quick dessert on summer evenings.
10. Ben and Jerry's
Ben and Jerry's is beloved for chunky, inventive flavors and its long-standing commitment to social causes. Its pints are widely available in Hillsboro grocery stores and remain a favorite for movie nights at home.
The Flavors of the Pacific Northwest
Oregon ice cream stands out for its use of regional ingredients. Marionberries, developed at Oregon State University, deliver deep, tart sweetness. Oregon hazelnuts add rich, toasty flavor. Local strawberries, honey, lavender, and even Willamette Valley wine appear in creative seasonal flavors. Many brands also emphasize dairy from Oregon farms, contributing to a fresh, creamy texture that locals recognize and love.
Dairy-Free and Better-for-You Options
Demand for dairy-free and lower-sugar options has grown significantly. Many local and national brands now offer coconut, oat, and almond milk ice creams that rival traditional versions in creaminess. Frozen yogurt, sorbet, and smaller portion sizes appeal to those looking for lighter treats. Hillsboro residents with dietary restrictions have more choices than ever, both in scoop shops and grocery freezers.
How to Pick Your Perfect Scoop
Consider what you value most. If you love adventurous flavors, seek out brands like Salt and Straw or Fifty Licks. If you prefer classic, rich ice cream, Tillamook and Cloud City are excellent choices. For celebrations, ice cream cakes from Baskin-Robbins or Dairy Queen are crowd-pleasers. For a lighter option, Eb and Bean's frozen yogurt is a refreshing pick. And for a fun outing, Cold Stone's customizable creations are hard to beat.
Ice Cream Trends in 2026
Seasonal and limited-edition flavors continue to drive excitement. Plant-based ice cream is becoming mainstream. Global flavors such as ube, black sesame, and mango chili are gaining popularity. Many brands are emphasizing sustainability through compostable packaging and partnerships with local farms. Ice cream sandwiches and novelty treats are also enjoying renewed interest.
Final Thoughts
Hillsboro residents are fortunate to enjoy some of the best ice cream in the country. Oregon originals like Salt and Straw, Tillamook, and Ruby Jewel showcase the creativity and quality of the region, while national favorites offer convenience and nostalgia. Whether you are cooling off on a summer evening or celebrating a special occasion, there is a perfect scoop waiting for you.