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Visiting Hells Canyon

With a name like Hells Canyon it’s hard to believe anything good can come from a trip there. But, don’t let the name fool you. If you are narrowing down your choices for a family-friendly spring break travel destination don’t rule out Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The park encompasses more than 652,000 acres, which hug the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. The vast stretches of natural beauty can be explored on foot, on horseback, or by boat. The latter being one of the most popular—after all, Hells Canyon is home to the famous Snake River. The waterway … Continue reading →

Lake Tahoe—More Than Just A Skier’s Paradise

Our family is lucky to be able to call Lake Tahoe our home away from home. No, we don’t own property there, we just have generous family members who live there and allow us to stay with them whenever we are in the area. Needless to say, we have been fortunate to explore the area on a number of occasions. For those of you who have never been, Lake Tahoe is nestled in the Sierra Mountains on the California-Nevada state line. It is commonly associated with skiing (the area is home to Squaw Valley–the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics), … Continue reading →

Visiting Crater Lake National Park

Have you ever heard someone refer to a person’s eye color as the “bluest blue you’ve ever seen?” Whenever I hear someone say that I think of Crater Lake, because to me, the water there IS the bluest blue I have ever laid my eyes on. Crater Lake is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, which is located in southern Oregon at the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, about 100 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The lake was formed when a 12,000-foot-tall volcanic peak lost such a massive amount of its underground magma during an eruption that … Continue reading →

Great Summer Escapes—Oregon

If you are looking to stow away for some peace and quiet this summer look no further than the Pacific Northwest. Various lodgings throughout the state of Oregon have drastically reduced their rates to entice travelers to experience the serenity found in the mountains and coastal areas of this popular region. Take a look: CANNON BEACH The Ocean Lodge, located in the peaceful beach town of Cannon Beach, is offering a Northwest Picnic package that gives guests a chance to sample local cuisine. In addition to a nights accommodation, you will receive a basket full of regional products like Tillamook … Continue reading →

Oregon Road Trip

In a previous blog I noted that there are ways to tour the state of Oregon without blowing out your entire travel budget for the year. As I mentioned earlier, U.S. Highway 101 in Oregon takes you by some of the Beaver State’s most incredible scenery. The well-traveled road also leads you to some of the area’s most affordable lodgings (think $35-$50 per room per night). You can save more by setting up camp in one of the state’s lush parks. From Astoria, Oregon take the drive south to save even more in Newport. The historic waterfront district has a … Continue reading →

Saving on Your Summer Vacation—Oregon

Now that you know how to save money on your summer vacation to California let’s head north to the breathtaking state of Oregon. I like to call this trip beauty on a budget. Oregon’s coastal highway provides access to some of the most spectacular views in the nation and the best part—they’re free. All of the beaches along Oregon’s coast are open to the public and access is guaranteed by law. Which means you can pull over, park, unpack your picnic and spend the afternoon whale watching, looking for agates, crabbing, surfing, strolling, or exploring shipwrecks anywhere along the 363-mile … Continue reading →

Perusing Portland

Portland, Oregon might be one of the most laid-back cities I have ever visited (and that’s saying a lot given that I was born and raised in Hawaii). Which is why I am not surprised that the city consistently ranks high as being one of the best places to retreat for some much needed R&R. From its natural beauty to its stunning architecture and cultural gems, the city of Portland offers visitors an oasis from their hectic lifestyles. Natural Beauty Portland is known the world over for its spectacular gardens. Whether you prefer smelling the roses, tiptoeing through the tulips, … Continue reading →

Enjoy a Spring Fling in Oregon

The Beaver State. The Web-foot State. The Sunset State. Oregon’s list of nicknames is seemingly endless and if you have ever visited the Pacific Northwest you know the state lives up to them all. Oregon is home to vast forests, fertile valleys, and an incredibly rugged coastline. What’s more, the views of the Pacific Ocean from one of the state’s many cliffs are some of the most photographed in the world. If you are looking for an affordable place to take the entire family this spring consider heading to Oregon. To help persuade you hotels in the Portland area are … Continue reading →

Las Vegas Rocks

No, no, this isn’t another blog about the zany, high wattage activities that await you along Las Vegas’ famed Strip. Rather, this blog is dedicated to you early-birds (not you high rolling night owls) who enjoy spending time outdoors rockin’ the day away—-far away from the casinos, buffets and hoopla that takes place in downtown Vegas. Just 15 miles from the Strip in southern Nevada is a rock climber’s paradise called Red Rock Canyon. It’s regarded as one of the top places to rock climb in the nation and caters to both beginners and experienced climbers. If you are taking … Continue reading →

Spring Break Travel Tips

My college co-ed cousins go on spring break next week. (They will be sunning it up in a tropical location while I sit here shedding tears on my fading tan.) Typically, college students make up round one of the revolving door of spring breakers who collectively crowd the nation’s highways, beaches, and skies this time of year. If you plan to spend the spring recess journeying to sunny (or snowy) destinations on a much-needed family vacation, consider keeping some of my favorite tips in mind: Do Your Homework. Does anyone dare enter the Magic Kingdom without a plan? Don’t answer … Continue reading →