Things to Do

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene

The University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) features engaging exhibitions, significant collections of historic and contemporary art, and exciting educational programs that support the university’s academic mission and the diverse interests of its off-campus communities.  The JSMA’s permanent galleries present selections from its extensive holdings of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and American art.

Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Eugene

The museum is a center of interdisciplinary research and education, serving the State of Oregon, the University of Oregon, Native American Tribes, the research community, K-12 students and teachers, and the wider public in Oregon and beyond. Exhibits represent the natural history of Oregon as well as the cultural history of the state's human inhabitants. One of the gems of the collection are mostly intact shoes from 10,000 years ago. Fun fact: Mahala used to volunteer at this museum!

Silver Falls State Park, Salem

People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. Among many of the hiking trails in the park is the Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2 mile loop that takes you along a creek and past many waterfalls along a rocky canyon. Be sure to check out the famous South Falls, where the trail actually takes you behind the cascading water. 

McKenzie River National Recreation Trail

This is a 26.5 mile (43 km) trail that follows the beautiful McKenzie River from lava beds, lakes, and reservoirs, to waterfalls, cold-water creeks and dense old-growth forests. There are 11 marked trailheads along Highway 126 to start from or end at, making it easy to break up your time hiking or exploring into manageable chunks that work for you. Must-see spots include Clear Lake and Tamolich Blue Pool.

Belknap Hot Springs, McKenzie Bridge

Open 365 days of the year with two mineral hot spring pools and many acres of gardens including the extravagant Secret Garden, Belknap offers a relaxing experience. Open 9am-5pm for day-use guests. Reservations are required. 

Covered bridges, Cottage Grove/Creswell/Pleasant Hill

Hand-built covered bridges are a vestige of the past and Lane County is home to the largest collection of remaining covered bridges in the West. Many are open to car traffic while others are open to bicycles and pedestrians only. If you'd prefer a pedal-powered tour of these bridges, check out the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway.

Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport

An icon of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a public aquatic and marine science exhibition facility offering educational programs. Exhibits showcase seabirds, marine mammals, fishes, invertebrates and plants primarily native to the Oregon Coast. Great activity for both kids and adults!

Sea Lion Caves, Newport

Go behind-the-scenes and watch as these marine animals live, play and interact in their undisturbed, natural setting. Hearing the barking roar of hundreds of sea lions is a life changing experience.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Florence and Reedsport

One of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, the stark, mist-shrouded views of sand, forest, and ocean in such close proximity to one another are rare and hauntingly beautiful. There are lots of hiking trails, day-use areas, camp sites, swimming, and recreation opportunities. The dunes stretch up and down the coast and can be accessed from Florence (Hwy 126) or Reedsport/Gardiner (Hwy 38).

Tillamook Creamery, Tillamook

Oregon's famous cheese and dairy company! Tour the factory, sample cheeses, eat ice cream, and learn more about the dairy farm that has been in operation since 1909. Great activity for both kids and adults. 

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Astoria

Explore timeless rain forests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich and continued heritage of the area's Native peoples. Tour the historic fort of America's "most famous explorers." The park encompasses sites along the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. Some sites include living history reenactments.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

This is a Ruddell-family favorite and comes highly recommended by all. Oregon's premier science museum features exhibits on the natural sciences, physics, chemistry, paleontology, space, technology, wind turbines, and more. Also at OMSI is a planetarium, a submarine, and interactive science labs. This place will entertain both kids and adults for hours.

Powell's Books

Portland's legendary independent bookstore. Shop new, used, and hard-to-find books. This store is enormous and easy to get lost in. Each room features a different theme, from non-fiction on just about any topic you can think of, to children's books, to paranormal romance. The coffee is great too. If you love books, you could easily spend an entire day here.

Japanese Garden

One of the most scrupulously maintained and richly cultivated Japanese garden anywhere in this country. Aficionados consider Portland’s the most beautiful Japanese garden outside Japan. Gorgeous spot for ambling and contemplation. Be sure to check out the events calendar.

Portland Art Museum

The renowned Portland Art Museum is the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown’s Cultural District, the museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court, permanent galleries and special exhibitions.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The Columbia River gorge is a spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, that meanders past cliffs, spires, and ridges set against nearby peaks of the PNW’s Cascade Mountain Range. Some of the must-see sites include Multnomah Falls, Brigham Fish Market featuring fresh caught fish (using traditional fishing methods) from the river near Cascade Locks and run by the Brigham sisters of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians, and the Bonneville Lock and Dam built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Be sure to learn more about Celilo Falls in the dam's visitors center.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall volcanic peak. Scientists marvel at its purity—fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Activities include hiking, camping, and more. The main lodge and visitor center is about a three and a half hour drive from Eugene.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. Classified as an active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy peaks while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. Activities include hiking, camping, and more.  The southwest entrance is about a four hour drive from Eugene. This park is very popular and will be crowded, so plan ahead.

Bend, Oregon

Bend is world-famous for both its outdoor pursuits and pristine beauty. Explore lava river caves; sip your way along the "Bend Ale Trail"; kayak, canoe, or raft; camp; bike; hike; fish; visit art galleries, quilting, and antique shops; and more.

Seattle, Washington

From Pike's Place Market, to the Chihuly Glass Museum; the Space Needle, to some of the best food in the region, Seattle is an amazing place to visit if you have the time. Take a ferry to one of the islands, or bring your passport and go all the way to Victoria, British Columbia! The views are amazing as you sail through Puget Sound. Gluten free (like Mahala!) and looking for some good brews and delicious food? We recommend Capitol Cider. Seattle is a six hour drive or one hour flight from Eugene.