The Upper Rogue Trail outside of Prospect, Oregon offers several starting points for beautiful hiking in Southern Oregon. In the perfect location if you're traveling to or from Crater Lake National Park or Bend, Oregon, this 'off the beaten track' pit stop takes you through scenic woodlands and stunning river views. Best of all, the weather is ideal in late fall. Take the trail downstream … [Read more...]
PCT section hiking with teens
August 12, 2015 By
We've been wanting to backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) long before it was cool. This summer, my 16-year-old and I finally set out, tackling almost 70 miles of the PCT in Central Oregon. We built up to this trip with years of family backpacking, including several 3-4 night trips, starting when my son was just a toddler. How did we fare? We had one of our best backpacking trips … [Read more...]
Weekend Guide to the CA Redwoods
June 15, 2015 By
We’re a family who loves spending our vacation days in the wilderness, and few places are as wild and beautiful as the Northern California and Southern Oregon Redwoods. However, we prefer hiking into isolated backcountry sites to campgrounds, and while the Redwoods feature some of the most stunning scenery I’ve seen, the trails are short in length, without ample backpacking options. Because … [Read more...]
Sanctuary One farm stay
June 5, 2015 By
The following review was submitted by Pit Stops for Kids grandmother Julie Hagstrom. Located on 55 acres in Oregon's beautiful Applegate valley, Sanctuary One was established in 2007 as the nation's first care farm. It provides a safe home to rescued farm animals and house pets. And that’s what makes its farm stay experience unique. Sanctuary One is a member of U.S. Farm Stay Association and … [Read more...]
Wet Planet Whitewater adventure rafting near Columbia River Gorge
May 25, 2015 By
Julie Henning runs Road Trips for Families, a resource for families love to get out on the open road and let their adventures unfold. Fed by underground aquifers and the glacial melt of nearby Mount Adams, the second-tallest mountain in Washington State, the White Salmon River never runs dry. A brisk 40 degrees, anyone venturing out on the river encouraged to wear a wetsuit, booties, fleece, a … [Read more...]
Hotel Vintage Portland: Portland hotel review
April 10, 2015 By
I first visited Hotel Vintage Portland a few years ago, when it was known as the Hotel Vintage Plaza. If it was cool then, which it was, it’s even cooler now. This Kimpton hotel has undergone a major redesign, completely remodeling its common spaces and rooms. On our visit to conduct a Portland hotel review a few days after the relaunch, the Vintage Portland was pleasantly busy on a … [Read more...]
The Riverhouse, Bend: a moderate hotel option
March 23, 2015 By
Bend Oregon is a four-season destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. We love to visit in winter to ski Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, and in summer to hike, mountain bike, and river raft on the Deschutes. Usually, a trip to Bend necessitates a 2-3 night stay, for which we recommend one of its top-tier resorts such as Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch, or Brasada Ranch. … [Read more...]
Three Oregon getaways to take without the kids
November 14, 2014 By
Yes, we’re all about traveling with kids, but let’s face it: sometimes, Mom and Dad need to get away…solo. If you’re looking for a parents-only getaway in the Northwest, it’s hard to beat Oregon. Not to toot my home state’s horn too loudly, but we do have it all: nature and outdoors pursuits, wineries and farm-to-fork restaurants, and city sophistication. If you’re ready to get away, pick a date, … [Read more...]
Couples getaway: Oregon cycle tour with LifeCycle Adventures
October 22, 2014 By
At Pit Stops for Kids, we’re fans of adventurous travel for kids, so it will come as no surprise that when we want to get away for an adults-only vacation, my husband Charlie and I prefer an active, outdoorsy pursuit of our own. We also love wineries, outside-the-box local lodging, and farm-to-fork dining, indulgences absolutely possible to enjoy with kids, but— if we’re being honest here … [Read more...]
Educational Travel: End of the Oregon Trail Museum
April 9, 2014 By
Historic Oregon City marks the official end of the Oregon Trail. It's also home to the best Oregon history museum you've probably overlooked. Only minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon City and its End of the Oregon Trail Museum is easy to access via car or MAX, but often becomes overshadowed by other excellent Portland attractions for kids. The museum includes a wonderful indoor exhibit hall, a … [Read more...]
