Fun Friday
It's time for another Fun Friday and this week we are going on a trip to one of my favorite states Oregon.
1.) International Rose Garden-The oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States boasts more than 8,000 roses.
2.) Portland Japanese Garden- Considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty in all four seasons. In Spring of 2017, the Garden opened its new Cultural Village, complete with new garden spaces, classrooms, exhibition and gallery space, and the Umami Cafe.
3.) Multnomah Falls(Bridal Veil)- This 620-foot cascade is the fifth-largest waterfall in the U.S.
4.) Crater Lake National Park- Beautiful lake which is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park.
5.) Astoria Column- A 125-foot column which sits a top of Coxcomb Hill overlooking Astoria.
6.) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area- A 1243 mile long river with 80 miles of canyons. Located between the states of Oregon and Washington.
7.) Pittock Mansion- Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.
8.) Lan Su Chinese Garden- Lan Su Chinese Garden is much more than just a beautiful garden. It’s a creative wonder — an authentically built, powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. (Updated July 2020) In the light of COVID-19, masks are required during visit.
9.) Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area- From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873. The offshore islands are a year-round refuge for harbor seals and a spring-summer home for thousands of nesting seabirds. Gray whales can be spotted during their annual migrations to Mexico (late fall-early winter) and Alaska (late winter-early spring). During the summer months some gray whales take the opportunity to feed in the shallow waters around the headland. Cobble Beach is composed of millions of round basalt rocks that produce an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. When the tide is low a vibrant ocean floor is revealed—pools of colorful animals including orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones. Rangers are at hand to answer questions and point out all of the amazing plants and animals that call the tide pools home. Visit the Interpretive Center and discover 140 years of lighthouse history and thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses, a non-profit organization, offers site-related books, maps, and postcards in their interpretive store. Whether you want to see raging winter storms batter the Oregon coast, learn about the role lighthouses played in the westward expansion of the United States, or watch peregrine falcons at play, visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and experience something wild.
10.) High Desert Museum- This one-of-a-kind Museum reveals the nature of things in the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Otters, porcupines, owls, oh my! Encounter wildlife up close, explore the history and culture of this vast region and take in beautiful art. Get a close-up view of native wildlife, such as an otter, burrowing owl, porcupine and gray fox. Visit an authentic ranch and sawmill from 1904. In the summer, experience a close flying encounter with owls, falcons, hawks and even a vulture. Learn about Native American culture and history and delight your children with one of many fun, hands-on programs that bring history and science to life. With 135 acres and more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, it’s a “must see” for anyone traveling through the area. Go to highdesertmuseum.org/tickets for more details!
11.) The Grotto- National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother- An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit.
12.) Oregon Zoo- See for yourself why we're #1! Community-supported since 1888, the Oregon Zoo is a world leader in animal welfare and conservation, connecting more than 1.5 million visitors with wildlife and nature every year.
13.) Silver Falls State Park- A park located in the state's only rain forest, with beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.
14.) Newberry National Volcanic Monument- One of the nation's newest national monuments, this 55,500 acre area seeks to preserve unique accessible volcanic features.
15.) Oregon Museum of Science and Industry-The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a nationally-renowned science center providing science learning to a range of audiences. Our programming is guided by OMSI’s long-term vision to promote a healthy, innovative, and sustainable society where everyone is prepared to participate in civic life. OMSI’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming helps visitors and program participants master 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. We achieve this through exhibits, classes, camps, traveling educators, and adult programs around the state, making OMSI a trusted educational resource to all Oregonians.
16.) Wildlife Safari- Wildlife Safari is a non-profit AZA accredited zoological park dedicated to conservation, education and research since its inception in 1972. Wildlife Safari is a fun-filled family destination where you can view over 500 animals in their natural habitat roaming freely much as they do in the wild! Visitors to the park drive through a 4.5 mile trek to see animals from Africa, Asia and the America’s. This unique setting offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with animals large and small. The free Safari Village is home to over 100 unique animals, a petting zoo, beautiful gardens, the Gift Shop, Safari Village Café and the White Rhino Event Center.
17.) Portland Art Museum- One of the oldest art museums on the west coast with an impressive collection of Native American and Asian art, plus a large modern and contemporary wing. Rotating special exhibitions bring the best of the art world to Portland.
18.) Fort Clatsop National Memorial- A replica of Lewis & Clark's original fort built during their expedition in 1805.
19.) Portland Saturday Market- Operating since 1974 the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Located in Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza in Portland’s historic Old Town, the Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for local handcrafted goods. The Market offers a unique opportunity for customers to meet the artist as well as see one of a kind pieces created in the artist’s booth. Over 250 small businesses and individual artists from across the NW region gather each week for the Saturday/Sunday event with live music and a plethora of exotic foods that will satisfy everyone’s appetite.
20.) Cascades Raptor Center- Nestled on a wooded hillside in south Eugene, this nature center and wildlife hospital specializes in birds of prey. Some 40 resident birds of 30 native species are on display, including owls, falcons, hawks, to bald and golden eagles. Open Tuesday-Sunday and some major Monday holidays.
21.) Portland Aerial Tram- The Tram is a popular destination for tourists, locals and people just looking to try something fun. The lower tram terminal is at the intersection of South Moody Avenue & Gibbs Street --the most transportation-diverse intersection in the country. Besides one of the nation's only aerial commuter trams, you'll see cars, buses, a streetcar, a soaring pedestrian bridge, a cycle track and the densest bike parking in America's #1 biking city. Bike valet is offered free to the public at Portland Aerial Tram Monday through Friday. Exiting the upper terminal you'll see the largest enclosed sky bridge in North America. Take a right to access an outdoor patio with seating and views of the terminal, the cityscape, the Willamette River and, on a clear day, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. The upper terminal links to the 4T Trail--a self-guided tour by train, trail, tram and trolley. Much of Marquam Hill is a natural area with several trails.
22.) Hatfield Marine Science Center- A series of informative exhibits at the Hatfield Marine Science Center gives visitors a glimpse of hot topics in contemporary marine science research.
23.) Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum- The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they're full of LIFE! Enjoy over three-and-a-half acres of indoor exhibit space.
24.) Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum- The 48,200 sq. ft. facility won an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for its appealing design. The Center is situated on a 54-acre point of land adjacent to the Columbia River and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The site provides walking trails, a pond, and scenic overlooks. Its location in The Dalles, Oregon is an ecosystem transition zone, facilitating the interpretation of both the rain forest west of the Cascade Mountains and the arid region to the east. Live raptor education programs engage all ages in issues related to habitat preservation. The area includes one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in North America (over 11,000 years), immediate proximity to one of the largest rivers on the continent, and access to the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails. The multimedia, interactive museum inspires appreciation and stewardship of the natural and cultural treasures of the Gorge and Wasco County. Exhibits focus on the volcanic upheaval and raging floods that created the Gorge, the unique flora and fauna of the region, and eleven thousand years of cultural history. Collections include hundreds of American Indian baskets from throughout the Pacific Northwest, photo archives (partially available on-line), and local genealogical files available in the William G. Dick Library. In addition to touring the many fascinating exhibits, visitors can spend time viewing films in the theater located on site. If you plan to spend the day at the Discovery Center and Museum, you can relax during a lunch or coffee break at the Basalt Rock Cafe.
25.) Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve- The Oregon Caves is a place of adventure, wonder, and discovery. Join your guide and a small party of fellow cave explorers for a 90-minute tour. The route wends through narrow, twisting passages with ceilings as low as 45 inches! See strangely beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and other mysterious calcite flowstones. The route is moderately strenuous and not recommended for people with breathing, heart, knee or back issues. Children must be 42” tall or taller, no exceptions. The cave is 44 degrees year round. Tours are popular in the summer. Arrive early to avoid long waits or closures. Reservations are available at Recreation.gov. Cave tours offered late March to early November. There are a few wonderful trails to explore on the surface
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's blog of things to do while on vacation in this beautiful state.
written by: Beautifulchaos318
