Hi, I'm in Battle Ground about 12 miles north of Portland your more than welcome to come out and see my bees. If you contact Ruhl Bee Supply in Gladstone they could get you in contact with someone closer.
There are lots of Beekeeper out your way. Let me know , good luck
Thank you all for the welcome. I have been reading reading reading which seems to be the recommended way to start

. I have many hobbies and have found that is the best method to get started, read/learn first and then buy equipment and start.
I actually made my way here via homebrewing which in turn got me curious about making Mead which then led me to a possibility of beekeeping.
In my searching I had seen Ruhl and have been meaning to stop buy and check it out.
BGHoney I appreciate the offer and if we can get our schedules to mesh I would enjoy coming out to see your setup.