Get back out there! Here are the top family-friendly adventures to enjoy this year.

1. Biking the Row River Trail

    Depending on your family’s interests, pick a lovely section of this 14-mile paved bike path or do the whole thing! Row River Trail leaves from the center of Cottage Grove and goes east past Covered Bridges, Dorena Lake, the sparkling rivers and deep forest.

2. Visit a U-Pick Farm

    Get your hands on the freshest! Many farms in the area offer u-pick fun for seasonal produce such as berries, peaches, apples and more. Plus, meet wandering farm animals or enjoy live entertainment.

3. Rafting the McKenzie River

    Get a real thrill with expert river guides on the Wild & Scenic McKenzie River. Your family will bond over laughter, splashes and wildlife sightings. For something a little more tranquil, choose a jet boat tour or a ride on the iconic drift boats.

4. Take the unique trail to Hobbit Beach

    This coastal trail is a popular one for one special feature— a little path through brush that hangs over the sunken trail like a tunnel. At the end of the one-mile trail, the shrubbery opens up to a sandy beach with some tidepools.

5. See powerful predators at Cascade Raptor Center

    The Cascade Raptor Center is a wildlife hospital for birds of prey. Your family can meet more than 50 birds in a forest setting. Call for information about the best time to visit if you’d like to see the excitement at feeding time.

6. Explore Dee Wright Observatory

    During summer months when the pass is clear of snow, visit this historic site amid a field of lava rock and stunning views.

7. Spot wildlife at Delta Ponds

    Visit these ponds in Eugene to spot blue herons, salmon, beavers, pond turtles and more. The trails are gravel and dirt but relatively flat.

8. Riding the Oregon Dunes 

    Speed up and over towering dunes with an expert driver at the wheel. Your whole family can ride in a dune buggy together to share in the gripping experience that is actually safe!

9. Learning along the trails at Mount Pisgah Arboretum

    Explore along the trails at the Arboretum and learn about the wildlife and plant life with the help of educational signage and interactive learning sites.

10. Horseback riding on the coast

    Ride gentle, experienced horses through dune forests and out onto the beaches north of Florence with C&M Stables for an unforgettable day of adventure. First-time riders welcome. Under 5 years old, corral rides available.

11. Take a dip in pure Waldo Lake

    High in the Cascades sits one of the purest lakes in the world. Waldo Lake is a great place to recreate for the day or camp out for the night. Don’t forget your bug spray!

12. Sled at a Sno-Park

    Look no further for the perfect sledding hill! These sno-parks are a safe place to enjoy a snow day with the family.

Previously published on EugeneCascadesCoast.org