Family Trip to Oregon

I am trying to plan a family trip to Oregon with a diverse group of family members. The youngest in our group are 5 and 6, the oldest are 70ish. There will be a total of 8-10. Some of us are flying from Ohio and the rest will be driving from Reno, NV. I thought the oregon coast sounded like a good combination of natural beauty and things to do. I am interested in hearing recommendations for hiking with children and any activities that would minimize heavy tourist traffic but yield exposure to Lewis and Clark history. What things should we not miss? What should we definitely avoid? Thanks

4 buckeyes

Family Trip to Oregon

I forgot to mention, we are planning the trip for late June and cna either stay in one place or travel along the coast. Thanks

Family Trip to Oregon

For Lewis and Clark history, go to Astoria. You would enjoy Fort Clatsop there. There is a Holiday Inn Express in Astoria that would be nice for your family, or the Cannery Pier Hotel, both are right on the Columbia Riveer. The HIE has an indoor pool and is on the trolley run. www.oldoregon.com

I would also spend some time in Seaside and Cannon Beach. Seaside has a prom, small aquarium, you can rent surrey bikes or paddle boats on the Necanicum River. www.seasideor.com If you want to stay in this area, check out the Rivertide Suites. The Shilo Inn, Hi-Tide, Ebb-Tide are all oceanfront places you could check out. We loved our stay at the Tides by the Sea down by Ave U in Seaside. Have fun! ';)

How long will you be visiting here?

Although Astoria does have Fort Clatsop, I think you would find much more of interest about 20 minutes away at Cape Disappointment, Washington. It%26#39;s across the big bridge and a bit west. There is a great interpretive center there, cool lighthouse, beautiful scenery with beaches and hiking trails. There are a couple of L%26amp;C informational signs on the way from Astoria.

What sort of town do you prefer to stay in?

Seaside is without a doubt one of the most congested on the coast, and not particularly scenic except for maybe the ';Prom'; - but that is all built up. Cannon Beach is upscale, very busy but also very scenic, especially Ecola Park. Astoria is far larger, a small city, and is on the river, not the ocean.

If Lewis %26amp; Clark is a must, then the Astoria area is it. But, I wouldn%26#39;t suggest staying in Astoria, as it%26#39;s a couple miles upriver from the coast. In any case, you should visit Cape Disappointment State Park, if only for the North Head Lighthouse, and the view of the mouth of the Columbia River from the Lewis %26amp; Clark Interpretive Center. And it%26#39;d be cool if you could rent one of these places for a couple nights: 鈥a.gov/vacationhouses/capedisappointment/ . But, I%26#39;m guessing they%26#39;re reserved far in advance. Another fun-for-all-ages Lewis %26amp; Clark related activity would be the Astor Column, where the ummm.... older folks could entertain themselves with the history, while the younger ones climb the column and sail balsa wood airplanes from the top.

Most popular north coast towns are Cannon Beach and Seaside. Traffic%26#39;s a bear in both, particularly Seaside. But you might find homes to rent in Gearhart or Arch Cape, both quiet residential communities. Maybe even look as far south as Manzanita; great beach, and well located for natural beauty and hiking interests. About 40 miles from Astoria, though.

I really think the central coast, with its wide variety of activities and sights is better suited to your group, but hesitate recommending splitting your stay unless you%26#39;re planning to be here for at least a week. If that%26#39;s the case, Newport or Yachats would be a good choices.

Regardless, you should be finalizing plans and making lodging reservations ASAP. Things may be a bit different in this economy, but nicer lodgings in popular locations typically book up months in advance.

Sorry for the echo, half-Brit. ;-)

Here are some websites that provide details on the preceding suggestions.

I, too, am a fan of Newport and Yachats (Ya-hots), and if the latter, recommend either Overleaf or Fireside lodges.

Fantastically beautiful, short hikes in the hills or shore, spouting horns, and more.

Oregon Coast

www.visittheoregoncoast.com

Newport, OR (Several things to do and to see for all ages, to me, best suited to the age range.)

http://discovernewport.com/

www.aquarium.org

Yachats/Cape Perpetua (OR Coast at its best; but, so much of it is beautiful!)

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I was thinking the Overleaf too, voyaging (great minds and all that). Specifically, one of the cabins in Overleaf Village: http://www.overleafvillage.com/

I like Astoria, historic town, not on ocean but if you plan to be here longer than a few days, I suggest 2 nights there. which could give you one full day and maybe 2 partial days for Lewis and Clark. both in oreg and Wash

Then you can move to beach site. Seaside/CB or Newport/Yachats. I prefer central coast.

You say youngest 5 %26amp; 6 but do you have other kids, Kids would really enjoy dune buggy rides out of Florence, and Aquarium in newport is quite good. Tide pools at Seal Rock can be fun if you can catch a low tides. Cape Perpetua area has some nice short hikes.

4Buckeyes,

I have kids ages 5 and 8 and we like go to the following places on the coast:

Hiking:

- Cascade Head near Neskowin. Beautiful and usually not too crowded

- Hug Point near Cannon Beach - nice tidepools and even a waterfall

- Ecola State Park - great park and close to Cannon Beach. BTW, Cannon Beach does get crowded with weekend Portlanders, but it%26#39;s still a small, pleansant coastal town. I would stay here or in Manzanita

- Oswald West State Park near Mazanita

- Cape Lookout - my favorite hike out on a 2 mile penisula, high above the ocean, ok for kids, but keep an eye on them.

- Pacific City and Cape Kiwanda. Stop for lunch and a beer at the Pelican Brew Pub.

Overnight:

So many places. If you want a casino, then Lincoln City. If you want small and quaint, then Manzanita. If you want good restaurants, then Cannon Beach. Manzanita has a city park about a block from the beach. A small and fun 9 hole golf course, a good pub and a good pizza place.

Note - my recommendations are focused on the North Oregon Coast. The Central Oregon Coast is great too, but just further from Portland.

Bring warm clothes that dry easily, also a stocking cap, mittens and good shoes. You will love the beautiful Oregon Coast - prettiest place in America!

One more thing 4 Buckeyes -

We recently stayed in Manzanita and rented a house. It sounds like it would be perfect for your group. I can%26#39;t recommend it highly enough - 2 short blocks from a beautiful beach and the town of Manzanita.

http://www.vrbo.com/145736

dark scarlet brown color