Mt. Hood Vacation

Last week we took our "Plan B" vacation to Mt. Hood, Oregon.  We were originally supposed to spend the week in Sun Valley, Idaho but had to cancel at the last minute due to the wildfires threatening the area.  So we scrambled and were able to find a room at The Resort at the Mountain for the week.  Given that we planned it in a matter of hours and didn't know anything about the area, it turned out to be a great vacation.

There was quite a bit to do at the resort.  We all made good use of the pool and the miniature golf course.  Dave played all 27 holes of their regular golf course and I spent some time at the spa.

A short drive up the mountain, there is an Adventure Park that was filled with all kinds of things for the kids to do.  We ended up going there 2 separate days because they enjoyed it so much.

Batting Cages

Race Cars

 That's Jack's head next to Dave - you can barely see the top of his helmet.

That's Kate getting a ride with Dave

Kiddie Race Cars

Kate's Favorite - The Bungee Trampoline

Mastering the back flip.  She also got the hang of the front flip by the end.

Tightrope 

Jacob's Ladder

Pony Rides

Tubing Hill




Indoor Play Area & Ball Pit 

Kiddie Canoes




Swings



 

Zorb Balls


And the biggest shaved ice we have ever seen!

On our second visit, we were able to capture some great clear views of Mt. Hood from the Adventure Park.

That's Jack and Dave walking with Mt. Hood in the background

Besides the Adventure Park, we also drove up to the Timberline Lodge a couple of times to get a closer view of the summit of Mt. Hood.  One day was pretty cloudy, but the second day was much clearer.  The lodge is what was used for the outside images of the hotel in the movie "The Shining".

Hanging with Smoky the Bear

 We saw a few chipmunks.  Managed to capture this guy up close.

We also walked around on the trails a bit, enjoying the views.

Jack's fierce face

On the second day, we rode the Magic Mile Sky Ride up the mountain.  We even got to play in some of the snow still on the ground near the top.

The Thursday of our vacation, we got to celebrate a special occasion - Jack's 4th Birthday!  We took him out for donuts for breakfast in the nearby town of Sandy.

Then we found a park with an awesome playground for the kids (and Dave) to run around a bit.

Zipline!

Me and my 4 year old :)

We went out to lunch at the Mexican restaurant near our hotel.  They treated Jack to a big brownie sundae!  Then we went to the Wildwood Recreation Site which is a 550 acre forest park which features two different interpretive trails.

Cascade Streamwatch Trail:

Wetland Boardwalk Trail:

 Checking out a salamander we found

You can't see him, but Jack is hiding inside that tree stump.

And there he is inside another tree stump!

It was such a cool place and only 2 miles from our hotel.  Plus it only cost us a $5 parks entrance fee.  Can't beat that!  All in all I think he had a fun birthday.

As you can see, we were able to get out and about quite a bit.  We lucked out with the weather and only had one day that was rainy off an on.  We did spend some time relaxing in our hotel.  We even did some craftin' which is my favorite kind of vacation!  Here are the kids painting rocks:

We had a great "Plan B" vacation!  We are so fortunate that everything worked out.  And we were able to reschedule our Sun Valley vacation for this same week next year.  So we are crossing our fingers for no wildfires!