What’s to Love: Although it’s our rainy season here in Portland, I encourage all of my readers to get out with your kids for a family hike. The winter is actually a great time for hiking, but you’ll need to be prepared for slippery conditions, lots of mud, rain, and wind. Forest Park offers many options, but I think you’ll find this little gem one of the better options for kids.
What’s to Love: The picture featured above is Jim Ablao of Chockstone Climbing Guides. Our family has climbed with him in the past at Smith Rock State Park. When Jim is working, it’s a sure bet that he’ll be sporting a big smile on his face. Right before I took the aforementioned picture, I asked him, “Another great day at the office, huh?” Jim obviously loves his work as a climbing guide, but he also has a love for climbing, which shows in his enthusiasm (and competence) as a a guide. If you’re looking to take your family out, or you want to give rock climbing at try at one of the world’s premier climbing areas, get in contact with Jim as soon as possible. The fall is a great time to climb at Smith.
What’s to Love: I know I’ve been a bit heavy on climbing destinations lately, but Government Cove is a little gem that provides more than rock climbing, scrambling, and bouldering. This is a relatively undeveloped location (i.e., no fees, no restrooms, no water, no parking area, etc.). Despite that fact, the entire area was very clean with some nice paved and unpaved trails for hiking and biking.
What’s to Love: Being a climber, I’ve always been fascinated, and a bit intimidated, by the 848 foot high monolith – “Beacon Rock.” So intimidated that my first trip to the top was along the mile-long paved walkway and not roped-up hanging off the side of the rock. While the hike (1.8 miles round trip) to the top and back is exhilerating, the volcanic core is just a small piece of the whole picture. Upon further exploration, you’ll see that Beacon Rock has much to offer the whole family.
What’s to Love: I was looking for the perfect swimming hole on our way back from a bouldering adventure in Washington. Our plan was to check-out Dougan Creek Falls, which looks visually stunning and lots of fun. However, on our way to the falls, another access point (about 1 mile short of the falls) caught my eye while rounding a curve.
After noticing this beautiful spot, we parked at a pullout along the Washougal River (literally 30 seconds down a steep bank), and I could hardly believe my eyes! This spot (see distance from Portland below) on the Washougal is one of the nicest river access points I’ve ever seen in my life. Perfect for the whole family!
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What’s to Love: Horsethief Lake State Park and Horsethief Butte provide a nice one-two-punch for a full-day family outing. Located about 90 miles east (via WA 14 or OR 84), you might try these two destinations for an adventurous combination of camping, technical rock climbing, rock scrambling, bouldering, hiking, boating, and fishing.
What’s to Love: Holly Farm Park is a lovely park right off Capitol Highway in SW Portland. While next to a busy road, this small park has a nice vibe and a strong community feel. It’s well kept with a relatively large lawn, newer play structure, paved paths, and a very cool mini-skate-park.
What’s to Love: 1000+ acres of no-feepublic trails, mud holes, bird blinds, beach access (Columbia & Sandy Rivers), and HUGE open fields for your dog to be off-leash! There are only two areas where dogs must be on-leash (Confluence Trail and the parking area). Otherwise, your dogs can experience a tremendous amount of freedom running free with other dogs and having a great time in what feels like a wilderness setting.
Jeff Hunter - Manager, Harborview Inn
Jeff Hunter manages the Harborview Inn in Garibaldi, Oregon. He was kind enough to send Portland Family Adventures an invitation to do some crabbing right off the local pier. Since I’ve never crabbed in my life, we decided to take the whole family for a quick day trip. We spent a few hours in Garibaldi hoping to catch some crab, checking out the sights, and eating fish and chips at the highly recommended “Fisherman’s Korner.” Jeff is enthusiastic about the area and all it has to offer families. After visiting, I share his enthusiasm and want to pass along a quick interview.
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What’s to Love: Since moving here to Portland in 1999, my wife and I have hiked Angel’s Rest too many times to count. To this day, it remains one or our favorite hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, and it’s one of the first hikes when entering the Gorge from Portland. While we carried our oldest son up the hike when he was younger, this was our first visit to hike the entire 4.8 miles (round trip) with both kids.
What’s to Love: Located 12 miles SE of Sandy, Oregon on the flanks of Mt. Hood, Windells is a training camp for kids (and adults!) interested in skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, BMX, and free riding. The sheer magnitude of the outdoor skatepark (aka “concrete jungle”) is enough to make most kids’ jaws drop to the ground in awe. I hope to write about the camp experience (academy, residential, and day) in the near future, but the focus of this article is off-season/day-use access for the general public, which is well worth the price of admission and drive from Portland.
What’s to Love: The Oregon Garden is full of surprises, especially during the month of October when they host “Family Harvest Days” every Saturday from 1PM to 4PM. We went with every intention of visiting the Harvest stops, but we were quickly sidetracked by the tram tour and our own kids’ wanderlust through the well organized and meticulously maintained gardens.
What’s to Love: When I purchased my son his new skateboard for his 8th birthday, the owner of a local skate shop was enthusiastic about the Newberg skate park, especially for kids. Basically, it was everything he said it was and more! This is the nicest skate park I’ve ever seen in my life, and while the official name is the “Chehalem Skate Park,” most people refer to it as the Newberg Skate Park.
What’s to Love: An overcrowded beach along the Sandy River filled with people throwing cigarette butts, trash, and being obnoxiously loud and rude? Is that the Dabney State Park you know and love? My expectations were pretty low going in, especially on a busy summer weekend. However, similar to Oxbow State Park, the rangers and clean-up crew do an excellent job of keeping Dabney clean, under control, and a great place for families.
What’s to Love: This is an awesome fishing spot! Didn’t catch any fish, but I won’t retract my first sentence. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to teach your kids how to fish, head over to Sauvie Island’s “Haldeman Pond,” which is stocked with trout, bass, crappie, and catfish. I can almost guarantee a positive fishing experience, if you’re prepared with all the necessary gear.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is just outside downtown Hillsboro, Oregon. It’s a nice location for hiking with younger children and viewing birds/wildlife. There is a beautiful Education Center with a gift shop and exhibit hall.
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What’s to Love: Don’t know exactly what it is about Sauvie Island, but every time I go, I feel like I’m on vacation. I think it has something to due with the fact that when I’m there, I actually feel like I’m getting away from some of the inevitable craziness of living in a big city. Windy country roads, farms, bike riders, pleasant hikes, beach, etc. – it all feels like a dream some days. Some of my favorite stops are on the island and the Wapato Access Greenway (State Park system) is a worthy diversion from the more common destinations.
What’s to Love: I’ve lived in Portland since 1999, and this was my first trip to Henry Hagg Lake. I was always concerned that it would just be a big scene with jet skis, motor boats, and a bunch of yahoos throwing trash all over the place. I was definitely wrong and we had a lovely time. I found the entire recreation area clean and a bargain at $5.00 for a pass. The lake offered up a fairly secluded beach with warm water for swimming and a bunch of activities for the whole family.
What’s to Love: Located just to the west (and below) Sellwood Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park often gets passed-up as bikers cruise the Springwater Corridor and cars zip by on the way to Oaks Amusement Park , Oaks Rollerskating Rink, or hiking in the nearby Wildlife Refuge. Too bad! Just like many inner southeast parks, this is one you don’t want to miss.
What’s to Love: Do you want to have a day at the beach without driving 70+ miles to the coast? That’s exactly what we wanted this past weekend, and the beaches of Sauvie Island provided a reasonable substitute. Specifically, the Walton Beach area is about 9 miles from the bridge crossing along the NE coast of the island. It’s a pleasant drive that takes you by many possible side-excursions including blueberry picking at Bella Organics, the Pumpkin Patch Farm, and the Reeder Beach Country Market.
