Destination
Oregon, Family-Friendly Adventures
Oregon is made for road trips. From the waterfalls and scenic drives of the Columbia River Gorge to the wide-open country of Eastern Oregon and the forests of the Coast Range, the scenery can change completely from one part of the state to the next.
Whether you are planning a Pacific Northwest road trip, a weekend getaway, or just looking for family-friendly places to stop, this page is where I am collecting our favorite Oregon destinations, attractions, and scenic detours as we go.
Destinations
The Map
Guides coming soon On our list to visit
Tap a pin to jump to that stop — the teal pin is a place still on our list.
Best Time to Visit
Oregon splits in two when it comes to weather. West of the Cascades — Portland, the Gorge, the Coast Range — is green because it rains, mostly from October through May. East of the Cascades is high desert: hot, dry summers and cold, clear winters.
June through September is the easiest window for a road trip that crosses both. The Gorge waterfalls actually run highest in spring, so late April and May are beautiful if you do not mind rain gear, and the fall colors along the Historic Columbia River Highway are worth a September or October drive.
One practical note: in recent summers a timed-use permit has been required for the Multnomah Falls parking area off I-84 during peak hours, booked through recreation.gov. Check before you go — the dates and rules have shifted year to year, and the shuttle is often the easier option with kids.
What to Expect
Getting there: Portland International (PDX) is the main hub, and the MAX light rail runs from the airport into downtown, so you can land and start without a rental car.
Getting around: Everything past Portland needs a car. I-84 runs east along the Columbia through the Gorge and on toward Hermiston and Baker City, which makes the whole eastern half of this page one long, scenic drive.
Distances: Multnomah Falls is about 40 minutes from downtown Portland, Hood River about an hour, and Baker City around five hours east. Eastern Oregon rewards you for not rushing it.
Budget: Portland lodging runs high in summer; Eastern Oregon is noticeably cheaper. Oregon has no sales tax, which quietly helps on food, gear, and souvenirs.
Weather: Layers. The Gorge is windy year-round, and a summer day can swing a 30°F difference between the coast and the high desert.
Things to Do in Oregon With Kids
Waterfalls one day, an Old West main street the next, towering forest the day after. Here is what I am covering so far — full guides are on the way.
Baker City
Eastern OregonLocated in Eastern Oregon, Baker City is a great stop for families exploring the eastern side of the state.
With its historic downtown, Old West character, and easy access to outdoor adventures such as nearby Phillips Lake, it offers a different side of Oregon than you will find around Portland or the coast — and it is a natural place to break up an Eastern Oregon road trip.
Coming soon: things to do with kids, where to stop, and what makes this historic town worth adding to your itinerary.
Portland
Willamette ValleyPortland is one of those cities where you can easily combine traditional sightseeing with family-friendly experiences.
From neighborhoods and markets to parks, food, kid-friendly attractions, and quirky stops along the way, it makes a great jumping-off point for the surrounding Pacific Northwest — and an especially convenient place to begin or end a road trip.
Coming soon: more Portland family travel tips.
Eastern Oregon
High desert and mountainsEastern Oregon often gets overlooked in favor of Portland and the coast — but there is so much to discover once you venture east.
The landscape changes dramatically: wide-open spaces, mountain scenery, small towns, historic sites, and plenty of room to get outside. For families who love road trips, this is the part of Oregon where the drive itself becomes the adventure.
Coming soon: our favorite Eastern Oregon stops and travel tips.
Hermiston
Along the ColumbiaNear the Columbia River in northeastern Oregon, Hermiston is an easy stop when you are exploring the eastern side of the state or passing through the region. Our guide will highlight why this place is an absolute must-stop every time we're on a road trip through Oregon!
It also works as a convenient base for the surrounding communities, scenic areas, and outdoor destinations.
Coming soon: what to see, where to stop, and family-friendly things to do nearby.
Hood River
Columbia River GorgeHood River is one of those Oregon destinations that pairs beautiful scenery with plenty to do.
Sitting along the Columbia River and ringed by mountains, waterfalls, orchards, and scenic drives, it is an easy addition to a Gorge road trip — whether you stop for a few hours or stay longer.
Coming soon: more Hood River adventures and family travel tips.
Multnomah Falls
Columbia River GorgeMultnomah Falls is arguably the most recognizable natural attraction in Oregon — and for good reason.
The towering waterfall is the signature stop along the Columbia River Gorge, and it is easy to pair with other Gorge attractions on a family road-trip itinerary.
Coming soon: tips for visiting with kids, what to know before you go, and how to fit it into your Gorge day.
Columbia River Gorge
East of PortlandThe Columbia River Gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic areas in the Pacific Northwest.
Stretching along the river, it is packed with waterfalls, viewpoints, scenic roads, forests, and small towns — which makes it close to perfect for a family road trip.
My favorite thing about this area: you do not have to spend the whole day hiking to see incredible scenery. There are plenty of places to stop, look, take photos, and keep moving.
Coming soon: more Gorge stops, photo spots, and family travel tips.
Tillamook National Forest
Coast RangeIf you are after forests, mountain scenery, and a quieter outdoor day, Tillamook National Forest is worth working into the trip.
In northwestern Oregon, it is a beautiful contrast to the nearby coast and the Portland metro area, and an easy add to a larger Pacific Northwest road trip when you want to get outside.
Coming soon: more details about our Tillamook National Forest adventures.
Oregon Family Travel Guide — Coming Soon
