Ski the mountain, paddle the river, sip the wine!
There aren’t many places in this world where you can hit the slopes, paddle a river, then enjoy a night on the town — all in the same weekend. Fortunately for sports enthusiasts, one of those rare places is right here in Oregon.
There are many ways to dice up a multi-sport vacation, but here’s one stellar option: Start your adventure high on Mt. Hood, duck down into the valley to paddle the famous Columbia, then hang low in the city for an evening of wining and dining.
1.
Ski the Mountain
With Mt. Hood easily accessible from Portland, you can make your base in the big city without missing a beat in the outback. Then, an hour and a half’s drive later, indulge in a little skiing or snowboarding at one of Mt. Hood’s recreation areas. Highway 26 takes you east from the city to the mountains in Mt. Hood National Forest — a drive that will leave you breathless. The lush greenery and forests create a dramatic frame for a skyline view of the snow-capped peak.
Make your trip before April and you’ll have the opportunity to ski — among other resorts — the 2,150-acre Mt. Hood Meadows, which flanks the very same mountain that provided dramatic views on your drive. Meadows Resort boasts a three-mile run for the adventurous and also includes terrain for all levels of skiers. The base lodge sits at 5,366 feet, and the highest lift lands you at 7,300 feet. Refresh your run by stopping on the slope to view the mountain’s dramatic summit, or take a break with a hot chocolate in one of the 12 restaurants at the resort.
2.
Paddle the River
Rest your ski legs on the drive back to Portland and get a good night’s sleep before your next adventure: a kayak trip through history. On day two, you’ll drop down to the Columbia River, which majestically marks the border between Oregon and Washington, to paddle the same waters that led Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean nearly two centuries ago.
Seasoned kayakers may rent boats from any of several companies near Portland. Guides and instructors are available for those new to the sport or to the area. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe on the Columbia in Portland offers several levels of daylong lessons and is a great resource for guides and information about boating in the Portland area. Farther west off Highway 30, also on the Columbia, Scappoose Bay Kayaking offers educational half-day tours on the river.
3.
Sip the Wine
For the last adventure of your Oregon trio, sit back and relax with a nice glass of Pinot at one of Portland’s many fine wine bars, the numbers of which are quickly catching up to the number of ale houses.
These establishments, which typically offer a great array of exquisite (and affordable) appetizers and entrees, are perfect for summer sipping on Portland evenings. At Noble Rot on Northeast 28th and Ankeny, the proprietors mix highbrow with down-home when serving up their famous classic, gourmet macaroni and cheese, with a fine wine.
If your craving is more toward Italian or Mexican food, stroll north along 28th Street and you’ll pass a number of tasty options. Wherever your craving leads you, be sure to end the evening with dessert at Staccato Gelato on 28th. Locally owned, Staccato Gelato makes its gelato every day. Nothing like it to cap off a weekend of adventure.