The Whirlwind compiled a list of eleven places to go or things to do this summer–one for each week of summer break. Consider trying to tick them all off, or just pick a few of your favorites.
Week 1: June 16-22
Festival of Balloons in Tigard
Head up to Cook Park in Tigard to attend the three day long The Festival of Balloons. Despite a launch of twenty vibrant, colorful hot air balloons being the main attraction, it also hosts a car show, 5K run, and diverse selection of vendors. Tickets go on sale the first week of June.
Week 2: June 23-29
Terwilliger Hot Springs
Head southeast into the lush forests of the McKenzie River Valley. There, hike along a quarter-mile trail through the forest leads you down to the veiled and relaxing Terwilliger Hot Springs. The springs can get up to 112 degrees between a total of six pools, and they are enveloped by smooth stones and rich verdant trees. This site makes a fun afternoon outing solo or with a group of friends.
Week 3: June 30-July 6
Rockaway Beach 4th of July fireworks display
For this year’s Fourth of July, make the drive to Rockaway Beach along Oregon’s verdant Northwest coast for not only a renowned firework display, but also a day-long festival. Encounter a flyover by the National Guard, dachshund races, and the Rockaway Lioness bake and plant sale. The beach also has games and activities for people to take part in throughout the holiday.
Week 4: July 7-13
Head up to Portland for a fun day in the city. Check out your favorite neighborhoods, stores, and restaurants before heading down to the Willamette River and going to the Waterfront Blues music festival. With over 60 artists performing across six stages, it is one of the largest music festivals in the Pacific Northwest, and packs four full days of activities into the parks in South Downtown.
Week 5: July 14-20
Lavender Festival
During the second week of July, head to the Oregon Lavender Festival in the northern Willamette Valley. You can make crafts such as lavender sachets, baskets, and pottery. Large fields blooming with lavender are open to visit. Lavender based treats are available to try, such as ice cream and shortbread.
Week 6: July 21-28
Check out sections of the coastline from Florence to the California border. Over one or several days, depending where you want to stop, make the drive along the series of capes, coves, and beaches stretching all the way to brookings. Highlights include the dunes of Florence and the sea stacks of Bandon. Just miles across the California border are swathes of Redwood forest.
Week 7: July 29-August 3
Make the trip to Oregon’s only national park–Crater Lake–containing America’s deepest lake, miles of old-growth forests, and dozens of opportunities for hiking, exploring, and relaxing. Consider taking a boat out to Wizard Island to hike, fish, or take a quick swim (the water is very cold). Alternatively, circumnavigate the lake and admire the view from every angle.
Week 8: August 4-August 10
Head to far Eastern Oregon for a camping trip. Spend the first nights at Wallowa Lake State Park, situated against a lake and below snow-capped mountains. Visit the artsy town of Joseph and make the 12.6 mile round trip hike to stunning alpine Ice Lakes. Then drive the scenic road to Hells Canyon and take an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip through the canyon, returning upriver via jetboat.
Week 9: August 11-August 17
Lincoln City Sandcastle Contest
The Lincoln City Sandcastle contest in Siletz Bay is a great way to competitively express your creativity this August. Use your hands or tools to create the best art on the beach. Use seashells, driftwood, pebbles, and other coastal treasures you find on the sands to decorate your sculpture. You must register to enter this competition, and winners will be awarded a prize.
Week 10: August 18-August 24
Huckleberry Festival in Mt. Hood
Mt. Hood Village Resort celebrates its huckleberry-growing heritage and surrounding history with a huckleberry pancake feed, arts & crafts, music, salmon bake, BBQ, fresh huckleberries, huckleberry jam and more. Consider pairing with a trip to the nearby Timberline Lodge and the sights and hikes of the Columbia Gorge.
Week 11: August 25-August 31
This time of year, a spectacular wildflower display greets anyone who makes the journey up to Jefferson Park, which includes a gorgeous alpine lake at the foot of Mount Jefferson just 74 miles east of Albany. Accessed by a 6.1 mile hike in each direction up the South Breitenbush Trail, the walk exposes progressively more stunning mountain and valley views.
