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.

Junior Rangers: One of the Best Kept Secrets of National Parks!

August 14, 2010 By

Nate and Calvin get sworn in as new rangers at Death Valley National Park.

In honor of this weekend’s free admission to National Parks, Pit Stops for Kids would like to remind readers about one of the best programs the National Park system offers: Junior Rangers! It’s easy to sign up, it’s (usually) free, and it’s an excellent way to learn about aspects of the park you might otherwise miss.

Signing up is simple: you can find Junior Ranger booklets at nearly any park’s visitor center. Depending on the child’s age, they’re required to complete a certain number of pages in the booklet, then turn it in to a ranger. The tasks range from simple mazes and puzzles relating to the park to more difficult trivia questions (which your grade schooler may have to research to find the answers to). Most parks require that kids attend at least one ranger-led activity, campfire program, or guided tour while visiting in order to earn their ranger badge, but if you don’t have time or ability to get to one of these, a simple chat with any ranger is usually sufficient. Some parks even offer specially-designed Junior Ranger hikes and games, which your kids can attend (with an adult).

Our favorite Junior Ranger programs:

Zion National Park (where there was an extensive list of kid-oriented programs and times).

Mesa Verde National Park (where kids had to search through the Mesa Top museum scavenger-hunt style to find answers to questions).

The most extensive Junior Ranger program:

Yellowstone National Park, where earning that badge involves serious time and investment for older kids!

The friendliest Junior Ranger program:

Great Basin National Park, where the rangers presented the badges in full ceremony!

Be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity next time you’re visiting a national park! It adds much to the experience (and adults learn a lot more than they otherwise would as well). And if you’re taking advantage of this weekend’s free admission (August 14-15), enjoy!

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 18): Zion National Park’s The Narrows

July 14, 2010 By

Nate navigates the ‘Narrows’!

On Day 18, we woke up in Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens with a full day of exploring in Zion National Park ahead of us. Our primary destination was Zion’s ‘Narrows’, a hike up the Virgin River deep into the canyon. (Zion has many great hikes for families.)

We walked the few yards from Cliffrose to the park entrance and visitor’s center, where we paid our $25 park entrance fee (good for seven days) and picked up maps, junior ranger booklets, etc. We then took Zion’s mandatory shuttle (we wish all national parks would adapt this policy!) to its last stop, The Temple of Sinawava.

From there, we hiked the short Riverside Walk (paved and fairly even terrain) to the start of the ‘Narrows’. At this location, the trail simply ends and you continue up the canyon by wading through the river. It’s slow going, but tons of fun. The kids loved this style of ‘hiking’ because they had to pick and choose their own route up the river, and every step was an adventure. You can continue as far as you’d like (up to a boundary at the 2 hour mark; if you wish to continue further, you need to register for an overnight permit). Nate, Calvin, and I hiked about 30 minutes up the river, and in many places the water went up past our waist! The current was not fast, but it was present in many places.

Calvin about 1/2 mile into the ‘Narrows’.

Riverwalk Trail which leads to the entrance to the ‘Narrows’. (Suitable for all ages.)

Toby (age 5) only ventured about 10 minutes up the river before finding a nice place to stop and play in the banks with grandma and grandpa. What went to our waists went over his head, and he would be essentially swimming if he went further! Needless to say, visitors need to be very careful with young children, especially if they aren’t strong swimmers.

The water wasn’t warm by any means, but given the high temperatures in Zion, we quickly got used to it and enjoyed it. In many places, the canyon walls ‘narrow’, which doesn’t allow for any bank of the river, during which times you’re completely confined to the water. The national park closes the ‘Narrows’ when there’s threat of flash floods (storm clouds or rain), so be prepared for closures, especially in August.

Toby talks about his experience on the Pit Stops for Kids Cam:

Note: You can rent river hiking gear in Springdale (water shoes meant for hiking the Narrows and walking sticks). We opted to use decent hiking shoes (just resign yourself to getting them wet!) and extra socks in our pack. Sandals with good traction (think Keen or Teva) would work, too. If we had planned to hike any further than about 1 hour into the Narrows, we would have rented specialized equipment.

Extra Tip: If you’re visiting when the river is high (spring through July), go ahead and wear swimsuits/wading clothes. We were in shorts and t-shirts, and while we certainly didn’t get cold, it would have been simpler to be in swimsuits!

Date last visited: July 2010.

Distance off the interstate: About 30 minutes from I-15 off Hwy 9.

Bathrooms: Pit toilets are located at the shuttle stop before you start the hike.

Food Services: None. Pack food in or plan to stop for lunch at the Zion Lodge, located within the park (on a shuttle stop).

Directions: From the park entrance, take the shuttle to the last stop (The Temple of Sinawava) and take the Riverwalk trail.

Up Next: More hiking opportunities in Zion, including one not suitable for young kids!

 

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 14): Grand Teton Horseback Ride

July 10, 2010 By

Setting off on our 1 hour trail ride through the Tetons.

On Day 14, we treated Nate and Calvin to a horseback ride through the Tetons (something they’d been wanting to try since Glacier National Park). Luckily, Colter Bay Village has stables on-site, making it easy!

We made reservations at the Activities Center near the Colter Bay Village store (be sure to sign up ASAP: we signed up the night we arrived and got the last three slots for the entire weekend). For our 9 am ride, we were told to be at the stable at 8:45. Our ‘wranglers’ were very friendly and experienced horsemen and women, and took us through the ropes. We were each told which horse we’d be riding (they decide based on temperment, experience of the rider, age, etc) and mounted one by one.

It took about 20 minutes to get everyone on their horse and lined up, then we set off down a narrow trail for our 1 hour ride. The horses were well trained, and everyone (even my kids…first time riders) easily managed their horse. We followed our wrangler single-file (another wrangler made up the rear) and they told us information about the surrounding area and the horses as we rode.

The wranglers made sure to keep family groups together.

The ride took us past a great view of the Tetons, a small pond where you can often spot moose (we didn’t) and the side of Jackson Lake (where we saw Toby canoeing with Grandma). The kids enjoyed the experience of controlling their own stead, and had fun bonding with their horses (named Quarter and Chuck Norris…mine was Claire).

The one hour ride was just about enough for us. Much longer, and we’d get sore and the kids might have gotten bored. The scenery was beautiful, and being horseback afforded a different view (not to mention new trails). We’d definitely do it again!

Note: Kids have to be eight years old to ride. Younger kids can ride a pony in the stable area (with an adult present). Backpacks are not permitted, and you’ll want to move things from back pockets (or the saddle will do it for you en route).

Extra Tip: Bring water. We made the mistake of thinking we’d have no place to put it, but the wranglers issue saddle bags and/or water bottle holders for those who ask for them. The trail meanders through some exposed sections of valley, and the morning was warmer than we anticipated!

Date last visited: July 2010.

Distance off the interstate: About 30 minutes from Hwy 89.

Bathrooms: Pit toilets located at the stables. Be sure to go before trail riding!

Costs: One hour rides cost $35 per person. (Canoe rentals, which Toby did instead with his grandparents, are $18/hour.)

Food Services: None. Two restaurants (one cafeteria-style) are located nearby in Colter Bay Village.

Directions: The stables are just past the tent village at Colter Bay Village Resort. From anywhere in the park, take Teton Park Road to Colter Bay, and follow the signs.

Up Next: We drive from Grand Teton National Park to Utah and enjoy a stay at Westgate Park City.

The Grand Canyon’s Maswik Lodge

August 19, 2009 By
Wooded quad unit at The Maswik Lodge

Wooded quad unit at The Maswik Lodge

 

 

 

The Grand Canyon offers a host of accommodations, but we found the cabins at The Maswik Lodge to offer that perfect balance of convenience, location, and affordability. Located in the heart of the Grand Canyon Village, we were only one-fourth of a mile from the South Rim and shuttle stop. Just to the right was The Bright Angel Lodge (and the start of the Bright Angel Trail), numerous gift shops and lookouts over the rim, and the impressive El Tovar hotel.

The lodge itself is comprised of several sections, including traditional motel-style units in two block buildings, a main lobby, registration, and dining area, unattached cabin units, and quad-style units. The latter two were located just adjacent to the registration building across from the parking. It was wooded and pleasant. Our quad unit had only two downfalls: noise heard through the shared walls, and a lack of air conditioning (a legitimate addition to the ‘con’ list, as we were visiting in July). The price, however, was right at a rate of $90 a night.

We had two double beds, a nice bathroom with shower stall, TV, phone, and ceiling fan. Wireless internet service was available in the lobby and dining building, as well as at an internet kiosk (pay as you go).

We had the chance to try out the Maswik’s cafeteria for both dinner and breakfast. With four separate food stations and many other ala carte items, it was a nice change from table service with kids in tow. Entrees ranged from about $4-8. Finer dining was within walking distance at either The Bright Angel’s Arizona Room or El Tovar. (The Bright Angel also houses a nice ice cream parlor accessible from the Rim Trail.)

Date last visited: July 2009

Distance off the interstate: Whoa boy. The Grand Canyon Village within the national park (South Rim) is located only 60 miles North of I-40, but allow extra time for traffic through the park, especially during the summer months.

Hours and Admission Prices: Remember that there is a separate entry fee for the national park, regardless of where you’re staying. It’s currently $25 per car.

Website: www.grandcanyonlodges.com For reservations, call: 888-297-2757.

Directions: From Flagstaff:

Take Interstate 40 West to Williams.
At the Arizona Highway 64 junction turn North.
Proceed to the South entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
Driving time is approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes; 89 miles.

Driving from Las Vegas, Nevada
Go south on US Highway 93 (over the Hoover Dam) to Kingman, Arizona.
Go East on Interstate 40 to Williams.
At the Arizona Highway 64 junction, turn left (north) and proceed to the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
National Park Service entrance fees apply.
Driving time is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes; 273 miles.