The Big Obsidian Flow trail sounds innocuous enough: A one-mile interpretive trail climbs up and onto this impressive lava flow of obsidian (black glass) and pumice 1. We were already in…
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Whenever we travel, we enjoy learning about the local history. My favorite souvenirs are history books. And so, when we read that the Fort Rock museum is a Homestead Village on the…
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We love solitude, quiet, and remote camping spots. Our family carries enough chaos (with 6 kids!) so we seek out the calmest and most private places possible for setting up our tent. …
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Close your eyes for a moment, and breathe deeply…feel the hot sun warming your neck as the dust assails your nostrils. The dry scent of sagebrush and the sharp smell of juniper…
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As we researched hikes for this summer, one hike appeared again and again. It was like this echo with vague details, promising a stunning waterfall AND a creepy abandoned gold mine. But…
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What is rocking, you say? Only the hottest new phenomenon to hit Springfield and Eugene! It’s actually been around for a couple of years, but our family has recently joined the craze…
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After a few summers of our “grand adventures”, I asked my two oldest children, ages 11 and 6, to list five things they love about our summer travel adventures. Their answers surprised…
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Guys, if this isn’t Armageddon, I don’t know what else is. Our forecast for the next few days ranges from “Phew, it’s hot!” to “OMG, we’re all gonna die.” My number 1…
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We’ve fallen in love with renting Forest Service cabins…old guard shacks and lookouts that are no longer used in an official capacity and are now in their Recreational Rental program. Most of…
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The long, rainy days of Oregon’s Willamette Valley can make anyone stir crazy, and sometimes we need to get outside for some fresh air. But mud, not so much. We often choose…
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We really wanted somewhere new for our weekend hike with our kids, so I hit the maps and found Alderwood State Wayside park about 40 minutes from our house. It didn’t promise…
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Leaburg Fish Hatchery has been a favorite day trip location for over 20 years, even before we had kids. It’s a wonderful place to have a picnic, take a walk, and feed…