The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip

When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do. I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become … [Read more...]

Best Mountain Towns: Jackson Hole Wyoming

Ready for a Western vacation in a breathtaking setting? Jackson, Wyoming is one of the best vacation towns for families, in any season. We love to visit in summer, where we can base ourselves in Jackson to explore Grand Teton National Park, the Snake River, and area lakes and hikes. Here's what you can expect in Jackson Hole, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. Read on for our Jackson … [Read more...]

Winter backcountry skiing: a stay with Cascade Huts

As soon as I was made aware of Cascade Huts, a system of backcountry cabins in the Mt. Hood wilderness near Government Camp, Oregon, I knew we had to review it! Set miles away from civilization, each of Cascade Huts' three rustic cabins are situated along backcountry ski and bike trails accessible in winter from any of three area sno parks. Overnight guests snowshoe or cross-country ski in, stay a … [Read more...]

What to do on Mt. Hood in summer: a three day itinerary

Mt. Hood Oregon is a winter playground, but it's an amazing outdoor destination in the summer months as well. Located just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas for hikers, backpackers, campers, and kayakers. The central 'town' is Government Camp, which is a smaller community of outdoor-focused shops and dining, but the actual towns of Welches and … [Read more...]

The Museum at Warm Springs

While traveling between Bend, Oregon and the base of Mt. Hood at Government Camp along remote Highway 26, one might think there's nowhere worthy of a pit stop. Not so! The Museum at Warm Springs is nothing short of a high desert gem. Located inside the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reservation, the museum is tucked on the side of the road near a gas station and across from the small Indian … [Read more...]

A stay at Central Oregon’s Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa

Located on the Warm Springs reservation (home of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) in the high desert of Central Oregon, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa offers a blend of tribal culture and family fun. This is not a luxury resort, but rather a family-friendly getaway that delivers on the simple pleasures of sunny skies, hot springs-fed swimming, outdoor recreation, and camping. There's lodging … [Read more...]

Timberline Lodge and ski resort

If you're looking for a Pacific Northwest ski resort experience that will really impress while remaining kid and family-friendly, you'll want to book an overnight ski package at Timberline Lodge, a ski-in and ski-out resort nestled on the slopes of Timberline in Oregon's Mt. Hood area. We love Timberline Lodge's historic beauty, cozy rooms, and majestic views, but the best thing is, guests … [Read more...]

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

John Day Fossil Beds (Image via Wikipedia) Kimberly, OR Eastern Oregon offers much in the way of outdoor exploration for families, but the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is often overlooked. There are 3 locations along Hwy 26, but the visitor center and main displays are at the Sheep Rock Unit on Hwy 19 off of Hwy 26 (about 70 miles east of Prineville). There is a fantastic visitor … [Read more...]