Looking to make this summer unforgettable? Cue up one (or all!) of these family-friendly destinations.
Forget four seasons; Oregonians know we also have a second winter, fake spring and plain ol’ mud season. So by the time summer rolls around, you’re ready.
With an entire state to explore, though, you might start to feel like your kid at a dessert buffet: so many amazing choices, so little time!
That’s why we’ve broken down some of our favorite Oregon destinations by activity. So whether you can’t keep your kids out of the water, you want to hit the trail or you want to lounge at a family-friendly resort — we have you (and your vacay plans) covered.
If You Like Water
Water is the state’s lifeblood. It powers your home, keeps Oregon green and, of course, provides the splish-splash so necessary to the perfect summer. So grab your water shoes and swimming suits — it’s time to get wet!
Go to: Trillium Lake
Even if you’ve never visited Trillium Lake, you’ve seen its iconic photo. You know the one: majestic Mt. Hood’s snowy peak reflected in a placid lake — with or without a sherbet-colored sunset (pictured above!).
This Mt. Hood lake is more than just a photogenic spot. It’s also an ideal summer getaway for families. Whether you stay overnight or head up for a day trip, there’s a lot to love about Trillium Lake.
At around 20 feet deep at its deepest, Trillium is warmer than you might expect of a mountain lake. It’s also close enough to Portland (just over an hour’s drive) that you can spend a day playing in the lake and be home before dinner. Here’s how to take advantage of this gem.
Fun things to do:
Water rules at Trillium Lake. BYO floaties, paddle board or motorless boat, or rent one from the lakeside kiosk (starting at $20/hour). Pro tip: Rent your craft early in the day, especially on weekends, as they often sell out. Paddle around the petite lake, especially near the water lily fields, where giant dragonflies may hitch a ride on your boat — or your kiddo’s nose!
Little fisher folk can also cast for rainbow trout, which are stocked here. Cast from the dock, the gravel along the southwest shore or from a canoe. Don’t forget to get a state fishing license (from $10 for youth).
When it’s time to dry off, hike around the lake. This easy, flat 2-mile trail is typically a loop, meaning you can start your stroll at any point around the lake. As of press time, though, a section of boardwalk on the north side of Trillium is still under construction, making the trail more of a horseshoe than a loop. The ranger district hopes to complete repairs by summer; check trail conditions with the Zigzag Ranger District.
As you walk, keep an eye out for early summer wildflowers, including Columbia lily, cow parsnip and monkeyflower. Download the PictureThis app ahead of time to identify flowers along the way.
Where to stay:
If you can nab a campsite, Trillium Lake Campground is one of my family’s favorite places in Oregon to camp. The lakeside sites are usually booked months in advance, but there isn’t a dud spot in all the 57 sites. Pro tip: Look for midweek openings and check the reservation site often, as folks cancel their bookings last-minute.
Campsites are all within walking distance to the lake, though if you’re bringing paddle boards and coolers, you’re better off driving to the campground boat ramp and schlepping your stuff from there.
The campground is equipped with vault toilets, potable water and firewood for sale. You’ll need to drive into nearby Government Camp for ice and other supplies.
Looking for less rustic accommodations (or a flushing toilet)? Check vacation rentals in Welches, Rhododendron or Government Camp. My family also loves the cabins and tiny houses for rent in Mt. Hood Village Campground, where you’ll also have access to the indoor pool.
Grab a bite:
Bring picnic supplies to Trillium Lake — chances are, you’ll barely be able to get your kids out of the water long enough to nom a sandwich. Then on your way home, grab dinner at Mt. Hood Brewing Company in Government Camp or Wrapitude in Welches, which has a large fenced outdoor area for kids to roam while they wait for food.
Go to: Newport
With 363 miles of shoreline, it’s hard to highlight just one Oregon Coast spot. That said, Newport is consistently our go-to beach destination (pictured above).
A list of the Central Coast town’s attractions is like an all-star lineup. Long sand beaches, an active fishing fleet, natural beauty, and of course, hand-holding otters — what’s not to love?
At less than 2 ½ hours from Portland, plan to hit up Newport at least once this summer.
Fun things to do:
When it’s time to get sandy, head to one of Newport’s many great beaches! Our favorite is Yaquina Beach, within the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site. You’ll walk a short but semi-steep trail down to the enormous, driftwood-studded beach. Or check out South Beach State Park on the other side of Newport’s bridge, where you can play on the playground or throw a round of disc golf in addition to walking the miles of beach.
Leave time to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, too (tickets from $15). Watch the resident raft of sea otters play, meet sea stars and anemones in the touch pool, admire the sea lions’ underwater ballet, and of course, walk under sharks in the stunning Passages of the Deep exhibit (pictured below). For a more budget-friendly alternative, meet an octopus and play with hands-on activities at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (by donation).
Then head to the Port of Newport. Grab an ice cream from Doodlebugs (they also have taffy and other sweets!), watch the fishing fleet bringing in the day’s catch and pose in front of sea-themed murals. Pro tip: Doodlebugs is cash only, but there’s an ATM inside.
If you’re staying overnight, take the time to explore a few of the unique attractions just outside Newport. Hunt for fossils at Beverly Beach, visit the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse and hike inside Devils Punchbowl at low tide.
Where to stay:
You have plenty of accommodation options, from the budget-conscious to upscale. Camp at South Beach or Beverly Beach State Parks, both of which are home to yurts, too. Search the many vacation rentals in Newport. Or splurge at the Inn at Nye Beach, which is walking distance to the beach and features an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific.
Grab a bite:
Is a trip to the Oregon Coast complete without seafood? Local Ocean serves up just-caught seafood from their local fishing partners, both in the nicer upstairs restaurant and the downstairs counter-service spot. Similarly, the Fish Peddler Market cooks up the day’s catch, from whole Dungeness to clam chowder to fish and chips. Rogue Brewery is a family-friendly favorite with an extensive kid’s menu in addition to their beers for the 21 and older set.
If You Like Hiking
Go to: Crater Lake National Park
Oregon’s one national park is definitely a bucket-list travel destination. And with much of the area snowed in until June in a typical year, summer is by far the best time to visit.
Pro tip: To make the most of your trip to the deepest lake in the U.S., leave your four-legged pals at home. Many trails are off-limits to pets.
Take advantage of Every Kid Outdoors, which grants free national park access to every family that has a fourth grader. Just register online and make sure to print out your pass; folks at the fee station won’t accept an image on your phone.
Fun things to do:
For easy hikes, half-mile Castle Crest Trail’s wildflowers in July and August can’t be beat, though the .8-mile Sun Notch Trail — with its views of Phantom Ship island — gives it a run for its money. For an off-the-beaten jaunt, check out the dragon teeth — I mean volcanic spires — sticking out of the ground at the .8-mile out-and-back Pinnacles Trail.
For a hike with a big payoff, head to the Watchman Peak Trail. The trail switchbacks up to a lookout tower, with 360-degree views overlooking Crater Lake, Wizard Island and even Mt. Shasta on a clear day. The 1.7-mile out-and-back trail is steep in sections, but the switchbacks make it doable for elementary-aged kids; vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
To give little legs a break, ride the Crater Lake Trolley (from $25/person; kids 5 and under free). It runs most of the way around the lake’s rim, formed when a 12,000-foot volcano collapsed. Stopping at vista points via the trolley is a great alternative to driving and fighting for parking spots.
Where to stay:
Within the park, stay at historic Crater Lake Lodge or the Cabins at Mazama Village. Don’t be fooled by the name; the cabins are more like hotel rooms, with queen beds and private baths. You can also pitch a tent or park your RV in Mazama Campground. Outside the park, camp at Farewell Bend — with an epic wooden playground/fort — or stay in the cabins and lodge rooms at Union Creek Resort, both a 40-minute drive from the rim.
Grab a bite:
While you’re in the Union Creek Resort area, sample one of the dozen flavors of fresh-baked pies at Beckie’s Cafe. The Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room’s buffets are delicious but limited to lodge guests; all visitors can order apps to eat on the patio and in the Great Hall from 3 to 9 pm. For more casual fare, head to the Annie Creek Restaurant, which serves reasonably priced sandwiches and burgers, plus pizza. Don’t expect Michelin-star food at the Rim Village Cafe, but it will definitely head off hanger emergencies.
If You Like Family-Friendly Resorts
Go to: Sunriver Resort
I’m living proof that a Sunriver family trip makes memories that last. Having grown up in Oregon, my family vacationed at this Central Oregon resort — and I can still remember the hours and hours of fun my siblings and I spent bike riding, exploring and swimming.
Lying 20 minutes from Bend and 3 ½ hours from Portland, Sunriver is full of enough fun activities to fill a summertime bucket list. See how many you can pack in or choose your favorites to play on repeat.
Fun things to do:
Beat the Central Oregon heat in the water. Swim at SHARC, the homeowners’ aquatic center with a lazy river (pictured below), or The Cove resort aquatic center, with two water slides and a poolside restaurant. You can also float a calm 6-mile stretch of the Deschutes River by putting in at the Sunriver Marina, which also rents kayaks, rafts and canoes.
Walk or bike the 40 miles of paved bike trails, perfect for both young speedsters and kids on training wheels. For a longer hike, trek from the Sunriver Trailhead past the Deschutes River to Benham Falls (6.7 miles). Or giddyup on a horseback trail ride, where you can mosey through ponderosa forest or along the Deschutes (kids ages 7 and up).
Keep the fun going post-sundown at the Sunriver Observatory. Reserve tickets ahead of time for a nighttime visit, which includes a chance to peep far-off nebulae and planets through high-powered telescopes ($20/person). For an epic interstellar encounter, visit during the Perseid Meteor Shower, which peaks August 11-12.
You could spend a whole trip inside the resort grounds, but there’s so much else to explore nearby! Hike by flashlight underground at the Lava River Tubes, take a moonlight canoe trip on the Cascade Lakes with Wanderlust Tours or spend a half-day at the High Desert Museum.
Where to stay:
Post up in the resort or rent a home for your stay. All lodge rooms include a cozy fireplace and deck; suites include a kitchenette and living area. Opt for a condo or rental home if you’re traveling with a big crew or pets; many homes also come with their own hot tub. Pro tip: When choosing a home rental, read the description carefully; you may get bonuses like free tennis, boat rentals or SHARC passes.
Grab a bite:
Entertainment — via the windows to both the kitchen and the outdoors — comes with the food at the Lodge Kitchen; save room for the s’mores brownie. Settle in at the Owl’s Nest in the Lodge for pub fare (fries by the bucketful — perfect for fueling the day’s adventures). Or belly up for Sunriver Pub’s casual vibe and kid-friendly service; the juniper-seasoned elk burger is as local as it gets.
Looking for more summer fun? Check out these pieces on how to make your Oregon summer splendid, and special places to travel with the family.
- Family-Friendly Winter Travel Around Oregon - November 30, 2023
- Catch Fall Colors at Hoyt Arboretum - November 1, 2023
- Family-Friendly Travel for Your Best Oregon Summer Yet - May 23, 2023
