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"Explore Some of Oregon's Beautiful Waterfalls - 3 Day Road Trip itinerary of Waterfalls from North of Salem to Portland, Mount Hood, and Silver Falls"
Plan the perfect 3-day Oregon road trip! Start north of Salem and visit Portland, Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, and Silver Falls State Park. Includes top destinations, hikes, and dining recommendations. This 3-day weekend road trip itinerary provides an exciting and memorable adventure for families. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or luxury experiences, this itinerary offers a variety of choices to suit your family’s needs! Let me know if you need any further adjustments or additional recommendations!
Day 1: Salem → Portland (1 hour)
Morning
- Drive to Portland and start your day with breakfast at Mother’s Bistro & Bar.
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden for serene views.
Afternoon
- Explore the quirky shops and cafes in the Pearl District or stroll along the Willamette River Waterfront Park.
- Grab lunch at Pine Street Market, Portland’s trendy food hall.
Evening
- Have dinner at Toro Bravo for Spanish-inspired cuisine.
- Stay overnight in Portland.
Day 2: Portland → Columbia River Gorge → Mount Hood (2-3 hours of scenic driving)
Morning
- Take I-84 to the Columbia River Gorge for breathtaking waterfalls.
- Stop at iconic sites like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls.
- Enjoy a morning hike on the Eagle Creek Trail or Vista House for panoramic views.
Afternoon
- Continue south to Mount Hood. Have lunch at Timberline Lodge, a historic gem.
- Spend the afternoon hiking or relaxing near Trillium Lake, with Mount Hood's reflection in the water.
Evening
- Stay overnight in Government Camp or Hood River.
Day 3: Hood River → Silver Falls State Park → Salem (2-3 hours)
- Head west to Silver Falls State Park, stopping for breakfast in Hood River.
- Hike the Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate loop offering stunning waterfall views.
Afternoon
- Have lunch on the creek balcony at Mac's Place in Silverton, OR.
- Return to Salem via the scenic backroads, stopping at Willamette Valley Vineyards for wine tasting if time permits.
Evening
- Return to Salem, concluding your adventure-packed trip!
This itinerary offers a mix of city exploration, natural beauty, and outdoor activities.
Here's a family-friendly 3-day weekend road trip itinerary from Salem, Oregon, designed with kids in mind, and includes both basic and luxury pricing options for each part of the trip.
Day 1: Salem → Bend (Approx. 2.5 Hours)
Morning:
- Depart Salem and head east on Highway 22 through the Santiam Pass.
- Stop at Detroit Lake: Take a quick stroll or snap some family photos at the lake. The easy walk and natural beauty are great for little ones.
- Cost: Free
Lunch in Bend:
- Stop at a kid-friendly local favorite:
- Spork or Wild Rose Thai Eatery
- Approx. Cost: $10–$15 per person (Family of 4: $40–$60)
Afternoon:
-
High Desert Museum: A fantastic place for kids to learn about the region’s wildlife and history through hands-on exhibits.
- Adult Ticket: $17
- Child Ticket (Ages 3-12): $9
- Family of 4 Total: $52
-
Smith Rock State Park: Explore the family-friendly trails at Smith Rock, offering easy walks for young children.
- Cost: Free (or $5 parking fee)
Evening:
- Stroll through Downtown Bend: Let the kids explore, grab some ice cream, and enjoy the vibrant downtown scene.
- Dinner at 10 Barrel Brewing: Casual dining with kid-friendly options like pizza and burgers.
- Approx. Cost: $15–$25 per person (Family of 4: $60–$100)
Overnight in Bend
-
Budget Accommodation: Motel 6 Bend or Super 8 by Wyndham Bend
- Approx. Cost: $90–$150 per night for a family room
-
Luxury Accommodation: The Oxford Hotel Bend or Tetherow Resort
- Approx. Cost: $300–$500 per night
Day 2: Bend → Crater Lake (Approx. 2 Hours)
Morning:
- Depart Bend and head south on Highway 97 toward Crater Lake National Park.
- Stop at viewpoints like Rim Village for incredible panoramic views of Crater Lake, one of the clearest and deepest lakes in the world.
- Cost: Free (but Crater Lake entrance is $15 per vehicle)
Lunch at Crater Lake:
- Picnic at one of the scenic spots or dine at Crater Lake Lodge for a cozy family meal with stunning views.
- Picnic Supplies: Approx. $15–$20 per person
- Dine at the Lodge: Approx. $20–$40 per person (Family of 4: $80–$160)
Afternoon:
- Easy Hike on Sun Notch Trail: A relatively easy 1.1-mile hike with stunning views. Perfect for families with kids.
- Cost: Free
Evening:
- Drive to Medford (Approx. 1.5 hours) or Ashland for overnight accommodations.
- Budget Accommodation: Stay at a Comfort Inn or Rogue Regency Inn in Medford.
- Approx. Cost: $80–$150 per night for a family room
- Luxury Accommodation: Stay at The Peerless Hotel or Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland.
- Approx. Cost: $250–$450 per night
Day 3: Medford → Salem (Approx. 3.5 Hours)
Morning:
- Lithia Park in Ashland: A beautiful and peaceful park with ponds, gardens, and open spaces for kids to run around.
- Cost: Free
- Breakfast at Morning Glory Café: Enjoy a kid-friendly breakfast with options like pancakes and omelets.
- Approx. Cost: $10–$15 per person (Family of 4: $40–$60)
Afternoon:
-
Visit Rogue River Valley or Grants Pass: Take a short detour to enjoy river views, visit a local park, or explore the Grants Pass Wildlife Park.
- Wildlife Park Admission: $10 per person (Family of 4: $40)
-
Silver Falls State Park: Stop at Silver Falls State Park to take a short, kid-friendly hike to South Falls or explore the falls with the kids.
- Park Entrance: Free
- Cost for Family: Free (unless you opt for guided tours or special activities)
Evening:
- Drive Back to Salem
- Reflect on your adventure-packed weekend and get home to rest!
Total Cost Breakdown:
Budget Option (Family of 4):
- Day 1:
- Meals: $140–$180
- Accommodation: $90–$150
- Activities: $52
- Day 2:
- Meals: $95–$160
- Accommodation: $80–$150
- Activities: $15 (park entrance)
- Day 3:
- Meals: $40–$60
- Accommodation: $0 (since returning home)
- Activities: $40
Total Budget Option: Approx. $512–$840 for the entire trip
Luxury Option (Family of 4):
- Day 1:
- Meals: $120–$160
- Accommodation: $300–$500
- Activities: $52
- Day 2:
- Meals: $100–$160
- Accommodation: $250–$450
- Activities: $15 (park entrance)
- Day 3:
- Meals: $50–$80
- Accommodation: $0 (since returning home)
- Activities: $40
Total Luxury Option: Approx. $875–$1,455 for the entire trip
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Summary of Activity Levels and Endurance
- Day 1: Light activity, low endurance required. Best for a relaxing start to the trip.
- Day 2: Moderate to active, with scenic hikes and walks. Endurance needed for multiple stops and optional steep trails.
- Day 3: Moderate, with a focus on the Trail of Ten Falls. Potentially high endurance for those completing the full loop.
Who This Itinerary Suits
- Families or individuals with moderate fitness levels who enjoy light to moderate hikes.
- Travelers who can handle up to 2–3 hours of walking/hiking per day, broken into shorter segments.
- Optional adjustments can make the trip easier, such as focusing on shorter hikes or less physically demanding activities.
This 3-day weekend road trip itinerary provides an exciting and memorable adventure for families. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or luxury experiences, this itinerary offers a variety of choices to suit your family’s needs! Let me know if you need any further adjustments or additional recommendations!
Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is there a dream trip or destination you’d like me to write about? Share your ideas below, and let’s make travel inspiration a two-way street!
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Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is there a dream trip or destination you’d like me to write about? Share your ideas below, and let’s make travel inspiration a two-way street!
