Take the whole family to Mt. Hood Skibowl for a summer adventure, uncover some of Oregon’s history at the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, spend a relaxing day at FivePine’s Shibui Spa, or splash around with Scappoose Bay Kayaking. Have a blast exploring Oregon’s small towns! Why not make a small-town itinerary part of your Oregon 150 Challenge?

The weather’s warming up. Soon it’ll be downright toasty, and you’ll be wishing yourself into the Oregon outdoors for a little water adventure. In Oregon, you can hang ten at the Pacific Ocean, get splashed on board a fast-maneuvering jet boat or take a kayak tour through wildlife-filled estuaries and wetlands. Basically, whatever suits your water fancy.

Rafting
Imagine floating on an Oregon river through peaceful stretches of calm water, under towering trees with abundant wildlife and no sign of civilization in sight. Then – BAM! — your raft shoots you through a pocket of Class III white water that leaves you giggling like a kid, and soaking wet. Sound like fun? Oregon’s mighty rivers—Rogue, Deschutes, Umpqua, McKenzie, Clackamas—and their many designated Wild & Scenic sections make our state one of the country’s most popular destinations for rafting. Why not get out and get soaked?

Find a Guide or a River

Kayaking
Oregon has a great range of kayaking opportunities, from estuaries and bays at the coast to the wetlands of Scappoose Bay near Portland to the white-water rivers of the Columbia Gorge. You can even paddle the Willamette River along the shores of downtown Portland.

Find a Guide or a Kayak Trip

Windsurfing & Kite Boarding
Some call Hood River the windsurfing capital of the U.S. thanks to the incredible Columbia Gorge winds. On an average breezy day, it’s typical to see dozens of colorful sails dance across the wide river. Both windsurfing and kite boarding lessons and equipment are available in and around Hood River and The Dalles.
Inland lakes at the southern Oregon coast offer other great spots for riding the wind. Pistol River State Park near Gold Beach has held at least three national windsurfing championships. Fifty miles north, Floras Lake is another popular windsurfing spot for both beginners and experts thanks to its sandy bottom and fresh, shallow, warm (68 degrees) water. Here, lessons and rentals are available April through September.

Find a Lesson/Rental Equipment

Surfing
There are surf shops all along the Oregon coast, from Seaside to Pacific City and farther south. Many of them offer lessons from certified instructors, as well as rental equipment for both surfing and body boarding. In Oregon, the Pacific Ocean waters are chilly so you’ll need a wet suit. And make sure to check conditions with local surf shops before paddling out.

Find a Lesson/Rental Equipment

Boat Tours
This summer, sit back and let others navigate you around Oregon’s scenic waterways. Hop aboard a jet boat to see Oregon at rip-roaring speed. Or, if you’re looking for a slower pace—or just want to avoid that windblown look—take a calmer ride aboard a bigger boat. Whatever your speed, Oregon has plenty of options.

Jet Boat Tours
Hells Canyon Adventures Jet Boat Tours
Hellgate Jetboats
Rogue River Mail Boats
Jerry’s Rogue Jets
The Outrageous, Willamette River

Other Boat Tours
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler
Portland Spirit
Crater Lake boat tours
Marine Discovery Tours

In Oregon, the diversity and quality of angling is unlike any other place in the world. This summer alone, you can fish for trout, salmon, halibut, panfish, ling cod and so much more. On top of it all, you’ve got your pick of gorgeous places to drop a line.

This month, the prize catch is Oregon’s signature “redband” rainbow trout. Choose from a number of famed trout rivers, including the Deschutes in Central Oregon, the McKenzie in the Willamette Valley and southeast Oregon’s Donner und Blitzen River.

Later this summer, head to the Pacific Ocean’s salty waters for the peak of halibut and salmon fishing—or, you can try your hand at reeling in a prehistoric looking ling cod and other rock fish. And in August, be one of the many salmon anglers who flock to the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria for the fall run of Chinook and Coho salmon.

For a true family friendly catch this summer, head to central and Eastern Oregon’s lakes and reservoirs—Owyhee, Prineville, Chickahominy—where panfishing is popular.

And this is all just one season of fishing in Oregon – just wait until fall!

Licenses
Even if you don’t keep your catch, you need a current Oregon fishing license before you wet your line. You can purchase licenses online at Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Free Fishing Weekend – June 6 and 7, 2009
This June 6 and 7, try your hand at the rod and the reel—for free. For two days each year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sponsors more than two-dozen free (no license needed) fishing events across the state.

Guides
Why not increase your chances of catching Big Walter by hiring an Oregon licensed fishing guide?

In Oregon, there are more than 50 state parks with campgrounds located in the most scenic parts of the state. In addition, there are some 300 more campgrounds in Oregon, which only toughens the ever-important decision of where to pitch your tent.

Camping Spotlight: The Coast

This summer, take the family to the Oregon coast for a weekend of bonding over campfires and clamming. From Astoria to Brookings, there are more than a dozen Oregon State Parks with campgrounds to choose from, whether you want to pitch a tent or hook up the RV. And while you’re here, why not try your hand at clamming or crabbing?

At Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park at the central coast you can rent a paddleboat or canoe to explore the freshwater lakes, climb towering sand dunes (this is, after all, part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area) and tell ghost stories and roast hot dogs over a campfire. The roar of the Pacific is just two miles to the west, where you can fly kites, hunt for seashells, and dip your toes in the ocean.

If you prefer a dwelling made of wood and canvas, the coast has that, too. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Reedsport has eight yurts to choose from, some are deluxe with bunk beds and bathrooms with showers, while others are more rustic. Farther south, Camp Blanco State Park has yurts, cabins and tepees for rent.

Both at the coast and beyond, Oregon has many camping options. Please remember to call ahead for reservations as spots fill up fast come summer, and not all campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
For more information on camping in Oregon, visit www.oregonstateparks.org

Silver Falls Tour Route

Spend the day exploring the scenery to the east of Salem. This 55-mile route offers plenty of affordable stops, from a free visit to Mt. Angel Abbey and its Alvar Aalto-designed library to nearby outlet mall shopping at the Woodburn Company Stores to 40 acres of colorful tulips and daffodils at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm (you’ll have to venture slightly off the tour route but it’s worth it!). If the spirit leads you northward from the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, backroads through Canby and Wilsonville offer the chance to catch spring in full flower.

The route is named for Oregon’s largest state park. Stop at Silver Falls State Park for a picnic lunch and a moderate hike that takes you past ten waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for spring wildflowers, though you’ll have much more luck on the flower-front at nearby Oregon Garden. Hop aboard the tram to see this 80-acre oasis of color, or spend time walking through the nearly two-dozen specialty gardens on display. Why not stay over at the new Oregon Garden Resort? Enjoy dinner and a dip in the pool or hot tub before calling it a night.

Oregon Wine & Farm Tour

Explore the bounty of southern Oregon’s Rogue and Applegate valleys on the self-driving Oregon Wine & Farm Tour. Along the way, you’ll have your pick of more than two dozen delightful stops, including winery tasting rooms like the family owned Valley View Winery in Historic Jacksonville, EdenVale Winery at EdenVale Orchards in Medford and the family-owned Weisinger’s of Ashland Winery, located on a former organic fruit orchard.

Speaking of fruit orchards—there are plenty of those along the tour as well. Opened since 1908, Hillcrest Orchard is one of the oldest continually owned family orchards in the Rogue River Valley. They grow a huge variety of premium pears, which harvest in the fall. If you time it right this month, you’re likely to see acres of fluffy cloud-like pear blossoms.

Another worthwhile stop near Grants Pass is the renovated rustic barn at Pennington Farms, also family-owned, for fresh berry jams and baked goods. Later in the summer, they’ll have a variety of freshly picked berries to choose from as well.

The famous Harry & David is another fun stop. Take a tour, which provides free samples of all sorts of locally made deliciousness. How’s that for a tasty deal?

Download a driving map here: www.oregonwineandfarmtour.com

Hood River Valley Fruit Loop Tour

Each April, more than 15,000 acres of fruit trees in Hood River Valley burst into bloom. And a great way to see this vast fluffiness is on the Hood River Valley Fruit Loop Tour. This 35-mile self-driving route takes you through the area’s many fruit orchards, wineries, farm stands and quaint communities. There are more than 30 stops in total, and it’s all just 45 minutes east of Portland. Don’t forget your camera.

Download a driving map here: www.hoodriverfruitloop.com/things/locations.html

Bluehour
Located in the heart of the Pearl District, Bluehour offers a daily changing menu of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated and modern dining room. This is special-occasion dining at its best, and now you can experience it for Sunday brunch. Try a homemade pastry (beignet, scones) and choose from a worldly variety of entrées, including a classic French omelet, eggs Norwegian and a breakfast pizza made with bacon, potato, fontina, organic eggs and caramelized onion sauce.

London Grill
For a memorable Sunday brunch make a reservation at London Grill, located in downtown Portland at the Benson Hotel. This fine-dining establishment offers an old-school luxury feel (think tuxedo-clad waiters and royalty) along with a divine and eclectic buffet offering everything from fresh crab legs to exotic fruit to decadent desserts.

Meriwether’s Restaurant
Since it opened in 2004, Meriwether’s Restaurant (named for Meriwether Lewis of Lewis & Clark fame) has helped set the standard for excellent farm-to-table cuisine. Its menu features local ingredients and produce, much of which is grown on its own 5-acre farm.

The weekend brunch has all the usual suspects, but with Pacific Northwest flair — wild salmon lox omelet, frittatas made with whatever is fresh from the farm, Oregon blueberry pancakes and more. If it’s a nice day, ask to be seated in the garden.

Papa Haydn
Papa Haydn is famous for its deserts and its delicious Sunday brunch. The menu is eclectic, featuring both savory (chicken pot pie baked on a cast iron skillet) and sweet (waffles with gingered pears and chantilly cream). The atmosphere is cheery and bustling thanks to its location on the shopping street of N.W. 23rd in Nob Hill.

Park Kitchen
For a decidedly Portland experience, head to Park Kitchen for weekend brunch. The dining room is intimate, with most tables looking in on the open kitchen. Under the guidance of chef/owner Scott Dolich, Park Kitchen offers delicious and inventive fare. How about bacon and cheddar cornbread pudding with chives and tomato jam? Or crepes with toasted almonds and feta in a saffron orange sauce? The flavor combinations will have you talking about this place. It’s located in the Pearl District, across from the North Park Blocks.

So, tell us…Where is your favorite Oregon Brunch Spot?

An alternative to traditional camp tents, yurts are wood and canvas dwellings that offer a mix of amenities. Some are pretty deluxe with beds and bathrooms, while others are more rustic, offering just cots and a roof over your head. The good news is they’re all set up, just waiting for you and your family to arrive and make it home for a weekend.

Oregon State Park’s affordable one- and two-bedroom cabins are another way to get back to nature without pitching a tent. Some include full bathrooms, beds, air conditioning and heat, electricity and more; while others are more rustic, with less space and fewer amenities (no gas grills here).

Learn more about yurts and cabins, read about our own Linea’s yurt camping experience or book a yurt or cabin today!

The new issue of Travel Oregon magazine!

If my finger math is correct, the Travel Oregon magazine staff has edited some 200 stories, directed countless photo shoots in stunning locations (the top of Mt. Bachelor, the belly of Hells Canyon) and we’ve traveled the state multiple times over.

Yet, with a muse like Oregon – we never seem to run out of ideas.

As editor, I don’t really pick favorites but I LOVE this issue. We spent more than a year planning the Owyhee River trip and it was worth it – the photos (even the outtakes) are spectacular. Our very own Motorcycle Gourmet keeps surprising us with new culinary finds in the far reaches of Oregon, and our writers continue to uncover charming, family-friendly places like Lake of the Woods Resort.

We’ve got a tough job ahead of us – and that is to top this issue. Please let us know if you have any favorite Oregon spots. Your story idea just might show up in a future issue.

Hope to see you in Oregon!
-Emily

PS. Check out the new digital edition of Travel Oregon magazine, and sign up for a free subscription!

Upper Deschutes River Trail, Bend

This 8.5-mile stretch of trail follows the Deschutes River, passing Lava Island Falls, Aspen Camp, Dillon Falls and ending at Benham Falls. Hikers might just spot a white-water rafter or two during summer months. Catch the trail at Meadow Camp, 7 miles southwest of Bend.

Hendricks Park Trail, Eugene

Close to the University of Oregon’s campus, this moderate-level, bark-covered trail makes for a great study break for students and easy getaway to nature for visitors. Founded in 1951, Hendricks Park is Eugene’s first city park. The trail takes you under a canopy of tall trees, through lush natural gardens, and winds around a rhododendron garden, which reaches peak bloom in April and May. The trail can vary in length up to 11 miles.

Lithia Park Woodland Trail, Ashland

Located within walking distance of downtown Ashland (and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Lithia Park Woodland Trail is part of a 100-acre National Historic Site. The one-mile, easy-level walking trail takes you past well-marked (there are small signs detailing what you see) flora and fauna in a beautiful wooded setting. While you’re there, make sure to sip from the fountain spouting pungent Lithia mineral water.

Wildwood Trail – Forest Park, Portland

An urban hiking story about Oregon would be incomplete without highlighting the magnificent 5,100-acre Forest Park, where 112 birds and 62 mammal species live among a massive canopy of trees and lush undergrowth—and it’s all just a short jaunt from downtown Portland. Hikers can walk along parts (or all) of the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, which has numerous access points and shorter loops along the trail. This is a true nature immersion within the city of Portland.

Lower Dan Loop, Chip Ross Park, Corvallis

For one of the best panoramic views of the quaint, tree-filled college town of Corvallis, head to Chip Ross Park, a local favorite that offers an easy-to-moderate 1.5 mile looping trail through a historic orchard and lush forest of old growth oak and pine trees.  Be sure to stop at the top of the hill (700 ft. elevation) to take in some of the most spectacular views of Corvallis, the surrounding valley and mountains including the Coast and Cascade mountains. Chip Ross Park is a designated off-leash area for dogs and there are several picnic tables to take in the views.

If you’re up for a bigger challenge, take the strenuous Dan’s Trail that climbs 3 miles from Chip Ross to the top of Dimple Hill (1400 ft. elevation); and will take you through rich and dense forests of McDonald Dunn forest system and on a clear day offers memorable views as far south as Eugene.

Spring Whale Watch Week

Some 200 gray whales call the Oregon coast home from July through October. However, the odds of seeing one of these majestic mammals increase this month when some 18,000 migrate between Alaska and their breeding grounds in Mexico. This March 21-28, 2009, is Spring Whale Watch Week, when Oregon State Parks sets up 28 whale-watching spots along the coast. Volunteers will be available to answer any and all questions, including where to point your binoculars.

Bird-watching

Oregon is home to nearly 500 bird species, and the number jumps into the thousands during spring migration when exotic birds come to rest and feed under the Oregon stretch of the Pacific Flyway. Here are three prime spring bird-watching destinations.

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Thousands of migrating birds stop in this eastern Oregon area in the spring to feed on the 187,000 acres of wetlands and meadows at the refuge, which was established in 1890 by Theodore Roosevelt. Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival, which is April 3-5 in nearby Burns.

Oregon Coast Birding Trail

There are 173 designated bird-watching sites on this trail that runs along Oregon’s stunning coast. A free brochure maps each site and lists the species you are likely to see—some 250 in total.
Download the guide.

Oregon Cascades Birding Trail

There are nearly 200 designated bird-watching sites along 1,000 miles of scenic roads in the Cascade Mountains. Along the route, bird-watchers may see bald eagles, great horned owls, dark-eyed juncos and other species.
Download the guide.