Skip to main content

Oregon Family Magazine

5 Family Trips to Take This Summer

07/11/2019 ● By Sandy Kauten
Did you know that the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region (Lane County) is 4,722 square miles? That’s roughly the size of the state of Connecticut!  With all these miles to explore, what are you waiting for?

Our newest program is called the South Willamette Valley Food Trail. It features farm-to-table restaurants, artisan products and farm experiences that highlight local foods; hip, rustic and forward-thinking restaurants, bakeries and cafés serving 33% or more local ingredients on menu items and places to stay with unique experiences such as farm tours, tastings and regional dinners. The food trail is full of unexpected moments and peaceful places that will surely provide an opportunity to slow down and engage. Many of the places on the trail are family friendly and offer u-pick berries and opportunities to interact with farm animals.

If exploring the Food Trail or checking off stops on the Tasting Trails doesn’t fill your dance card, then maybe one of these five family trips will!

Explore the dunes

Go for a dune buggy or horseback ride to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Hunt for tracks in the sand and bring magnifying glasses to examine the bugs and plants you’ll find. Learn more about Lane County’s beaches and dunes.

Discover a new trail

Make a family goal to find at least one new favorite trail this summer. Cool off at Sweet Creek Falls, or cross Oregon’s second-tallest waterfall off your bucket list when you visit Salt Creek Falls.

See all the covered bridges

Print out a list of the 20 covered bridges in Lane County and start exploring! You’ll discover Oregon’s longest bridge, Oregon’s widest bridge, and the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi.

Raft and fish the McKenzie River

River guides can take the entire family on whole or half-day trips in a raft or drift boat. Cherish the lazy hours sharing your favorite fishing spots with your kids.

Go camping

Spots like Richardson Park on Fern Ridge Reservoir make it easy to create your first family camping memories. If you’re a family of seasoned campers, look for a new favorite campground at Fall Creek or along the McKenzie River Trail.

Need help planning your trip? Stop by one of our visitor centers: the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Adventure Center, located off Gateway Street next to Michael’s and Best Buy or the Downtown Eugene Visitor Center at 754 Olive (with free visitor parking onsite). Our staff is eager to help your family plan a summer of fun and memories.