Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Cliff Creek Cellars: family-friendly vineyard and tasting room

May 29, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s wine region, Cliff Creek Cellars is a family-friendly vineyard that makes for a great stop for families vacationing in Ashland Oregon or enjoying fishing, hiking, or rafting along the Rogue River. Surprised? Don’t be! More and more wineries are becoming family-friendly destinations, and Cliff Creek is a prime example.

What makes Cliff Creek great for families?

Location:

Cliff Creek is easy to access from I-5, making it a great alternative to a road-side rest stop. And if you’re not traveling I-5 en route elsewhere, it’s easily woven into the fabric of a family day outdoors in Southern Oregon. As part of the Upper Rogue Wine Trail, Cliff Creek is situated adjacent to the base of Table Rock outside of Gold Hill, making it the perfect post-hike rejuvenation spot. Or perhaps you’ve rafted the Upper Rogue (meandering nearby) or fished the morning away. No matter what your outdoor fun in this picturesque valley, Cliff Creek is nearby as an end-of-day oasis.

Setting:

Cliff Creek’s low-key atmosphere, partnered with plenty of outdoor space, makes it naturally family-friendly. When we visited on a sunny Sunday afternoon in May, we were far from the only patrons. However, because we could spread out along the casual picnic tables dotting the tidy lawn, no one else cared that we’d brought along two energy-filled kids. In fact, we were greeted with smiles from Cliff Creek’s staff and a wag from Max, the resident dog. While the kids ran out into the open space adjacent to the tasting room to explore the water feature and pond, sculptures and vineyards, we settled nearby to enjoy Cliff Creek’s tasting flight.

The wine is excellent, but truth be told, we’d come for the scenery and ambiance. Cliff Creek sets out lawn games for kids (and adults) to enjoy, and if the kids get bored, someone is on-hand to bring out corks so they can have ‘Cliff Creek cork races’ down the small creek leading from the water feature. Kids are welcome to explore the vineyards (you can easily see them from the lawn), and additional entertainment comes in the form of chasing the very willing Max around the property.

Snacks and drinks:

While Cliff Creek is certainly a full-scale winery, the emphasis here is on a social experience. Groups enjoying tastings happily mingle, and for the kids, root beer or water is always on-hand. We ordered one of Cliff Creek’s cheese plates, and were happily surprised by a house-made charcuterie spread that fed all of us. Guests are welcome to bring picnics to the winery; it’s a great place to eat and sip some wine after a family hike.

Distance from the interstate:

15 minutes from I-5.

Cost:

A flight of tasting wine is $10 per person. Cheese and charcuterie plates range from $8-$11. Bottles of wine, at the time of our visit, ranged from $15-$35.

Hours of operation:

Thurs-Mon from 12 pm to 5 pm

Directions:

Cliff Creek is located at 1015 McDonough Road Gold Hill, Oregon. From the Gold Hill I-5 exit, take OR-234/Sams Valley Highway. Turn left on Ramsey Road, then right on Sams Valley Road, and finally another left onto McDonough Road to the vineyard.

How to preserve vacation memories without buying expensive souvenirs

May 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

No matter where you go on a family vacation, your kids will be tempted by expensive souvenirs. My own son’s weakness: plush animals of any sort. Every time we visit a city attraction, museum, or state landmark, he wants one. Not only are these souvenirs expensive, but they never fit in our luggage and he rarely remembers where he got them once we return home. For these reasons, we limit souvenir purchases while traveling, but do value the importance of having mementos by which to remember important and fun trips.

The following meaningful but cheap souvenir ideas will be cherished by your kids for years following a trip, but cost far less than gift shop purchases:

Personalized photo albums:

Soft-cover, self-loading photo albums can be made quickly and easily on photo share sites, and usually cost less than $20. After major family trips, I make one for each of my kids, complete with personalized commentary and photos they took themselves on our travels. These albums sit on their bookshelves with other picture books and keepsakes, and come out regularly to be ‘read’ at bedtime.

Video logs:

As my kids have gotten older, they’ve enjoyed entertaining themselves on longer car and plane rides by recording personal video diaries on our iPad or on their iPods. Using PhotoBooth or iVideo, they simply record themselves talking about the day’s adventures. Sometimes they even interview each other. Not only do they enjoy this video process better than keeping a written journal, but they can use fun filters to make them as silly as they’d like.

Calendars and posters:

Instead of buying gift shop posters and calendars that will wrinkle and tear on the return travels home, I create our own posters and photo collages on photo sites for my kids’ rooms. Decorating their walls are posters of our national park trips, ski trips, and backpacking adventures. I also make calendars of our travel photos for grandparents and other relatives to keep them appraised of our adventures.

Stickers, magnets, and other collectible travel momentos:

You have to buy something in that shiny gift shop, right?! We have started collections of refrigerator magnets that we add to whenever we are in a new location, and I allow my kids to buy bumper sticker-style stickers of various locations to stick on their reusable water bottles. Not only do they have unique water bottles they won’t lose at sports practice later on, but they drink more water during the vacation as well.

If you need help getting started, great deals on Vistaprint products can be found for photo souvenirs, and video logs can be downloaded and burned to CDs or shared onto kids’ iPods or other electronic devices. Glass jars for storing collectibles can be found for cheap at craft stores locally.

Vacation clubs and timeshare rentals: right for your family?

May 24, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We just got back from four days on Disney World property, which meant we heard a lot about the Disney Vacation Club. Everywhere we turned, it seemed, Disney was advertising about the merits of their timeshare rentals program. Is it a good a deal as Disney claims? How about all those other vacation clubs and timeshare programs? The answer depends on your vacation style and goals. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether a vacation club or timeshare is right for your family, and if the answer is yes, read on for a list of top timeshare companies, timeshare properties, and holiday vacation clubs.

1. How far in advance do you plan your vacations?

Traditionally, buying a timeshare or investing in a timeshare vacation club involves purchasing a specific unit for a specific week per year…every year. In contrast, families buying into most vacation clubs purchase a set number of points instead of a physical property, which they can use during various times of the travel year within the boundaries of their point value. Either way, a timeshare family has to plan far ahead–at year one year in many cases–in order to use their points to the fullest or take advantage of their designated vacation week.

2. How important is flexibility in your vacation plans?

Do you vacation during the same week every year? If you’re hindered at all by revolving vacation weeks at work or need to shop various weeks for the lowest airfare, buying a timeshare can be a hindrance.

3. Are you a resort-only type of vacation family?

Many timeshare and vacation club buy-ins now offer the perk of using multiple properties in multiple locations within the company’s system. This means that even though you bought your timeshare at a resort in Bermuda, you can exchange your week at the beach for a week on the ski slopes at a partner property in Vail. This is good news; however, bear in mind that while the location may change, the type of vacation will not. Your family has to be committed to one experience: a resort stay, likely at the same resort brand every year.

If you answered in the negative to any of the above questions, consider renting a timeshare instead. Whereas owning a timeshare is only right for a very-specific type of traveling family, renting a timeshare or vacation club property can e a good option for many. Because timeshares depreciate soon after buying, many owner opt to rent their unused units and points instead of selling.

Where to find a timeshare to rent:

1. Timeshare buy/sell sites. On resort booking sites, you won’t find much evidence of timeshare rental options, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. After finding the resort you’d like to enjoy, cross-check timeshare sites to see if rental options are available. We’ve found deals at the DVC Rental Store for Disney rentals, at SellMyTimeshareNOW for traditional timeshare units, and even Ebay for everything in-between.

2. Pinterest. Find a timeshare rental the fun way by scrolling through photos of vacation rentals and units on Pinterest.

Best timeshare and vacation club programs for families:

1. Holiday Inn Club Vacations: We have first-hand experience with Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and love that each of their properties (across the US, but primarily in Florida and on the East Coast) offer a full array of family-friendly on-site activities such as swimming, golf, bicycling, kids’ clubs, and arcades. And each property is adjacent to family travel destinations like lakes, national parks, theme parks, or landmarks.

2. Disney Vacation Club: If your family plans to take a Disney vacation every year (and probably only a Disney vacation every year), DVC is probably a good deal for you. Plus, you get Disney perks and access to non-theme park properties, like Disney’s Aulani.

3. Marriott Vacation Club: Marriott’s vacation club properties are among the brand’s nicest, and is the most affordable way for families to stay in historic hotels such as Boston’s Custom House or high-end international hotels in Italy, France, and the U.K. Learn more about Marriott timeshare rentals!

Best family travel tour operators: what to look for

May 14, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When deciding whether to spend vacation dollars on international family travel tour operators (or how much), it comes down to matching the correct operator to your family’s needs. Are you looking for a full-service provider, or not much more than a translator? Do you need all meals planned and activities planned, or do you want time on your own? No matter your budget, here’s what to look for while selecting the right tour company to show you the world.

Experience with kids:

Well, obviously, right? But the fact remains that even tour companies advertising that they’re ‘not your grandmother’s guide service’ may still be just that. Look for a tour operation with youthful (in body or spirit) tour guides and active itineraries. Tour guides experienced in guiding families will also be well-versed in the nitty gritty of kid-centric travel: they’ll be aware of the need for frequent bathroom stops, snacks, and rest periods.

A client list filled with families:

Even if the tour operator you’re considering welcomes families, the other travelers on the itinerary may not. The fact is, more kids are joining their parents for international travel than in years past, and some long-term travelers on luxury international tours haven’t gotten the memo. Why be a pioneering family? Ask a potential tour company for a ratio of families to couples on a given itinerary, and find out if other kids will be present. Many luxury tour operators are now offering specialized family itineraries, designed especially to meet this need.

Evenly balanced itineraries:

To get the most of your international vacation, families will want their itinerary to reflect a mixture of cultural experiences, natural discoveries, and active fun. The best tour operators for kids list activities such as pizza cooking classes in Italy (with time for eating, of course!), hikes with local or native experts in South America, or kayaking excursions in Alaska. Kids learn best by doing (actually, all of us do), so the more activities that give your family hands-on experiences, the better.

Reasonable expectations and flexibility amid guides:

If you bring kids on an international vacation, there will be moments of culture shock, jet-lag, stress, and fatigue. As parents, you may be well-equipped to deal with these realities as they arise, but if your tour operator is not sympathetic, you may miss itinerary stops, or worse, feel pressured to carry on with miserable kids. A good tour operation will build in downtime and be ready for spur-of-the-moment changes in itinerary as needed. As parents, don’t be afraid to request breaks, and be ready to go with the flow.

Specialized, regional experts:

Not all guide operations are experts in all regions. Once you know where your vacation is taking you, spend some time researching the best tour service in that particular country or continent. These operations will have built-in contacts with local attractions and experiences that you cannot find on your own, and have the ability to give you better than a ‘cookie-cutter’ vacation experience. You’ll want to learn more about travel planning in Ghana from Africa tour and safari specialists, for instance.

The right match:

International tour operations range from budget guides to get you from Point A to Point B in countries or regions where a guide is crucial to luxury services that take care of your every need from the moment you touch down. Figure out as a family what you are looking for in your international travel experience, and find the company to match your needs. There’s no need to pay for more than you want, nor any reason to build your vacation a la carte if you’d rather leave it in other capable hands. Ask yourself the following: Will we want lots of freedom to explore on our own? Do we want our meals taken care of? Do we want a highly active trip with lots of hiking and outdoor touring, or a more cultural experience, with ample time in museums and landmarks?

The above post includes sponsored material. Photo credit: flickr/lifeoftravel

The Coeur d’Alene Resort: a lakeside Idaho Preferred Family destination

May 13, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d’Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d’Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it’s a destination resort worth the drive.

This Preferred golf and spa property is truly a four-season destination: in summer, the lake and mountains beckon with hiking, biking, jet-skiing, and swimming. One of our favorite children’s parks, Fort Sherman Playground, is located within walking distance of the hotel, and the swimming beach is steps away. In winter, skiing is spectacular at Silver Mountain Resort. We love braving the cold while strolling the boat dock pier in winter, and checking out the snowshoe and nordic ski options on lakeside trails.

Seasonal Activities:

In winter, the resort’s Holiday of Lights Show gives the property a magical glow (which extends beyond Christmas) and the Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole is one of those family events that truly makes the holidays come alive.

Outdoor Recreation:

The Coeur d’Alene’s golf course is one of the best in the region, featuring the only ‘floating green’ we’ve seen, where golfers have to bridge a section of Lake Coeur d’Alene to make par. (Tip: have a meal at the Floating Green Restaurant.) This resort is about more than just golf however: situated within reach of Idaho’s most pristine national forest land, it serves as a home base for river rafting expeditions, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. While in Coeur d’Alene, families have all the conveniences of a large town (including high-end shopping), but also enjoy access to the wilderness. An outdoor pool compliments lake swimming, and Silverwood Theme Park offers a family-friendly, small-town theme park experience.

On-property, families can enjoy an indoor pool and wading pool for toddlers, complete with pool toys, an outdoor playground, bike rentals, crafts, and a game room. Add to that all of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, some hours swimming in the lake, and a run through Sherman Park, and you’ve got some tired, happy kids.

Room rates and amenities:

What makes this hotel Preferred Family certified? The Coeur d’Alene features standard guest rooms ranging from tower fireplace rooms to partial view rooms, and kids 17 and under are always free in their parents’ room. All rooms have the standard amenities: coffee makers, mini-bars, and internet access, and families can request high chairs, pack-n-plays, booster seats, car seats, strollers, and the list goes on. Many rooms have full kitchens, so families can eat in easily. A top-of-the-line fitness center is available to all guests. At the time of our latest visit, room rates ranged from $125-$330 per night.

Dining:

Dining options abound, both in the resort and the surrounding area. My husband claims Tito’s Italian Grill serves the best spaghetti, bar none, and the kids and I especially love the abundance of ice cream and candy shops along the main vistas of Coeur d’Alene in summer. Several chain grocery stores are nearby as well. In the resort, Beverly’s offers fine dining with an excellent wine cellar. Plan on visiting here at least once if you have a babysitter!

Directions:

From Spokane (and Spokane International Airport), take I-90 east straight to the Coeur d’Alene Resort. From Kellogg, take I-90 west. Yes, it’s that simple!

Photo credit: Blake Handley. This post is published in partnership with Preferred Family.

Block Island guide for families

May 9, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Summer is an excellent time to visit Block Island Rhode Island! This small, flat island off the coast of the state is often overlooked (mainland Newport is also a great destination), but families looking for a slower-pased vacation or weekend getaway will love Block Island’s laid back feel, casual dining, and quaint lodging. Block Island has long been known as a romantic ‘B&B’ type of weekend away, but it actually has a lot to offer families with young or school-aged kids. Below, our Block Island guide showcases what’s best for kids:

What to do on Block Island:

Once you’re on-island, you’ll want to get your hands on some bikes. Virtually all of Block Island is covered with free bike paths (open to pedestrians, too), and this is by far the easiest way to get around. In fact, we don’t recommend bringing a car…leave it on the mainland and hop on the ferry without it (see below).

Then head to the beach. The entire perimeter of Block Island’s 3×7 miles contains beach access, and all are public and yours for the taking. Block Island beaches are wide and open, and ideal for families with young kids. It can get windy, as it’s prone to do on many New England beaches, but when the weather isn’t cooperating, there is always the option of packing up and heading to souvenir shops, art galleries, and the toy stores.

Check out the Ball O’Brien Park and North Light House when not beach going, or spend an afternoon indoors at the historical society (best for older kids). For more active days, head to New Harbor Kayak Rentals for traditional water sports, or try SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) at Block Island Parasail.

Dining on Block Island ranges from fine dining to farmer’s markets, and it’s easy to bring picnics on a bike ride or to the beach from local grocery stores. Sandwich shops and delis will also pack up picnic to go.

Where to stay on Block Island:

Accommodations on Block Island range from B&Bs and cottage rentals to hotels and inns. For families staying more than a few days, we recommend a home rental with HomeAway. Otherwise, look for lodging that caters to families. A decent number of Block Island hotels discourage children (and some even ban those under 12, like the 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses). Others, like the Atlantic Inn, are touted as quiet and peaceful…which may or may not be for you. Our picks for kids: The National Hotel and the Narragansett Inn.

Getting to Block Island:

You can only arrive on Block Island by ferry or plane. The island is located 12 miles off the mainland, and for kids, getting there really is half the fun. Most families opt for the most economical means of travel, the Block Island Ferry, which leaves from Point Judith, Rhode Island, and is the only ferry option that allows cars. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance if you’re bringing a vehicle; otherwise, no advance notice is required. If you’re in a hurry, the Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry is an option for travelers without a car, as is the Express Ferry, which departs from New London, CT. Flights on New England Airlines are expensive, but can be had.

Photo credit.

Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island

May 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island. For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can’t be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the ‘shoulder seasons of spring and fall, too.

What to do in Newport:

1. Tour the Newport mansions along Cliff Walk: Starting from the easy-to-access public beach, Cliff Walk takes visitors along–you guessed it–the cliff overlooking the beach, where a long string of impressive mansions stand sentinel. These mansions are mainly relics of Newport’s golden era of wealth (pre-Depression), but many are still in use today. The walk is 3.5 miles, but it’s just as easy to turn around at any point and return the way you came. You’ll get great views of sailboats on the water as well, and there are numerous benches to stop and picnic or rest.

2. Play at Easton’s Beach (First Beach): This wide-open beach comes with a $20 parking fee during the summer season, but you get a lot for your ‘entrance fee’: a carrousel and concession stand, lots of space for setting up camp along the beach for the day. There’s even a small aquarium, though this certainly isn’t ‘destination-worthy’.

3. Explore the Newport Historical Museum: The Newport museum is located in the heart of historic downtown and while small, is very well done. It’s fee is by donation only, and will take guests from native times to colonization and war periods. It’s great for school-aged kids, with exhibit descriptions just for them, and a welcome relief from the sun and sand for all kids.

Where to stay in Newport:

The Newport Harbor Hotel is located downtown right on America’s Cup Drive. During the high-traffic summer months, you can park your car and leave it, walking to all the area attractions and beaches with kids. The Newport Harbor Hotel is convenient for families with an indoor heated pool, saunas, and on-site dining for easy meals. They offer seasonal packages, and many rooms have great views of the harbor and boats coming and going. Read a full review on Trekaroo!

Photo credit: Dougtone.

It’s here! Lots to Do in Line: Walt Disney World edition

April 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Over a year ago, I reviewed Meredith Lyn Pierce’s Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland. I admitted to being a reluctant reviewer: After all, I believe in not waiting in Disney lines at all! But after reading through the book, I wholeheartedly endorsed Lots to Do in Line. There was only one thing missing…all of Walt Disney World. Now Pierce is back with Lots to Do In Line: Walt Disney World, which I’m pleased to say offers the same fun trivia, games, and observations as the first edition, and covers all four main theme parks of Walt Disney World.

To gain an overview of what this book series is all about, head over to my previous review. In a nutshell, here’s why you should bring Lots to Do in Line with you on your next Disney vacation, whether it be to the Land or the World:

You’ll see things you would have otherwise missed:

Did you know there’s a secret murder mystery to solve in the queue of The Haunted Mansion? I’ve stood in that queue many a time, and have written Disney World advice for years, and had no idea. Gems like this one are peppered throughout the book. Almost every entry also includes a treasure hunt of things to locate in the queue, which means you’ll spot things you otherwise would have missed.

You’ll interact as a family (and maybe hear less talk of wanting a Dole Whip):

The entries include pop quizzes and friendly competitions where family members can earn points, which is enough incentive for my kids to sit up and take notice. They’ll be engaged while in the line instead of whining. (Not that my kids whine. Not ever.)

You’ll learn Disney trivia:

You never know when this may come in handy (during a show on a Disney Cruise, perhaps?). During a viewing of Jeopardy? Plus it’s just fun to be Disney savvy while vacationing in the World.

How to use the book: It’s pretty easy. As you enter a queue, flip to that entry in Lots to Do in Line. You’ll find a choice of the activities mentioned above with which to occupy yourself. If you’re entering a Fast Pass queue, you’ll want to flip directly to the activities with a FP symbol in the book, because remember, a FP line won’t include everything. You also get ‘land’ overviews and park overviews at the beginning of each section. While on the go, use the index at the back to flip directly to the right entry.

We hope you rarely need to use Lots to Do in Line, because if you follow our step-by-step guide to avoiding Disney lines, you’ll be too busy hopping from ride to ride. But for when you do encounter a speed bump, this book is a winner. Pick either version up at Amazon
for around $10.

Uncrowded Yosemite: backpacking Yosemite National Park with kids

April 11, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Would you believe that in July, in the center of Yosemite National Park, we enjoyed an entire day where we never saw another soul? It’s possible, provided you depart from the usual tourist destinations in the valley and explore Yosemite backcountry.

Backpacking Yosemite National Park with kids:

We chose to hike a portion of The John Muir Trail, a 211 mile path between Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley and Mt. Whitney in the California desert. While hardcore backpackers will hike the entire length in as little as 15 days, the Yosemite National Park portion of the John Muir Trail makes for a nice escape for backpackers with less time (or young kids). Backpackers hiking the John Muir trail in Yosemite traditionally start at the base of Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park, and climb upward past Vernal and Nevada falls, Half Dome, and Little Yosemite Valley campground while making their way toward Tuolumne Meadows. For our John Muir Tail trip with young kids, we decided to tackle the John Muir Trail in reverse, which allowed for more downhill sections of trail and fewer crowds until the end of our journey.

Planning a Yosemite backcountry trip:

Backpacking the Yosemite National park backcountry with kids involves planning. Anyone planning to hike any portion of the John Muir Trail must obtain a Yosemite wilderness permit. Permits can be secured up to 168 days prior to the date desired, and for summer backpacking in Yosemite, reserving a permit the full 168 days out is recommended.

Upon arrival to Yosemite, you’ll need to check in at a Yosemite National Park Wilderness Center, where you’ll pick up your permit as well as bear canisters if you don’t have your own. Bear canisters must be used to store all food and scented items such as toothpaste, medications, and lotion, and can be rented (for only the price of a deposit). You’ll need to leave space in your packs for these.

If you plan to hike Half Dome, Half Dome permits are required, and they are separate from backcountry permits (though you can obtain both simultaneously). And if you plan to stay a night before or after your backpacking trek in Yosemite National Park (recommended), be sure to secure lodging early, as this is one of the most crowded national parks in America. Backpackers can also make use of free backpacker campgrounds the day before and after their backpacking trip.

On the John Muir Trail:

Day 1: Tuolumne Meadows to Sunrise Lake (3 miles)
In order to start our Yosemite backpacking trip in Tuolumne Meadows, we began at the Sunrise Trail Head at Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road. We followed the Sunrise Trail up steep switchbacks to connect with the Forsyth Trail near beautiful Sunrise Lake (a great first night camping option).

Day 2: Forsyth Trail to Clouds Rest and beyond (8 miles)
From Sunrise Lake, we continued to follow the Forsyth Trail to intersect with the Clouds Rest junction, leading 2 miles to arguably the best viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. From Clouds Rest, hikers can see the entire Yosemite Valley, including an unique view of Half Dome. Note: the pinnacle of Clouds Rest is fully exposed, with steep drop offs on each side. This is not a place for young children or anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights. Since I fall into that category (hiking with a small child), we viewed the Yosemite landscape from just .2 mile below the top, which also offers wonderful vistas.

Hikers can continue past Clouds Rest to intersect with the John Muir Trail several miles later, but as this section of trail is still exposed and at great heights, we opted to return the 2 miles back to the Forsyth Trail and join the John Muir Trail much earlier. This first section of John Muir winds through old growth forest alongside Sunrise Creek, and affords several nice camp sites adjacent to this water source. This section of the John Muir Trail is less traveled, but we were still surprised to find we didn’t encounter a single hiker all evening, night, or morning.

Day 3: Sunrise Creek to Little Yosemite Valley (5 miles)
Day 3 took us along the John Muir Trail from Sunrise Creek into Little Yosemite Valley. This backpackers’ haven offers numerous campsites along the Merced River (perfect for swimming in after a long day hiking!). Though lively, Little Yosemite is a fun oasis for hikers, offering conversation and companionship around the communal fire pit after days of relative isolation.

En route to Little Yosemite Valley, the John Muir Trail offers views of Half Dome, and the steady accent of hikers navigating its cable system to the top. Should you wish to ascend Half Dome yourself, the trail intersects with the final 2 miles of the Half Dome Trail mid-way through your hike down to Little Yosemite. Note: this is another steep, exposed trail. Though children can ascend it, be advised that very small kids may not be able to reach the cables, essential to a safe ascent. Our 13 and 11-year-olds could make the trek, but not our seven-year-old. For those not challenging Half Dome, it’s fun stop on John Muir Trail or Little Yosemite Valley and use binoculars to watch the climbers.

Day 4: Little Yosemite to Valley Floor (4.5 miles)
Our final day on the John Muir Trail led us down from Little Yosemite Valley to spectacular Nevada Fall, where the trail splits into the John Muir or the popular Mist Trail. We opted for the Mist Trail in order to glimpse the best views of nearby Vernal Fall, but the steps descending both falls are steep and can be slippery when wet. Be advised that the Mist Trail gets crowded with day hikers, and can be hard to navigate with overnight backpacks. The option of continuing on the John Muir Trail has its own set of disadvantages: it’s a longer route to the valley floor, and more exposed, providing little shade.

Safety on the John Muir Trail and in the Yosemite backcountry:

In addition to dizzying heights, bears, and crowds near the valley floor, backpackers need to be aware of the significant elevation gains to be experienced on the Yosemite section of the John Muir Trail. Elevations reach over 9,000 feet, necessitating plenty of water intake to prevent headaches and nausea. Other wildlife can pose a threat if hikers are not alert, including rattlesnakes — we encountered the biggest we’ve ever seen at Little Yosemite Valley.

Getting to and from Your Car:

Whether you hike the John Muir Trail from the valley floor up or from Tuolumne Meadows down, as we did, you’ll need transportation back to your car at the end of your trip. Yosemite National Park offers free shuttle service throughout the valley, but to travel to Tuolumne or vice versa, you’ll need to take Yarts, a paid shuttle service with stops in Yosemite Village and points throughout Tuolumne. Hikers cannot make reservations in advance for Yarts, and though we were told busses never fill up, that was not the case. Be sure to be at the stop before the allotted time and have cash in hand. One-way tickets were $8 at the time of our visit.

5 Western mountain lodges for family summer stays

April 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We love mountain lodges! Whether your family enjoys hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or just swimming in a cool mountain lake, a stay at one of the following Western mountain lodges for families will provide much needed summer time R&R.

1. Lodge at Suttle Lake, Central Oregon:

Whereas much of Central Oregon is surrounded by high desert, the small town of Sisters is located in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, where pine trees shade lakes, streams, and even cinder cones. The Lodge at Suttle Lake is located about 15 minutes from town, on the shore of Suttle Lake. It’s easy for families to hike around this small lake, or kayak or canoe straight from the marina.

Fishing is good at Suttle Lake, or families can mountain bike from Sisters. Lodging ranges from lodge rooms to multi-family cabins, and dining is lake side near the marina. We love the complimentary happy hour and peaceful gazebo where we can spot eagles and paddle boarders alike while rocking in rocking chairs.

Read our full review of the Lodge at Suttle Lake.

2. Gray Eagle Lodge, Northern California:

Truly ‘away from it all’, Northern California’s Gray Eagle Lodge is tucked away deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range above the town of Graeagle, California. While visiting, families are at least one hour’s drive from the nearest McDonald’s, or even a traffic stop light, and are instead surrounded on all sides by mountain lakes, forests, and streams.

We love that families can book one of over a dozen lodge-side cabins, all of which are within feet of Graeagle Creek and nearby waterfall. Families can embark on hikes to remote, foot-access-only hikes directly from the lodge, and can return at dusk for gourmet meals in the dining room.

3. Many Glacier Hotel, Montana:

Located in the heart of Glacier National Park, the Many Glacier Hotel just may be the most stunning location in which you’ve laid your head. It certainly may have been for us. The hotel sits right at the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake, which sports a backdrop of, you guessed it, glaciers. The hotel’s expansive upper story deck draws a crowd every evening for the sunset, and afterward, star-gazers linger. We loved that we could hop on a guided boat and nature walk directly from the hotel dock, and were steps away from local hikes.

The best rooms in the Many Glacier offer a view of the lake, but even if you have a rear-facing room, such as we did, you’ll still look out upon mountains and woods…not bad! We liked sitting out on our small wooden balcony, or setting up a board game at a table in one of the lodge’s many public spaces.

Read our full review of the Many Glacier Hotel.

4. Timberline Lodge, Oregon:

For an experience that’s 100% Pacific Northwest, Mt. Hood Oregon’s Timberline Lodge will not disappoint. Yes, if you visit in winter, you can ski the slopes of Timberline, but in summer, hiking reigns…as well as wildflower blooms. Families will be wowed by the large beams and high ceilings of the lodge’s main lobby; we always appreciate the authenticity of the creaking stairs and worn wood. The fireplaces are just as cozy in summer, as well as the outdoor hot tubs.

Rooms at Timberline lodge are cozy (read, small), and a family of four or five may need to book two rooms. This is definitely a downside, but the meals in Timberline’s Cascade Dining Room, especially the hearty breakfasts, will more than make up for this. Plus, Timberline is almost always running a family vacation deal that includes food and lodging, or activities.

Read our full Timberline Lodge review.

5. Redfish Lake Lodge, Idaho:

At Redfish Lake Lodge, it’s all about lakeside living. The life of the lodge is centered around the lake shore, where the Redfish Marina offers fishing boat rentals, canoe rentals, and stand-up paddle boards. You can fish, boat, horseback ride, or swim directly from the lodge, and within a short driving distance, families can try mountain climbing in the Sawtooth Mountains or hiking in the White Cloud Wilderness Area.

Dining at Redfish Lake is both rugged and upscale…at the same time. The dining room is decidedly country and comfortable, and yet the Northwest cuisine served is anything but everyday. Best of all, for large party events, your $250 deposit for lodging is applied as a dining credit in the dining room. Lodging ranges from rustic cabin stays to very comfortable lodge rooms, and all options are affordable for families.