To get there: From Salem, travel time is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes. Take I-5 South to Hwy 34 (through Corvallis and Philomath). After passing through Philomath, follow the brown information signs north onto Mary's Peak Road. Once driving up the mountain, you'll come upon Conner’s Camp (5.5 mile loop hiking trail to summit from this point). Keep going another 3 miles and you'll see a paved road to your right that leads to the Mary's Peak campground. Once you've entered the campground, take the left loop and you'll see a place to park and a picnic table just right of the trailhead map. 50 feet after entering the forest, you'll see the sign (below).
Yesterday's clear skies were the only motivation our family needed to visit Mary's Peak, just outside Corvallis. The views from the 4,097 feet summit (the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range) were absolutely amazing! Looking across the valley we could see snow capped Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, and even Mt. Bachelor. There are a variety of "paths" to the summit. We traveled the "Meadowedge Trail" and found it perfect for families. Not too long/not too short (1.8 mile loop), includes both forest and meadow, picnic tables at the ready for snacks at both trail head and summit: Ideal for young explorers and parents. To get there: From Salem, travel time is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes. Take I-5 South to Hwy 34 (through Corvallis and Philomath). After passing through Philomath, follow the brown information signs north onto Mary's Peak Road. Once driving up the mountain, you'll come upon Conner’s Camp (5.5 mile loop hiking trail to summit from this point). Keep going another 3 miles and you'll see a paved road to your right that leads to the Mary's Peak campground. Once you've entered the campground, take the left loop and you'll see a place to park and a picnic table just right of the trailhead map. 50 feet after entering the forest, you'll see the sign (below). Once on the trail, it is easy to navigate. Take water, snacks, a camera to capture the view and give yourself plenty of time to explore the beautiful trees along the path and the joy of the summit. This trail is a highlight of the mid-Willamette Valley.
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A little more than 14 years ago, my husband and I spent a long weekend in Seattle. It was fabulously fun. This August we returned, we our two favorite companions. Our boys loved the big city as much as we do. Going by train makes it a super easy, close-to-home, family adventure that can't be beat. Here's a few of our favorite activities:
Our family made a quick beach-run a few weeks ago. It was a good way to beat the summer heat of the Valley. Here's a map that shows you a few of our favorite spots in Newport: Open to all ages.... Salem Sunday Streets is a fun, free, community event designed to promote healthy and active living by opening up city streets for people to play and explore together. This year’s event will feature: food carts, farmer’s market, music on a pedal-powered stage, interactive art projects, hula hooping, disc golf, yoga, and more... Bonus: You can join a neighborhood bike caravan and get to Salem Sunday Streets in a healthy, fun, sustainable way! Bike caravan routes lead from four Salem locations. Routes can be found at http://goo.gl/0QIvXT. Join your neighbors and enjoy the ride, Salem! For years, we've heard about the Valley of the Giants outside of Falls City, Oregon. This summer, we finally dedicated one of our days to visit this close (but oh-so-far location) and found that the adventure had mixed reviews Pros: 1) Big trees. Huge trees. Place-your-child-next-to-it-and-wowza trees. 2) Crystal, clear, beautiful water. 3) 387 shades of green: Moss, Ferns, Lichen, Ground Cover, Trees... 4) A well marked, easy to hike trail. 5) The middle of nowhere: No traffic sounds. Lots of bird songs. Cons- 1) The same beauty found in other (easier to find) Oregon locations. 2) Very muddy path (for approx. 50 yards in June). 3) Seriously long drive on a very bumpy gravel road. 4) The middle of nowhere: Come prepared. Once on site, my family enjoyed the hike and marveled at the large trees. The path winds among the Douglas Fir trees - sometimes over fallen logs, sometimes under, and (at one point) squeezing right between two sawed-halves. It really was a fun path. However, the momma in me shuddered when my youngest asked (for the 2nd time) why it took two hours to get to this coast-range location, when it usually takes us just over an hour to drive all the way to the beach. One good look at the map answered that question and confirmed that my boys continue to like the "doing" more than the "seeing". We won't be making a return trip - but I'm glad we took the adventure. You can receive driving directions to the Valley by calling the BLM (503-375-5646). I see now that they discourage "passenger cars" on the road. Oops! The area is certainly remote, so I would definitely recommend having a spare, being very clear about your return route, and not relying on cell phone service. Each year, as we prepare for the new school year, my boys and I have a tradition. We go school shopping one-on-one. A rare chance to be alone with Mom, my boys choose their supplies and then have the rare treat of 'going out for a doughnut'. I'd like to say they love the one-on-one part, but I'm pretty sure it's the doughnut part that they find most exciting. Either way, we get a chance to talk about the year ahead; their concerns, their hopes and expectations.
We started this tradition in preschool and I've cherished it every year. As the years pass, the crayons have been replaced with a compass and protractor, but the marking of another year gets me every time. I'm woefully behind in blogging about Spring Break 2014. It really was great fun. We traveled to Odell Lake and learned why so many Oregonians love the area for recreation. We traveled to Odell Lake Lodge & Resort with our neighbors and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing. One large cabin was just the right size for three families of adults & children. The kids piled into one room with bunk beds. Families took turns preparing the evening meal. We all stayed up late playing games & talking. Boat and ski rental is available from the Lodge. A number of trails depart from the lodge into the forest. Sadly, when we were there, there wasn't enough snow to ski. However, just a short drive down the road, we found plenty of snow (and a great family trail) at nearby Gold Lake Sno-Park.
Working at the warehouse has been a great 'moving around' activity that has required my boy to read labels, sort categories, measure boxes, calculate weights, and interact with other volunteers in a helpful manner. Our time at the Food Share has also sparked some great discussions about volunteerism, hunger, jobs, gardening, and food choices. That's great summer learning - for boy and Mom. If you're interested in signing up to help - it can be done completely online. Work every week, once a month, or on just one occasion in order to gain experience. The help is always welcome and the opportunity always available.
Today was my youngest son's first day of summer vacation. I promised him a day of mom-and-son-time dedicated to his every wish! So... we slept in, watched old home movies, had pancakes for LUNCH, rode bikes, played tennis, AND went bowling! It was truly a fabulous kick-off to Summer 2014. BONUS: While at our favorite bowling alley, we also learned that bowling is free for kids this summer! This is a national program, so check for a location near you.
It promises to be a perfect air-conditioned activity for hot days. |
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