The holidays are over, but winter is just getting started. That means snow days, weekends, and less activities to do with young people. Here are a few activities available through the colder, darker days.
On a snow day, take advantage of the fluffy white flakes and take the kids (or just yourself) out for a frolic. Though as of now, the snow hasn’t yet made itself known in town, the mountains both have a perfect layer of snow to play in. With just a little elevation, the snow will find you. One of the best ways to take advantage of our perfectly sloped geography, and snowy winters is a ride on a sled. Sledding can be done at a Sno-Park for a parking fee, or any conveniently snowy hill you might find. After tiring yourself out with snow play, bring along a carrot to create your perfect snowman.
For the slightly more adventurous, skiing and snowboarding abound in the Gorge at all five of the ski resorts: Mt. Hood Skibowl, Timberline Ski Resort, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Summit Pass Ski Area and Cooper Spur Ski Area. Many of these areas also have fantastic cross country skiing and snow shoeing which are both beautiful ways to see the countryside that you might miss from a car or road.
We have many beautiful downtown areas for a fun day of shopping, enjoying window displays, and plenty of lovely coffee shops to give you something to warm you up while you walk.
There are also fantastic museums to have an educational and dry excursion. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in the Dalles, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Neon Sign Museum in the Dalles, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all days except Wednesdays and Sundays; The Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Please Note: The History Museum of Hood River County is closed for the winter and will reopen this spring.)
Admission to these museums cost between $5 – $12 for adults, and some offer guided tours scheduled online.
The national scenic area here is just as beautiful in summer as in winter, but the roads can be much more treacherous, so check conditions before visiting one of the sites that remain open in the winter like Multnomah falls, Vista House, and Beacon Rock.
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