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Columbia River highway, Oregon
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A Multi-Gen Scenic Drive
Through Oregon
Discover some of Oregon’s most beautiful nature-based attractions and more.
By Stacey Zable
Family road trips do not need to end once the children are in their 20s and out of the house. Explore a multigenerational drive for parents wanting to continue traveling with their family. A drive through Oregon combines the beauty of the state’s waterfalls, mountains, valleys and high desert with select cities, small towns and overnight stays in special properties. Plus, there is no sales tax on shopping and dining in Oregon. The entire family will be impressed with the area’s stunning landscapes and experiences as they share a host of memorable moments along the way.
Skyline of Portland, Oregon
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Start in Portland
Kick off your drive in Portland, Oregon’s largest city. Literary lovers will want to visit the four-story Powell’s Books flagship store, which takes over a city block and houses more than half a million books. Don’t miss the Rare Book Room, limited to 14 customers at one time.
Heathman Hotel library
HEATHMAN HOTEL
Keep the literary theme going by staying at the 151-room Heathman Hotel. A landmark since 1927, the boutique AAA Four Diamond property boasts its own impressive library of more than 3,000 books. The library itself acts as a comfortable lounge area that also has puzzles and other board games for relaxing with the family. Complimentary morning coffee, Wi-Fi and bike rentals add to the amenities, which also include a fitness center and restaurant.
Portland Japanese Garden
Start your first full day in Portland with a quick breakfast at one of its downtown food trucks. Fried Egg I’m In Love is within walking distance of the Heathman Hotel. Then spend most of the day in Washington Park, starting with the 12.5-acre Portland Japanese Garden. Stop at its Umami Café for tea, light fare and sweets.
The nearby International Rose Test Garden is home to some 10,000 individual rose bushes of more than 600 rose varieties that bloom from May through October. The complimentary park shuttle bus can then take you to the 190-acre Hoyt Arboretum. The Redwood Deck off the Wildwood Trail is the ideal spot for viewing the magnificent redwood trees.
Columbia River Gorge
The Beauty of Columbia River Gorge
Leave the city behind and start the drive toward the region of Mount Hood—Oregon’s tallest peak—and the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll quickly discover that this gorge is gorgeous and warrants its designation as a protected National Scenic Area. It’s only a 30-mile drive from Portland to the 620-foot Multnomah Falls, one of the most visited natural recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest. For a closer look, walk up to the Benson Bridge, the footbridge over Multnomah Creek between the falls’ two cascades.
After your time at Multnomah Falls, continue your drive another 12.5 miles to Cascade Locks for lunch at the Native American family-owned Brigham Fish Market. Place your order for freshly caught Columbia River fish at the counter, grab an outdoor picnic table with a view and they will deliver it to you.
Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
COLUMBIA GORGE HOTEL & SPA
After lunch, drive another 18.5 miles to Hood River and the historic AAA Three Diamond Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa. Built in 1921 along the banks of the Columbia River, the intimate property of only 40 guest rooms also has seven acres of gardens, a restaurant, lounge, outdoor terrace and spa. The view of the gorge is beautiful and the perfect spot to watch the countless daily windsurfers that dot the river. The hotel is a throwback to another time, including needing a staff person to operate the elevator—one of the first installed in the Hood River area back in 1921.
Aerial view of the city of Hood River
Downtown Hood River is only a few miles away and filled with independent boutiques, galleries and cooperative art spaces. Dinner choices nearby include the Riverside restaurant inside the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn for excellent locally sourced fare combined with superior service and views of the gorge from the outdoor deck. The Ferment Brewing Company is a more casual option featuring house-made beers. Work off your meal at either place with a walk along Hood River Waterfront’s pedestrian trails.
Field of lavender at Hood River Lavender Farms
HOOD RIVER LAVENDER FARMS
Spend the next day exploring stops along the scenic 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop that runs from downtown Hood River to the hills of the Columbia Gorge. Its 32 stops include farm fruit stands, vineyards and even a field of lavender at Hood River Lavender Farms, which features a lavender product shop. Draper Girls Country Farm offers seasonal fruit picking plus a store with plenty of fresh fruits, cider and other goodies. There is also a grassy area with views of Mount Hood to enjoy them. The tree swing and friendly goats nearby will put a smile on every family member’s face.
Make reservations for a picnic table outside for lunch paired with friendly service and great food at Grateful Vineyard. Located within Mt. View Orchards, you will be treated to a view of Mount Hood as you dine. The large servings of pizzas, salads and charcuterie boards are ideal for sharing.
A drive through Mount Hood National Forest provides sweeping views.
Scenic Central Oregon
Before leaving Hood River for your drive to the Central Oregon region, have breakfast at Broder Øst in downtown Hood River. Long tables are ideal for your family to dine on locally sourced ingredients and Scandinavian flavors for baked egg skillets and more.
Your morning 130-mile drive to your lunch stop is an attraction in itself. It includes driving through and along the magnificent Mount Hood National Forest and rewards you with sweeping views of towering trees with Mount Hood in the distance. Lunch is at the 300-plus-acre Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards in Terrebonne. Nearby, you’ll pass Alpaca Country Estates where you’ll see some of its more than 1,000 alpacas roaming the range.
A walking trail at Smith Rock State Park
Drive another 14 miles for an afternoon hike at Smith Rock State Park with its soaring 600-foot tuff and basalt cliffs framing the Crooked River. For those in your group who may not be up for the hiking challenge, the view from the parking lot is rewarding as well.
Entrance of Brasada Ranch
BRASADA RANCH
Ranch Resort Time
After the hike, you will all be looking forward to relaxation time at the magnificent Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte. It’s only a 23-mile drive to what will be your incredible home for the next few nights. Depending on your family size, choose a two-, three- or four-bedroom Sage Canyon Cabin that sleeps four to eight people. They come with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, barbecue grills, patios (some with hot tubs), fireplaces and washers/dryers.
View of Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor
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The 1,800-acre Brasada’s views of the Cascade Range, including the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor, set the scene for a stay at this fabulous property. The resort’s diverse amenities mean everyone in your family will find something they like to do. You can meet up for meals on your cabin patio or at a special dinner at Wild Rye or breakfast at Ranch House. You’ll be treated to excellent fare using local produce while taking in those unbeatable vistas.
RENT A CAR FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP.
Golfers will find bliss at the 18-hole Brasada Canyons course with carpet-like greens and incomparable views. The 22,000-square-foot Athletic Center keeps everyone active with a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools (including an adult-only one), complimentary pickleball and tennis including equipment use and complimentary fitness classes at the lovely open-air Studio. The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, wraps, facials and nail services. There is also horseback riding, on-site hiking trails and bicycle rentals.
Central Oregon has 30 golf courses, including a number at top-rated golf resorts. Besides Brasada, other choices include Juniper Preserve and Sunriver Resort.
Aerial view of Bend’s Old Mill District
Visit Nearby Bend
Dedicate an afternoon to walking along Bend’s downtown area, about 20 miles from Brasada. While there, be sure to also visit the nearby historic Old Mill District along the Deschutes River, with more than 55 restaurants and stores.
Take advantage of the dark skies in Central Oregon by visiting an observatory that happens to be in a brewery just a few miles from downtown Bend. Have dinner at the casual Worthy Brewing and Hopservatory on one of the evenings it offers its free night sky viewings. A knowledgeable and passionate guide leads you up to its third-floor dome and its impressive research-grade telescope for up-close looks at the moon and beyond.
Posing for a photo at Three Sisters
STACEY ZABLE
On the Way Back to Portland
When it is sadly time to leave Brasada and drive toward Portland, stop about 34 miles along the way in the cute town of Sisters. Named after the local peaks, the artsy town features an Old West architectural vibe. Don’t miss the photo op in front of the Sisters mural, especially if your family dynamic includes a few sisters. Stroll the shops, including the adorable The Hen’s Tooth, and grab a quick snack at the Sisters Bakery.
Build bonds with your family while you travel. Check out our free AAA webcast: The Deeper Value of Family Travel.
Koosah Falls
It's an estimated 160-mile drive straight to Portland from Sisters, or you can make two quick stops to view more scenic sites. About 35 miles from Sisters are the approximately 100-foot Sahalie Falls and 65-foot Koosah Falls, located less than one mile apart. After this last chance to explore Oregon’s natural beauty, continue the drive to Portland for your family’s flight home.
From parents and grown children to grandparents and grandkids, AAA Travel Agents make Oregon road trips unforgettable for the whole family! Start planning your adventure today.
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