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.
Sightseeing
Shore Acres State Park
Silver Falls State Park
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."
Silver Falls Tour Route
Length: 55 miles / 88.0 km
Time to Allow: 90 mins, minimum. All day is reccommended.
Fees: Some state park and attractions charge fees.
Driving Directions: The Silver Falls Tour Route begins and ends on Interstate 5. Southbound, take Exit 271 in Woodburn; northbound, take Exit 248 near Turner. Just follow the signs and enjoy.
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Fred Jensen, curator of the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, more than just oversees the collection of artifacts and photographs in his downtown Florence museum, he shares the stories of the area.
Sky High Sports
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.
Smith Berry Barn Farm and Garden Market
Sitting behind some large trees, between Newberg and Hillsboro is a farm-themed store that is as authentic as it is special.
Smith Berry Barn Farm and Garden Market is the quintessential agri-tourism stop for those visiting Oregon. Washington County , while known for being the “silicon forest,” has a number of excellent family farms with stores, hay rides, tours and the like. Smith Berry Barn, however, feels less like a farm trying to be a retail outlet, and more like a family enterprise that wants to give people the best, local products possible.
Smith Rock
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.
South Coast Highlights
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.
Sunriver Nature Center
Kids dig it when they can prowl through the woods. Track a porcupine. Touch a reptile. Or go eye-to-eye with a Great Horned Owl.
Sunset Bay State Park
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.