The state of Oregon offers a number of family vacation destinations. You'll be able to spend time having fun and interesting experiences with each other, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here's a list of family-friendly Oregon destinations where you can enjoy a broad range of activities in uniquely scenic locations.
1. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area runs along the Oregon Coast, from Florence to Coos Bay. The dunes themselves provide for a range of fun activities, including horseback riding, off-road vehicle treks, camping, and hiking. The Oregon Dunes are part of Siuslaw National Forest, where you can enjoy forest, river, and ocean beach recreation. Other nearby attractions include the Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head and Umpqua Lighthouses, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.2. Hood River & the Columbia River Gorge
Gorge Games
Hood River, Oregon, and the Columbia River Gorge are hot spots for lovers of wind, water, and spectacular scenery. Visitors come from around the world to take advantage of the Gorge's steady wind conditions, ideal for windsurfing, kitesailing, and other extreme water sports. Hood River also draws visitors who want to hike, bike, or drive the hills and bluffs along the Gorge and in nearby Mt. Hood National Forest.
3. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Located in Oregon's northeast corner and crossing into Idaho, Hell's Canyon is heaven for lovers of outdoor recreation. Families will enjoy whitewater rafting on the Snake River, as well as hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. You'll experience spectacular and varied scenery from meadows and forests to jagged mountains and alpine lakes. Outfitters and guides provide unique access throughout the Hells Canyon area via jet boats, shuttles, or mule or llama treks.4. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is chock full of unusual things that kids will find interesting. The area is a hotbed of paleontological research; you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of fossils at John Day's visitor center, at a laboratory, or in the field. Once the site of an ancient tropical forest, the John Day River basin is also home to colorful and unique rock formations. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is located in sparsely-populated Eastern Oregon. Nearby recreation spots includes the Malheur, Ochoco, and Umatilla National Forests.5. Newport
©Oregon Coast Visitors Association
Newport, on the Oregon Coast, offers a long list of fun things to do for any family. You can head out on a a whale-watching cruise, tour a world-class aquarium, fly kites on the beach, check out a historic lighthouse, or enjoy a meal of fresh-caught seafood. Newport provides year-round opportunity for an exhilarating family getaway.
