2012 will celebrate the 29th year of Clack-Fest, which takes place along the Upper Clackamas River at the Carter Falls bridge, about an hour east of Portland. Slalom gates are set up in the middle of the Class IV Carter Falls, where rafters, kayakers, catarafters, river boarders, and driftboats compete in different events. Spectators cheer their favorites as boaters test their skills on this challenging course.

The festival is a great opportunity for those wanting to learn more about whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Northwest. Representatives from major raft and raft frame manufacturers will attend to show off their latest gear. There are also clinics about river techniques and safety. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the boating community of the Pacific Northwest and meet new paddling buddies.

Learn more about the events, clinics, and specific details at http://upperclackamasfestival.org/

Saturday morning will kick off with several raft and kayak slalom events. Boaters must maneuver through a series of gates set up in the middle of Carter Falls, a long Class IV rapid. These races are followed by the Big Air Ramp, a crowd favorite, where kayaks slide 30 feet down to a ramp that launches them into the air to do tricks before landing in the river.

Many more events are scheduled for Sunday. Both spectators and participants enjoy the inner tube slalom, cataraft rodeo, Val’s Volleyball, and the R2 (two person raft) massstart slalom race. Whitewater boaters will also have a chance to check out the raft and kayak manufacturers who attend the event. They bring the latest and greatest gear to test out on the river, your opportunity to try before you buy!

The 30th annual festival will be held May 18th and 19th, 2013.

Day 1: Friday
We started our voyage by fueling our systems with mochas and lattes, and enjoyed a gorgeous drive to the Oregon Coast. We later checked in at the fabulous Cannery Pier Hotel, which was graciously provided to us by Donna Quinn, their director of sales and marketing.

Our room was exceptional: My favorite part was the bathroom, which included a claw foot tub, located next to a window with shutters that opened to a view of the Columbia River. Not only that, but each room also included a balcony, which directly overlooked the river and passing boats (literally).

We spent our first afternoon perusing the art galleries and adorable, authentically-Oregon shops (Oregon Coast gear, quaint coffee shops, and much more).

Day 2: Saturday
Our day began bright and early (with another set of mochas and lattes of course). We met up with Michelle Godfrey and her mother, to explore Astoria’s many museums. Our first stop was the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which featured a replica of a U.S. Coast Guard rescue mission (below), and exhibits and fascinating information on the coast guard, shipwrecks from the early 1800s and the fishing industry. I was particularly fascinated by an eagle-shaped masthead, found on a beach from the early 1800s.

We also had the opportunity to step inside an actual coast guard boat, and see first-hand what life was like at sea. The boat contained a number of compartments, including bunks, a kitchen, dining tables, bathroom etc. And it even smelled like the ocean!

After our adventure at the Maritime Museum, we ventured over to the Flavel House. Flavel House was owned by Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria’s Columbia River bar pilots and first millionaire. You can tour the entire mansion, which is furnished with authentic items from the period. You will even have the chance to see where George himself, his wife and two daughters slept. Truly fascinating!

After stopping for delicious chocolate chip cookies and hot tea from T. Paul’s Urban Cafe, we headed back for some r&r at the hotel. Then our Travel Oregon crew geared up for a special Live Wire! performace in Astoria’s Liberty Theatre. This was both my mom and sister’s first Live Wire! experience, and they summed up their experience in one word: hilarious! Each of us even tried writing haikus for the show (I was so proud). This show was a great accent to our girl’s weekend, as we were able to relax, listen (and watch!) live comedy.

Day 3: Sunday
On Sunday afternoon, after sleeping in and grabbing a bite to eat, the three of us strolled through Astoria one last time, soaking up the sunlight. We decided to make one last stop before the trek home, and shopped and ate in Cannon Beach. We left with full shopping bags, feeling fully relaxed. And on the way home, we began making plans for yet another mother/daughter getaway…

Looking for ideas to treat mom this mother’s day? Take a similar roadtrip to the Oregon Coast, full of shopping, sightseeing and great food. For a list of events taking place on the coast over mother’s day weekend, visit our Upcoming Events section.

We however, were headed to Hood River. If you’ve never been to Hood River, GO! It is well worth it; an extremely unique downtown with lots of cute shops and restaurants. We were in Hood River for a reason other than sight-seeing, though. We were there for the Hood River Hops Festival. A day of tasting beer from local breweries made with freshly picked hops. AAAHHH…what could be better? We purchased our souvenir mugs and tasting tickets and off we went sampling brews from around the region. There were more than 15 breweries participating that offered a great variety of beers. One of my favorites was from the Fort George Brewery and Public House. They traveled all the way from Astoria to offer us a hoppy little treat called Vortex. Delicious! After deciding which our favorite beers were, we grabbed a sausage dog and sat at one of the tables to listen to music, relax and soak up the scenery. The festival was great; it had a nice, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of food vendors (kettle corn is my favorite), live music and a plethora of handmade products to purchase. Be on the lookout for next year’s festival in October- and be sure to have a designated driver if you go.

For more information on what’s happening in near Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, please visit our Upcoming Events section.

We picked a double dose of fun and went to Mariner Square. There we entered the world of the strange and the wacky at what is billed as the world’s last great sideshow – Ripley’s Believe It or Not . Then we went and toured Newport’s Wax Works elaborate figurines and decorative sets. Next time we visit Newport we have a pre-paid pass to go to the amazing Oregon Undersea Gardens for “GO DEEP” on the live dive in their Undersea Theatre.

We went back to the hotel to plan the rest of our day. Since the sun was out we decided to tackle the crowds and spend the afternoon at the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. We sampled corn & seafood chowder, had Shrimp Yakasoba, deep fried fresh vegetables (onions, zucchini, and asparagus) and even found a wonderful wine. That was amazing to me since I don’t like wine much. It was a silver medal winning Early Muscat semi-sparkling wine, very sweet and aromatic.

After the festival we actually went and played on the beach in the rain. I collected a couple of sea shells and a great agate for my rock collection. The girls took off their shoes and played in the frigid water. Ah, to have the resilience of youth! After, we warmed ourselves up with cocoa and movies from the great movie collection at the hotel. For dinner we ate at the original Mo’s. It was glorious. I’m still full!

We left for home early Sunday and drove through Lincoln City and Grand Ronde. We stopped at Spirit Mountain and walked away a few dollars richer. All in all it was a wonderful way to spend the weekend. Thanks Travel Oregon for making it possible!

Editor’s Note: For more information on traveling to Newport, visit our Oregon Coast page.

All the possibilities of the wide-open, Central Oregon landscape and Native American culture await at Kah-Nee-Ta. Explore the high desert trails by horseback or tackle the 18-hole championship golf course. There’s also volleyball, tennis and swimming in the resort’s signature hot springs pool. Enrich the family in the traditional arts of basket making and jewelry in the nearby Museum at Warm Springs. Adults can step away to throw a few quarters into the slots at the resort casino or sashay to Spa Wanapine for massages, facials and manicures.

If the family is feeling the pull of the coast, Newport’s your spot. Voyage out to sea with Marine Discovery Tours as part of Spring Whale Watching Week, March 19-26. Oceanic wonders are within reach at the tidepools and other hands-on displays at the award-winning Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center. The exploration continues in Mariner Square, in the Undersea Garden, Ripley’s Believe-It-or-Not, and The Wax Works. Newport’s two iconic 19th century lighthouses, Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay, beckon from their spectacular bluffs.

Eugene offers up a mix of worldly gee-wiz and local Willamette Valley flavor. At the Science Factory Children’s Museum and Exploration Dome, local scientists go small — no, smaller — in explaining the cutting edge of molecular research during Nano Day, March 26. Kids see the secrets behind their favorite toys in the exhibit Toys, The Inside Story. Oregon Duck fans can hop a Eugene Pedicab for the Duck Sports Hall of Fame Tour. Discover how the first Nike shoe was created at the Nike Store, visit historic Hayward Field, check out the new Matthew Knight arena and explore several local halls-of-fame. Also, don’t miss foot stomping in the Barn Dance at Spencer Creek Grange, and a local rendition of The Wizard of Oz .

If Portland is your destination for Spring Break you can hit three great family-friendly attractions in Washington Park and never lose your parking spot.  Or, take the TriMet Light Rail Service (Max) right there if you are traveling green.  First, you can monkey around at the Portland Children’s Museum as Curious George kicks off Spring Break. Next, venture around the world at the World Forestry Center where each day explores the unique and interesting cultures of five locations including: Russia, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, and Hawaii. Last, but certainly not least, pop over to the Oregon Zoo for a tropical celebration.  Get crazy with crocodiles and party with the polar bears during the Zoo’s Gone Wild.

Get up close and personal with the animals at the Oregon State Fair happening this year from August 27- September 6. Take the family to the animal exhibits, you’ll see everything from horses to guinea pigs. By day, check out the livestock competitions, milk a cow or cuddle with a kid (baby goat). Refuel at one of the 75 food booths located around the fairgrounds (curly fries and cotton candy? Yes, please) before taking in an evening of great music including headliners such as ZZ Top, country singer Dierks Bentley, Lynard Skynard and Lifehouse, not to mention the Michael Jackson laser and dance spectacular!

For a true farm experience, head out to Molalla to the Rosse Posse Acres Elk Farm. This 52-acre family farm has a petting zoo full of friendly goats, turkeys, sheep, chickens and even a miniature donkey and horse. Take a guided tour of a domestic elk farm and learn how elk are raised.

Head out to the coast for a wild animal adventure at the West Coast Game Park Safari. The walk-thru safari has hundreds of roaming animals to see and pet. In Southern Oregon, the Wildlife Safari is a drive-thru adventure with more than 500 animals from around the world.

Take an extended retreat and stay in a wood cabin overlooking orchards and verdant pastures at the Leaping Lamb Farm Stay in Alsea. Here you can spend days exploring the original Spencer Family homestead and their many residents including chickens, geese, horses, peacocks , as well as turkeys and lambs.

Look for strawberries from early May through June and then again in August through September. “Late season strawberries have more flavor because they get more sunshine,” Forkish says. Totem, Hood Tillamook, Firecracker, Puget Reliance, Puget Summer and Redcrest are popular varieties. Starting in June, the bakery turns out a lovely strawberry tart along with a macaron made with strawberries and buttercream.

Raspberries ripen mid-June through July with others coming in mid-August through September. Red, Black and Evergreen raspberries are common favorites.

From July into September you’ll find local blueberries — Berkeley, Bluetta, Bluejay, Bluecrop, Duke, Earliblue, Elliott, Jersey, Liberty, Powder Blue and Rubel.

The boysenberry — thought to be the result of a blackberry crossed with a Loganberry or red raspberry — reigns mid-July through mid-August.

Marionberry season also starts in mid-July and goes into August. This Chehalem blackberry and Olallieberry cross is named for Marion County where it was first cultivated in the 1950s and is known as the cabernet of blackberries.

Lucky Forkish has local farmers who deliver directly to his bakery. The rest of us can find fresh berries at many of the 100-plus farmers’ markets statewide. Do-it-yourselfers will enjoy U-pick farms on the Hood River County Fruit Loop, The Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, Canby Farm Loop and farms throughout the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon.

Celebrate with other berry lovers July 20-21 at the EcoTrust Building in Portland at the Oregon Berry Festival. Admission is free, and you’ll find Oregon berries transformed into ice creams, pies, cobblers, jams, shortcakes, sauces, liqueurs, chocolates, sodas and much more. Or check out these Oregon berry recipes and cook up your own delicious dessert.

Enjoy a season of berry goodness!

When they look at me, they see a colorful, spandex-clad racer flying precariously over frozen terrain. They see my nostrils flaring, lungs heaving, legs spinning in a frenzied cadence. When I look back I see nothing. My world is a dark tunnel of pain.

I have been waiting for this day all year: USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals in Bend, Oregon. I will not win a championship today. I will not even podium. When I’m done my boyfriend will find me and wrap me in a warm, puffy down jacket and my season will be over. I will find my racing friends and throw my arms around them. We’ll say, “Congratulations!” and “We’re done!” and then we’ll drink hoppy beers from a local brewery until the edges of our world soften and the bright Central Oregon sky looks just a little bluer. (Don’t miss Cyclocross Nationals this year, Dec. 8-12).

Mine was the first in a long weekend of races that capitulates the season. Three months of racing bicycles through mud, grass, gravel, dirt and sand. Three months of crashes, flat tires, mud-caked gears and long hours in the shop preparing our bikes for short, arduous races. Here at the pinnacle, we are delirious, overwhelmed, amazed and ecstatic.

The next race is well underway, and a drum line is thundering up on a hill above the course. Down in the beer garden the crowd is pulsing against the snow fence. Rosy-cheeked toddlers perched on shoulders are shouting, “HUP! HUP!” There is a pirate playing sax and a man dressed as Santa Claus. Over the loudspeaker the legendary Dave Towle calls the races with the fervor of an auctioneer: “One-to-go-One-to-go-One-to-go-One-to-go-One-to-go-One-to-go-One to go!”

The racers on course enter their final lap, eyes bulging and breath in clouds like charging purebreds. Controlled panic, raw acceleration, intense grace. Spectators are zealots at a revival, running across snowy fields for a glimpse of their favorite racer taking the barriers or navigating an icy hairpin turn. At the finish line, we press into one another and lean, lean, lean over the railing to see who will rip around the final corner first.

It’s a fever pitch. And the pros haven’t even taken a warm-up lap yet.

This is about more than championships. It’s our grand finale. Our big celebration. Bend is a high-desert mountain town surrounded by miles and miles of singletrack and long, sweet road rides. It’s a city full of pros, ex-pros, soon-to-be pros and a whole mass of nonpro enthusiasts. But it’s winter now and the only bikes worth riding are of the cyclocross persuasion. So we’ve taken over. It’s our time.

At night we wander through charming downtown streets filled with cycling-themed art galleries and friendly shopkeepers. We belly up to the bar at local breweries for some of the best beer that Oregon has to offer. We drink heart-stopping coffee from Thump Coffee Roasters; indulge in hearty, creative breakfasts at Chow or The Victorian Café; and then end the night – laughing and maybe a little starry-eyed – listening to veritable cyclocross legend and three-time Tour de France finisher Marcel Russenberger tell us stories about racing Cyclocross Worlds in the ’80s.

Movie premieres, monster parties and small gatherings give us a chance to connect and bond. I’m shoulder to shoulder with pros. Heroes and idols. The fastest in the nation.

On Sunday – the final day of this event – they’ll go head to head for the honor of wearing the USA jersey. But right now? We’re here together – just a bunch of ‘cross racers celebrating our passion in the biggest little bike town in the country.