Family Fun Around Eugene, Corvallis, and Mount Hood
There's something magical about an Oregon road trip that reveals the state's scenic beauty in its many forms. Wide-open bluffs and jagged cliffs line the Oregon Coast, where resident gray whales delight with occasional spouts all year long. Inland, forests of oak and fir surround family-run farms, world-class wineries, and locally inspired eateries in the Willamette Valley. And Mount Hood—the state's tallest peak—offers countless opportunities for outdoor recreation on its forested slopes.
See it all on this four-day journey that covers some of the top sites and attractions in Oregon—with ideas for families of all ages and interests.
Day 1: Local Fare and Covered Bridges (Oregon Coast to Eugene)
Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway near Cottage Grove
After starting your journey with a drive down the scenic Oregon Coast via Highway 101, head east—toward the Willamette Valley—on Highway 38 at Reedsport.
On your drive through the landscapes of western Oregon, jump on your bikes and stretch your legs by checking out some (or all) of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway—a 36-mile route that visits up to six historic covered bridges near Cottage Grove. If you didn't bring your own bike, grab a rental from Rainy Peak Bicycles in Cottage Grove. Afterward, refuel with giant cinnamon rolls and other homemade pastries at nearby Creswell Bakery!
Entering Eugene, let Mother Nature decide your next move: When the sun’s out, choose your afternoon adventure based on the weather; on a warm day, the Cascades Raptor Center offers a shady experience where you can view nearly 40 birds of prey up close. At RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground, children can scale a replica of Skinner Butte, uncover fossils at an ancient history sand dig, and cool off under a towering water feature.
For some indoor adventure, learn about how the first people of the Willamette Valley lived at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History—where the world’s oldest pair of shoes are on display! Pair your visit with a trip across the street to Hayward Hall at the state-of-the-art track-and-field facility, Hayward Field—which shows how the first Nike shoe was invented and why Eugene is called TrackTown USA!
American Kestrel at the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon
Ready to call it a day? Spend your night at the Graduate Eugene Hotel in downtown or the wellness-minded EVEN Hotel Eugene, which offers a comprehensive fitness center, indoor pool, and space for in-room exercise—as well as easy access to running trails, bike paths, and more in nearby Alton Baker Park.
Day 2: Farm Life and Fresh Fare (Eugene to Corvallis)
Historic Carousel & Museum in downtown Albany
Head north on I-5, and grab lunch at Albany’s Bodhi Cafe and Bakery, known for tasty, locally sourced food; follow it up with a walk around town. Our guide to the historic downtown core in Albany breaks down some of the community's top stops—including parks, antique shops, and boutiques.
While in downtown, bring your sense of wonder to the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, where a unique collection of hand-carved and -painted animals awaits. For more about the magical attraction, check out our article on the historic carousel in Albany.
From Albany, take Highway 20 westward to Corvallis, stopping along the way to sample fresh flavors along the self-guided Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail. Once in Corvallis, enjoy seasonal dishes at Castor Kitchen & Bar and Block 15 Brewing.
Afterward, let your little ones burn off energy at Avery Park and Natural Area—which hosts a historic locomotive display, several playgrounds, and an art sculpture designed to resemble dinosaur bones.
For overnight stays, spend the night at Leaping Lamb Farm—where you can help with farm chores like collecting eggs and feeding lambs—or the hip, retro-inspired Hotel Corvallis in downtown.
Seating area at the Hotel Corvallis, which offers everything from classic guest rooms to full-size studio apartments for larger groups (Photo courtesy of Hotel Corvallis)
Day 3: Fun, Engaging Museums (Corvallis to Mount Hood)
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville
Grab breakfast at WiseCracks Cafe in Corvallis, and follow 99W north to McMinnville and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home to Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose! Conveniently, next door is the Wings and Waves Waterpark, an indoor water park where kids can slide out of a real Boeing 747 plane.
From McMinnville, start the eastbound drive toward the foothills of Mount Hood, making time for a lunch stop at B's Bake Shoppe in Canby. Along the way, take a quick, 30-minute detour south to one of the best-kept secrets on Mt. Hood: Molalla River Recreation Area, where visitors can get outdoors around the federally designated Wild and Scenic Molalla River. Learn more about hiking, camping, and mountain biking along the Molalla River.
After spending some time outdoors, make your way up to Mount Hood, with a stop at the North American Bigfoot Center on the way. Owned and operated by Cliff Barackman, star of Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot'' television series, the museum caters to both true believers and visitors looking for a fun, educational experience.
Continuing east, Wippersnappers Kids Play Place in Sandy is a great place for parents to relax while their kids frolic in the fully indoor play area with slides, climbing walls, and other fun attractions; if you're feeling peckish, Wippersnappers has a full food-and-drink menu that includes pizzas, coffee and espresso, and adult beverages.
Covered outdoor seating area at Koya Kitchen on Mount Hood
Spend the night in the Mt. Hood National Forest at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, which offers 27 holes of championship golf, an on-site restaurant with seasonal dishes, in-room fireplaces, and more.
Dinner options near the resort include Skyway Bar and Grill (dishing barbecue on one of the region’s largest, most fun patios), Koya Kitchen (serving Japanese dishes and several fusion offerings), Chicali Cantina (preparing hearty Mexican fare), and Al Forno Ferruzza (known for thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas).
Day 4: Adventure on Oregon’s Tallest Peak (Mount Hood)
Grab a quick bite at Coffee Brewsters in the Hoodland Shopping Center. The shop serves strong coffee for the adults, homemade breakfast sandwiches for kids, and a variety of pastries, muffins, and doughnuts for anyone needing a snack for the road.
Underwater viewing window at Wildwood Recreation Site along the Salmon River
Before beginning your drive home or heading on to more adventure, be sure to explore some of the over 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails in the area, many of which are family-friendly; just five minutes from Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, the mostly flat Old Salmon River Trail heads through a forest of old-growth Douglas fir while hugging its namesake waterway.
Nearby, the Wildwood Recreation Site hosts short (paved) walking paths with educational displays and a viewing window that affords an underwater peek at the Salmon River. Barlow Wayside Park, meanwhile, hosts a few nature trails that follow Little Joe Creek (which provides habitat for coho salmon and steelhead—both of which spawn here in the fall and winter); interpretive panels along the way explain the natural history of Mount Hood and the surrounding ecosystem.
