Cherry Trees, Train Rides and a Half-Mile Slide
In the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge area, the whole family can spend a day or a weekend (or even longer!) skiing, riding bikes, or enjoying a relaxing train ride.
1.
Day One
Begin your trip in Hood River, 60 miles east of Portland. This area is often called the Windsurfing (and now Kite boarding) capitol of the U.S. thanks to the Columbia Gorge winds and warm summer temperatures. Just look out over the Columbia River and you’ll see colorful sails dancing across the water.
Mt. Hood Railroad
Take the family for a ride on the Mt. Hood Railroad. The train departs Hood River and climbs through the Hood River Valley, past forests and fruit orchards, to Parkdale, which sits at the foothills of Mt. Hood. Choose from a variety of different excursion themes, including brunch, dinner and narrated history of the area.
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Ride Bikes to the Mosier Twin Tunnels
From the Hatfield Trailhead, ride some (or all) of this easy 12-mile paved route that hugs the Historic Columbia River Highway. This trail is only open to hikers and cyclists so parents won’t need to worry about cars. You can turn around early, but try to make it all the way to Mosier Twin Tunnels, a pair of stone archways that once allowed passenger vehicles to pass through the hillside high above the Columbia River.
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After a fun day out on the town, spend a relaxing night in one of the area's hotels or inns.
2.
Day Two
From Hood River, drive Hwy 35 southwest. Merge onto Hwy 26 then head to Mt. Hood Skibowl, about 40 miles total.
Mt. Hood Skibowl Summer Action Park
In warmer months, Mt. Hood Skibowl (the nation’s largest night-skiing area) turns into a Summer Action Park with more than 20 mountain adventures, including a half-mile, dual-alpine slide. Just ride the chairlift to the top and slide on down! Other adventures include Indy karts, guided horseback rides and bungee jumping for the older kids.
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Explore Timberline Lodge
From Mt. Hood Skibowl, head east on Hwy 26 for a half-mile. Look for the Timberline exit on your left. Drive up the hill about 6 miles to Historic Timberline Lodge and Ski Area. Timberline offers year-round skiing (the only in North America) on Palmer Glacier so you’re likely to see kids in goggles and t-shirts with snowboards tucked under their arms – even in July. Explore the many paved trails, enjoy incredible views and stay for lunch at this WPA-era lodge, or spend the night in one of its cozy rooms. The lodge even has an outdoor pool. What kid doesn’t love a pool?
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