Crater Lake National Park and Lodge

January 12, 2011 By

Kid tested and approved: Crater Lake is perfect for families!

One of the Pit Stops crew’s favorite national parks is in our backyard: Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon. Open year round, Crater Lake is a true natural wonder that’s (surprisingly) never swarmed with crowds. It’s not too large a park as to be overwhelming for families, and with hiking trails, nature programs, boat tours, and a beautifully maintained historic lodge on-site, its an ideal vacation spot to bring kids.

And if you’re looking for a place to spend an upcoming getaway, Crater Lake is included in the long list of national parks offering free entrance this Veteran’s Day Weekend and every fee-free day in 2011!

When to go: Crater Lake has something to offer in all seasons. Though some roads in the park are closed in winter due to snow, Hwy 62 (into and out of Crater Lake NP) and the Rim Road around the lake are almost always plowed and open. For updates, always check the Current Conditions page for road closures. Our favorite aspect of Crater Lake in winter is the snowshoeing. Every Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm, join park rangers for a free snowshoe trek! (Thanksgiving through May.) Check the Ranger Led Activities page for programs in other seasons as well!

Crater Lake Lodge is iconic of the northwest!

In the summer season (July through September), book a boat tour to Wizard Island. Only two boats depart per day (more without a Wizard Island stop) so be sure to book in advance through Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Watchman Peak hiking tours are also offered all summer, as are evening campfire programs.

Where to stay: Crater Lake Lodge sits right on the rim of the lake. In summer, take in the view from an adirondack chair on the deck, and in winter, curl up by the huge fireplace with a good book in the grand lobby. The lodge dining room is fantastic, and while elegant, it’s not stuffy. Kids are encouraged guests! If staying in the lodge is not for you, the Crater Lake Cabins are situated below the rim at Mazama Village, but the only lake view accommodation is the lodge. Bear in mind; both the lodge and cabins are rustic: you won’t find TV, air conditioning or land lines. (A campground is also available.) No matter which lodging you prefer, reservations are a must in summer!

Date last visited: August 2010.

Distance from the interstate: Hwy 62 takes visitors right up to the Rim Road. The park is approximately 2 hours from I-5.

Admission Fee: One of the most affordable national parks in the country, seven day passes are only $10 per car.

Room Rates: Nightly rates at the lodge start at $157 ($129 for a cabin) at the time of this publication.

Dining: In addition to the lodge dining room, Mazama Village offers a nice family-style buffet at Annie Creek Restaurant. We’ve been pleased with the healthy yet kid-friendly selection there. And best of all, picnic meals are welcomed on the lodge’s expansive veranda. We usually pack a lunch and eat overlooking the fabulous view!

Directions: The easiest way to approach the park in all seasons is from the South entrance, which is always open (Hwy 62 from Medford, Oregon). The North entrance is closed winter and spring. To approach Crater Lake from the north in summer, take take Route 138 from Roseburg or Hwy 97 from Bend.

Regional Snow Parks: Winter’s Best Pit Stops!

December 2, 2010 By

Pit Stops’ kids enjoying winter recreation while on the road!

If you’re traveling by car this holiday season, or have a family vacation road trip planned for this winter, don’t forget that snow parks can offer a cheap, fun, and festive alternative to traditional play spaces or restaurant pit stops. Often free (or requiring only a parking permit available locally), snow parks are almost always located directly off regional highways and usually include such luxuries as groomed snow trails, ready-made sledding hills, warming huts, and bathrooms. Not a bad way to spend that hour or so out of the car on a winter afternoon!

Our family’s favorite snow park is located at Union Creek Oregon, right off Highway 62 en route to Crater Lake National Park. (By the way, if you haven’t seen this natural wonder in winter, what the heck are you waiting for?!) Adjacent to the cozy Union Creek Resort, this full-service snow park offers the best sledding around. A rope tow is operational most days, but you’ll still work up enough of an appetite for a bite at Becky’s, serving up the best pie and hot cocoa around. If you’re crossing from coastal Oregon to central Oregon, be sure to circle this spot on the map! (50 miles from Medford on Hwy 62.)

Will you be traveling across Washington State this holiday? A Pit Stops for Kids reader favorite is Lake Wenatchee State Park, north of Leavenworth on Highway 2. In addition to sledding hills, you’ll find miles of cross-country, snow-shoeing, and even dog sledding trails. And the quaint Bavarian village of Leavenworth is only 25 minutes away!

Need to find a snow park along your winter driving route? The best place to start is with the National Parks Service. Look up state parks by state or region to find parks offering winter recreation. Toss gloves, coats, and a sled or two into the car, and you’re ready to go!

Happy (and safe) winter driving!

Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express

November 26, 2010 By

A very special guest on the Polar Express!

110 Railroad Avenue
Hood River, OR

It’s that time of year…when everyday roadside attractions become magical! The Mt. Hood Railroad offers scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge, and during the holiday season, they take a detour to the North Pole! Let your kids read along with the Polar Express story as the train makes its journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, and then enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift (for each child). Kids can wear their pajamas; be ready for some very cute photo ops! Everyone is dressed up to capture the feel of the story, and the train is beautifully decorated.

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right off I-84 in Hood River, Oregon. (Approximately 1 hour from Portland, OR down the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.)

Hours: Departures at 2 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7 pm nearly daily until December 23rd.

Ticket Prices: $26 per adult, $18 per child (age 2 and up).

Dining options: Cocoa and cookies are included in your ticket price, but no other food or drink are sold on the train. Passengers are welcome to bring their own bottled water and snacks. If you’re looking for a place to eat before or after your ride, I suggest either Hood River’s Andrew’s Pizza (107 Oak St), or, if time permits, a meal at the Multnomah Falls Lodge dining room in Cascade Locks on the way to or from the train ride.

Website: http://www.mthoodrr.com/Polar_Express/polar_mt_hood.html

Directions: From I-84, take the US-30 exit toward W Hood River/Westchill Dr. Turn right at US-30 E, then arrive at 110 Railroad St.

Sunriver Resort, Oregon

November 8, 2010 By

Toby kicks back and relaxes in the snow at Sunriver.Located thirty minutes from Bend, Oregon along Hwy 97, Sunriver, Oregon is an outdoors-lover’s paradise four seasons out of the year. The Pit Stops for Kids family has visited in winter, spring, and summer, and had so much to do and see each time that we definitely need to go back!

Sunriver is a vibrant resort community of vacation homes and a village center of shops and restaurants centered around a main lodge, all nestled among the pines of central Oregon and in the shadow of Mt. Bachelor. The lodge often runs special packages ideal for families and weekend getaways, but if you’re looking for a magical place to spend your winter holiday vacation, Pit Stops for Kids recommends one of Sunriver’s vacation home rentals, such as these listings currently offered by HomeAway.

We were fortunate enough to spend a Christmas week here, and the kids (and I!) have never forgot it. Right in the Sunriver community, you have it all: snow outside your door (most of the time, anyway!), a sledding hill within walking distance, a year-round pool and hot tub (at the lodge, free access with most home rentals), cross-country and snow-shoe trails (doubling as walking and biking trails in the summer months), a village center with outdoor ice skating rink, award-winning restaurants, and kids’ activity clubs.

Holiday lights at the Sunriver Resort.

During the holiday season, there are tree-lighting ceremonies, cookies with Santa, The Night Before Christmas readings, bonfires, and more. We ate a delicious and festive Christmas Eve dinner at one of the lodge’s several dining rooms before returning to our cozy rental to hang the stockings and leave out cookies and milk for Santa. Christmas Day, we spent most our afternoon sledding, sipping cocoa, and playing board games. It really couldn’t be beat!

If you’re a skier, Mt. Bachelor ski resort is only twenty miles away, (arguably) offering the very best downhill experience of the area. Check for bundled ski/stay rates with Sunriver!

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right on Hwy 97 (30 minutes from OR Hwy 20).

Date Last Visited: December 2009

Rentals and Room Rates: Vary. Check the above links for room rates from the source!

Dining options: There are many, but our favorites are The Grille at Crosswater (for fine dining) in the lodge and Goody’s in the Sunriver Village. There is also a grocery store in the village, but for better prices, you might want to head into Bend, where you’ll find a Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s, and the like.

Website: Sunriver Resort

Directions: To get to the resort from Bend, take highway 97 to the exit at Cottonwood Road. Take a left at S. Imnaha Rd, then another left at E Cascade Rd. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on E Cascade Rd, then turn left to stay on E Cascade Rd. At the next traffic circle (yes, it’s confusing!), take the 3rd exit onto Abbot Dr, then turn left at Summit View Dr to the resort entrance.

Out ‘N About Treesort

October 6, 2010 By

Hanging out in the trees in the Swiss Family tree house!

Last weekend, the Pit Stops for Kids crew had the opportunity to stay in one of the most unique locations we’ve ever experienced: a tree house high in the air! At Out ‘N About Treesort near Cave Junction, Oregon, guests have their pick of one of 15 tree houses, elevated yurts, cabins, and tree ‘gazebos’ in which to spend the night. Each one is different, offering different views, different features, and different amenities (or as they say there, ‘amenitrees’).

It only took us approximately ten minutes to reach the resort from Highway 199 (which runs between I-5 and the Oregon coast), or 40 minutes from I-5. When we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly resort staff and shown around the beautiful property of mountain meadows, sugar pine trees, pasture, and hillside. It didn’t take us long to realize that Out ‘N About is all about making guests feel at home: in addition to the main lobby with couches, games, TV, freshly brewed coffee, and wireless, a ‘Central Amenitrees’ cabin is situated adjacent to a communal fire pit housing a full kitchen for guest use, a spacious bathroom with shower for those guests without plumbing in their tree house, and numerous BBQs, dishes, wood, charcoal, and the like.

Exploring the rope bridges at Out ‘N About!

Further exploration of the resort yielded elevated tree platforms, rope bridges high in the air, a rope swing the kids couldn’t get enough of, stables, an expansive zip line course, and a swimming hole beautifully landscaped and fed by the nearby Illinois River. Put simply: this is kid paradise.

Of course, we were anxious to see our tree house. We stayed in the ‘Swiss Family’ complex, which comfortably slept the five of us in two distinct tree house cabins: the upper two-story adult unit has a double bed along with a child size single and rocking chair on the landing and large covered open deck below. ‘The kids’ unit, connected by a swinging bridge, has a bunk bed and a small table with chairs like the playhouse all kids want. We used the bathroom facilities in the ‘Central Amenitrees’ (only 75 feet away), but had electricity and heat.

The older two kids loved having their own ‘place’ connected by the bridge, and Toby was more than happy to curl up on the cozy bench bed in the main unit. And while this was a tree house in the truest sense of the word (we had to climb a ladder to enter our unit by a trap door), it was comfortable and all our needs were met: fresh towels and sheets awaited us, and we had plenty of warm blankets to accompany our heater. We even had a fridge and the kids had a fire pole to shimmy down to the ground! (See more photos of the tree houses and even virtual tours of the interiors!)

Bridge from the Swiss Family kid suite to the main complex and lower deck.

Date Last Visited: October 2, 2010

Distance from the Interstate: 40 minutes from I-5.

Room Rates: Tree house rates range from $120-$250 per night.

Dining Options: ‘Central Amenitrees’ is stocked with everything you need to cook or BBQ a meal (minus the food), and breakfast is served daily (included in the price of your tree house). We found the breakfast to be delicious (in fact, the kids went back for a ‘second breakfast’ about an hour later!). Completely homemade, during our stay we had our pick of quiches, egg dishes, french toast, muffins, fresh fruit, and cereal. If you want to dine elsewhere for lunch or dinner, nearby Cave Junction offers several choices. Our pick: Wild River Pizza on Hwy 199.

Calvin listens to final instructions before zipping across the meadow.

Activities: There’s plenty to do at Out ‘N About. In addition to simply letting your kids have the run of the place (kids under 8 need to be with an adult while exploring), families can sign up for a number of activities and classes on the grounds, all listed daily in the main lobby. During our visit, horseback rides were offered, in addition to a mosaics and felting class and the activity my kids were most looking forward to: the zip-line.

Out ‘N About has an extensive network of zip-lining courses on their property, designed to put a smile on the face of both novices and experts. We signed up for their ‘Basics Course’, which gave us five long zip-line experiences over the meadow and through the trees. The zip-lines soared over 70 feet over the ground in some places, and we had an absolute blast zipping from tree platform to tree platform high in the air.

The Out ‘N About zip line staff were professional, capable, and very friendly, putting the kids (and us) instantly at ease and making the afternoon all the more fun. We felt very safe in their hands as they suited us up in harnesses and taught us the basics on a practice line. Even Toby (only 35 pounds) was able to join the fun (and had a blast!). After completing the Basics Course, guests have the option of more zip-lining fun on their more advanced lines.)

Toby soars through the air!

Zip-lining starts at $45 per person, and you don’t have to be a guest to give it a try. If you are driving along Hwy 199 and have a few hours to spare, it’s well worth the pit stop! (Call ahead to reserve a spot!)

Other Attractions in the Area: There’s a lot to do in Southern Oregon, from swimming in the Illinois River in the summer to picking blackberries in the fall. We combined our stay at Out ‘N About with a day trip to Oregon Caves National Monument, located approximately 20 miles away on OR-46. Check out our review of Oregon Caves and consider making it a stop!

Website: http://www.treehouses.com/

Phone: 541-592-2208

Directions: Out ‘N About is located at 300 Page Creek Road, Cave Junction OR. From I-5, take Grants Pass exit 55. Take Hwy 199 28 mi. to Cave Junction. South of Cave Junction about 1/2 of a mile, take a left on Rockydale Road. Go 7.5 miles to the stop sign at Waldo Road and make a left. About a mile to next stop sign, make a right on Takilma Road. In 2.5 miles you will see Page Creek Road on the left; turn left and go about 1/4 mile. You will see mail boxes and 300 Page Creek Rd. Turn left on gravel road and take it to the end.

From the south on HWY 199, turn right just past the flashing light and old cop car at the O’Brien store onto O’Brien st. O’Brien street dead ends on Waldo Rd. Take a right onto Waldo Rd. Stay on Waldo for about 4 miles until you hit the stop sign at Takilma Rd. Make a right on Takilma Road, and in 2.5 miles you will see Page Creek Road on the left. Turn left and go about 1/4 mile; you will see mail boxes and 300 Page Creek Rd. Turn left on gravel road and take it to the end.

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Out ‘N About generously compensated us for the price of our rooms and my zip lining adventure. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Oregon Caves National Monument

October 4, 2010 By

Oregon Caves Chateau on a sunny October afternoon.

If you’re driving along Hwy 199 to or from the California or Oregon coast and I-5, a stop off the beaten path at Oregon Caves National Monument is well-worth a few hours of your time! A beautiful 20 mile drive from the highway (up OR-46), Oregon Caves offers cave tours of one of the few marble caves in the world, easy hiking trails, a gorgeous lodge with dining, and breathtaking scenery.

The cave is definitely the main attraction, but keep in mind that kids MUST be at least 42″ to take the tour. Our five-year-old was finally tall enough this fall, so we spent a beautiful Sunday here just last weekend. The tour is 90 minutes, and the cave temperature is approximately 45 degrees, so dress warmly even in summer! (Jackets are available to borrow in the Visitor’s Center, which we found to be a nice touch.) The tour, which winds its way almost a mile through the extensive cave system, was very interesting and kept all our kids’ attention despite its length. Our guide, Suzan, was very knowledgeable and great with the kids in our tour, and encouraged lots of questions. The kids loved climbing all the stairs, ducking in the narrow sections, and spotting bats! The tour is lighted, but at several points, they’re turned off to give visitors a feel of how dark it actually is in the cave. Our kids couldn’t get enough; even my youngest, who’s afraid of the dark!

Toby and Nate head into the interior of the cave!

Adjacent to the cave, the Oregon Caves Chateau is a National Park Landmark and a truly beautiful place to stay. We enjoyed looking around, checking out the gift shop, and taking in the view from the main lobby before returning to our tree house accommodations at Out ‘N About Treesort in nearby Cave Junction.

If caving isn’t for you, try one of the many moderate hikes in the area (trail heads start at the Visitor’s Center). And don’t forget: ask a ranger about their Junior Ranger program! Kids are rewarded with pins and an impromptu award ceremony upon completing their material! We can’t recommend this program enough: no matter what park you visit, your kids will come away from the experience with a better understanding of the area’s history and natural treasures after completing Junior Rangers!

Distance from the nearest interstate: On OR-46, approximately 20 miles for Hwy 199 and 50 miles from I-5.

Date Last Visited: October 2010

Hours: The monument is a seasonal attraction. Tours are offered spring, summer, and fall, from 9 am to as late as 6 pm.

Calvin and Toby earn their Junior Ranger badges in the Visitor’s Center.

Admission Prices: Admission to the monument is FREE. Cave tours are $8.50 for adults, $6.00 for children (under 17).

Dining options: The Oregon Caves Chateau offers both fine dining and a casual diner with fun atmosphere, which we recommend. Otherwise, several options can be found in Cave Junction (20 miles), including locally famous Wild River Pizza (on Hwy 199).

Website: http://www.nps.gov/pwr/orca/

Directions: From I-5, take exit 58 to merge onto NE 6th St/OR-99/Redwood Hwy. Continue to follow Redwood Hwy (3 miles), then turn right at US-199 to Cave Junction (28 miles). Turn left on OR-46 (a gas station is on the corner) and follow OR-46 for 20 miles to the monument.

Thompson Mills State Historical Site

September 27, 2010 By

Photo courtesy of Ken’s World

13655 Boston Mill Drive
Shedd, OR

This pit stop has been submitted by Ken of Ken’s World. Thank you, Ken, for supporting Pit Stops for Kids!

Thompson Mills State Historical Site, located near I-5 in Shedd, Oregon, offers a glimpse into the area’s early farming and irrigation days with an impressive number of interpretive displays and knowledgeable staff. Opened in 2007, visitors can try their hand at a miniature grinding wheel, hear the history of the mill, and learn how the mill used water from the nearby Calapooia River to grind grains.

Date last visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-5.

Hours: Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mill tours: Monday – Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hourly tours from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Website: Thompson Mills State Historical Site

Admission: Free

Directions: From I-5, take the Boston Mill Road exit near Shedd.

McNary Dam and Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center

September 23, 2010 By
Umatilla Marina, Umatilla Bridge, and McNary D...
Image via Wikipedia

Highway 730
Umatilla, Oregon

The following review was submitted by Becky of Becky’s Blabber, a great source of Eastern Oregon information! Thank you, Becky, for your contribution!

While driving through Eastern Oregon, The McNary Dam and the Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center, just off I-82, is a wonderful place which is not only free, but interesting, educational, and has lots of room for kids to run around! And it’s less than a mile off the interstate! A “must see” open year round, kids can walk interpretive trails, check out displays, and learn about the salmon recovery program. Read more about it here!

Date last visited: January 2010

Distance off the interstate: Just off I-82, right at ext 1 of Oregon (OR/WA) state line.

Admission: FREE.

Hours: Year round, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Website: http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors/siteInfo.asp?siteID=136&lakeID=100&address_id=224

Directions: One mile east of Umatilla on Hwy 730. From I-82, exit at Hwy 730 into Umatilla.

Sumpter Junction Restaurant

September 21, 2010 By

Photo courtesy of Ken’s World

2 Sunridge Lane
Baker City, OR

The following review was submitted by Ken of the blog Ken’s World. Thank you, Ken, for your contribution to Pit Stops for Kids!

Sumpter Junction Restaurant makes for a great pit stop along I-84 while driving through Eastern Oregon. What makes Sumpter Junction more than just a diner? The G-Scale train that passes through the restaurant every few minutes while you eat! Train buffs and curious kids (and adults) will love the attention to detail and fun atmosphere.

Date last visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-84.

Hours: Open for Breakfast at 6:00 am everyday! (Lunch & Dinner till 9 pm.)

Website: None.

Phone: 541-523-9437

Directions: From I-84, take exit 304 for OR-7 S toward Geiser Grand Hotel/Historic District/Baker City Center. Turn right at OR-7 S/Campbell St , then turn right at Sunridge Ln.

Nike Town Portland

September 16, 2010 By

930 Southwest 6th Avenue
Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions (in fact, I have so many to review, I’m behind!), but if you have a sports fan in your group, you’ll want to spend some time at Nike Town. The world headquarters of all things Nike, Portland outdoes itself with this two-story retail center in downtown (near Pioneer Square). Kids (and adults) love to see the newest shoe styles and apparel offered by Nike, displayed in their modern building with catwalks, glowing floors, and glass elevators. Various sports are represented in different rooms, and there’s a decent kids’ section upstairs.

Tip: If you’re not keen to pay the price for the top-of-the-line new products showcased at Nike Town, consider a stop at one of Nike’s outlets afterward for some serious (and more economical) shopping. We always find great deals at the Nike Outlet Store in Woodburn, OR (20 minutes south of Portland).

Date last visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Ten minutes off either the I-5 or I-405 into downtown Portland.

Hours: Summer: 10am-7pm Winter: 10am-6pm

Food Services: None on site, but many options are at your disposal in the surrounding blocks. For something simple, Subway, McDonald’s, and a few other quick service restaurants are directly across the street.

Website: None. Their phone number is: (503) 221-6453

Directions: From I-5 south, take the Hawthorne Bridge onto Main Street. Follow Main Street east to 6th. Curbside parking is available, as are several parking garages. If you’re riding the MAX, you want to get off on the Pioneer Square South station.
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