Day 1
Portland to Mt. Hood
94 milesHead east from Portland on the scenic Columbia River Highway. Built in the early 1900s and modeled after European highways that hug the cliffs (think Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief), the road runs alongside the most dramatic parts of the river gorge.
With its postcard views of Mount Saint Helens, Vista House (40700 East Columbia River Hwy., 503-695-2230), a 1916 rest stop perched on a hilltop 733 feet high, is a spectacular first stop. Only nine miles down the highway is Multnomah Falls, a 620-foot waterfall. Children will love standing on the bridge in front of it and getting misted by the spray. Refuel at Multnomah Falls Lodge (53000 East Columbia River Hwy., 503-695-2376), a 1920s hotel that is now a restaurant and gift shop.
Hood River is the place for kite surfing. Sign up for a two-hour lesson at Hood River Waterplay (Hood River Marina, 800-963-7873), or pick up a kite at Pass-Times (413 Oak St., 541-386-6347). Directly south on Route 35 is the Hood River Fruit Loop. Pull over for a fresh seasonal fruit shake at one of the many stands along the highway.
Continue south on Route 35; restless kids will soon spot Mount Hood in the distance. Drive to Timberline Lodge (800-547-1406) at the summit's base: Adults will appreciate the design of this '30s WPA project, while kids will love the hotel's Saint Bernards, Heidi and Bruno.
Next Page: Day 2: Mt. Hood to Camp Sherman
