12 Oregon Coast Activities the Whole Family Will Love

There are so many Oregon Coast activities that can be enjoyed as a family. The Oregon coast is one of the most beautiful places and there are so many outdoor spaces for kids to explore. With its stunning views, abundant wildlife, and many outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why people flock to it year-round.

The open space of the beach can be the perfect family outing when you have a rowdy crew. There are plenty of activities both kids and parents will enjoy together. Read on to discover 12 must-try Oregon Coast experiences that the whole family can look forward to!

Fly a Kite

The wide open beaches of the Oregon Coast are perfect for kite-flying. All you need is a day with not too much or too little wind. Find a beach with lots of room to run and enjoy watching your colorful kite dance in the breeze. In the Fall you can join in the fun at the Lincoln County Kite Festival.

Visit a Lighthouse

The Oregon coast is home to some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the country. Take your family on a tour of these iconic structures and learn about their history and importance. Explore lighthouses around Cape Meares (the shortest lighthouse in America), Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Oregon’s tallest) and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (the most dangerous lighthouse ever built).

Go Whale Watching

The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oregon is home to several species of whales which can be seen from shore or by taking a whale watching tour boat excursion. Every winter, thousands of gray whales migrate up and down the Oregon Coast.

Explore Tide Pools

Low tide exposes hidden rock pools filled with sea-life such as starfish, anemones, tiny crabs and other small sea creatures perfect for exploring with kids. Exploring tide pools can be a great hands-on activity for curious learners. Seeing marine life in it’s unique ecosystem can lead to many great discussions. All of the sea creature must remain in their natural habitat, but kids can draw pictures of the new creatures they’ve just seen.

Beachcombing

Beachcombing is one of the most popular and easy Oregon Coast activities. It requires very little planning and yields an abundance of treasure! Whether it’s agates, glass floats, or shells, beachcombing is a great way to explore the coastline while collecting some cool treasures along the way.

Visit Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock is an iconic landmark located off Cannon Beach that stands 235 feet above sea level and was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1966 due to its remarkable structure and beauty. It can be a great place for bird-watching and exploring tide-pools. One of the most popular birds to see there is the tufted puffin. Don’t forget to get your photo taken with Haystack Rock in the background!

Go for Scenic Hike

There are plenty of trails along the coastline that offer spectacular views, from short hikes around local parks to longer treks along rugged headlands. The Oregon Coast has no shortage of spectacular hiking trails with stunning views overlooking both mountains and sea cliffs. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging treks for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.

Bird Watching

Birdwatchers flock to this region every year because it’s home to over 200 species ranging from bald eagles to tufted puffins. For a list of what kinds of species to find in each county along the coast, check out this resource page about bird-watching.

Learn About Local Wildlife

From bald eagles soaring overhead to harbor seals frolicking in tide pools, there are plenty of opportunities for learning about local wildlife along the Oregon Coast.

Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium has fun and educational activities for all ages and one of the best playgrounds anywhere. It’s easy to spend the whole afternoon there and you can even grab lunch at the cafe.

Go Crabbing

Crabbing is something anyone can do! All you need is some bait (raw chicken works best) tied onto a string attached to a crab trap which you can buy at any local tackle store . 11. Visit an Art Gallery – Many towns along coastal have galleries featuring artwork created by local artists with pieces ranging from glass blowing to painting featuring scenes from around the area.

Have a Picnic

Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of many sandy beaches or grassy dunes along this scenic coastline! 12 Photography – Capture breathtaking photographs with panoramic views overlooking rocky headlands jutting out into vast oceans or foggy forests and misty clouds.

Get Ready to Enjoy Your Favorite Oregon Coast Activities

The Oregon Coast is full of adventure and exploration for all ages—from beach-combing to whale watching, there’s no shortage of educational activities. Whether you’re looking for an active vacation or just a relaxing weekend away with family—there’s something here for everyone. So grab your camera, pack up your gear and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Talk to one of trip specialists to start planning your next adventure! We have an Oregon Coast family trip package that you can explore or talk to use about creating a more customer experience.

leave no trace hiking sign

Essential Guide to Leave No Trace Hiking

In order to help protect the environment, we’ve put together this leave no trace hiking guide. By following these tips, you can make sure that your hike doesn’t negatively impact the landscape and wildlife. Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact that hiking can have on the environment.

What is Leave No Trace Hiking and Why Should You Do It?

Leave no trace hiking means making sure that your impact on nature remains minimal and invisible. When you go out into nature, it’s important to think about the environment and how your actions may affect it. One way of doing this is leaving no trace – making as small an impact as possible.

The first step is to educate yourself on the Leave No Trace principles. These principal will help you not only have a safe and fun hiking adventure they will help you avoid harming the natural spaces that you visit. Once you understand the principles, it’s important to put them into practice.

If you’re a nature lover, then you know the importance of leaving no trace when you’re hiking. You may have heard the phrase, “pack it in, pack it out.” This phrase covers elements of several Leave No Trace principles, and therefore it’s a very important one to follow.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics created the following seven principles to help guide you in protecting the environment while you’re out enjoying the outdoors:

  1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
  2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Resources for Learning More About Leave No Trace Hiking

If you’re interested in learning more about Leave No Trace hiking, there are a number of resources available. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a great place to start. They offer awareness workshops, educational resources, and plenty of information on how to minimize your impact when hiking. You can also check out their website, which has a wealth of articles and tips.

Of course, one of the best ways to learn about Leave No Trace hiking is simply to get out there and do it! There’s no substitute for first-hand experience, so get out there and explore with the knowledge that you’re doing your part to protect our wilderness areas. You can get started with our Outdoor Adventure Checklist and begin planning a day adventure now.

custom family vacation

The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Checklist

Our outdoor adventure checklist can help you begin planning the perfect family vacation. If you want to get your family outside and enjoy the great outdoors, but you’re not sure where to start we have just the resource for you. When you head out into the wild, there are many things to keep in mind. You can make sure that your time in nature stays safe and enjoyable by following our tips for a successful adventure. We know it can be overwhelming to figure out all the details, but we want to make getting outdoors easy.

In this blog post, we’ll give you all the tips you need to plan the perfect outdoor adventure. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun!

How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Adventure

  1. Choose a destination – Consider your interests and the activities you want to do in order to select the perfect destination.
  2. Plan your route – Make sure to take into account the distance, elevation changes, and difficulty level for each member of your group.
  3. Pack accordingly – Use our printable Outdoor Adventure Checklist to be sure to bring the necessary gear and supplies for your trip.
  4. Enjoy yourself! – Take in the sights and sounds of nature, and have fun with your friends or family and make memories!

Finding the Perfect Destination to Explore

Outdoor adventure travel is a great way to explore the world and learn about nature, all while getting in some exercise and fresh air. But before you start packing your bags, it’s important to think about what kind of outdoor adventure you want to have. Consider your interests and the activities you want to do when choosing your destination.

We have created trips based on popular activities including: mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, skiing, horseback riding, or walking on the beach. This is the best way to find a destination for your group. Have a look at our current trips here. We make it easy for groups to find a destination where they can enjoy their favorite activities. If you don’t see just the right trip or want to build your own trip around another destination, just let us know.

Planning Your Outdoor Adventure

Now that you have some ideas of where to go, it’s time to start planning your outdoor adventure. We can help with that! Our team is experienced in creating custom trips for groups of all sizes and interests. So whether you’re looking for a challenging backpacking trip or an easy family-friendly hike, we can make it happen. Get started by filling out our online form and one of our Adventure Consultants will be in touch soon.

When planning your hiking trail, make sure to check for updates and alerts about conditions on the different trails. You can also message us if you need any help!
Also check what other groups have done recently by consulting online resources like AllTrails, which has user reviews from people who’ve already completed hikes similar as yours- this can help decide which trails will best match up with individual preferences while still being challenging enough for everyone’s ability level.

Make sure you have all the permits necessary for your trip. Some activities, such as fishing in designated areas or hunting wildlife with special tags from a licensed seller are only available through purchasing them beforehand – don’t count on finding these locally!

Packing for Your Trip (Free Outdoor Adventure Checklist)

Outdoor adventures can be a lot of fun, but they can also be pretty daunting if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You’ll need the right supplies for your outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddle-boarding, it’s important to bring the necessary gear and supplies with you so that you can enjoy your activity to the fullest.

Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need to make the most of your trip. Make sure to download our free printable outdoor adventure checklist. This list will help you remember everything you need for a great time outdoors. And as always, if you have any questions about what to bring or how to do something on the list, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Enjoy the Outdoors and Leave No Trace

The outdoors is a beautiful place to explore and we must preserve it for future generations. Follow these simple guidelines so that you can enjoy this special area without impacting the natural world around us.

  • Walk on designated trails
  • Pack out what you pack in
  • Share the path with others
  • Respect the wildlife and their habitat

We hope that this outdoor adventure checklist will help you and your family get excited about your next vacation. The outdoors can be a great place for families to reconnect and have some fun together. Make sure to download our free printable packing list so you don’t forget anything while you are out enjoying nature. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!

Kid cross country skiing

How to Start Cross Country Skiing

My favorite winter hobby is cross country skiing. With COVID limiting indoor options and lift tickets increasing in price, cross country skiing is a safe alternative to get yourself outdoors and get your heart rate up. It’s a full-body workout and can burn about 475 calories per hour when working at a moderate pace. A snow-covered mountain is breathtaking. Cross country skiing allows you to move your body and relieve stress while immersing yourself in the outdoors. I have some tips and tricks for anyone who hasn’t cross country skied before but is interested in a new adventure.

Skiing after fresh snow fall
Skiing after fresh snow fall.

Nature is a powerful force, so picking the right day is essential while you’re a beginner. If the wind is blowing hard and it’s snowing, or worse, raining on the mountain, you may be better off picking a different day. On the contrary, if you are willing to tough it out during the rain, you may be rewarded with the mountain to yourself. In general, skiing on a sunny day brings out the beauty of the mountain, and it helps to learn without being bombarded with precipitation on your face as you’re learning the basics.

Bringing the right equipment is critical for your success. I wear a waterproof coat that I can roll up and put in my backpack if I get too hot. I also wear my primary gloves and a stocking cap. I typically wear snow bibs, but any waterproof pants would work. I usually wear a backpack to carry my supplies. However, keep in mind that packing light is best while you’re a beginner to maintain your balance. Here are some of the standard gear I take with me, but I’m careful where the contents are located on my back in case of a fall or other rare issue. I start with water, which is essential since you’ll be working out. Depending on my distance, I usually bring a Camelback or a water bottle. I personally can’t go more than an hour without eating, so I load my pack with tasty snacks to refuel myself. If you’re bringing kids, remember to take lots of breaks and pack fun snacks. A container of ski wax helps your skis glide better. You don’t need wax when it’s icy, but it’s good to carry some as conditions can change while you’re out. I bring extra gloves and a spare hat in case what I’m wearing gets too wet for whatever reason. When it’s really cold and snowing, I like to bring ski goggles and something to keep my face warm.

Whether your big or small, make sure you plenty of food and water.

If you don’t own skis, renting is a good option while you’re testing how often you’ll go. Many shops allow you to rent by the day or even the whole season. Season rentals are an excellent option for kids, so you don’t have to invest the $500-$1,000 only to have them grow out of the gear the following year. It takes many years before you break even on the costs, so renting is an affordable option for most skiers who aren’t sure about their commitment level. Land Wander handles the reservations and payment processing, making it fast and easy to get outdoors. Many of the best shops don’t allow you to book online, so support makes it easy for busy professionals to secure reservations. A Land Wander representative can help make the process easy and convenient if you have any questions.

There are many places to cross country ski. It’s essential to match your skis to the terrain to make your adventure more enjoyable. A place that I like to start people at is Teacup on Oregon’s Mount Hood. It has 20+ kilometers of gorgeous groomed trails with various terrain for beginners and experts. Some tracks offer breathtaking views of the top of Mount Hood. Whether you’re looking at Teacup or want help deciding on other options to try, Land Wander provides recommendations and a welcome kit that includes maps and permits, and other things to make the process easy.

People of all ages can enjoy cross country skiing.

When starting any new sport, I find it’s more enjoyable to have the proper mindset. Skiing takes time to get the motions down and learn what works best for you. When I teach others, I remind them beforehand that they’ll likely fall a lot their first time. It’s just part of the learning process. It’s essential to take things in steps and to make a game out of every stage. When I taught my six-year-old daughter, we took things one step at a time, and I gave her lots of encouragement. You must find a way to make it fun, otherwise, it’s not worth doing.

Land Wander has optional trainers that we can schedule on your behalf to help get you started. Here is a brief introduction to the basic concepts. We recommend going with a trainer for your first time or an experienced friend to help make your time more enjoyable. When starting, it’s crucial to find a flat place to practice. First, begin without your poles and kick your feet forward one at a time and let yourself push and glide along. The motions might not feel natural at first, but that’s okay. Once you feel comfortable on your feet, it’s time to add your poles. Place your hands through the bottom of the strap and let your pole hang down. You then lower your hand, grabbing the handle. Your hand should be snug around the middle of the handle. If your hand is too high or low, you’ll want to adjust the strap length to improve your comfort. Using your poles, you can start with a double pole motion, keeping your legs straight. Engaging your core, you can use your poles to push you forward. Once comfortable with your poles, you can move to diagonal striding. That’s where you put one arm forward and the opposite leg forward. You then kick the back leg forward and bring the opposite arm forward to push yourself along.

Make sure your pole hangs down from your wrist before you grab onto the handle to ensure a proper grip.

Going up hills is more challenging, especially when conditions are icy. There are more advanced techniques, but here is a fundamental way to keep yourself from slipping down. Always keep one pole in the ground. I keep my arms at 90-degree angles and take smaller diagonal stride motions while keeping my poles at or behind my feet. By keeping your poles further back, you’ll generate more traction. Once you’re at the top of the hill, you have the fun of sliding down! Keeping your center of gravity lower, think about your balance with your poles behind you. If you get going too fast, you can come out of the track and create a wedge by pushing the insides of your skis down and out. The front of your skis should be almost touching to make the wedge or V shape tip. If you’re still going too fast, you can lower your center of gravity even further by sitting down. If a hill is too steep for your skill level, you can always step out of the track and take your skis off. If you do so, make sure you walk along the side not to damage the ski tracks for others.

Cross country skiing is an outstanding winter sport that allows you to move your body while surrounding yourself with breathtaking scenery. It took my 6-year-old about three to four times to get the hang of it. There were many tears the first few times, but now she goes up and down hills laughing and having the time of her life. Remember to be safe and take it slow at first. Be patient with yourself and others while learning. You may discover your new winter hobby.

mount hood peak
Mountains provide fun and beauty that is rare for many of us.