Day 4
McKenzie Bridge to Portland
92 milesFrom McKenzie Highway, traverse the scenic Santiam Pass in Willamette National Forest. The road parallels the Santiam River and overlooks Detroit Lake.
Take Route 22 to Breitenbush Hot Springs (Hwy. 46, Detroit, 503-854-3321). Earthy to the extreme, this '70s throwback offers a vegetarian community lunch, yoga, saunas, and mineral bathing. Several of the pools are not too hot for children. Clothing optional.
Pull over for lunch just 17 miles south of the springs at Frontier Country (714 Hwy. 22, 503-897-2960), an eccentric diner with an aviary and a trout pond. Route 99 runs through the heart of the Willamette Valley, which is dotted with vineyards and tiny towns. Stop at Owen Roe in St. Paul (8400 Champoeg Rd., 503-678-6514), an excellent winery that produces four different labels, ranging from $13 to $60 a bottle (the cabernets deserve particular notice).
Across the road is Champoeg State Park, a lush heritage area crisscrossed with trails and trout streams. Kids can explore the park's Pioneer Museum. Finish the trip in Portland. Get some well-deserved rest at the Heathman Hotel (1001 SW Broadway, 800-551-0011), where you can order room service and a bottle of fine local wine from the award-winning restaurant. Before leaving, pick up a pair of sturdy logger boots at the Danner Outlet Store (12722 NE Airport Way, 503-251-1100)—they'll inspire you to make your next trip in Oregon a hiking one.
