There are so many fun things to do on Mt. Hood in the summer. It’s actually my favorite season on the mountain (probably because I am not much of a skier). Though, there are plenty of other things to do on Hood in winter if you don’t ski! Do you like to hike? There are many…
At the top of my list would be Ecola State Park, just 15 minutes south of Seaside. It offers easy walking paths with beautiful coastal views of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock and other sea stacks, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and the capes and headlands miles to the south. It can be a great bird-watching location, too….
I can think of several scenic tours you might enjoy. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a great choice — lakes, mountains and lots of beautiful forest. Take Highway 26 east through Prineville to the Ochocos — another great backroad through forests. Old McKenzie Highway, Highway 242, is amazing, as is the Aufderheide, Scenic Highway 19. A trip…
If you have a rental car, everything you’ll want to do will be easy! There are a ton of great, kid and adult friendly hikes around the area that I’m sure you’ll love. If you’re looking for vistas and mountain views: Tom Dick and Harry Mountain via Mirror Lake Angels Rest Zig Zag Mountain via…
Much has been written about finding fossils on the Central Oregon Coast north of Newport. I expect the focus on fossils on this portion of the Oregon Coast is primarily due to fossil enthusiast Guy DiTorrice who freely shares his knowledge. You may want to contact him regarding information on other areas of the Oregon…
I can answer this one pretty well, as one of my relatives uses a power chair and we’ve gone many places together over the years. Are you looking for camping sites? Or parks and natural areas? Here are a few ideas: Sunnyside Park and RiverBend Park are two very pretty campgrounds on mostly flat ground…
My favorite campgrounds that put you close to the ocean and nature include Cape Lookout State Park on the North Oregon Coast, Beverly Beach on the Central Oregon Coast and Sunset Bay State Park on the South Oregon Coast. Cape Lookout, west of Tillamook, is beautiful campground adjacent to the ocean and a long stretch…
Of course, you’ll be deep in Wine Country there, and I should encourage you to stop in at one of the bajillion wineries for a drop of pinot — it is definitely worth a stop. As for beer, a couple to put on your list are Golden Valley (McMinnville), one of Oregon’s older breweries and a good one….
For the most concentrated wine tasting area, stay either in the Yamhill Valley (Newberg, Dundee and McMinnville area, where the majority of the Willamette Valley’s wineries can be found) or in Salem (easy access to the Eola-Amity Hills AVA). My go-to fun, budget-priced hotels in Yamhill Valley: McMenamin’s Hotel Oregon, a beautiful historic hotel in…
Hiking in January… is not impossible. At Mt. Hood, there will be plenty of snow to kick around in. Mt. Hood is always a good place to romp, but there are also places like the Gorge and the Coast that might be worth checking out. Are you into skiing of any kind? Mt. Hood Meadows…
I would recommend you start your coastal tour in Bandon, one of my favorite beaches and small towns on the Oregon Coast. However, the stretch of US 101 between Brookings and Port Orford is also a beautiful drive and passes through the scenic Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Otherwise, Bandon fits nicely with your interest…
If you’re seeking sunnier days and a lack of snowy roads, Ashland might be your best bet. It’s very dog-friendly, with hiking trails that stay snow-free for the most part (though we are having a pretty intense winter so far!). I-5 is well-maintained of course, and you won’t encounter a truly snowy pass until Siskiyou…
Thanks for the question. The resort that would most suit you is Mount Hood Meadows. It has everything you are looking for and has the most expert terrain along with the most varied terrain. When it is clear, the upper lift is all above tree line and has incredible skiing along with beautiful views. The…
The South Oregon Coast has many attractions that you could easily spend two days without traveling too far up the coast, depending on how long you want to linger and explore. DAY ONE: I would save a full day for Harris Beach State Park and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Plan your visit…
I often visit Mill Creek Falls and Pearsoney Falls, but have not done so this late in the season. This region, between Prospect and Crater Lake and Diamond Lake, gets quite a bit of snow most years. Highway 62 and 138, which lead from Prospect and around Diamond Lake, will be plowed and remain open…
Congratulations on the wedding! The McMenamins pubs are definitely worth checking out — they have some of the most interesting properties in the region. (I have my favorites.) Beyond that, there are literally dozens of breweries in Oregon (six dozen, last I counted). Unless you’re planning for a very long honeymoon, you may not be able to see them…
Agates are found along many beaches on the Oregon Coast that are adjacent to cliffs and streams. In addition to finding a good location for agates, beach conditions are a critical factor. Typically, sand builds up on beaches during the summer and covers gravel beds containing agates, while winter storms loosen agates from cliff sides…
October is my favorite month and dogs are my favorite humans — so you’re in good hands. When I first moved to Portland I picked up this book and it’s changed my life. And my dog’s. But really, most of the trails in and around Portland are dog-friendly as long as your dog remains on…
Portland is surrounded by the beautiful ocean and the mountains, plus there are so many get restaurants and shops in the city that you would surely appreciate staying a few more days to explore the NW. Here are some suggestions: Get lost in Powell’s books, the largest new and used bookstore in the world. Go see…
I actually just answered a similar question, so you’re not alone in your love of lakes! For a family that size, I would suggest renting cabins at either Lake of the Woods or Fish Lake, both located on Highway 140 between Medford and Klamath Falls. Both have rustic cabins situated around the lake, and both…
