Perched on rugged sandstone cliffs high above the ocean, Shore Acres State Park is an exciting and unexpected combination of beautiful natural and constructed features. Once the grand estate of pioneer timber baron Louis Simpson, Shore Acres features lushly planted gardens with plants and flowers from all over the world. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year.
Whether you are looking for a quick day trip, to hold a conference or an extended camping trip, Silver Falls State Park offers something for any length of stay.
"You can do everything from drive through the park and see a couple of falls from the road to setting up a tent and staying here for several days," says Steve Janiszewski, assistant area manager. "What you do at the park really varies on how long you want to stay."
As a parent, I can tell you that it’s quite an adventure when you children start to bounce off the walls. Well now there is a solution, Sky High Sports in Tigard.
The warehouse, located off highway 217, is filled with trampolines, yes, even the walls.
From the time they open, to when they close, kids of all ages – and even some adults – spend hours bouncing, flying and flipping in the 45,000 square-foot facility.
If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. There are also miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver.
Waterfalls, shopping and tours, oh my! Oregon's Southern Coast offers a wide variety of activities for everyone.
Waterfalls
The South Coast offers some spectacular waterfalls that are a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive.
A maintained hiking trail allows parkgoers to reach the top of Golden Falls, where they can see old-growth trees and watch from above as the water cascades down to the rocks.
Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the Oregon coast, Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs. Only a short walk from the beach, the campground has sites for tent camping and RV's, as well as cozy and comfortable yurts. Day-use and picnic facilities are located along the bay to allow easy access for beachcombing, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Dancing in the breeze, the trees at The Grotto swayed to the beat of the East wind.
"In Rome shrines are often called sanctuaries," says the Rev. Jackson Topper, OSM, executive director of the shrine. "In our case it has a double meaning. We are a shrine, but also a sanctuary for people looking to get away from the busy world we live in."
While many people head to Lincoln City to get their fix of the Oregon Coast, there is another place that is just as easy to enjoy, Tolovana Beach Wayside.
This Oregon State Park is located on the ocean front on the south end of Cannon Beach and offers many of the amenities that beaches in Seaside and Lincoln City offer, and many times has fewer crowds.
A 89-foot waterfall on Tumalo Creek about 20 miles outside of Bend. The park at the base of the falls offers hiking trails, fishing, picnic areas and restrooms. Along the way to the falls are informational kiosks that make it a great trip if you want to learn about the ecology of creeks, forests and fish habitat.
Wildlife Safari is a 600 acre Drive-Thru animal park. Driving your own vehicle, It takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete.
