Finding the perfect gift can be as tough as looking for Bigfoot. But what if this year you gave an unforgettable experience instead of a material item? The kind of adventure your loved ones will talk about for years. Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is full of these activities, from our snow-capped peak to rushing rivers. Most businesses offer gift certificates so you can visit later in the year. Here are a few ideas for that perfect gift.
Mt. Hood Outfitters is the go-to for every snowy adventure on and around Mt. Hood. Their guides show guests the ins and outs of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. For those who want to go a bit faster, hit the trails on a snowmobile tour. Or visit in the summer for guided hikes and kayak tours. No matter the season, this gift is sure not to disappoint.
There is no better way to experience summer than on the water, and the best way to ensure a fun and safe trip is with a local guide. Blue Sky Rafting has guided whitewater tours on the upper Clackamas for 25 years. In that time, they've developed some of the most knowledgeable guides on the river. Clackamas River Outfitters offers everything from whitewater excursions to relaxing flatwater paddles. They have the equipment and expertise for a perfect day on the Clackamas, no matter your adventure level.
Charter a ride on the vintage Willamette Shore Trolley, which takes you on a gorgeous ride where the conductor will guide you along the picturesque Willamette River, providing interesting historical and cultural anecdotes along the way. Regular tours are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but you can charter a private ride anytime throughout the year. They also feature special themed events such as a Christmas Ships Trolley and July 4th Fireworks Trolley.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, Skydive Oregon in Molalla is a must-visit. With over 35 years of experience, they’ve been providing professional skydiving instruction and lessons since 1988. Leap from 14,500 feet (higher than Mt. Hood!) and enjoy an exhilarating minute of freefall at 120mph. Then, glide back to earth with a peaceful parachute ride. They even offer gift certificates for tandem skydives (beginner skydiving where you are harnessed to an instructor under a parachute built for two) which is the perfect gift for adventure seekers!
Mt. Hood Territory has more reported Bigfoot sightings than any other destination in the state. To find out more about our most famous resident, visit the North American Bigfoot Center. They have video and audio recordings and casts of footprints. They also display all sorts of other items that have even the most skeptical of visitors puzzling the possibility, not to mention a well stocked gift shop.
For history buffs, the perfect gift is the Clackamas County Heritage Pass. The Pass gives you access to museums and historic sites, discounts in gift shops and special VIP tours throughout history-rich Mt. Hood Territory.
Pat's Acres is a blast. There's just no other way to put it. From hardcore racers to people who have never gotten in a kart before, this go-kart track gives you the opportunity to go fast. These karts can go up to 50 mph on the straightaway while also letting you dig deep into your turn as you fight the g-forces to maintain your line. They also have racing competitions throughout the year that are open to the public to watch. It's a great way to spend a day as a family.
Discover the magic of farm life with your family. Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch is one of the largest alpaca farms around, and you can meet them, learn about different types of fiber and come home with the softest sweater you’ve ever felt. Stop by for the cheese and stay for the “Cowlebrities” at TMK Creamery & Distillery. Tour this family-run farm and learn about the cheesemaking process. TMK has even found a use for the whey left over from the process: turning it into Cowcohol, a sipping vodka distilled right on the farm!
With Field & Vine Dinners, fine dining enthusiasts can see exactly where their food came from... it's right there. Like a few feet away right there. Guests of their Dinners in the Field series enjoy the stunning wines of Oregon over a seven-course, family-style dinner expertly prepared by Field & Vine chefs using ingredients sourced straight from the host site and surrounding farms.
Fresh, local ingredients are woven into the fabric of the dining scene in the vibrant Wilsonville area. Our Table Cooperative is a member-owned farm located on a breathtaking property in the countryside. They work with other local farmers, small businesses, ranchers and consumers to produce and sell sustainable, organic and local food and beverages. Head to the Kitchen at Middleground Farms for “culinary experiences for food enthusiasts.” This foodie paradise offers a variety of custom cooking classes, winemaker demonstration dinners and other events in an idyllic farm setting.
Happy Valley Station is home to 18 food carts, so good luck picking a meal. What really makes them stand out in the growing trend of food cart pods is the covered seating area that feels just as warm and inviting as indoor seating during colder months. When the weather is nice, the sides open for a wonderful open-air experience. They have a wide selection of food carts, and don't forget about the house cart inside featuring 45 local beer taps and six wine taps.
Mt. Hood Territory is filled with incredible breweries, cideries and distilleries. Ruzzo’s Retreat serves as the taproom for their one-of-a-kind hard citrus. Just Rum is a boutique craft distillery that produces small-batch fresh cane rum and has a great menu with delicious flatbread pizzas and paninis. Pair your cocktail from Trail Distilling with food from the food cart just outside. This distillery has garnered numerous awards.