If you live in any of the coastal towns in Oregon you know that popular winter vacation destinations in Oregon are those beach towns where you can watch winter storms dash against the cliffs or whip up huge waves on sandy beaches. The towns of Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Newport and Seaside on the North Oregon coast have great restaurants, comfy motels and delightful shopping. Winter Vacation season is as important here as summer vacations so the shops and restaurants are all open and operating at top notch form. Insider information can be accessed here: http://www.beachconnection.net/news/wintw111007_738.php . And here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5496108/the_seasons_of_seaside_oregon.html?cat=16
Farther South on the Coast are the towns of Bandon, Port Orford, Gold Beach and Brookings. Each little town has its own personality and unique history that shapes the amenities you will find there. Winter vacations on the sandy beaches around these towns offer great beachcombing; treasures from shells to shipwreck flotsam are found on the beaches after a winter storm. For a list of Southern Oregon beach parks and a map look here: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/searchpark.php?region=south_coast
Learn a bit more about Bandon here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/13983/bandon_by_the_sea.html?cat=16
The beaches are always windy and in the winter time can be very cold. During the winter storm season the spray from huge waves can be carried a long distance by the wind so be sure to take adequate rainy weather gear even if you do not expect rain. Take a tote bag on your beach walk to bring back your beach combing treasures.
If you prefer mountain vacations you are in luck because winter vacation destinations in Oregon are replete with mountain vacation spots. There is Mt. Hood in the North which you can access from Portland via Highway 26. You can also go up Interstate 84 to Hood River and access the Mountain snow parks from there. Depending on the weather, Hood River is about an hour East of Portland and is a vacation destination winter and summer. Famed wind surfing on the Columbia River dominates the summer scene but snow and mountains take over in the winter. There are fourteen outfitters in town so you can rent the gear you need for whatever your favorite activity du jour is. Mt Hood boasts powdery ski slopes just 38 miles from Hood River.
Just 23 miles to the south of Hood River is the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort which has downhill runs, groomed cross country trails and snow tube areas. If you prefer snow shoeing find the Tilly Jane Trail off Cloud Cap Rd. Call 541-352-6002 or check www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood for more information. Mt Hood Meadows is famous for its 11 high speed lifts and 87 beautiful ski runs. There is an area set aside for snowboarders where the 500 foot long 18 foot high super pipe will keep the boarders challenged.
In Central Oregon you will find Bend a city that boasts sophistication and big city amenities alongside outdoor activities that can captivate the most jaded vacationer. Winter vacation opportunities abound in the Bend area with Mt Bachelor dominating the landscape. For a comprehensive look at Mt. Bachelor winter vacation ideas check out this site: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/17588/ski_and_snowboard_at_mt_bachelor_oregon.html?cat=16 .
There are other great winter vacation destinations in Oregon beyond the ones highlighted here. You may want to explore the Blue Mountains and find the Tollgate Ski area near Weston, Oregon; or the Anthony Lakes Ski area near Baker City. Then any totally dedicated winter sports enthusiast will want to spend at least one memorable winter vacation in the Wallowa Mountains.
Snow in the Blue Mountains and in the Wallowa Mountains tends to be dry, powdery and deep. The Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness area are often referred to as the “Alps of Oregon” and the pristine rugged mountains and deep snow are clearly reminiscent of the “other Alps”.
References: Ivy Manning, Sunset, February 2010, page 23, “Northwest Weekend”.
