#NationalRoadTripDay inspired us to compile the best reasons to add Mt. Hood Territory to your list of places to visit for your next road trip. Seeing the iconic Mt. Hood up-close is a site to behold and the good feelings it evokes stays strong whether you see it for the first time or the 100th, it's just that special. But there are a multitude of fantastic experiences to be had here beyond the mountain that make it so worth visiting on your next excursion. Here are some stand-outs to get your engines revving.
In March and April witness the world-famous Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival for a display of tulips unlike any collection you've likely seen before. The fields are one of the most photographed things in The Territory and people mark their calendars every year for this special festival, so we encourage mid-week trips for the best experience.
Come in June and July for multiple lavender festivals throughout The Territory where the farms open their fields to the public for up-close viewings of this fragrant flower.
For a summer-time trip, head to Canby's Swan Island Dahlias for a beautiful experience all around. From the endless rows of multi-colored dahlias to the sweet gift shop and the pre-cut bushels, it's a site to behold. Visit during the summer with your own picnic for free at one of their tables and just gaze out at the beauty. Or visit during their festival around labor day to see a showstopping display.
Field & Vine, a full-service catering and events group, offer their Dinners in the Field annually from May - December and are a feast for more than just your taste-buds. They partner with local farms and wineries as the host setting and then provide a six or seven course farm-sourced meal paired perfectly with local wines and spirits.
The Kitchen at Middleground Farms between Wilsonville and West Linn teaches guests how to use that farm-grown food to make delicious meals at home during their monthly cooking classes. The barn setting is so welcoming and the custom kitchen inside inspires everyone to have a tremendous time in the kitchen while bringing out their own inner chef.
Our Table Cooperative in the countryside between Sherwood and Wilsonville offers a place to purchase local farm-grown food at affordable prices and makes a myriad of home cooked prepared foods to go too. Stop in for one of their weekly happy-hours or monthly farm brunches for an extra fun experience.
In the warmer months enjoy heart-pumping activities like the Alpine Slide, Malibu Raceway and Treetop Action Zone at Mt. Hood Skibowl.
In the colder months visit them to experience their unique cosmic tubing and night skiing abilities, or head up the hill a little farther to Timberline Lodge & Ski Area for world-class skiing and snowboarding.
With so many parks and trails to choose from it's hard to pick just one in The Territory, so check out the full list of options to find the one just right for you and your family while you visit. You can't go wrong with whatever you pick!
Our Wild & Scenic Clackamas River is as epic as the name suggests and our friends at Clackamas River Outfitters offer guided paddling to ensure you have a sweet time enjoying the splendor.
Down the way utilize the guidance of eNRG Kayaking to take you on a kayak tour of the historic Willamette Falls and get this water-level view of the second largest waterfall by volume in North America. Yep, you'll want a picture of that!
Check out our fishing guides to locate for you and your friends to have a day on the water based on the season and your fish favorites. It's a pretty handy tool if you ask us!
Make your way around Lake Oswego to see large scale sculptures placed throughout the city via Gallery Without Walls. Take your picture next to one and tag us so we can see which one is your favorite.
See history replicated daily at Philip Foster Farm in Eagle Creek where dedicated volunteers teach kids and visitors alike about the daily lives of the pioneers with interactive activities, including black-smithing.
Be sure to visit our fully stocked events calendar to see the vast array of theater events throughout The Territory featuring classics and new spins to delight your spirit.
Whether its National Road Trip Day or not we hope we've inspired you to make Mt. Hood Territory your next adventure!