Hwy 101 - Pitstops for Kids

Oregon Sea Lion Caves

April 25, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The Oregon Coast’s famed sea lion caves (91560 Hwy. 101 N., Florence) can be found eleven miles north of Florence, Oregon on scenic Highway 101. A great pit stop for families traveling this windy, windswept stretch of coastline, the caves offer not only a chance to get out of the car, get some sea air, and explore, but also to experience a true rarity: the world’s largest sea lion cave.

Home to sea lions as well as sea birds, visitors descend to the cave (which opens up to the Pacific at the base of a bluff) by elevator, then overlook the sea lions in their natural habitat. In spring and summer, you’ll find the sea lions on the rocky ledges just outside the cave (their rookery while breeding). During the fall and winter, they are usually inside their cave.

If you have anyone sensitive to smells, give them fair warning that the cave has a very strong odor of sea, fish, and sea lion. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it bothers some more than others! And there is some physical effort required (though not strenuous). in order to make the trip, you must go up and down stairs and climb about 400 yards of paved trail. You then reach the elevator that takes you down to the cave. There are also 63 steps in the cave in order to access a lighthouse viewpoint. Visitors can go all the way down to the cave, or stop and turn back at any point.

Distance from the interstate: Right off Highway 101.

Date last visited: July 2009

Admission fee: Adults are $12, kids 3-12 are $8. Under 3s are free. Note: we thought the admission price was a little steep for what you get; after all, for our family of five, we paid over $40, which was pretty high for a spur-of-the-moment stop. However, if you plan ahead, we’ve found that knowing what you’ll be paying takes some of the sting out of it. In addition to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which we highly recommend, the sea lion caves are one of the best exhibits out there.

Hours: Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.

Food services: There is a gift shop attached to the attraction which has quite a large selection of snacks, ice cream, and the like. No actual meal service is offered, however.

Website: http://sealioncaves.com/home/

Directions: From Florence, Oregon, drive eleven miles north on Highway 101.

Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Park

April 3, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Built in 1926 on the south shore of Lake Quinault on the lush and beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Lake Quinault Lodge is one of the national park system’s most beautiful and timeless historic lodges. Charming when approached from the street (South Shore Road), Lake Quinault’s best side is to the north, where the back of the lodge opens upon a cheery deck and lush, sloping lawn to the lake shore.

Stepping through the front doors, visitors are greeted by a cheery fire in the lobby fireplace, plush leather sofas, bookcases and carefully arranged tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the lake. Though certainly tranquil, the lodge is family-friendly; just downstairs from the lobby resides a full game room complete with ping-pong and pool tables, a few arcade games (requiring quarters), and a surprisingly large heated indoor pool. Croquet sets can be rented for the lawn, and in summer, canoes are available to lodge guests. Our kids spent a fair amount of time playing on the large lawn, and exploring the lake shore.

Lake Quinault is definitely a destination lodge and makes for a great ‘base camp’ while visiting Olympic National Park (home of one of only three temperate rain forests in the world); located just inside the park boundary, a network of hiking trails lead into the forest from directly across the street, many of which are perfect for families. Ask the lodge dining room to pack a picnic lunch for you and make a day of it, or hop in the car to explore more of the park’s varied terrain (the beaches at Kalaloch are 30 minutes north on Highway 101, and further, the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center provides more hiking opportunities). Lake Quinault also offers a selection of rain forest tours year round; ask at the front desk!

Extra Tip: Spring is a great time of year to experience Olympic National Park! Crowds are low, deals abound, and since you can plan on rain fall year round, weather is not an issue!

Date last visited: March 2011

Distance from the interstate: Lake Quinault Lodge is just under two hours from I-5 at Centralia, WA (three hours from Seattle or 3.5 hours from Portland).

Room Rates: Lake Quinault offers several room categories, from traditional lodge rooms featuring either one king bed or two queen beds (starting at $95 at time of publication), to Fireplace Rooms and Boathouse Rooms. Families may prefer a more contemporary Lakeside Room, located in a separate building adjacent to the main lodge and sleeping up to six (starting at $130).

Dining options: The main dining room at Lake Quinault, The Roosevelt Room, is what we’d call kid-friendly while still requiring best behavior. The ambiance is lovely, and the food is good, but it’s special-occasion status: dinner for our family of five, without beverages, came to $100. Where the lodge really shines is breakfast: our kids couldn’t wait to order their house-made hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle each morning, and the sweet potato pancakes got me out of bed quickly, as well. For a more casual dinner, we recommend The Salmon House Restaurant, located one mile further down South Shore Road at the Rain Forest Resort Village. The views of the lake are just as majestic, the service is friendly, and the prices are more reasonable for feeding a hungry family.

Directions: From I-5 North or South, take exit 104 at Olympia (Aberdeen-Ocean Beaches) and head straight west to Aberdeen-Hoquiam. From Hoquiam, go north on U.S. 101 for 40 miles to milepost 125. Turn right on South Shore Road and go two miles to Lake Quinault Lodge.

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Lake Quinault Lodge hosted our stay in part, providing our family with a media room rate and some meals. While we greatly appreciate Lake Quinault’s hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

October 28, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

There are few places as stunning as the California Redwoods.

The summer tourist crowds have left beautiful Northern California, leaving near-empty (and ever inviting) state parks and recreation areas behind. If you’re looking to take an off-season road trip or family weekend getaway this autumn, consider a stay (or day trip) in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

We love this state park (located right along Highway 199 and not far from Highway 101 and the coast) for its unsurpassed beauty, spacious campsites hidden away under towering redwoods, fun hiking trails, and proximity to both wooded terrain and the rugged Pacific. Our favorite activity: walking the shores of Smith River and wading in the chilly water!

But this fall, there’s another reason to pack up the car and visit a California State Park: budget cuts have put the state park system at risk. On November 2nd, Californians will have the opportunity to vote on a proposition that will make a significant difference for California State Parks, while at the same time giving Californians greater opportunities to explore California’s natural wonders. Proposition 21 adds an $18 vehicle license fee for all vehicles registered in the state of California. In return, California drivers will receive free unlimited day use admission to the California State Parks. This is huge! Imagine if every state offered such a perk to its residents!

Learn more about Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park here.

One of many ‘tucked away and out of sight’ campsites at Jed Smith!

Date Last Visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Nine miles from Hwy 101 (the CA/OR coast), and approximately 1.5 hours from I-5.

Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Camping: JSR State Park offers camping, and the easiest way to reserve a spot is through their online system at Reserve America. If you want to spend time on the coast as well, consider staying an extra night in a yurt at nearby Harris Beach State Park in Oregon. If you are coming from I-5, your whole family will love adding a night in a tree house at Out ‘N About Treesort in Cave Junction, Oregon!

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413

Directions: Nine miles east of Crescent City on Highway 199. If you’re coming from I-5, take the Redwoods Highway exit at Grants Pass, then follow Hwy 199 to JSR State Park!

Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon

September 4, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Face Rock State Park

Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, plenty of activities, and plenty of fresh, salty air. (Just be sure to bring a jacket, because Oregon beaches aren’t exactly known for bikinis and suntans!)

Where to Play: Bandon is all about the beach! Our favorite for beach combing, kite flying, and sand castle building is Face Rock Scenic State Park, right off Hwy 101 on the south side of town. (Follow signs from downtown). Be sure to check out the caves in the sides of the outcroppings of rock on the sand (at low tide). If you need a break from the sand, try your hand at picking cranberries (or just sampling them) at Faber Farms and Cranberry Scoop Gift Shop (from U.S. 101, head east 1 1/2 miles on State 42 South and turn right on Morrison Rd. Watch for the farm’s sign after about 1 mile.)

Where to Eat: Without a doubt, you’ll want to stop at the Bandon Fish Market for some fresh fish and chips, located in the Old Town Waterfront (right by the bay). (They also serve corn dogs and fries for the non-seafood-eating set.) Their seating is outside only, so bring sweatshirts as it gets chilly next to the water, but it’s fun to watch the fishermen on the wharf while waiting for your food. After your meal, cross the street to Cranberry Sweets and More. They’re not kidding about the ‘and more’ part: you’ll find chocolates, truffles, taffies, and every other kind of candy imaginable in addition to their signature sweets. The best part of this store is the abundance of samples. You can easily eat your way around the store, which makes it very fun for kids (and adults)!

Bandon Fish Market

Where to Stay: We usually opt to camp at nearby Sunset Bay State Park (north in Coos Bay area), but if you’re staying a full week, consider a home rental. There are many on offer, from sprawling beach houses fit for a family reunion to small cottages in town. If you’re only visiting for a day or two, we’re tried (and loved) The Best Western Inn at Face Rock.

Want a warmer beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA!

Inn at Otter Crest

July 23, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Inn at Otter Crest

301 Otter Crest Loop Road
Otter Rock, OR

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea!

Touted as ‘a place to play on the Oregon coast’, the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun.

A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln City to the north and Newport to the south, visitors to The Inn at Otter Crest have miles of beaches, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, hiking trails, and dining and shopping at their fingertips.

When booking, families can choose between traditional hotel rooms and suites and mini-suites. There’s a heated pool and hot tub (seasonal), basketball and tennis courts, fitness center, and children’s playground.

Typical unit in forested setting.

Distance off the interstate: Right on Hwy 101. 1.5 hours from I-5.

Food Services: The Flying Dutchman is located on-site. Additional dining is minutes away in nearby Newport and Lincoln City.

Rates: To check rates and make reservations, call: 1.888.505.5735

Website: http://www.innatottercrest.com/index.html

Directions: Take I-5 to the Highway 34/Corvallis exit. Turn right and head West on Highway 34 to Corvallis. Take the Highway 20 exit and head west to Newport. At Newport turn right onto Highway 101 and head north. Travel approximately eight miles north to Otter Rock. Take the Otter Crest Loop exit and proceed to the resort entrance.

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A Pit Stop a Day (Day 20): Stops for Kids in Laguna Beach, CA

July 16, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Image via Wikipedia

On Day 20, we drove from Zion National Park to Laguna Beach, CA, a route pretty devoid of pit stops! We were very glad to arrive in such a kid-friendly mecca of attractions, restaurants, and beaches!

Having grown up in the area (and returning to visit relatives every year since), we are quite familiar with Laguna Beach and its surrounding areas, and we’re convinced it’s one of the best beach towns in America. Below are our favorite picks for families:

Best Public Beach:

Main Beach is lively and fun (and perfect for a post-breakfast or dinner stroll), but to escape the summer crowds, we recommend heading south to Aliso Creek Public Beach. Aliso Creek is on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) just outside of Laguna in South Laguna. (The Montage Resort borders it on the north-end, a wonderful hotel which caters to children more than you’d think; if it’s in your budget, this is a wonderful hotel option). At Aliso, you’ll find a parking lot (eliminating long walks to the beach while carting all your stuff), bathrooms and showers, a playground right on the beach, and over a mile of sand. (The creek that feeds into it is inviting to kids, but there’s no wading allowed.)

Best Park:

Again, Main Beach boasts a fun park along the boardwalk, but for pure kid fun, we prefer Bluebird Park on the Laguna hillside. From Hwy 1, take Cress Street up the hill (directions). At Bluebird, you’ll find extensive play structures (with new, space-age-esque designs) for the toddler set as well as older kids, fun slides built into rocky hillsides, a rocket, and scooter/bike paths. (Sometimes gets busy with the kids’ club located adjacent to the park.)

Nate enjoys some downtime in Laguna Beach!

Best Local Event:

If you’re in Laguna during the summer months, be sure to check out the Sawdust Festival! Located right on Laguna Canyon Road (Hwy 133), this art festival features the booths of local artists (from pottery to fine art to jewelry) and gives kids plenty to look at! Be sure to check out the glass blowing demonstration and stop by the kids’ art booth to let your children try their hand at the project of the day! (Admission: $7.75 for adults, $3.25 for kids 6-12, free for under age 6.)

Best kid-Friendly Restaurant:

Ruby’s Diner, located at 30622 Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) is fast, fun, and kid-centric. Designed like an old-time diner, kids will love the shakes and malts, burgers, and onion rings (as well as their own chef hats). On nice days, ask for outdoor seating: they’ll take you up to the roof!

Best Toy Store:

Main Beach Toys is a great place to stop while browsing art galleries and shops in Laguna (so kids can actually touch some stuff!). Be sure to stop here before hitting the beach, too: they carry lots of sand and water toys.

Date last visited: July, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Laguna Beach is about 30 minutes from I-5.

Directions: From the 405 or I-5, take Hwy 73 exit to Beach Cities to Hwy 1 into Laguna.

Up Next: We take the kids (and nephew Homer) to Pretend City in Irvine, CA!

Need to catch up? Find all ‘A Pit Stop a Day’ posts by searching ‘a pit stop a day’ in the search box!

Whale Watching in Crescent City, CA

May 12, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Photo courtesy of Aquarium of Pacific

1001 Front Street
Crescent City, CA

Crescent City, CA has long been a favorite location for whale watching year-round, but the best time to get a glimpse of a gentle giant or two is in May! If you find yourself traveling along scenic Highway 101 this spring, it’s well worth a pit stop on your family vacation!

Check in at the Cultural Center (1001 Front Street) first in order to see if any programs or events are being offered at the time of your visit. On May 23rd, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, a whale event is planned, organized by Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan and hosted by volunteers. (Thank you to Pit Stops for Kids reader Paul for this info!). If you don’t visit at the time of a planned event, the best locations to spot gray whales on your own are:

Crescent Beach Overlook
Enderts Beach
Battery Point Lighthouse
Point St. George

Klamath Overlook (located approximately 15 miles south of Crescent City off Highway 101 past the end of Requa Road), also offers Redwoods National Park ranger talks on gray whales every Wednesday from 2-4 pm and every Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. Bring binoculars!

Photo courtesy of Friends of Battery Point Lighthouse

Gray whales are best seen from an elevated spot close to the shore, so the locations with overlooks are your best bet! If you’d rather watch for whales from the deck of a boat, Tidewind Sportfishing in Brookings (800-799-0337) offers the chance for an up-close encounter! But if it’s not your lucky day, stop by the Marine Mammal Rescue Center instead (at the end of the park by the Cultural Center). If the sun is out, Beach Front Park also features a great playground! (Read about more family attractions in Crescent City.)

Date last visited: May 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Crescent City is directly on Highway 101 just past the California border.

Hours and Admission Prices: Most overlooks and beaches are free; some have car fees on state park land. Hours are generally sunrise to sunset.

Bathrooms: Located in Cultural Center when open.

Food Services: Picnics in the park or on beaches are your best bet! The town of Crescent City has plenty of grocery or fast food options, as well as seafood fare.

Phone: (707)464-7483

Directions: From Hwy 101 (Redwood Highway), take Front Street to Beach Front Park.

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Sunset Bay State Park

April 25, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon’s beautiful scenic coast is one of our family’s favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two).

If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and enjoy one of the most scenic beaches on the pacific coast. Explore the tide pools if you’ve timed your arrival right, or let your kids play on the huge pieces of driftwood or run along the sand. If they (or you!) are daring (or just crazy like my kids), take a dip in the cold Pacific. If time permits, take the Oregon Coast Trail right from the beach to Cape Arago State Park to see their stunning gardens over the ocean (4 miles). If you want a shorter hike, follow the signs from the mouth of big creek to the viewpoint overlooking Sunset Bay (1/2 mile).

If you’re staying overnight, consider booking a yurt. Oregon state parks are well-known for these unique accommodations. One part tent and one part hut, state park yurts are heated, wired with electricity, and come furnished with comfortable bunkbeds (sleeps 5 easily), a table and chairs, coat pegs, and covered porches.

We’re not usually campground campers (preferring to backpack far from the crowds) but given coastal Oregon’s lush landscape, the sites felt very private (and the yurts are located on their own loop). Hint: come in the off-season when prices drop and the campground is nearly a ghost town! You’ll have the run of the place! Read more about our yurt adventures!

Distance off the interstate: 15 minutes from Hwy 101.

Date Last Visited: November 2009

Hours and Admission Prices: Day visitors pay only $4 per car. Open sunrise to sunset. Nightly camping fees range from $12 for a tent camp site to $27 for a yurt in the off-season to $19 for a tent site to $36 for a yurt in the peak season (starting May 1st). Full RV hookup sites are available as well. To book, start at Oregon State Parks.

Bathrooms: All very clean, well-lit, and heated. While we visited in the off-season, there were no lines for showers and plenty of hot water.

Dogs: Select yurts are dog-friendly (as is the case in most Oregon coast state parks). Check for the dog-friendly ‘paw print’ when reserving your yurt online.

Food Services: None at the state park. You’ll want to stock up on supplies in nearby Coos Bay (10 miles), where you can find a Fred Meyer or Charleston (no major grocery stores, but a few decent mini-marts). Coos Bay also has fast food and casual dining.

Directions: From Oregon Coast Hwy/US-101, take the 1st left onto W Beaver Hill Rd, then a slight right at 7 Devils Rd. After six miles, turn left at Walker Ave, then take a slight left at Cape Arago Hwy. Stay on Cape Arago Hwy for 2.5 miles, and the state park will be on the left.

Sunset Bay State Park

Umpqua Discovery Center

April 20, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Photo courtesy of the Reedsport chamber of commerce.

409 River Front Way
Reedsport, Oregon

Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the official site: “As you enter the exhibits, you hear the sounds of the river rushing and feel nature surround you as you journey back through history.”

Great for all ages, the center serves as an educational starting off point as you drive up the Oregon coast. Interactive “Tidewater Community” exhibits and programs illustrate how land, water and people have shaped each other over time.

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes from Hwy 101.

Hours and Admission Prices: Open 7 days a week. Summer hours (June 1 through September 30) are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Winter hours (October 1 through May 31) are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission ranges from $2.00 for kids under age 5 to $8.50 for adults, and group rates are available.

Bathrooms: Located within the center.

Food Services: Try lunch at the Schooner Inn Cafe, located adjacent to the center on the river front. Called ‘the best restaurant on the Oregon Coast’ by many TripAdvisor reviewers, it’s well worth the stop!

Website: http://www.umpquadiscoverycenter.com/

Directions: From Hwy 101, take Hwy 38 (Umpqua Highway) into Reedsport. Umpqua Highway turns into Fir Avenue. Take Fir to River Front Way. Turn left and continue to the center entrance.

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Tillamook Cheese Factory

April 13, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Tillamook Factory Visitor\’s Center

4175 Highway 101 North,
Tillamook, Oregon

Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely try the curds (they’re surprisingly great!) and stop by the store, too!

From the official website: “See our cheesemakers and packaging staff at work. Hear about our history and the cheesemaking process. Touch the interactive kiosk screens to learn about our cooperative and our products. Smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked waffle cones. And best of all, taste our award-winning cheeses, 38 flavors of ice cream and the hearty meals available in our Farmhouse Cafe!”

Date last visited: We were last there in July 2006.

Distance off the interstate: Directly off Hwy 101.

Hours and Admission Prices: Free. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Labor Day through mid-June)
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mid-June through Labor Day).

Bathrooms: Bathrooms are clean and spacious, and have changing tables.

Food Services: The Farmhouse Cafe offers lots of kid favorites, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and more. Ample tables are also available for picnicking.

Website: http://www.tillamookcheese.com/VisitorsCenter/

Directions: You can see the factory directly off 101!

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