Embark on a four-day journey that covers the scenic Oregon Coast, the bountiful communities of the Willamette Valley, and the natural playgrounds on Mount Hood—with attractions and outings for families of all ages and interests.
Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway near Cottage Grove
After starting your journey with a drive down the scenic Oregon Coast via Highway 101, head east—toward the Willamette Valley—on Highway 38 at Reedsport.
On your drive through the landscapes of western Oregon, jump on your bikes and stretch your legs by checking out some (or all) of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway—a 36-mile route that visits up to six historic covered bridges near Cottage Grove. Refuel with giant cinnamon rolls at nearby Creswell Bakery!
Entering Eugene, let Mother Nature decide your next move: When the sun’s out, choose your afternoon adventure based on the weather; on a warm day, the Cascades Raptor Center offers a shady experience to view nearly 40 birds of prey up close. And at RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground, children can scale a replica of Skinner Butte, uncover fossils at an ancient history sand dig, and cool off under a towering water feature.
For some indoor adventure, learn about how the first people of the Willamette Valley lived at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History—where the world’s oldest pair of shoes are on display! Pair your visit with a trip across the street to Hayward Hall at the state-of-the-art track-and-field facility, Hayward Field—which shows how the first Nike shoe was invented and why Eugene is called TrackTown USA!
Hayward Field at the University of Oregon
Ready to call it a day? Spend your night at the Graduate Eugene Hotel in downtown or the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Eugene, which connects to running trails, bike paths, and more in nearby Alton Baker Park.
Historic Carousel & Museum in downtown Albany
Head north on I-5, and grab lunch at Albany’s Bodhi Cafe and Bakery, known for tasty, locally sourced food; follow it up with a walk around the community’s historic downtown core.
While in downtown, bring your sense of wonder to the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, where a unique collection of hand-carved and -painted animals awaits.
From Albany, take Highway 20 westward to Corvallis, stopping along the way to sample fresh flavors along the self-guided Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail. Once in Corvallis, enjoy seasonal dishes at Castor Kitchen & Bar and Block 15 Brewing.
Afterward, let your little ones burn off energy at Avery Park and Natural Area—which hosts a historic locomotive display, several playgrounds, and an art sculpture designed to resemble dinosaur bones.
For overnight stays, spend the night at Leaping Lamb Farm—where you’ll help with farm chores like collecting eggs and feeding lambs—or the hip Hotel Corvallis in downtown.
Restaurant at Gathering Together Farm, a popular stop along the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville
Grab breakfast at WiseCracks Cafe in Corvallis, and follow 99W north to McMinnville and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home to Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose! Conveniently, next door is the Wings and Waves Waterpark, an indoor water park where kids can slide out of a real Boeing 747 plane.
From McMinnville, start the eastbound drive toward the Mount Hood foothills, making time for a lunch stop at B's Bake Shoppe in Canby. Along the way, drive just 30 minutes south to one of the best-kept secrets on Mt. Hood: Molalla River Recreation Area, where visitors can hike, bike, and picnic alongside the federally designated Wild and Scenic Molalla River.
After spending some time outdoors, make your way up to Mount Hood, with a stop at the North American Bigfoot Center on the way. Owned and operated by Cliff Barackman, star of Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot'' television series, the museum caters to both true believers and visitors looking for a fun, educational experience.
Nearby, Wippersnappers Kids Play Place in Sandy is a great place for parents to relax while their kids frolic in the fully indoor play area; the attraction has a full food menu that includes pizzas and adult beverages.
Barbecue platter at Skyway Bar and Grill
Spend the night in the Mt. Hood National Forest at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, which offers 27 holes of championship golf, mini golf for the kids, on-site restaurants, a spa, and more.
Dinner options near the resort include Skyway Bar and Grill (dishing barbecue on one of the region’s largest, most fun patios), Koya Kitchen (serving Japanese dishes, Indian cuisine, and several fusion offerings), Chicali Cantina (preparing hearty Mexican fare), and Al Forno Ferruzza (known for thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas).
Grab a quick breakfast at Coffee Brewsters in the Hoodland Shopping Center. Don’t let that “mini-mall” vibe fool you: The shop serves strong coffee for the adults and homemade breakfast sandwiches for the kids.
Underwater viewing window at Wildwood Recreation Site along the Salmon River
Before beginning your drive home or heading on to more adventure, be sure to explore some of the over 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails in the area, many of which are catered toward families; just five minutes from Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, the family-friendly Old Salmon River Trail heads through a lush forest.
Nearby, the Wildwood Recreation Site hosts short (paved) walking paths with educational displays and a viewing window that affords an underwater peek at the Salmon River. Barlow Wayside Park, meanwhile, hosts a few nature trails that follow Little Joe Creek (which provides habitat for coho salmon and steelhead—both of which spawn here in the fall and winter); interpretive panels along the way explain the natural history of Mount Hood and the surrounding ecosystem.
