Stacy McCullough - Oregon Day Trips by Theme

Safety Notice Oregon is home to a host of potentially dangerous animals including rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions, as well as natural hazards, such as extreme temperatures, avalanches, mudslides, bluffs, and drop-offs (not to mention the possibility of volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tsunamis). Always heed posted safety warnings, take commonsense safety precautions, and remain aware of your surroundings. Remember: Youre responsible for your own safety.

For the latest information about destinations in this book that have been affected by the coronavirus, please check the phone numbers and websites in the trip profiles. For news and updates about the coronavirus in Oregon, see govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-covid-19.

Editors: Brett Ortler and Ritchey Halphen

Cover and book design by Jonathan Norberg

Front cover photo: Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, OR: Bob Pool/shutterstock.com;

map: Globe Turner/shutterstock.com

Back cover photo: Alexander Oganezov/shutterstock.com

Photos used under license from Shutterstock.com:

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These images are licensed under the Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) license, which is available at

These images are licensed under the CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication license, which is available at

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Oregon Day Trips by Theme

Copyright 2021 by Stacy McCullough

Adventure Publications

An imprint of AdventureKEEN

310 Garfield Street South

Cambridge, Minnesota 55008

(800) 678-7006

www.adventurepublications.net

All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-59193-928-3 (pbk.); ISBN 978-1-59193-929-0 (ebook)

Disclaimer Please note that travel information changes under the impact of many factors that influence the travel industry. We therefore suggest that you call ahead for confirmation when making your travel plans. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information throughout this book, and the contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided by the same. Assessments of attractions and so forth are based upon the authors own experiences; therefore, descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of subjective opinion, which may not reflect the publishers opinion or dictate a readers own experience on another occasion.

Table of Contents

Dedication

To E, The gentlest soul I know and my lifelong hiking buddy. All my love, sweet girl.

Stacy McCullough

A Word About Admission

Some of the destinations and activities in this book cost nothing to experience, while others charge admission. Check the phone numbers and websites in the trip listings for the latest information.

For information about parking and day-use fees at Oregon State Parks, go to stateparks.oregon.gov; under Visit, choose Day-Use Parking Fees. The webpage also contains links to information about special passes that can be used at fee-charging national parks, forests, and recreation areas in Oregon.

Portland, Oregon, and Mt. Hood in the background

A barn owl at Sunriver Nature Center

FROM ITS FASCINATING and sometimes explosive geology to its often-pristine habitats and ecosystems, Oregon is a great place to explore the wonders of the natural world. There are hands-on opportunities for all ages to learn about geology, astronomy, and more throughout the state.

SCIENCE EXPLORATION

Located in a 400-acre park, this science center boasts a top-of-the-line planetarium, dozens of interactive exhibits, and a toddler-friendly section.

This center focuses on marine science and boasts touch tanks; an octopus with its own webcam; and hands-on exhibits about tsunamis, erosion, and sustainability.

This desolate but fascinating landscape is so odd it was once used to train NASA astronauts for moon landings. Visit to hike, chat with park rangers, and learn about local geology and earth science.

Head here for the hundreds of hands-on exhibits for all ages.

ScienceWorks boasts a huge play space for kids 5 and under; live science demonstrations; and a host of exhibits about physics, anatomy, and more.

With a botanical garden, rehabilitated birds of prey, and an observatory with a large telescope, here you can immerse yourself in science and the natural world.

2300 Leo Harris Parkway, Eugene 97401; (541) 682-7888
eugenesciencecenter.org

Anyone young at heart will enjoy learning with this centers multitude of hands-on activities. From the Discovery Room and its fossils, bones, and rocks and minerals, to the high-tech planetarium, this center strives to inspire children and adults to love science. Start by catching a show at the planetarium, and then head into the main hall and its interactive exhibits. The exhibits on display vary, but they usually highlight astronomy, engineering, and optics. If youre visiting with young children, check out the Tot Spot for activities perfect for the younger set. Whether you are gazing at fossils and meteorites, or peering at the stars in the planetarium, the Eugene Science Center is a family-friendly escape any time of year.

2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport 97365; (541) 867-0100
seagrant.oregonstate.edu/visitor-center

When you enter this center focused on marine science, youll be greeted by two octopuses: the first is part of a large mural on the exterior windows; the other is a real eight-tentacled wonder you can observe in her tank or online via the sites OctoCam. In addition, the site offers touch tanks with starfish, fish, and even anemones. Theres also a tsunami wave tank where visitors can build a LEGO house to see if it survives a simulated tsunami, a hands-on tank about erosion, and an augmented-reality sandbox. If you time your visit right (check the website). you can even watch the octopus eat her lunch. Once youre done, the center is located quite close to hiking trails, as well as some wonderful scenic views of Yaquina Bay (see ).

58201 S. US 97, Bend 97707; (541) 593-2421
tinyurl.com/lavalandsvisitorcenter

Open from May through the first week of October (check the website for specific dates and times), Lava Lands gets its name from the stark, black, barren rocklong-cooled lavathat erupted from Lava Butte around 7,000 years ago. The site includes a number of nearby hiking paths through the eerie, surreal landscape, and the visitor center features films, ranger-led talks, and more. In the summer, the visitor center also offers an affordable shuttle (check for schedule) thatll take you to the summit of Lava Butte and its panoramic views. If you think the site looks like the surface of the moon, youre not alone: NASA astronauts trained in the area in preparation for the Apollo moon landings.