Portland and it’s surrounding areas are breathtaking in fall. And fortunately for Portland families, the mild summer has led to and extended fall season! With winter approaching, locals should head to one of these awesome locations for a last minute fall getaway (or a Thanksgiving escape). Read on to find out where your you should go for your family’s fall getaway.

Wine Country TreeHouse & Herbal Farm

photo: AirBnB

Just 40 minutes from Portland, this treehouse escape was built by the master tree builder Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's TreeHouse Master. Get ready to enjoy stunning hillside views and access to over 300 area wineries. Eat in with the onsite kitchen available for making home-cooked meals, or head to the nearby town of Dear Haven (just 30 miles away) for a meal and to peruse local shops. Note: This spot is best for children over the age of 7.

And while this is an ideal destination for adults, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained.

For the Kids
Located on a small farm with no televisions onsite to take away from the charm, there's lots of room for youngsters to explore. This site offers a truly unplugged experience for families looking to bond in nature. .

Sleeps: 5

Online: airbnb.com/rooms/20232443

Crystal Crane

Annette Benedetti

This eastern Oregon hot spring is a wonderland for both parents and kids. The large heated pond is spacious enough for little ones to splash and enjoy themselves and there's a private bathhouse where parents can soak in cedar-enclosed tubs. But the hot spring is only part of the the fun. Lodging options include cabins, ten and RV camping or a stay in a teepee! All of the options are cozy and rustic, but the teepee offers an experience your kids will be talking about for years to come!

For a little adventure head to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Just 29 miles away, this location is home to over 58 species of mammals including mule deer, pronghorn antelope  Rocky Mountain elk, coyotes and bobcats. The visitor center has recently reopened and fall is perfect for wildlife viewing, fishing and you'll likely get some great photos.

Crystal Crane Hot Spring
59315 Hwy 78
Burns, Oregon
Online: cranehotsprings.com

Salem

Photo by jacly via yelp

Though it’s only an hour south of Portland, Salem has a whole new world of fun for kids. Stay a few days to take advantage of nearby day trips like a hike in Silver Falls State Park, or a bicycle tour of covered bridges.

In Salem, spend some time wandering around the Oregon Garden in it’s fall colors—kids will love the Children’s Garden, complete with a hobbit door. Older kids will learn a lot about state history with a guided or self-guided tour of the capitol building, and the whole family will love the the beautiful Riverfront Park on the Willamette River. And for even more fun, stop by the Enchanted Forest, a non-Disney theme park that’s a little goofy and utterly enchanting, aimed at those ages 3 and up.

Silver Falls State Park
20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE
Sublimity, Or
Online: oregonstateparks.org/

Mt. Rainier

amie b via yelp

137 miles from downtown Portland

If a beautiful mountain escape is like what your are looking for, Mt. Rainier is the perfect destination. With a National park that boasts over 130 trails for your and your family to enjoy, there is more to explore than your family can possibly fit in in a weekend. Having a hard time choosing what to do? Go on a fall hike or make your way to majestic waterfalls for and afternoon of awe. To add some adventure to your trip, get up close and persona with the wild life at NW Trek. They offer Keeper tours that bring you eye to eye with the local animal residents. Up the excitement with Horseback adventures with EZ Outfitters or Echo River Ranch.

Online: visitrainier.com

Crown Villa RV Resort Bend

Sun RV Resort

Take a trip to see the high desert plateaus of Bend, Oregon. Nestled just east of the Cascade Mountains, Crown Villa RV Resort provides a place to relax and rejuvenate in the great outdoors. While staying COVID-Safe. All guests have access to a wide variety of amenities. Whether it’s a soak in the hot tub, a game of billiards in the clubhouse, or a group gathering around the fire in the courtyard, the experience is nothing short of exceptional. Surrounding the resort is an outstanding collection of attractions. A day in Bend can bring you to tastings at Deschutes Brewery and walks along the river before wrapping up with a locally sourced dinner. Or take some time to explore the outdoors. Endless opportunities exist for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and, in the winter, skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of the Cascades.

Online: sunrvresorts.com

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