Posts Tagged ‘river’
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: 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!
Read More
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.
What’s to Love: In my opinion, taking into account all the factors of “family value,” Cooper Spur Mountain Resort (CSMR) is the best option for families looking for a night (or more) away from Portland, especially when combining it with beginning-level skiers and/or snowboarders. They offer a package deal that includes a lift ticket, and rentals that is far less than the cost of a single lift ticket at neighboring resorts. The trade-off is limited terrain served by a single lift. Despite that limitation, if you’re looking for a laid-back resort that is family-friendly, this should be your next destination.
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: 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: We had heard good things about this hike from a close friend. Those sentiments were corroborated by Bonnie Henderson in her book “Best Hikes with Children in Western and Central Oregon.” After experiencing the Old Salmon River Trail, I must agree with these two sources – this is the perfect hike with children and a wonderful spot in general.
What’s to Love: The weather is getting nice! If you’re looking for a relatively-flat, straight, paved, bike path for a nice family cruise, the Marine Drive section of Portland’s “40 Mile Loop Trail” is a good option. The roughly 12+ miles of paved path parallels Marine Drive in North Portland, right alongside the Columbia River.
What’s to Love: Free admission! And, your kids will freak out when they see a 6-foot White Sturgeon at the fish hatchery. I wouldn’t rate this high as a family destination on its own, but it’s in the perfect location for a side trip while out and about in the Gorge. Definitely a good bet when mixed with “Wahclella Falls.”
What’s to Love: Sunriver feels like a community built around 30+ miles of paved walking/biking paths. When you’re there, it feels like everything (i.e., the pools, the tennis courts, the homes, condos, etc.) was an afterthought to this incredible network of trails. Most of the time, these paved trails are completely separated from the roads, which adds an element of safety.
