I love your question because I have never considered “gold prospecting” but how fun that would be.  I found this awesome site about Oregon Gold for you to check out! It looks like so much family fun so if you go, please let us know how it goes! Also checked this site out gold panning website. It looks like it gives some gold panning info on the “how to” and “where to go!”

I have to say that I am not a camper but my son is and he loves Foster Lake in Sweet Home, Oregon.  Also, if you go to the Ranger Station in Sweet Home, they are always helpful and full of information for camping, hiking and many more outdoor activities in that area.

If it were me, I would definitely try South Beach State Park, just south of the bridge in Newport. It has both yurts and tent camping, an educational program and pretty easy access to the beach. It is also next to a paved path that will take you down the jetty and under the bridge to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, a bit of shopping and the Rogue Brewery. There’s also a glass blowing studio (might break your budget to do, but fun to watch) and a great crab shack, all on that side of the bridge. The distances might be far for the 6-year-old but you could conceivably bike or walk around. There’s also plenty to see and do on the other side of the bridge, including two lighthouses, the artsy Nye Beach Area.

Hello! I am not going to make any claims about “better” because I truly love this entire state, but Central Oregon is a great destination! Bend offers incredible recreation, great microbrews, fine and casual dining, shopping, resorts, hiking, biking, boating, golf, a great natural and cultural history museum, swimming, etc etc! We are just over the Cascade Range on the Deschutes River, so mountain and river views are standard fare around here.

Newport or Garibaldi are probably your best bet, of course always check conditions and tides forcast before heading out (and fishing regulations). At Newport check out staying at South Beach and in Garibaldi at Barview County Park. Here are a few links for crossing the bar.

Good news!!! Most of the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge are very accessible. Many are visible from the highway, or a short walk on a paved trail. A few that immediately come to mind besides the most famous, Multnomah Falls, are Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, and the beautiful tunnel at Oneonta Gorge. Vista House on Crown Point is another must see, and they even have a ramp and elevators if the stairs are a little too much for you (same goes for the lodge at Multnomah Falls).

A visit to Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood is also a must do. Again, easy to maneuver and you literally drive right up to the mountain. Depending on the time of year, you can even ride the chair lift to the top of Palmer Glacier. You can also drive to Trillium Lake, which has a beautiful view of Mount Hood, reflected in the lake, and an pretty flat, easy trail along the east side of the lake if you are so interested.

If you are also planning a trip along the coast, there are some beautiful viewpoints along Highway 101. Cannon Beach and Seaside, the town closes to Portland, also offer some waysides with easy beach access.

During the July 4th weekend there’s the Waterfront Blues Festival and the Oregon Zoo hosts several summer concerts. Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts concerts and events featuring live music (e.g. Cinco de Mayo, Festa Italiana) throughout the year. Once you’re here you can also find information on live music events at the websites of the Portland Mercury, the Willamette Week, and the Oregonian.

Since you’ll be right downtown, you should definitely explore the city – there are lots of parks, shops, and restaurants worth checking out. The Willamette Week and Portland Mercury newspapers will have entertainment listings. Also check out my blog for more ideas!

There are quite a few municipal pools in Portland.  The outdoor ones are only open during the summer.
And here’s a discussion on a local blog about “Portland Swimming Holes.” With regards to other activities, there are plenty!  When you visit check out some local blogs to find community events.

If I were you… I’d head to the coast on the Greyhound Bus because there is something there I think you’d love to do! Sand Boarding! I haven’t been duning but my husband and son have and they had a blast!  Florence is the best place to go sand duning and so I hope you check it  out and that it works for you!  And about food… well, try the Waterfront Depot and Bar! They’ve seafood and steaks on the menu!

As you may know, the trip from Boise to Portland is roughly a 7-hour car ride, direct. But I have a different idea for you that will take you a bit longer, but what sights and scenery you will see!

First, you may want to plan a few hours in downtown Boise. It has come a long way. Then, I recommend you proceed on I-84 into Oregon (you’ll change your watch back 1 hour) until you reach Payette and Highway 26 heading West. From here, you will be traveling on one of the most scenic highways in the state along the John Day River. It will be flooding in June (no worries, but sign up for a rafting trip, if you like). There are charming towns along the way, an old Chinese apothecary museum in the town of John Day and bed & breakfasts and small lodgings to choose from as you head toward Fossil.

Also you will be passing through  one of the most geologically significant regions in the state complete with fossils (into dinosaurs) and the pastel-colored hills of The Painted Hills, so you’ll want to take your time. There are innumerable places to stop for sightseeing and rock hounding and visiting the amazing Paleolands Institute along with other side trips to fossil beds if you’re interested.  From the tiny town of Fossil you will wind out of the desert and join I-84 where you will meet the mighty Columbia River. Travel all along its borders and stop for lunch or dinner in Hood River, the windsurfing capitol where you’ll find lots of eateries, good coffee and sporty, adventuresome types. Spend a second night in this charming town, if you like. From here, it’s just 1 hour through The Gorge, another scenic highway, to downtown Portland.