Mount Hood, Oregon
Only an hour's drive from Portland, Mount Hood is Oregon's outdoor playground. This scenic mountain wonderland offers enjoyable activities year round and is considered a major winter sports destination. Traveling east on State Highway 26, explore the mountain communities of Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron and Government Camp before taking the steep road up to Timberline Lodge for a day of hiking or skiing.
In addition to the historic Timberline Lodge, other local ski areas include Mount Hood Meadows and Mount Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl.
The Mount Hood Adventure Park has over 20 family attractions including the mountain's largest night ski area. Add tubing and sleigh rides for the perfect winter holiday. In the summer, Adventure Park offers the ultimate mountain bike experience including heart stopping downhill runs, rentals and guided tours.
With dozens of cabins to choose from, check out Clear Creek Log Cabin in Zigzag. Built in the 1930's, this log cabin has been renovated with all modern amenities including cable television, a Jacuzzi, washer and dryer and full kitchen. There is a wood-burning stove and river rock fireplace for warmth and ambiance. Situated on Clear Creek, it's only minutes away from major ski areas and challenging hiking trails.
The cabin sleeps eight to ten guests with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Winter accommodations are $180 per night for up to four guests and $15 per night for each additional guest. Sorry, no pets or smoking allowed. For reservations, call (503) 698-7048.
For those not wanting to cook, check out the nearby Huckleberry Inn, located in Government Camp. Famous for the huckleberry pie a la mode, this popular café is open 24 hours and offers simple family dining in rustic surroundings.
Winter road conditions are often hazardous and unpredictable, so be prepared. Carry flashlights, tire chains, flares and blankets when traveling to the mountain.
In Oregon, layering is the required dress code so pack for all types of weather conditions. Although having your own outdoor sports equipment is best, the area has numerous equipment rental companies for all your sporting needs.
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Pacific Ocean Beaches
In the opposite direction and only an hour west of Portland, the Pacific Ocean pounds into the Pacific Northwest coastline, providing an entirely different vacation experience.
Driving west on State Highway 26, the trail ends at coastal Highway 101. Turn left and head south to the resort town of Cannon Beach, home to picturesque Haystack Rock.
The downtown area of Cannon Beach offers souvenir shopping, a wide array of dining options and numerous cozy cottages.
Plan to stay a few nights at the McBee Cottages. Built in 1941, these refurbished, pet friendly abodes offer fireplaces, kitchenettes and easy access to the beach and downtown. Call (800) 238-4107 for special prices and last minute bargains.
If cooking isn't your thing, try the Cannon Beach Café which offers a 10 percent discount for McBee Cottage guests.
Next, travel north on Highway 101 to Ft. Stevens State Park, located where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. This 3,700 acres park features camping, beachcombing, nine miles of biking trails and six miles of hiking trails. While there, be sure to explore an historic shipwreck and military relics.
For the more adventurous soul, why not stay in a beachside Yurt. Yurts are round, tent-like structures featuring heat, electricity and outdoor fire pits. You bring bedding, food, dishes and everything else needed for a successful camping experience. The Yurts sleep up to five guests and cost $27 to $30 per night. Reservations are required and can be made through the Oregon State Parks Department.
Continue your travels across Youngs Bay into Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Take a walk along the waterfront, visit the local maritime museum or stop in at the Ft. George Brewery for homemade sausages and a pint of freshly brewed lager.
From Astoria, drive over the Columbia River, into Washington State. Your destination is the Long Beach Peninsula. Home to over four state parks, this area offers something for everyone. While there, enjoy kite flying, seasonal razor clamming and leisurely beachcombing. Be sure to pack your bike for exploring miles of flat, paved trails running throughout the sand dunes. Unfortunately, the beaches are unsafe for swimming; however, the area has several fresh water lakes and Willapa Bay, perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
During the third week of August, the peninsula is host to the annual Washington State International Kite Festival, considered by some to be the best kite festival in the world.
For Long Beach accommodations, check out Akari Bungalows and Café on Bolstad Avenue. These cozy cottages feature gas fireplaces, king sized beds, linens, kitchenettes, televisions and a short walk to the beach. The Akari Bungalows are kid and pet friendly. Watch for winter time specials with room rates starting as low as $95 per night. Reservations are recommended but not always required. Call (360) 642-3828 for inquiries and reservations. The café offers an eclectic menu for both lunch and dinner.
Mount St. Helen's
No trip through Oregon and Washington would be complete without a stopover at the active volcano, Mount St. Helen's. After leaving the Long Beach Peninsula, drive east on State Highway 4 and travel the northern banks of the Columbia River. From Kelso, go north on Interstate 5 to the Castle Rock area, then follow signs for Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
In 1982, the United States Congress designated 110,000 acres, around the volcano, as a national monument which includes a visitor center and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the infamous volcano.
For accommodations close to the blast zone, try Eco Park Resort in Toutle, Washington. This remote resort has six log cabins, two yurts, RV and tent sites. Rustic in its approach, cabins are equipped with propane lights and heat, eco-friendly soap, bedding and towels. Their yurts are tent-like and do not include amenities. Neither cabins nor yurts contain bathrooms so guests use the convenience stations located throughout the resort. These shared bathrooms are equipped with hot showers, lights and heat.
Activities include horseback riding, wildlife viewing and hiking. Plan for unpredictable weather and pack accordingly. The resort has seasonal food service accommodations so be sure to check with them before going.
Cabins start at $100 per night for two guests and $110 for four guests. The yurts start at $75 per night and sleep 6 to 10 people. Call (877) 255.1980 for reservations.
Eco Park Resort is located on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. Take exit 49 off Interstate 5 (Castle Rock) and go east for 24 miles on Highway 504.
From Mount St. Helens, you can travel two hours north to Seattle, or return to Portland to complete the circle. Either way, you will have experienced the best cabins and cottages Northern Oregon and Southwest Washington have to offer. What better way to enjoy nature at its finest and make memories to last a lifetime? Don't forget your camera.
