Family-friendly stops on the west coast
I haven’t lived in Oregon in over 20 years which of course means that traveling home ends up being a big part of my yearly travel. In this span of time I have gone home mostly for big family events, but several summers ago we traveled home to Oregon just to visit. Being away from a place you grew up ends up making you feel like a tourist when you go back. We got the chance to visit and explore places I hadn’t been to since I was a kid. Many were as I remembered, but all proved to be the perfect way to experience Oregon as both a native and a tourist. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The beautiful thing about Oregon is that it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Do you like the beach? Do you like to hike? Do you like to be on the water? Do you ski? Name it and Oregon probably offers you the best place to experience it.
Beaches in Oregon
Our first stop: Oregon beaches. Unlike in California, I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the ocean here. Although the beaches are quite stunning, the water stays cold even at the height of summer heat. Also be wary of the undertow. There are many beaches along the coast to choose from, depending on what you are seeking. Do you want the classic boardwalk feel with games and salt water taffy – perfect for a day or weekend with kids? Try Seaside. If you are wanting cute shops to explore, try Canon or Lincoln. Want to experience the movie ‘Goonies’? Check out Astoria, where much of the film was shot. Or perhaps, you just want to experience the quiet of the beach; try Rockaway. The smell of the ocean as you make your way onto the beach and the sound of the waves is truly one of life’s most magical experiences.
Along the coast, you must also make your way to Tillamook Creamery. It has grown and changed dramatically from the last time I was there, but it still offers those squeaky cheese curds I remember from when I was a kid. You can watch from above as the cheese is made in the factory below. There are plenty of signs to read to keep you engaged and learning along the way as you stand in line for the various cheese tasting options. Before you leave, make sure to get yourself some scoops of ice cream. They are basically softball sized, and if you can eat it without it melting down your hand you will have successfully experienced one of the top highlights of our visit.
Downtown Portland, Oregon
Next up, Downtown Portland. One of my favorite things about Portland is that it has amazing public transportation. If you plan on sticking to Portland proper with only a few outside city excursions you could most likely do it without renting a car. There are several options for getting around the city – MAX, buses, or streetcars. There are a wide variety of shops to explore and landmarks to visit right in the heart of downtown. Make sure you walk along the waterfront and read up on all the bridges. There are 12 in all that span across the Willamette River (pronounced – Wil-am-it). There is something about that drive in from the airport when you see all the bridges that reminds me I’m home.
If you love roses, please make sure to check out the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park (entrance is free) – they have a wide variety of roses to look at and admire as well as amazing views of downtown. It was started in 1917 and has over 10,000 rose bushes with about 650 varieties. It was an idea from Jesse A. Currey, the editor of the Oregon Journal and president of Portland’s Rose Society as a way to provide a safe place for the hybrid roses of Europe during World War I. Portland is known as the ‘City of Roses’, as the weather is ideal for growing them. After the roses, make sure to see the Japanese Garden (fee to enter).
From here you can explore the zoo, or if you are wanting more history, check out The Pittock Mansion. It was built in 1914 and boasts 46 rooms on 46 acres. You can tour through the house and explore the grounds. Make sure to take pictures of the view of downtown Portland. It is hard to beat!
Multnomah Falls
Next up, Multnomah Falls. It is the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet. The hike can be a trek, but it is well worth the climb. It may ensue whining from the kids, but they will love to see the falls from the top. It is not an easy hike as the path is a bit narrow in spots and there is no side rail, so if heights are an issue for you, I might take pictures from below. Once you reach the top, the view of the falls and the Columbia River Gorge are breathtaking. This is an area of Oregon that offers you hiking, skiing, windsurfing, etc. You would need more than a day to explore, but if you’ve only got one day make this your stop for the natural beauty all around you.
Enchanted Forest
One of my memory triggers is smells, and while running here in Columbus, Ohio there are several bridges that you cross when on the path at Olentangy Park Lands. Every time I run over the bridges there is this woody, mossy smell that takes me back to this amusement park from when I was a kid. I hadn’t been there since I was little, but I knew that one of our last stops on the Oregon tour had to be Enchanted Forest. It is one of the few things from my childhood memory that hadn’t changed really at all. It is a small amusement park built in 1972 that is based around storybooks. There are small roller coasters and rides throughout the park. There are cottages to walk through, big slides, a stage with storybook shows, and even a haunted house. Much like those runs along the path here in Columbus, there was that woody, mossy smell just as I remembered. It was the perfect way to finish out our visit in Oregon.
It is true that no matter the length of time I have been away, Oregon will always be home, but I feel like I have been away long enough to view it as an outsider and it truly is one of the best places. I’ve only given you a small taste of what Oregon has to offer; I encourage you to add this to your list of must visits. Heck, I didn’t even touch on the Shakespeare Festival or nightlife. There is much to be explored in Oregon and I hope that you get a chance to make your way there and experience for yourself the many wonderful things that my home state has to offer.
Whether traveling near or far – writing and photography are a big part of that experience for me. I am a photographer that focuses on food and people. The food side of my business is about helping brands connect to their audience and showcase their food. My goal is to help highlight what they create for their customer base and make them eager to run out and grab a bite. The people side of my business is about meeting people where they are and empowering them to feel their best within the LGBTQI+ Community. One of the best things is watching someone feel good in their skin and capturing that joy. Although food and people are vastly different things to capture – the bigger theme is building connections with those we buy from and honoring ourselves as we navigate the world. I have worked in kitchens, sales, customer service, and have always sought creativity in my life. Building my business allows me to be creative and help people. It truly is the best of both worlds.
