I would suggest using Hood River as a base for your two days here. Lots of lodging options, brew pubs, wineries and it’s right on the Columbia River. It’s also a great spot for easy access to the recreation areas of Mount Hood and the Gorge. Mount Hood Adventure is a great company to contact for…
Yes, there is an alpine slide on Mt Hood, located at Ski Bowl East. In addition to the slide, they have 20+ activities available, including a zip line, bungee jumping, human hamster balls and more. My kids and I were just up there a couple of weeks ago and had a blast! Enjoy planning your…
The best way to experience Mount Hood, especially if you want to get up close to some snow, is to visit Timberline Lodge. You won’t get any closer to the mountain. They do a great lunch buffet, for a very reasonable price using many local ingredients. Take a ride up on the ski lift to…
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…
The Columbia River Gorge offers towering basalt cliffs, temperate rain forest, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of hiking trails. Mount Hood is a beautiful snow capped peak surrounded by National Forest, more hiking trails, and alpine lakes. Both would be well worth your time. I suggest taking a drive along the Historic Highway from Troutdale,…
The Mount Hood Railroad website should give you all the information you need. Depending on where you are staying in Hood River, you can either walk, take a bus, or grab a taxi to the depot. Determine your route on the bus system in Hood River with their Trip Planner. Enjoy your train ride!
In Portland proper, you’ll find a number of nice hikes in that range in Forest Park, Mt. Tabor, Powell Butte, and Tryon Creek State Park. In the Columbia River Gorge, a short drive out of town, you’ll find numerous trail heads along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including at Multnomah Falls.
I think your girls would really enjoy spending some time hiking a few of the waterfalls along the Historic Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. I spend a lot of time there with my girls (5 and 11). We also enjoy visiting Bonneville Dam and feeding the trout at the fish hatchery there. Further out…
Mount Saint Helens is going to be pretty much out of the question. Due to the time you have available, the drive is too lengthy for you to enjoy yourself. Most of the visitor center’s don’t open until May 18th either and the dining options in the area are limited, to say the least. Mount…
Here is a great website with some other lodging options in the Hood River area.
I see on your site that you have already visited the historic highway through the Gorge, but it would merit a visit again, and the fall colors should be reaching peak color around the time or your visit. You may also be interested in the Hood River Fruit Loop as your timing will put you…
I must admit that I am very clumsy so skiing isn’t right up there on my list of things to do but I have to say…I love the snow and tubing. So, if you check out Hoodoo, they actually have anticipated the snow season beginning on Nov. 25th for skiing among other great snow activities….
