It’s time for another Portland Family Adventures’ (PFA) interview! This time, it’s with one of the many friendly faces you’ll find at The Circuit Bouldering Gym. One evening my kids and I witnessed Quinn’s precise technique on several hard boulder problems. We were all amazed at how she just danced right up the climbs, which looked effortless from the ground. Let’s learn a bit more about Quinn and her role with The Circuit Bouldering Gym.
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What’s to Love: Originally opened in 1988, Portland Rock Gym (PRG) has become a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest climbing scene. When opened, it was one of the first modular climbing gyms in the United States (history). Many Portland area climbers are affiliated with this gym in one way or another. Even among competing businesses, I have never heard a negative word about the gym, and it’s reputation is just as strong today as it was 12 years ago when I first climbed there.
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: Yes, the food was excellent; however, I love that owner William Steuernagel funded this project via the “Kickstarter” website, which means many other people saw a need to take the lunchables concept to a whole new level. Let’s face it, kids love cheese and crackers, so why not give them something higher quality, handmade, and locally sourced. To learn a bit more, watch William’s Kickstarter video, which is very clever and fun!
What’s to Love: I can’t say enough good things about the entire Evergreen facility, which includes a space museum, aviation museum, digital 3D theater, and the Wings & Waves Waterpark. These are beautiful museums that will ignite your child’s imagination and fascinate the whole family. The sheer magnitude of Evergreen astounds me. All of these facilities are on par with anything on the national level, and believe it or not, they are located just 40 miles from Portland.
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: A fan on my Facebook page recommended the Hondo Dog Park in Hillsboro, and I’m thankful for the recommendation! Hondo is the nicest city dog park I’ve ever seen, and it’s well worth the drive from Portland, especially if you have some other Hillsboro destinations in mind.
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About five years ago, we had my son Rhys’ third birthday party at The Little Gym (Lake Oswego). I remember the party as one of my child’s all-time favorites. So on the occasion of my second son’s fourth birthday, it was time once again for a birthday party visit to The Little Gym. I’ve put a slide show and short video together of our party scenes.
The Little Gym is our newest site sponsor, and I encourage you to take advantage of their birthday parties and classes. They’ll even give you a free introductory class! Perhaps, their “Parents’ Survival Night” sounds right up your alley!
Whatever brings you to The Little Gym, your kids/family will find a super clean facility with top-notch equipment, friendly and helpful staff members, and happily engaged children. Check them out soon and tell them we sent you!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyihnF1tybI
What’s to Love: Magnolia is a very cute little park in a semi-residential area of Hillsboro. I say “semi-residential” due to the fact this area of Hillsboro has a combination of planned residential areas surrounded by retail/businesses. I’m not sure how this city plan works for Hillsboro. I will say with confidence that Hillsboro has one of the most comprehensive park systems you’ll find anywhere. You could spend weeks (or more) exploring all the various options for parks. Check-out the map!
