Oregon - Pitstops for Kids

A stay at Central Oregon’s Pronghorn Club

August 24, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

An unique and beautifully luxurious oasis in the heart of Central Oregon’s high desert, Pronghorn Club offers families the comfort and convenience of vacation homes, the fun of a family resort, and the excitement of a full-scale outdoor adventure outfit.

The primary draw of the Pronghorn Club is its signature Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and (private) Tom Fazio course. Charlie (the Pit Stops’ dad and an avid–and pretty darn good–golfer, could only say ‘wow’ following his tour; both courses were that beautiful, and that challenging. The resort offers world-class instruction; the kids and I took part in their PGA TOUR Academy program, where we spent an hour with head instructor Mike Palen, learning the basics of swing and follow through. The program includes one-on-one time with the instructor, time to hit balls on the academy range, and high tech video analysis, allowing us to see our swing (and compare it to Tiger Woods’) Not bad for the kids’ first golf experience!

If you’re not a golfer (or only part of your party wants to hit the links), there’s plenty more to do. The resort’s Trailhead building houses Camp Pronghorn, a wing dedicated to kids with games, arts and crafts, ping-pong and foos-ball tables, and a full media center with all the video game consoles a kid or tween could ask for. (Open to all overnight guests.) Down the hall is the concierge desk for Pronghorn Adventures, where a concierge is ready to book family day trips with local second-party excursion partners. We spent one afternoon rafting the thrilling Big Eddy on the Deschutes River with Sun Country Tours before returning to the Trailhead to visit the resort’s outdoor pools: one a zero-depth entry with waterslide, one free-form, and two hot tubs (one for adults only). We loved that a huge basket of pool toys beckoned, and that we could order lunch or dinner from the Trailhead Grill (located beside Camp Pronghorn) and be served our meal poolside.

Tip: Camp Pronghorn is much more than an on-site play area: the staff runs a full-day kids’ program (9:30 am-4 pm) program five days per week, three of which feature off-site excursions. Depending on the day, kids will experience the Paulina Plunge bike tour, whitewater rafting, cave spelunking, zip-lining, fishing, and more; a huge value. During our visit, we departed Pronghorn with club leader Beau Kelly, a Central Oregon native, professional educator, and expert on local attractions. We experienced a private zip line followed by a picnic lunch and area cave tour; the kids had so much fun, they fell asleep on the car ride back (transportation and lunch is included).

On-site, bike rentals are available (and complementary for the first two hours) outside the Trailhead, and in the Clubhouse (directly across the way), families will find the spacious decks, a snack bar, a full-service spa, and the Casada Restaurant, which offers both cozy indoor dining and stunning sunset views on the deck.

The accommodations at Pronghorn are five star (be sure to click on the slideshow for more interior photos). The resort is comprised of ‘Resident Club’ condo-style homes, villas, and estates; overnight guests enjoy the former. Our Resident Club home was immaculately decorated in warm earth tones, boasted two fireplaces AND and outdoor fire pit, a full luxury kitchen, dining area with table for six, a comfortable living area (great room) with home theater system, three bedrooms, three bathrooms (including a master bath with jacuzzi tub), a single-car garage, extra parking, a back deck and balcony overlooking the golf course, an outdoor BBQ, and an office media space (with WiFi throughout the house). (And I’m sure I’m forgetting something!) A Pronghorn Resident Club condo would be the perfect place for a family gathering; I’m already envisioning returning for Christmas!

Date last visited: August 14-16, 2011

Distance from the interstate: 15 minutes from Hwy 97.

Room rates: Call the reservation desk at 866-372-1003 for room and vacation home information. Because Pronghorn is an unique member-driven vacation community, resort stays for overnight guests are completely customizable. Their front desk personnel are highly trained to meet the needs of your individual family. Be sure to ask about seasonal packages, such as stay-and-ski and stay-and-golf, both of which are good values.

Dining options: The resort offers two full casual-style restaurants ideal for families: the Trailhead Grill and Casada in the Clubhouse, where entries are between $10-25 ($7-10 on the kids’ menu). A fine dining restaurant, Chanterelle, is open on a limited basis. We enjoyed both the former, and also brought along groceries to make use of our gorgeous kitchen! Many dining options also exist in nearby Bend, Oregon (15 minutes).

Camp Pronghorn rates: Daily rates for Camp Pronghorn excursions (9:30 am to 4 pm, supervised and off-site) are $75 per child, per day.

Directions: Pronghorn Club is located at 65600 Pronghorn Drive. From Bend, OR, take Hwy 97 to Hwy 20. Take Hwy. 20 East (Greenwood Avenue) approx. 5 miles -Turn Left on Powell Butte Hwy. Continue past the Bend Airport on your right, then turn left on Pronghorn Club Drive.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were guests of the Pronghorn Club during our three-day visit, and were provided with accommodations, food and beverages, golf, and family excursions at no charge. While we appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Bend’s High Desert Museum

August 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Located on Highway 97 just outside Bend, Oregon and minutes away from the all-seasons resort of Sunriver, the High Desert Museum makes for an ideal pit stop en route through Central Oregon or a great half-day activity while vacationing in this family vacation hot spot.

With indoor and outdoor exhibits, wildlife shows, and walking paths, families can easily spend most of a day here. (If you pack a lunch, there’s ample picnic space.) We love the river otter habitat (I could watch those playful animals swim for hours!), the living history features, and Raptors of the Desert Sky show. Indoors, historical exhibits take visitors through central Oregon history with covered wagon displays, descriptions of life on the Oregon Trail, Native American dwellings, and lessons in area volcanic activity. Basically, there’s something for everyone here, and the museum does a wonderful job illustrating the diversity of stories Central Oregon has to tell.

Note: If you’re visiting during the summer months, a stop at nearby Lava Beds National Monument is a must. Kids can see exactly how lava shapes the landscape, hike a cinder cone, and brave a cave. Closed during winter months!

Distance from the interstate: Right off Highway 97

Date last visited: January 2010

Admission costs: Summer: $15 for adults, $9 for children (under 4 free). Winter: $10 for adults, $6 for children (under 4 free).

Hours of operation: Summer: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily ( May 1 through October 31). Winter: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily (November 1 through April 30). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Food services: The Rimrock Cafe offers family fare in the form of sandwiches, soups, and wraps. It’s open 10 am to 4 pm in summer, and has plenty of seating. Families can also picnic outdoors.

Directions: The museum is located at 59800 Highway 97, 16 miles south of Bend.

Family travels in my own backyard: Crater Lake to the Rogue River

June 21, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

If gas or airline prices are keeping you closer to home this summer, you’re not alone. Soaring prices and family commitments necessitate staying in our home region of Southern Oregon this July, too, but we’re not letting it stop us from getting away from it all…sort of. We picked a weekend, circled it on the calendar, and created an outdoor family adventure itinerary that won’t take us more than 70 miles from home. Here’s what we’ll be doing:

Day 1: Medford, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park

We’ll drive Highway 62 from Medford to Crater Lake National Park, a two-hour drive through some of the most scenic country Oregon has to offer. The kids will want to stop at the Upper Rogue Trail in Prospect (45 minutes into the drive) for a quick hike to toss rocks in the water and play along the shore. Afterward, we’ll drive a few miles further down the road for an ice cream stop at Becky’s, next to the Union Creek Resort. (Psst: come back here in the winter for the challenging sledding hill, bonfires, and hot chocolate.)

After entering Crater Lake National Park, we’ll check into the Crater Lake Lodge, then read up on the ecology of the lake and its first residents at the interactive rim-side displays. Afterward, we’ll hike Watchman Peak, where kids can enter an unused fire tower for fabulous views. Dinner will be either at the lodge dining room (upscale) or the family-friendly cafeteria at nearby Mazama Village.

Day 2: Crater Lake to the Upper Rogue River

After waking up in one of the cozy, wood-paneled and flannel-blanketed rooms of the Crater Lake Lodge, we’ll eat a decadent breakfast in the dining room before descending from the rim back to Highway 62. Backtracking from the previous day, we’ll return past Union Creek to Lost Creek Lake, a many-fingered body of blue water featuring water sports, fishing, and lakeside hiking. At the marina, we’ll grab lunch then take a swim at the public swimming beach before continuing on to Shady Cove, Oregon, a tiny town fifteen minutes away hugged by the Rogue River.

Once there, we’ll check in with Raft the Rogue, a favorite regional outdoor outfitter. Rafting the Upper Rogue is a great first rafting experience for families, as the rapids are gentle and professional guides are unnecessary. The staff at Rafting the Rogue will pair us with a raft (one is enough for our family of five, but tahitis are also available), oars, life jackets, and an ice cooler if we need one, then will drive us the ten minutes back upriver to the put-in location. From there, we’ll float at a leisurely pace, stopping on the banks of the river for snacks, swimming, or resting at will.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Shady Cove boat launch, where Raft the Rogue staff will be waiting for us. Once back to our car, we’ll drive a few blocks to the end of town to Miguel’s, a local favorite Mexican restaurant with a back patio overlooking the river. We’ll order nachos, lemonades, and maybe something stronger while watching the sun set.

We’ll spend the night at the Edgewater Inn: cozy, homey, and with lawns stretching to the river banks. Day 3 will find us returning home to Medford, where we’ll be back in time to unpack and do the laundry before lunch (the only downside).

If you planned a weekend getaway in your hometown, where would you go? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Stanton Park, Douglas County Oregon

April 22, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This review of Stanton Park has been submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader, Anne.

A regional park that is good for an hour’s respite from the car, the Stanton Park in Douglas County, Oregon has a day use area with a nice playground and big grassy area. It’s located on the banks of the Umpqua River in Canyonville, and includes a campground with immaculate toilets/showers. We were feeling frazzled and stopped (we thought) to use the restrooms but were lured into a hour of play with our frisbee and balls and on the playground. for more info, see the link to Stanton Park.

Distance from the interstate: Right off I-5.

Date last visited: March 2011

Admission fee: No admission fee for day use.

Website: http://www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/campgrounds.asp

Directions: The park is located at 1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, Oregon. It’s easy to spot right off I-5 (visible to it, in fact). Take Exit 101. You have to do a little dipsy-doodle as you come off the interstate but it is well marked–you follow the signs to Stanton Park.

Douglas County Museum, Roseburg OR

April 8, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This review of Douglas County Museum has been submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader, Anne.

The Douglas County Museum in Roseburg, OR (123 Museum Drive) is a full-scale, quality museum in a small town. Its exhibits detail the Umpqua Valley history going back 12,000 years, and displays collections that appeal to adults and kids alike.

It’s located adjacent to the fairgrounds, just off I-5, and the price (free for kids!) can’t be beat. We love that it features a nice variety of historical and natural science exhibits, including some which are interactive. It makes for the perfect pit stop, as it won’t take families off the road for more than an hour (just enough time to stretch little legs and maybe have a snack). Anne’s kids (ages 5 and 7) loved playing “Little House on the Prairie” with the general store and Oregon Trail wagon exhibit and looking at the blacksmith and harvesting tools.

Extra tip: If you have time, check out the Junior Naturalists program for kids!

Distance from the interstate: Right off I-5

Date last visited: February 2011

Admission costs: Adults: $5, children under 17: FREE

Hours of operation: 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays in winter)

Website; http://www.co.douglas.or.us/museum/

Directions: Take I-5 from either direction you are traveling to Exit #123. This exit is for both the Douglas County Fairgrounds and the Douglas County Museum. Once off the exit, follow the brown information signs directing you to the museum facility.

Running Y Ranch Resort

March 17, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Located outside the town of Klamath Falls, Oregon just north of the California border, the Running Y Ranch is many things in one beautiful, pine-forested package: luxury retreat, golf resort, Western-style ranch, family getaway, and romantic hideaway. It’s out-of-the-way location on the shores of Upper Klamath Lake lends itself to a feeling of relaxation and restfulness that met us at the door and stayed with us for our entire stay.

Primarily touted as a golf destination due to its award-winning Arnold Palmer-designed course, the Running Y is only slowly building its reputation as a family resort, which means you won’t find crowds of children here, noisy halls, or lots of frazzled parents. In fact, depending upon the time of your stay, yours may be some of the only kids you see. (You can decide for yourself whether that’s a good thing or bad thing.)

What to do: We enjoyed Running Y Ranch as a couple (highly recommended!), but there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities and amenities. During the winter months, plan to spend time in the resort’s huge covered ice arena (in fact, consider booking an ice skating package), or bring or rent snowshoes or cross-country skis to enjoy on any of the resorts lakeside trails. In summer, horseback rides and golf beckon, or why not allow one of the resort’s preferred ‘adventure specialists’ set up an exciting day for you and your family fishing, four-wheeling, canoeing, kayaking, or rafting? The best part is that all these activities are nearby, so you never feel as though you’ve truly ‘left’ the serenity of the resort.

Any time of year, visitors can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, where a family-friendly indoor pool is open for the kids. Tag-team with your spouse: one can enjoy a spa treatment while the other splashes in the pool! I found the spa’s pedicure procedure to be professional, friendly, and fairly priced.

Where to stay: The Running Y offers both home rentals and lodge rooms. We opted for a lodge room, as we were only visiting for two nights, but if you’re planning a week-long stay with children, the comforts of a home may be for you. The houses are nestled within the ranch property so as to blend in with the landscape of both the trees, hills, and golf course; I never felt I was in a subdivision (a feeling I’ve had in other large complexes). Of course, the lodge is at the heart of the ranch, and beautifully appointed. We loved the cozy lobby, the short walk to the fitness center and pool, and the general atmosphere of warmth. Current lodge room rates.

Where to eat: The only area in which I believe Running Y falls short is dining. There just aren’t enough options. For families staying in a home with kitchens at their disposal, that might be alright (there is a small grocery store on-site), it’s hard for families staying in lodge rooms. After the time of our stay, they did open a new casual dining restaurant, Wyatt’s American Eatery. Our advice: pack your own food (lodge rooms do have refrigerators), or plan to drive into town. The lodge did offer a nice buffet breakfast, which we enjoyed.

Directions: The Running Y is located on Highway 140, right off of Highway 97. It’s 1 1/2 hours from I-5 (and 5 hours from Reno, Tahoe, or Sacramento).

Pit Stops for Kids was in no way compensated for this review. Our entire ranch stay was at our expense.

Thimbleberry Cabin: winter escape in Southern Oregon Cascades

March 10, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

For a year-round mountain getaway in the Northwest, families can’t beat the Southern Oregon Cascades. Easy to access from I-5 (to Highway 140), this region south of Crater Lake National Park and west of Klamath Falls is rich with national forest land, lakes, and recreation. We love the area’s ‘off-the-beaten-path’ feel (and the fact that it’s only a few short hours from several Oregon cities)! Situated in the midst of this wilderness is Thimbleberry Cabin.

Pit Stops for Kids reader Cristie Fairbanks of Southern Oregon recommends Thimbleberry, located seven miles from beautiful Lake of the Woods on Highway 140, for its family-friendly location and features. A HomeAway rental property set apart from any other resort or facility, Thimbleberry sleeps five comfortably with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. “With a short walk from the house, you can backcountry ski or snowshoe in any direction through national forest and BLM lands, and the cabin is only one mile from Pacific Crest Trail access. The cabin rental also comes with a variety of snowshoes and sleds (as well as other seasonal equipment) that you can use right on the one acre property or take with you on an adventure.”

What to do: In winter, you won’t need to stray far from the cabin. Sled or enjoy snow play right outside your door, or connect with the Pacific Crest Trail for a longer trek. Visit Summit Snow Park for snowmobile or cross-country fun, and Fish Lake (adjacent to Lake of the Woods, Highway 140) offers even more snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Extra Tip: In summer, swim, fish, and boat on Lake of the Woods or Fish Lake, or explore the Sky Lakes Wilderness, (access to trail head on Highway 140 across from Fish Lake), our family’s favorite place for a day hike or backpacking overnight.

Day trips in the area: Within easy driving distance is Crater Lake National Park (check road conditions and closings in winter) and Shakespearean Ashland, Oregon.

Where to eat: If staying in a rental cabin such as Thimbleberry, be prepared to bring all of the food you will need. The closest store and restaurant is located at Lake of the Woods Resort and is not always open. With a kitchen and BBQ at Thimbleberry, however, you won’t want to bother with eating out!

How to get there: From I-5 in Medford, Oregon, follow signs to Highway 140. Follow 140 east toward Klamath Falls.

Ashland on Dwellable

Best Ski Towns: Bend, Oregon

February 25, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Up next in Pit Stops for Kids’ series on best ski towns for families is Bend, Oregon. Not only is this central Oregon high desert town ideally situated at the base of Mt. Bachelor and the Sisters peaks, it offers much more than downhill skiing: families will find plenty to do biking, river rafting, and fishing in the summer months and skating, sledding, and spotting wildlife in the winter.

Where to ski: Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is the only show in town, not that you’ll hear anyone complaining. We love Mt. Bachelor for their challenging terrain, great crowd and chairlift line control, and affordable pricing. For extended visits, take advantage of their flexible multi-day passes and kids ski or ride for free!

Where to stay: Just twenty minutes from the slopes is the resort community of Sunriver. We always opt to stay in one of its many vacation rentals, but the centerpiece of the village is without doubt the beautiful and sprawling Sunriver Lodge, where you’ll find indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a full spa and fitness center (vacation rental guests also have access to these facilities). Also within the Sunriver community are walking and biking trails, playgrounds for kids, full childcare program centers, and a central village with ice skating, shops, restaurants, and outdoor gear rental.

Where to eat: If staying in Bend, stop for breakfast before skiing at Pilot Butte Drive In (917 NE Greenwood), voted locally as ‘best breakfast in Bend’. If you’re staying in Sunriver, drive through Bend to their Trader Joe’s location for groceries you can prepare yourself in your rental’s kitchen!

What to do when not skiing: Whether you have little ones who aren’t ready to hit the slopes, or just find yourself with a stormy day, we recommend the High Desert Museum (59800 Hwy 97) outside of Bend. Inside, you’ll find wonderfully done exhibits on Oregon history and culture as well as natural history lessons in the form of replicas, tours, talks, and live animal shows and habitats. Outside, visit the river otter habitat or beaver dams, and see live eagles and hawks take flight. In summer, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument (1645 Hwy 20) boasts a caldera to climb, a great challenge for families!

How to get here: Bend is located on Highway 97, approximately 2.5 hours from I-5. To find the Sunriver Resort, take highway 97 from Bend to the exit at Cottonwood Road.

Read more Best Ski Town picks!

Timberline Lodge and ski resort

February 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for a Pacific Northwest ski resort experience that will really impress while remaining kid and family-friendly, you’ll want to book an overnight ski package at Timberline Lodge, a ski-in and ski-out resort nestled on the slopes of Timberline in Oregon’s Mt. Hood area.

We love Timberline Lodge’s historic beauty, cozy rooms, and majestic views, but the best thing is, guests don’t have to sacrifice any of these features for family-friendly prices. Kids under age 11 eat free in the dining room (off the children’s menu), ski and stay packages are always on offer, and rooms are reasonably priced (kids stay free in the same room as parents, or add an extra room for the kids with two twin beds for only $105 a night!).

During ski season, families love the convenience of the lodge’s ski-in and out location, the cavernous ski locker and storage area on the main lobby level, and the wonderful (and filling) ski morning breakfasts in the main dining room. Visitors in the off-season can fill their days hiking, biking, and wildflower spotting on the high mountain peaks. And all year round, Timberline’s heated outdoor pool and hot tub ease the muscle aches of a busy day. Kids love swimming under the stars at night, and adults will appreciate the free coffee, comfortable couches, and games and reading material on-hand in the beautiful lobby.

Image via Wikipedia

The ski resort itself is perfect for beginners and families representing multiple ski and riding levels. The ride up the top chair offers plenty of challenging terrain, but much of the lower mountain sports wide, groomed trails and expanses. We love that the Wy’East ski lodge is just across the parking lot from the Timberline Lodge for quick snacks, ski rental equipment, and other ski resort fare.

Distance from the interstate: Timberline is located just over an hour from Portland, OR just off Hwy 26 past Government Camp.

Room rates: $155 for a queen room and $105 for a double twin room at time of this publication. Consider coming midweek, when your room will include ski tickets, complimentary breakfast, and a $20 dining room credit!

Dining: For a single lodge, there are a surprising number of dining options for families. The Cascade Dining Room can’t be beat for breakfast, and if you’re looking for an upscale evening meal in a no-fuss or frills atmosphere where kids are welcome (and eat free!), this is the place for dinner, too. If you’re looking for something more casual after a day of skiing or hiking, the Ram’s Head Bar, located on the second-floor landing, has great pub-type food and drinks.

Directions: From Salem, OR: Follow I-5 North to I-205, then take I-205 North to the Mt. Hood exit; turn right. Follow signs to Mt Hood/Government Camp,then follow Hwy 26 to the Timberline access road, just past Government Camp. Turn left on Timberline access road; follow the road to Timberline (6 miles).

From Portland: Take the 205 South to I-84 East (The Dalles exit), then I-84 East to exit 16 “Wood Village”. Go right at stop sign on to 238th, then follow 238th (which becomes 242nd) to Burnside (approx. 3 mi.) Take a left on Burnside, which turns into Hwy 26 East. Follow Hwy 26 East to the Timberline Road turn-off (about 40 mi.); pass through the towns of Sandy, Welches, and Rhododendron. Turn left on the Timberline access road; follow the road to Timberline (6 mi.)