outdoor adventure - Pitstops for Kids

Five day guided rafting trips Rogue River review with O.A.R.S.

July 17, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

If deciding whether multi-day guided rafting trips are right for you, you’ve no doubt read all the information available on numerous river rafting websites, scanned itineraries, and compared reviews. But which to pick? Nothing beats a day by day report from ‘the field’: we spent five days in July on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River with O.A.R.S. 5 day Rogue River trip. Read on for our full experience, plus river rafting tips.

Day 1:

Day 1 actually starts the evening before departure, with a meeting at departure point Morrison Rogue River Lodge. We met our lead guide Laurie at this point, who handed out dry sacks in which we were to pack our personal belongings and sleep kits. (Families can bring their own sleeping bags and pads, or rent from OARS.) Laurie answered any last-minute questions, and let us know our departure time for the river the following day (8:30 am). This was also the point at which we met our fellow rafting partners. On our July trip, we had a total of 11 clients in the group: a family of four (kids aged 7 and 10), family of three (kid aged 10), family of two (myself and son Calvin, aged 12), and couple of two.

We departed from Almeda Bar the next morning (a very short van ride from Morrison’s), and met our additional three guides, Alyssa, Noah, and Jenae. After a safety talk from guide Alyssa and an introduction to our modes of transportation on the river: oar (gear) boats and inflatable single and double kayaks (or duckies), we floated through mild riffles and flat water, a good warm-up for our first challenge: Rainie Falls. Rainie is a Class V rapid, but there is an optional Class IV route, which we took. Rafters 12 and up had the option of ‘duckying’ through; the rest of us rode as passengers on the sturdy gear boats. Calvin opted to ducky: it’s worth noting that lead guide Laurie had, in only a few hours time, already been able to access his ability level as competent for this challenge.

We stopped for our first lunch shortly after Rainie Falls, where we were introduced to food procedures. OARS always has a hand-washing station set up by the food table, as well as ice-cold water and a ‘juice of the day’. Rafters use assigned OARS mugs throughout the trip. Lunch blew us all away: delicious cold cuts and pulled pork sandwiches, along with appetizers of crackers and cheese and fresh fruit. There’s always a cookie option for dessert!

We rafted another few hours, stopping periodically where our guides knew of good ‘jumping rocks’ and swimming holes, then made camp at a sandy beach overlooking the water. We were introduced to the ‘groover’, the portable toilet system (if you’re used to camping, this will be no big deal), and our first of many delicious dinners (baked salmon with cobbler for dessert). Wine, beer, and soda are available at dinner.

Day 2:

By Day 2, we felt we had gotten our feet wet (pun intended) and more people were eager to try the duckies. We had mild water in the morning, making for a perfect opportunity for the younger kids to kayak. Our guides stopped for lunch near a short hike to a historic cabin (Whisky Cabin) and excellent swimming hole in a nearby creek. We spotted rattlesnakes on Day 2, as well as bald eagles and osprey. We camped on Day 2 on a gravel bar on the shore, perfect for the fishermen in our group. The rest of us swam, played games with the guides, and played cards.

Day 3:

During our evening pow-wow the night before (during which the guides let us know the plan for the following day), we learned that we’d have a short river day on Day 3, allowing us to reach our desired campsite before others (its beauty and location make it popular). While I was initially disappointed to be stopping before lunch, I quickly realized that a day off the water still meant a day of fun. Our camp was between the river, a sandy beach, and a creek, with the historic Rogue River Ranch (with museum) above us. We explored the ranch, played games, swam, and creek hiked all afternoon, with no worry about ‘what’s for dinner’, food prep, or clean-up. Our energetic guides had everything under control. I loved having time for journal writing and novel reading while the guides led field games at the ranch.

Day 4:

By Day 4, our small group had really gelled, and the kids very much enjoyed each other’s company. We had a big day on the river: exciting Blossom Bar rapids and scenic yet challenging Mule Creek Canyon. Our morning started with a swim test (after a breakfast of eggs benedict), necessary for anyone wanting to ducky through the canyon. Calvin and one adult tried and passed. (The swim test involves purposely tipping over your kayak, swimming, flipping it back over in the water, and getting back in.)

We scouted Blossom Bar before rolling up the duckies and taking the gear rafts through, then re-inflated them for Mule Creek Canyon. Our ‘ducky-ers’ did great, despite our guide losing an oar boat oar to the jagged rocks. We emerged from Mule Creek Canyon at Paradise Lodge, a unique lodge accessible only by river, and enjoyed ice creams on the sunny deck overlooking the water. We camped nearby, celebrating the 4th of July with yet another gourmet dinner and dessert. The guides surprised us with a corn-on-the-cob eating contest and birthday cake for Calvin and another rafter. Their culinary skills were truly amazing.

Day 5:

Our last day took us through more beautiful scenery and our best ‘rock jump’ yet: up Tate Creek to a swimming hole with a rope climb to a natural water slide. We pulled off the river once more for yet another jump into the Rogue, photos by yet another waterfall, and yet another excellent lunch (tuna salad sandwiches and lox). Departing the river at Foster Bar, none of us were quite ready to be done.

River rafting tips:

1. Ask about your fellow rafters before booking. We had a great group of people, but don’t just hope to get lucky: inquire about the demographic of your group before committing. Definitely aim for a trip with other kids attending if you’re bringing your own. Kids will have fun even if they are the only ones underage, but a big part of the enjoyment for us was the fellow rafters.

2. Leave modesty at home. If you’re not squeamish about the ‘groover’, you’ll have a better time. The unit is always set up somewhere private, but it’s still in the outdoors (no walls or doors to lock). Toilet situation aside, you’ll be spending multiple days camping with strangers; after Day 1, we were quite comfortable with one another.

3. Follow the packing list. The OARS packing list is very thorough, and we found it very useful. Even if you don’t think you’ll need rain gear or a jacket, bring what’s on the list. It’s also helpful to have comfortable shoes for in camp at night. Opt to use one of OARS sleeping pads instead of a Therma-Rest style: they are three-times as thick and comfortable!

4. Bring camp toys. Even following the packing list to a ‘T’, you’ll have room for a few toys. Bring a Nerf ball or deck of cards, or even lawn games. If you think you’d like to fish, bring your equipment (room will be made on the boats) and a license.

5. Definitely have a good hat and two pairs of sunglasses each. We lost two pairs on the water, and we were thankful for our hats from day 1.

6. Don’t bring food. You won’t need any. Really.

7. Bring a tip. I put mine (cash) in an envelope inside a small dry back (available at sports stores). The lead guide does not return home with you on the van after the trip, and it’s best to give it directly to him or her to distribute. These guides earn their tips (and more) and it will be safe on the trip.

Disclaimer: We experienced OARS as guests of the tour operation, for the purpose of review.

Appalachian Trail eco-lodge: AMC’s Highland Center Lodge with kids

February 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to get your family into the great outdoors? The Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch, New Hampshire is the perfect place to start—this family-friendly eco-lodge is a big step up from camping, but a welcome step away from hotels packed with amenities that you’ll never use (think day spas and formal dinners). The Appalachian Mountain Club is known for its network of hike or ski-in huts, but these can be too rustic or inaccessible when you’re traveling with very young kids. The Highland Center Lodge is a great base camp for exploring all the hiking and skiing in the White Mountains, while enjoying the amenities that are so crucial to families: a hot shower, comfortable beds, and simple but delicious food served in a family-friendly style.

Situated on the Appalachian Trail, a primary goal of the AMC is to promote a love and understanding of the outdoors. At the Highland Center, they believe that getting kids outside and educating them about the environment is an important first step to raising a generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. I couldn’t agree more. Crawford Notch was chosen as the site for the Highland Center because it’s at the gateway to the White Mountains and offers plenty of breathtaking scenery (it’s a leaf peepers’ paradise, I’m told!), but the terrain surrounding the lodge is mild enough that most hikes are easy or moderate, making it very accessible to young kids.

Need to be back in time for nap? No problem. Many hikes around the lodge are short enough to be done in a morning or afternoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, there are plenty of more challenging hikes at your doorstep. There are also many activities organized for kids and adults at the Highland Center. We enjoyed a cross country ski tour at nearby Bretton Woods, a tutorial on snow shelter building (a favorite of our 4 year old!), and a guided tour on a relatively easy hike to nearby Gibbs Falls. Without a doubt, no one is bored at the Highland Center!

The Highland Center caters primarily to young families and empty nesters looking for moderate hikes, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere. No need to dress for dinner—just ditch your boots and come as you are! The rooms are set up for families too—there are a few configurations to choose from, but most include a double bed and some bunk beds for the kids. Downstairs you’ll find a game room for kids and the L.L. Bean room, which offers free gear for guests. For me, this was one of the most thoughtful aspects of the lodge, and is a testament to the mission statement of the AMC. At the Highland Center, there’s no need to break the bank buying outdoor gear that your family will only use once: clothes, outerwear, boots, packs, sleeping bags, snowshoes and more are all available free of charge for guests to check out during their stay. You know the saying: in New Hampshire there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!

The Highland Center Lodge is a vacation your family can feel good about. By visiting the Highland Center, you’re not only giving your family a great vacation and an opportunity to learn more about the outdoors. You’re also supporting an organization that promotes conservation, education, and fosters a love of the outdoors in young people all over the northeast.

Date last visited:

January 11, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

The Highland Center Lodge is about 20 miles off I-93 at exit 35 between Lincoln and Franconia, NH.

Seasonal information and lodge availability:

The Highland Center is open year round, and offers something for every season. There is hiking, swimming, and kayaking during the summer; leaf peeping in the fall; snowshoeing and skiing (cross country and downhill at nearby Bretton Woods) in the winter; and, umm…probably a lot of mud in the spring.

Room rates:

Prices start at $82/night, per adult and go up to about $142/night, per adult, depending on whether or not you’re an AMC member, and the setup of your room (private vs. shared bath, for example). However, breakfast and dinner are included in all rates. Also, the Highland Center offers discount tickets for cross country and downhill skiing at Bretton Woods. These can be included in a package with accommodations.

Dining:

Breakfast and dinner are included with all lodging, and lunch is offered on site for a modest price. Vegetarian and kids’ options are available. The food is hearty, simple, and delicious—just what you’ll want after a day on the trails.

Directions:

Directions and driving times from nearby cities are listed on the website, and are also available on YahooMaps and GoogleMaps.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced the Highland Center Lodge as guests of the AMC, for the purpose of review. As always, this offer came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at Brasada Ranch: a Central Oregon family golf resort

September 6, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If your image of Oregon consists of only evergreens and rainy days, it’s time to visit Central Oregon’s high desert. One of our favorite regions for Oregon family vacations, Central Oregon offers beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, golf, and every snow sport you can think up. It’s also home to a number of family resorts, including Bend Oregon’s Brasada Ranch, a Preferred hotel and spa.

Brasada Ranch is a year-round destination resort on 1,800 scenic acres, much of it wilderness. We visited in late summer, in time to experience the first crisp mornings and cool evenings. Our days were packed with activities, but families could just as easily do nothing but lounge on their sun-kissed deck, swim, and dine in one of Brasada’s two family-friendly restaurants.

It’s hard to describe the beauty of Brasada until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. The lodge and recreation buildings fold gracefully into their natural surroundings; everywhere you look, you’re greeted with restful earth tones and understated architecture that showcase the surrounding buttes and peaks and never-ending sky. Lodge rooms are available, but families will want to book one of Brasada’s Sage Canyon Cabins tucked along the Brasada Canyons golf greens and between sage-covered hills. Our cabin was a two bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom unit, and included a full gourmet kitchen, living room, dining space, and deck with hot tub. We had more than enough room to spread out (and larger cabins are available for bigger family groups). We were able to make our own meals, sit around our fireplace at night, and come and go as we pleased (covered parking makes winter visits easy, too).

Recreation at Brasada Ranch:

Brasada Ranch has, hands down, the best included recreation options of any Central Oregon resort we’ve reviewed. Their Athletic Center includes exercise equipment and classes, but also three pools (with additional wading pools and hot tubs), an excellent kids’ space called The Hideout with ping-pong, XBox Kinnect, Wii games, a rotating climbing wall, air hockey, and a toddler space, plus an outdoor playground, basketball court, beach volleyball court, and tennis courts. (Balls and rackets are available at the Athletic Center front desk for at charge.) Families could spend all day here and never encounter extra fees (unless you charge drinks or lunch to your account from the on-site grill).

In addition to the above pool, Brasada’s second pool is calmer (yet still kid-friendly). Also on-site at the Athletic Center is a full indoor pool (with bay windows that rise to keep the heat down in summer) and wading pool with water squirters and splash area. A plunge waterfall cools kids down, and a full waterslide is great for younger kids.

Additional resort activities:

If you can tear your kids away from the Athletic Center, families have many other options during a Brasada Ranch stay. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible right from the resort, and Brasada’s two ponds are stocked with fish. During our visit, we took a horseback trail ride with Wrangler Chris at the Brasada Equestrian Center. Our kids had trail ridden before, so they knew what they were talking about when they declared their high desert ride their ‘favorite part of our Brasada vacation’. What made it special? The attention to each rider (groups are kept small), the beautiful scenery, and the fact that they were allowed to trot their horses along the trail.

Off ranch, Brasada’s recreation center can arrange for fly fishing excursions, helicopter tours, whitewater rafting, or bird watching, and can direct families to the best off-site hiking trails. In winter, families can snowshoe or cross country ski, or take Brasada’s van service to Mt. Bachelor for downhill ski and snowboarding. Brasada excursions, horseback riding, and golf (below) come at an additional (significant) charge; if you’re working within a budget, as most families are, we recommend picking your favorite 1-2 to experience as a family, and spending the remainder of your time busy enjoying the many included recreation options.

Brasada Canyons Golf:

If Brasada’s crown is the natural beauty of the high desert, then its crown jewel is Brasada Canyons. I don’t even golf, but still considered my accompaniment of my husband and kids on the course as one of the most enjoyable parts of my Brasada stay. While Brasada Canyons is certainly challenging, it’s family friendly: just explain that you’ll be golfing with young children or beginners (as the case may be) and the pro shop will be happy to help you book an appropriate tee time and show you the five levels of tee boxes to choose from. We opted to golf only nine holes with our two beginners, and found it easy to manage with golf carts well-stocked with ice water, bathrooms on-course, and friendly staff.

Brasada dining:

It’s relaxing to eat in your cabin, but families can’t leave Brasada without experiencing at least one high desert sunset on the Ranch House or Range deck. The Ranch House features more casual fare: think burgers, wraps, and salads, while Range showcases Oregonian farm-to-fork cuisine that’s truly exquisite. Expect a leisurely dining experience of at least a few hours at Range if you order several courses; while waiting, let the kids play on the lawn or gather around the communal fire pit if eating outdoors. At either restaurant, don’t leave without trying the homemade s’mores.

Brasada Spa:

The Spa Brasada is located adjacent to the Athletic Center building, making it easy for moms (or dads) to step away for a treatment. I don’t often spend time in spas during family vacations, opting for group activities instead, but if you have the time, a visit to this spa is well worth it. I loved the infusion of the natural surroundings brought indoors: the spa’s signature oils and scents are lavender and sage. If you book a treatment, plan to come early or stay late to take advantage of the relaxation room and private pool and hot tub.

Date last visited:

August 2012

Distance from the nearest interstate:

15 minutes off Highway 97.

Room and cabin rates:

Two-bedroom cabins such as the one we enjoyed range from approximately $299-399 depending on season and date. Lodge rooms can be had for less, but either way, book early: Brasada fills up fast in the prime months. Brasada Ranch packages are always offered, and are worth checking!

Directions:

Brasada Ranch is located at 16986 Brasada Ranch Road, Powell Butte, Oregon. It’s only 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon off Highway 97.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced Brasada Ranch as guests of the resort, allowing us to review it for our readers. This hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Bend on Dwellable

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: Adventures by Disney excursions

September 30, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

During a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, families have the opportunity to participate in something very unique: authentic Hawaiian excursions run by Adventures by Disney. As a huge fan of what Adventures by Disney does–expose families to a region’s culture and history in an adventurous way–I was eager to sample some of what they offer Aulani guests. I was fortunate to participate in two: Aulani’s Catamaran Experience and Kailua Sea Kayaking Experience.

The Catamaran Experience began on-board a 53-foot Gold Coast Catamaran, as we set sail from a nearby harbor (transportation time was less than 15 minutes). For this excursion, Adventures by Disney works with a local tour operator crew who did a wonderful job making us feel right at home on the boat. Not only was the entire catamaran at our disposal (daring guests can even sit on the mesh at the aft of the vessel as the boat glides through the tropical waters), but we had on-board entertainment in the form of expert information and ukulele music. Food was provided, and the catamaran takes families to one of the best snorkeling locations on the coast. During our sail, dolphins were spotted, and many photo opportunities were taken. Kids as young as four can participate, and you won’t worry: the Hawaiian Ocean Adventures crew were professional, fun, and educated about their beautiful coastline!

The Kailua Sea Kayaking Experience takes place on Oahu’s lush windward side of the island; families shouldn’t leave Oahu without seeing it. The drive time to the stunning Kailua beach where the kayaking begins (consistently voted one of the top five most beautiful beaches in the world) is about 45 minutes, but you won’t notice: the scenery is absolutely stunning (and some guests might recognize it as the location where the TV show Lost was filmed). Once in Kailua, guests meet up with Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, who bring you beachside where your kayaks await you. After instruction, you set out across crystal-clear water (never more than 10 feet deep!) to the bird sanctuary at Flat Island, where their guides (one a marine biologist) teach you about the Shearwaters (sea birds) who nest here as you hike the small island. Once back onboard kayaks, families catch the current back to shore. I loved being on the water–we even saw a sea turtle swim by!–but the unexpected highlight was definitely the nature walk and education about this unique area.

The logistics: For all Adventures by Disney excursions, guests meet guides in the open-air lobby of the Aulani, where transportation is provided for them. Adventures start at approximately $150 per adult (less for kids), and vary by excursion. Reservations can be made in advance (the website lists which days each excursion takes place) or once families are at Aulani, by stopping by the Holoholo Tours and Travel Desk.

I strongly believe in families exploring their surroundings and getting to know local culture while on vacation, and I’m convinced that Adventures by Disney excursions are the absolute best way to do this. There is tremendous value in the level of both customer service and local knowledge on Adventures by Disney excursions, which is why I highly recommend budgeting at least one during an Aulani vacation. If one is all your family’s budget allows for, it’s still easy to explore more of the island: in addition to their nine Adventures by Disney excursions, Aulani’s Holoholo desk can book dozens of publicly offered excursions directly through local Hawaiian tour operations. The difference is that families will not be attending as part of an Adventures by Disney tour, which means it will not include transportation, snacks, and the full treatment of educational components. It will, however, include peace of mind: the operators are all fully vetted by Disney, and families can still expect a quality experience away from the resort. On the other end of the price-point scale, families can book three-day Adventures by Disney Explorer package, which include three full days’ worth of Adventures by Disney excursions (running Tues-Thurs.), with virtually everything taken care of for your family.

When considering additional, non-Adventures by Disney excursions at the lower price point, I suggest renting a car for one day (available through Aulani on-site for approximately $30 cheaper per day than airport pricing). Just be sure to return the rental car in the evening (again, conveniently at Aulani), even if you’ve reserved it for 24 hours, to avoid the overnight parking fee.

Oahu on Dwellable