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ADVENTURE OREGON
Adventures for all skill levels
Please note: This itinerary is divided into areas of interest.
 With
so many climate zones and such a variety of terrain, virtually
any trip to Oregon is fair game for playtime. Whether your sport
of choice is rafting, jet boating, sand dune buggy rides, horseback
riding, skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, bird watching,
or mountain biking, Oregon has plenty of opportunities to do any – or
all – of these activities within a short distance.
Oregon enjoys the resources of many outfitters that can customize
their adventure activities to be gentler and encouraging to your
mature clientele. These activities can be a confidence booster
as well as life affirming experiences for those who thought it
wasn’t possible. From rafting one of Oregon’s “Wild
and Scenic Rivers” to jetboating through one of the many
scenic waterways to exploring the sand dunes in a dune buggy, contact
Oregon Guides and Packers Association to find out how! http://www.ogpa.org,
541 617-2876.
We’d like you to think of Oregon as an adrenaline destination,
but not reserved solely for the young and the brave. So bring on
the gear, and get ready to have some fun. It’s all waiting
for you in Oregon!
 Activities that can be enjoyed by all skill levels are highlighted
with this green light symbol.
Many byways are adjacent to or enroute to Oregon’s adventure areas – please
visit www.byways.org for
a list of all the different byways as you plan
your adventures!
Rafting
Oregon’s rivers provide several exciting opportunities
to escape and experience the thrill of challenging river rapids.
(Note: Some areas require
permits.)
Sandy River – Close to Portland, this river is easily
accessible for a day float. Many outfitters in nearby Troutdale
can arrange for put-in/pick-up. Float only goes up to Class II
rapids, andrapids goes through a canyon that features ancient
forests exposed by floods that were buried in deep ash from previous
eruptions by Mount Hood.- Deschutes River – Located in the high desert region of
Central Oregon to North Central Oregon (Maupin) this Designated
Scenic Waterway ranges from placid (through downtown Bend) to
Class IV-VI rapids. Ponderosa trees dot the landscape. (Permits
required.)
- Rogue River – This is Southern Oregon’s biggest
natural attraction for rafters. Between Grants Pass and Gold
Beach, parts of this river are designated scenic and wild; many
are Class VI. Travel past oak and pine trees, and through the
rugged terrain of the coastal mountains. (Permits required on
the scenic section.)
- McKenzie River – One of the tributaries to the much calmer
Willamette River, the McKenzie promises fun and adventure as
it tumbles out of the Cascade Mountains just east of Eugene.
This is a perfect adventure for a hot summer day.
- John Day River – Lesser known and more remote, the John
Day threads its way through the desert, following the rounded
contours of the hills, and into more irrigated areas, past wheat
and corn fields. There are some rapids. (Permits required.)
- Owyhee River – Named after an explorer who was from Hawaii,
this river is probably Oregon’s most remote wild and scenic
river. Hot springs can be found along the banks, and a thin ribbon
of riparian zone keeps the hot desert at arm’s length.
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
- Float and Feast on the Rogue River -
page 25
- Splash and Suds - page 54
- Oregon Sampler - page 40
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Jetboating
Jetboats are a fun and exciting way to discover some of Oregon’s
rivers. Most jetboat guides are well trained in the natural geology,
flora and fauna of the area they navigate and can relate interesting
stories of the human history as well.
- Willamette River – Jetboats cruise through downtown Portland
for a different perspective and visit the interesting dry docks
of the shipyards for the Port of Portland, one of the largest
on the West Coast. Heading south, see is the base of the Willamette
Falls, where Native American fisherman still catch migrating
river eels. In the massive flood of 1996, these falls were just
a mere ripple in the deluge of water coming over the falls.
- Rogue River – A short jetboat ride from Grants Pass reveals
Hellgate Canyon and it’s mighty rock walls. From Gold Beach,
nature based river adventures offer wildlife viewing, beautiful
scenery and history interpretation along the only U.S. Mail boat
route. 64 m/103km, 80m/129 km or 104 m/167km narrated excursions
are offered May-October.
- Hells Canyon – Along the deepest chasm in the world,
the views are indescribably beautiful. Ancient petroglyphs and
old gold miner’s cabins are still visible today.
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Horseback Riding
There are a number of ranches scattered around Oregon. Please
inquire with each ranch for specific amenities and rates.
 Flying
M – near Portland 23029 NW Flying M Road Yamhill
OR 97148 tel: 503-662-3222 www.Flying-M-Ranch.com- C & M Stables – near Florence 90241 Hwy 101 North
Florence OR 97439 tel: 541-997-7540, www.oregonhorsebackriding.com.
- Big K – near Roseburg 20029 Hwy 138 W. Elkton OR 97436
tel: 800-390-BIGK, email: bigk@rosenet.net, www.big-k.com.
- Long Hollow – 71105 Holmes Road, Sisters, OR 97759 tel:
877-923-1901, www.lhranch.com.
- Running Y – near Klamath Falls 5115 Running Y Road Klamath
Falls OR 97601 (888) 850-0275 www.runningy.com.
- Rock Springs Guest Ranch - Bend, 64175 Tyler Road - Bend OR
97701 tel: 541-382-1957 www.rocksprings.com.
- Baker’s Bar M – Northeastern Oregon, 58840 Bar
M Lane - Adams, OR 97810 tel: 888-824-3381, www.guestranches.com/barm.
- Aspen Ridge – PO Box 2 - Bly OR 97622 tel: 541-884-8685,
www.aspenrr.com.
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
- Home on the Range, Dude - page 34
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Kayaking
Many lakes, wriveride rivers and ocean spots
are good for flat-water kayaks. Most rental agencies require
some level of experience before
renting their equipment to visitors; be prepared to explain your
skill level.
 Willamette
River – Kayak through downtown Portland, gliding past city
buildings and exploring a blue heron rookery and wildlife refuge – all
within a two-hour paddle.- Columbia River – Rougher water, more current, and cargo
ship traffic make the Columbia a little trickier to navigate
by kayak, but it can be done. Many kayakers enjoy exploring the
river islands for day trips, which proves safer than open-water
paddling.
- Ocean Bays – Several ocean bays are within a two-hour
drive of Portland. Tillamook Bay, Nestucca Bay and Newport’s
Yaquina Bay are all relatively protected areas. But great caution
should be taken in reading current and tide charts and preparing
for inclement weather.
Some of the very same rivers that are popular with rafters have
also found a following with white water kayakers.
- Clackamas
River – Just outside of Portland, the Clackamas is famous
for its white water rodeo called "Bob’s Hole," which
features some challenging currents but plenty of places for experienced
kayakers to show off. The annual event attracts as many onlookers
as contestants.
- McKenzie River – An annual whitewater rodeo tests kayakers
of all skill levels
- Deschutes River – Put in at Bend in Central Oregon, have
a great run, then kick back and enjoy the desert sun amidst the
mountains, pine trees and fresh air.
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Alpine Skiing
Oregon skiing may be the state’s best-kept secret. Most
people don’t know that you can ski year-round on Palmer Glacier
(on Mount Hood) – the only place in the continental U.S.
Lower costs and shorter lines make Oregon’s ski value high
compared to better-known ski destinations.
- Mt. Hood Meadows - Mt. Hood Meadows offers the most spectacular
and varied terrain in the Northwest. With 11 lifts and 2150 skiable
acres, they have a huge mountain with terrain for everyone, magnificent
views and snowfall beyond belief. Nordic center offers 15 km
of groomed tracks.
- Cooper Spur Mountain Resort - Specializes in affordable winter
fun for all skill levels by offering 10 runs of fun for skiing
and snowboarding, a tubing center, plus 6.5 km of cross country
ski trails. Day lodge restaurant provides a place to warm up
and recharge.
- Mt. Hood Skibowl - The largest night-ski area in the nation,
featuring 90 acres, plus more than 300 acres of outback terrain.
Offering a 1,500-foot vertical drop, Skibowl is a favorite for
skiers and snowboarders. Snow tubing, mini snowmobiles for children
under 5, sleigh rides, indoor play zone, equipment rentals, and
a lodge restaurant/bar are available on-site. The Summer Adventure
Park offers bungee jumping, mountain biking, an alpine slide
and more.
- Timberline Lodge - Located at the
6,000 ft/1829 m level of Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge is a famous
Oregon
landmark. Some of the
handmade details found in the lodge — built in the 1930s
as a Work Projects Administration project — are artistic
pieces unto themselves. Timberline features a formal dining room,
lodging, gift shops and year-round skiing within an hour-and-a-half
drive from Portland. Open year-round, free tours available on
weekends through the US Forest Service.
- Hoodoo Mountain Resort - Featuring 5 ski lifts with 806 skiable
acres and 15.8 km of maintained Nordic trails. Hoodoo also features
an Autobahn Tube Park that has up to 20 runs and a tube tow that
accelerates you to the start.
- Mt. Bachelor - One of the premier ski resorts in North America,
with 3683 acres accessible by lift and 1600 acres groomed daily,
features downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross
country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and more.
- Willamette Pass/Oregon Skyway - Provides
year-round access to skiers and sightseers by the biggest and
fastest chairlift/gondola
in the state. Beautiful scenery, wonderful snow, hiking, bicycling
and sightseeing await you.
- Anthony Lakes – With 1100 acres and 21 runs, Anthony
Lakes is a place to become submerged in the light dry snow of
which epic powder days are made.
- Mount Ashland - Mt Ashland's ski area has 23 trails in addition
to chute skiing in a glacial cirque called the 'bowl'. Mt Ashland,
the people, and the City of Ashland make a winning combination.
- Warner Canyon - Enjoy short lift lines and reasonable lift
tickets at this ski area owned by Lake County and operated by
a non-profit
ski club.
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Snowshoe Trekking and Nordic Skiing
For those who don’t like flying down the mountainside but
appreciate a good workout, snowshoe trekking is becoming a popular
winter activity. All of the regions listed under "Alpine Skiing" feature
some type of non-Alpine skiing as well. The best bet is the Oregon
Cascade Mountains and points east from there. Remember to check
with the National Forest Service for up-to-date maps and snow park
information. Many trails are not groomed outside of developed ski
resort areas, so it’s important to follow the markers when
breaking trails. This can be the most rewarding experience to be
out in the wilderness breaking a trail with fresh snowfall, feeling
totally apart from civilization.
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Windsurfing
High-pressure systems forming over Eastern Oregon howl
through the channel of the Columbia River Gorge and rush towards
the low-pressure fronts that lurk offshore of the Oregon Coast.
These conditions are almost always right for some awesome windsurfing,
which has made the gorge a world-famous mecca for this sport.
 Hood
River – Located close to Portland is this windsurfing
hotspot. For miles, you will see summertime windsurfers from
around the globe trying their hand at harnessing the wind for
an adrenaline rush across the Columbia River. Hood River has
numerous equipment rental and retail outlets for windsurfers.- The Dalles – This is another popular spot to gear up
and head out, without nearly as much traffic congestion.
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Fishing
 Fishing is always a favorite pastime, no matter how tall the tale.
Freshwater and saltwater fishing are both available in Oregon.
Charters, guides and outfitters are easily obtained to help you
find the best hotspots. Oregon also has some of the top fly-fishing,
especially along the Umpqua River in Southern Oregon.
Visit Fishing Works, a web site dedicated to help fishermen navigate
the web. Here you’ll find links to where the hot spots are
and an outfitter to get you there. http://www.fishingworks.com/fishing_reports/location.cfm/OR
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Bird Watching
Oregon is right on the Pacific Flyway, with two major bird refuges
as rest stops. Migratory birds flock to Southern Oregon, where
eager birders enthusiastically greet them. Please visit www.oregonbirdingtrails.org
for a complete listing including possible tour routes and trail
guides.
- Sauvie Island – migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes,
bald eagles
- Jackson Bottom – a wetland system that features riparian
areas as well
- Tillamook Bay – home to many ocean waterfowl
- Haystack Rock – home to colonies of murres and puffins
on the Oregon Coast; several boat charters provide pelagic birding
trips
- Malheur National Wildlife Refuge – offering the only
water for hundreds of miles for migrating birds; a must for birders
searching for a multitudinous congregation of varied types of
birds; best time is spring through fall
- Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge – home to the nation’s
largest population of wintering bald eagles and hundreds of other
species of birds
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
- Where the Birds are In Washington County -
page 66
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Mountain Climbing
The exhilaration of reaching a mountain’s summit just in
time to greet the sunrise is addictive. Fortunately for the experienced
mountaineer, Oregon offers plenty of climbing challenges to keep
you satisfied for a long time. Key peaks include Mount Hood, the
Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Thielsen
and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Mazamas Mountaineering Club welcomes
new members and frequently leads climbs to the tops of these peaks.
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
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Hiking
and Outdoor Resources
 Oregon’s middle name is hiking! From high desert to rainforest,
from mountain peak to sandy beach – there are literally thousands
of miles of trails waiting to be discovered. Many resources for
choosing the right hike are available. We recommend you try one
of the following:
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
- Sand-sational Oregon Coast - page
49
- Oregon Sampler - page 40
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Mountain Biking
 Fat-tire
mountain biking is a hit with the ski set, who get their summertime
thrills rushing downhill on challenging Alpine terrain. If that’s
a little too much wind in your hair, then try riding down some
of the many National Forest Service and BLM mountain bike trails
that traverse every kind of terrain imaginable. And if you’re
seeking a more leisurely pace, try Portland’s and Eugene’s
bicycle-friendly paths to explore those cities at your own pace.
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
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Dune Buggy Rides
Enjoy
a thrilling ride on either smaller or large group ATV’s as
you summit 500’ dunes for breathtaking views of the Oregon
Coast, discover hidden lakes and exciting adventure.
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Dune
Buggy Rides (North
Bend to Florence) — Stretching for 48 miles (77 km), this
area offers hidden turquoise lakes, mountainous dunes, wildlife
viewing and dune buggies.
- Sandland Adventures (Florence) - The best way to experience
the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is on a Giant Dune
Buggy Tour. Take your entire group on a scenic, educational and
fun adventure in the dunes.
To "spice up" your Oregon Itinerary, check out the following pages
our Recipes
for Success - Unique Group Travel Experiences Recipe Book, 3rd Edition(.pdf)
- Savory Sand and Sea - page 50
Oregon. We Love Dreamers.
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