The Pacific Northwest is home. I was born in Washington, attended college in Oregon, and returned to Washington to raise my family. This is where we spend an overwhelming majority of our time. However, it is difficult to ‘play tourist’ the same way you would when exploring new places. Therefore, this blog represents a handful of highlights that we have experienced in Oregon. It is organized into seven separate regions: Portland Metro (Portland), The Gorge (Hood River), Oregon Coast (Astoria to Brookings), Willamette Valley (Salem & Eugene), Central Oregon (Bend), Eastern Oregon, and Southern Oregon.

———- PORTLAND METRO (Portland) ———-

FAVORITE CITIES AND EXPERIENCES: Portland is one of the countries fastest growing cities but still has an undersized ‘big city’ feel. The cities mantra is “Keep Portland Weird” and it definitely has a unique feel. Our favorite thing to do in the city is to make a day out of Powell’s Bookstore, eat at one of the many resturants or food trucks along Burnside Street, and then get dessert at Voodoo Donuts. On a sidenote the Portland airport (PDX) is by far the best and easiest to navigate airport of any we have traveled to or from.

——— THE GORGE (Hood River & Government Camp) ———-

NOTABLE DESTINATIONS & STOPS: If you have never experienced the Columbia River Gorge it is really difficult to find the right adjectives to describe it’s natural beauty. Rock cliffs line the river and giant Douglas Fir trees seem to be everywhere. This combined with the views of Mt Hood truly make this area special. The Bridge of the Gods connects Stevenson, WA to Cascade Locks, OR. It was built in 1926 and is still going strong today.

The vantage point from Crown Point Scenic Lookout is the definition of majestic. There are a number of hikes and campgrounds in the area. Three of our favorites are the Wahkeena Falls Trail, Dry Creek Falls, and the Latourell Falls Loop.

Be prepared for serious elevation gain, but that usually means the views will be spectacular. Between the tall trees, views of the Columbia River, and waterfalls seemingly everywhere, this area is uniquely beautiful.

While the crowds in the summer months can be overwhelming, Multnomah Falls is as breathtaking of a waterfall as any I have ever seen. We have hiked to the top a handful of times – beware that parking now requires a time stamped pass during the summer months.

Hood River, a little over an hour east of Portland, is home to world class wind surfing and a town we enjoy to stop when traveling east. Our favorite experience has been the polar express train along the Mount Hood Railroad. The girls were able to meet Santa Claus, enjoy a traditional cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy an old fashion train ride.

Government Camp, located on Mt. Hood and roughly an hour east of Portland, is a family favorite. My wife’s family has a cabin there and we typically visit at least two or three times a year.

Besides skiing in the winter, we love spending time at Trillium and Frog Lake in the summer. Both lakes are great to kayak, hike around, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.

The Adventure Park also opens in the summer and you can ride alpine slides down the mountain, go karts in the parking lot, and there is even an option to bungee jump.

Timberline Lodge in a Pacific Northwest gem and was built in 1938. It was the setting for the movie “The Shining.” If you are a movie buff you can check out a replica axe with the inscription, “Here’s Johnny” on the handle.

Or you can simply snuggle up around the massive fire place and relax. An added bonus in the summer is that the views are second to none.

Hikes that we have enjoyed on Mt, Hood are Tamanawas Falls, Mirror Lake, Little Crater Lake, and the Glade Trail. My favorite is hiking up from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge and then coordinating a ride back down the mountain.

RESTAURANTS: Cascade Locks is roughly an hour away from our house. While we typically don’t spend a lot of time in the town, we do make a point to stop on road trips as there are some fantastic food options. Our favorite restaurants are the Brigham Fish House, East Wind Drive Thru, and the Gorges Beer Company. There are at least two more breweries in town and the Multnomah Falls Lodge is nearby as well. The East Wind Drive Thru has been serving gigantic ice cream cones since 1939.

In Hood River our favorites are Full Sail Brewery, Solstice Cafe, and Double Mountain Brewery. Additionally, if you are a wine connoisseur you are in the right place. Nearly everywhere you look in Hood River or The Dalles you will see wineries or tasting rooms. In The Dalles our favorites are Big Jim’s Drive In, Cousin’s Restaurant, and the Last Stop Saloon. You would be hard pressed to find an eatery in Government Camp that we have not visited – you truly can’t go wrong. However, places we visit the most are the Ratskeller, Mt Hood Brewing Company, and the Huckleberry Cafe. On the way to Government Camp, along highway #26 on the east side of Sandy, is Joe’s Donuts. They have been serving donuts since 1974 and definitely worth a stop.

——— OREGON COAST (Astoria to Brookings) ———-

FAVORITE CITIES AND EXPERIENCES: It is no secret that my family loves the beach. Rain or shine, warm or cold, the Oregon Coast is a family favorite. Astoria is located off highway 30, on the mouth of the Columbia River.

Fort Stevens State Park is a great place to begin any coast adventure. There is something for everyone and you can easily fill an entire weekend of activities.

Our two favorite locations are the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, and exploring the WWII gun batteries.

While Astoria would best be described as a sleepy little port city, home to around 10,000 residents, it has been the location for multiple Hollywood movies. You can see the home used in Goonies as well as the school where Kindergarten Cop was filmed. Fort Clatsop was the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery during the winter of 1805. There is an interpretative center and a replica fort. I haven’t been in years, but this is a favorite location for elementary school field trips. The Astoria Column was built in 1926 to commemorate Lewis and Clark and the settlement of the American West. When visiting you can climb the spiral staircase all the way to the lookout at the top. If you only have time for one stop, this is it.

Continuing down the coast and highway 101, Seaside is a city we enjoy.

The town has a small outlet mall, arcade, and a downtown strip of gift shop type stores. Seaside is the quintessential American beach tourist destination.

We typically shop at the Nike Outlet (best prices on shoes), eat at the McMenamins located in Gearhart, and check out the mechanical shark at Sharky’s. We have also enjoyed an afternoon taking pictures at the Inverted Experience.

When the girls were relatively young we stumbled upon “High Life Adventure” located at the far south side of town. It is a two story aerial challenge course where you are harnessed in and allowed to navigate the outdoor obstacle course. You pay a flat fee that is good for two hours and are then free to choose any level course you would like.

Pacific City, located an hour and a half further down the coast, is probably our favorite beach destination. The beach is absolutely stunning, and on the far north end is a massive sand dune. The views from the top of the dune are magnificent and if you get lucky you can spot whales. Whale watching season in Oregon is December-January and March-May.

The waves at the base of the sand dune create perfect swells for surfing. This is a great destination to watch surfers, work on their craft all year round. Multiple shops in town provide lessons and rent gear.

Four hours south of Portland, is the coastal town of Bandon. In the word’s of my oldest daughter, “this is our happy place.” My wife’s family had a beach house right on the jetty.

For nearly twenty years, multiple times a year, our family made the 4-hour trek to Bandon. Our favorite things to do is walk on the beach, play on the driftwood and rock formations, and visit the Coquille River Lighthouse.

‘Old Town’ Bandon would best be described as a quaint little shopping district complete with book store, fun restaurants, and tourist stores.

Our favorite establishments are WinterRiver Books and Bandon Sweets & Treats. Shore Acres State Park, located a little over ten miles south of Coos Bay, holds a special place in my families heart. Every Christmas season the park decorates for Christmas. Their display now features 325,000 Christmas lights and every December we would travel to Shore Acres to take them all in.

Following Bandon, the next town you come to is Port Orford. A fond memory is hiking the Humbug Mountain State Park in 2016. This is one of the tallest viewpoints anywhere on the Oregon Coast and is a relatively easy hike.

Gold Beach comes next and is where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. In the mid-2000’s we took a boat trip up the river. We booked through Jerry’s Rogue River Jet Boats and had a blast. The scenery was beautiful, the guide informative, and the topper was an Eagle that flew down and landed on the stern of our boat.

In between Gold Beach and Brookings, the last town in Oregon before you cross into California, there are multiple viewpoints, pull off’s, and hikes down to the beach. In my opinion, this stretch of highway 101 might be the best kept secret in the country. On a clear summer day you would be hard pressed to find a prettier drive anywhere in the country.

In 2025 we did the Natural Bridge Viewpoint as well as the hike to the Secret Beach. Both were spectacular, but definitely read up on the hike before setting out.

It was extremely steep, not well maintained, and at times very close to the cliff edge.

We typically only pass through Brookings, but on the rare occasions we stop we are always glad we did. The people seem friendly, the town is just big enough, and most importantly the beaches are spectacular. If you enjoy sandy beaches, minus crowds, this area is for you.

RESTAURANTS: Highway 101 runs the entire length of the Oregon Coast, which is just over 270 miles from end to end. Therefore, I have organized the restaurants we enjoy the most by geographical region. In the north (Astoria-region), our favorites are Fort George Brewery, and Buoy #9. Unfortunately, in 2022 the pier that Buoy #9 was built on collapsed into the river. As a result, their establishment has moved. In Gearhart, just outside of Seaside, our favorite establishment is McMenamins and the Sand Trap Pub. When visiting the Pacific Northwest, eating at a McMenamins is an absolute must. Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, located in Seaside, specializes in fresh seafood and is famous for their clam chowder. In the central Oregon Coast, hands down our favorite establishment is the Pelican Brewery. The main location is in Pacific City, but we have also eaten at the one in Tillamook. What’s not to like about fish tacos and an onsite micro brewery? Moving south we have many favorites in Bandon. To name a few, Bandon Fish Market, Face Rock Creamery, The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest, Lord Bennett’s, Foley’s Irish Pub, and Bandon Brewing are all at the top of our list. The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort offers multiple restaurants and pubs. Personally my favorites are the Puffin Bar and McKee’s Pub.

STADIUMS AND/OR SPORTING EVENTS:  The Great Columbia Crossing, a 10k run/walk event, has been happening between Oregon and Washington since 1982. Runners begin on the Washington side of the Columbia River and race across the Astoria-Megler Bridge into Astoria. The bridge is 4 miles long. My wife and I have completed this face on multiple occasions.

The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort opened in 1999. When it did, my father in law had to be jumping for joy. John absolutely loves golf. In fact he loves golf so much when his daughters were in high school he funded and coached the golf team just so his daughters had the opportunity to learn the game as well. I would estimate John played one of the Bandon courses a couple times a week – he is as much of a Bandon Golf Resort regular as you are going to find.

As a result I have golfed Bandon on nine or ten occasions. Courses I have played are Bandon, Pacific, and Trails. I have not played Old Macdonald, Sheep Ranch, or the Preserve. If you are a golfer this is an absolute must – truly one of the nicest golf resorts in the world.

———- Willamette Valley (Salem & Eugene) ———-

FAVORITE CITIES AND EXPERIENCES: I attended Linfield University, located in McMinnville, from 1996-2001. I met many of my lifelong friends here and remember my time in McMinnville fondly.

Additionally, many family members live in and around Salem. As a result, we return relatively frequently. However, when we do it is to visit family rather than play tourist. Located in McMinnville is the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. It was relatively small when I was at Linfield, but has continued to expand year after year. The famed Spruce Goose (H-4 Hercules) airplane, built by Howard Hughes, is on display here. This is also the location of the Wings and Waves Waterpark, which the girls had a birthday party at when they were younger.

NOTABLE DESTINATIONS & STOPS: I am not confident that we have been back to Dallas more than once or twice. However, we did get married at the Beckenridge Vineyard and it will forever hold a dear place in our heart.

RESTAURANTS: Typically, we spend time with family and don’t go out to eat all that much. However, when we do go out our favorite locations in McMinnville are Golden Valley Brew Pub, McMenamins, Chan’s, and the Blue Moon Lounge. I don’t remember specific restaurants we visited in Salem or Eugene.

SPORTS / EVENTS: Growing up in Washington, I am a fan of all Washington sports teams. I root for the Mariners, Seahawks, and Washington Huskies. What many people east of the Mississippi River don’t realize is just how fierce of a rivalry Washington vs Oregon is. Oregon has an outspoken fanbase and support from the highest levels of Nike. As a result their fans are raucous and their facilities are beautiful.

I have been to multiple football games at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. For a sports fan, it is definitely a place to experience. I have also seen a handful of baseball games at PK Park. Again, it is a beautiful facility and a great place to see a game. Oregon State University, 40 miles up the road from Eugene, is located in Corvallis. Football plays at Reser Stadium. While not quite to Autzen’s level, it was remodeled in 2023 and is a beautiful venue in it’s own right. Goss Stadium is the home of Beaver Baseball. The Beavers have won three national championships; 2006, 2007, and 2018. As a result they have a massive following and their stadium continues to improve year after year.

Lastly, my brother-in-law is a high school basketball coach in Salem. Therefore, I have attended the Capital City Classic hosted at Willamette University. Every December some of the top programs from around the country roll in. It is fun to see high level basketball as well as explore the beautiful campus.

———- CENTRAL OREGON (Bend) ———-

FAVORITE CITIES AND EXPERIENCES: Hands down, Central Oregon is where you go to vacation. When you live on the west side of Oregon you experience months on end of grey, drizzly, skies. This is where you go to enjoy dry weather, sunshine, and resort style living. Resorts we have stayed at are Black Butte Ranch (Sisters) and Eagle Crest (Redmond). My wife and I honey mooned at Black Butte and also went back with our daughters for our 20th anniversary. Eagle Crest Resort, located in Redmond, is a place we have visited for multiple family reunions. It offers extra large walking paths, multiple golf courses and swimming pools, as well as one of the largest traditional style putt putt golf courses I have ever experienced. We always seem to enjoy ourselves and extended family when spending time at Eagle Crest. While we haven’t spent much time in Bend, we typically take day trips into the city to explore.

———- EASTERN OREGON (Ontario) ———-

John Day National Monument had been on our list of places to visit for awhile. However, with it being located roughly four hours from Portland outside of the small Central Oregon town of Mitchell, (population 120) it has taken us longer than we would have liked to visit. In the summer of 2025 it finally worked out for us see the Painted Hills in person. They are listed as one of the 7-wonders of Oregon and are truly spectacular.

There are multiple short hikes that highlight the bright colors of the hills. We did the Painted Cove Trail, the Painted Hills Overlook, and the Leaf Hill Trail.

Highway 26 is the main thoroughfare in this area. We learned the Oregon Trail ran right through this region and there are many landmarks and pull off’s commemorating the historical significance. While Central Oregon is not always the easiest to travel to, there are beautiful sites to experience and is worth a visit.

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MOVE TO SOUTHERN OREGON

In 2020 during the COVID outbreak our family did a hike in Powers. The towns population is under 1,000 so we were definitely following the directive to isolate from others. While we ultimately arrived at our desired location, Hanging Rock, we inadvertently did the Panther Ridge Trail which was much longer and steeper than we had planned for. Be advised the location is extremely rural and internet connections are spotty at best.

Over the years we have ventured further and further south down highway #1 and on multiple occasions have driven it all the way to San Francisco. We consider it to be one of the prettie

STADIUMS AND/OR SPORTING EVENTS: The Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, and Portland Trailblazers are the main athletic entities in Oregon. While I have attended at least one game at each football and baseball stadium, I typically pay closer attention to the teams up north in Washington. However, attending a Trailblazer game is a fun NBA experience and it is great watching the entire state rally around the team come playoff time.

In fact the first date my wife and I went on was to a Blazer game. We have also enjoyed a handful of Portland Pilots baseball games.

ADVENTURE: Hoyt Arboretum, adjacent to the Oregon Zoo in Portland, has an abundance of beautiful trails. While we planned on hiking the Wildwood Trail to the Pittock Mansion, we kriss-crossed from one trail to another. All told I believe we hiked portions of four other trails. At any rate, we ended up making it to the mansion where we experienced unbelievable views of Portland and Mt. Hood.

My wife, Jill, grew up in Myrtle Point and therefore we traditionally spend a lot of time in Southern Oreg

Wildlife Safari outside of Roseburg has been a routine stop over the years for Team Castro. You drive through the park, similar to an African safari, and have the opportunity to feed a few of the animals. Similar to a zoo, there are also area where you can interact with the animals up close and personal.

st drives anywhere in the county.

In all the years that we have lived in the Pacific Northwest, I have only visited Crater Lake National Park twice. It is a beautiful area and the lake, at just over 1,900 feet deep, is the deepest in the United States.

We have visited the village, the lodge, and walked around the paved rim trail taking pictures. We have also completed two hikes. The first hike was Watchmen Peak Lookout. The hike is relatively short but steep and provides amazing views from the top. The second hike was the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only trail that connects to the water. At the bottom there is a place to swim, a marina, and you can even book a boat tour to Wizard Island.

On our most recent visit we stayed in Klamath Falls at the Running Y resort. We merely stayed one night and I didn’t get any pictures, but the resort was beautiful and we look forward to returning.

• OUR LIST TO VISIT OR RETURN TO:
• Crack-In-The-Ground Hiking Trail, Bend region
• Shakespeare Festival, Ashland
• Florence & Sand Dunes
• Silver Falls State Park
• Bend
• Owyhee Canyonlands