< Previous40 ESTACADA S itting at the base of Mt. Hood National Forest, Estacada is much more than just the last caffeine stop on your way to winter wonderland. This historic community is full of quirky, artsy galleries and boutiques, plus a tantalizing local food, beer and cider scene. As you drive into the downtown area, the first things you’ll notice are the over 20 larger-than-life murals that memorialize much of the area’s history and community. Local artists at the Artback artists cooperative painted the first public mural in 1992. The community loved it so much, they’ve added a new mural or repainted one back to life every year since. Pick up a Visit Estacada Field Guide for locations and more information. For a deeper dive into the local art scene, The Spiral Gallery artists cooperative features work from several different local talents. Say hello to the person working at the counter — chances are they’re one of the artists whose work you just admired. One Estacada artist to look out for is Julie Cooper, who creates unique handmade jewelry. You can find her pieces at The Spiral Gallery and next door in Lennox Jai Boutique, along with a selection of elevated casual clothing for women and kids. Pop into nearby family owned and operated Harmony for a quick espresso and cinnamon roll pick-me-up before traveling one mile north to Wade Creek Vintage Marketplace. Located on an old farm plot, the farmhouse and outbuildings have been turned into an all-in-one shopping destination, complete with products and goods from local farms including fresh eggs, honey, handcrafted lotion and soap. With over 25 vendors selling everything from vintage cookware and furniture to kitschy home decor, you’ll surely find a one-of-a-kind souvenir. To continue on the makers and marketplace hunt, travel around the area to discover Hillockburn Farm or even a neighborhood flower stand. When you get thirsty, head back to Main Street where Clackamas River Growlers has over 32 taps of beer plus cider and wood-fired pizzas. Even if you’re just passing through Estacada after a day at the mountain, you can still get a taste of the local flavor — and hospitality — by swinging by Lew’s Drive-In for its famous Coney Dog or a hometown burger and milkshake to enjoy as you drive on toward your next adventure. Top: Selfie in front of an Artback mural Above left: Clackamas River Growlers Above right: Julie Cooper making jewelry COMMUNITIES & EVENTSSANDY & BORING COMMUNITIES & EVENTS F ormerly a trading post on the last leg of the Oregon Trail, modern-day Sandy is located next to the scenic river of the same name and considered the gateway to Mt. Hood National Forest. Pick any adventure and you’ll find it here — hiking, mountain biking, swimming or kayaking. Afterward, head back to town for plenty of enticing options for a post-adventure meal. Gear up for the outdoors by browsing the selection of new and used hiking boots, sun hats and board shorts at Next Adventure. You can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in summer. Next fuel up for whatever adventures await you at Tollgate Inn. Grab a latte and from-scratch cinnamon roll to go, or settle in for home-cooked hash browns and rustic, mountain cabin vibes. On your way out, pop into the gift shop and browse the Pacific Northwest-inspired home items. Fresh sandwiches at the nonprofit AntFarm Cafe and Bakery are another solid choice for breakfast or lunch. Proceeds support AntFarm’s 16 youth and community programs from Sandy to Estacada. Or indulge in a little nostalgia at Joe’s Donuts, where chrome and red vinyl harken back to a time when a doughnut was a perfectly acceptable breakfast. Maple bar in hand, head to Sandy River Park. The forested, 127-acre park is located right outside downtown and offers a 1.9-mile loop hiking trail to kayak drop-in points, local fishing spots and swimming beaches along the Sandy River. Indoor adventurists can take the family to Wippersnappers Kids Play Place and let the kiddos burn off some energy on the tunnel slides and trampoline while the grown-ups relax in the lounge sipping local beer. When hunger strikes again, Le Happy Creperie and Bar serves up masterful savory and sweet crepes, as well as craft cocktails and occasional live music on its welcoming covered patio. If nobody in your group can agree on where to eat, Sandlandia’s lineup of global food carts — Taqueria el Jaliscience, Pinto Thai Kitchen and Breakfast in the Hood, to name a few — will satisfy everyone. Just west of Sandy on Highway 26, the town of Boring beckons with an off-the-beaten-track kind of charm. Stop for an iced coffee at the locally owned Cat’s Moon Coffee serving Boring Bean. Its shop shares space with Boring Bark’s Garden Center. And if you’re looking for charcuterie and wine with your coffee, Country Coffee recently opened CC Sit & Sip by the North American Bigfoot Center. In summer, swing by Mt. Hood Center for plenty of events, including its new Boring Market. Above left: Joe’s Donuts Above right: CC Sit & Sip Bottom left: Fresh bread from AntFarm Cafe and Bakery Bottom right: Blueberry muffins from Tollgate Inn Bakery42 VILLAGES OF MT. HOOD COMMUNITIES & EVENTS B etween Portland and Mt. Hood, Highway 26 parts the thick hemlock forest and winds through the storybook mountain communities of Brightwood, Welches, Zigzag and Rhododendron, known collectively as the Villages of Mt. Hood. For outdoor pursuits, the area is almost an embarrassment of riches — and for culinary enthusiasts and lovers of alpine leisure, the area is equally inviting. Before you hit the tangle of surrounding hiking trails, grab a caffeine boost at Rhododendron’s artisanal Mt. Hood Roasters and a tuna wrap from Wraptitude in the resort town of Welches. From there it’s only a few miles to Wildwood Recreation Site. Purchase a day-use pass and explore 550 acres of old-growth Douglas fir, western redcedar, native willows and vine maples, which turn a spectacular red in the fall. The dense foliage, bird watching and gurgling sounds of the Salmon River create a magical atmosphere. Families will love the paved Cascade Streamwatch Trail. A fish-viewing window sits below stream level, giving kids the chance to get eye-level with aquatic life. Active types can challenge themselves on the 4.7-mile Boulder Ridge Trail. Whatever adventure you choose, picnic sites with barbecues are available on a first come, first served basis. Bring a cooler and make a day of it. Couples can discover their own slice of mountain bliss at the Spa at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort in Welches. Nestled into the Salmon River-Huckleberry Wilderness, the 5,000-square-foot spa has three massage rooms, a skincare room, a soaking tub, cedar saunas and everything else you need to seriously unwind. Nourish yourself from the inside out at nearby Koya Kitchen. This Asian-inspired food truck has an outdoor garden oasis where you can sip warm sake and nibble on seaweed salad as you admire the colorful leaves overhead. For an elegant seasonal menu, The Rendezvous Grill serves up beautifully handmade food using local ingredients like hazelnuts and chanterelle mushrooms. Tucked into the forest, the roadhouse-style Skyway Bar and Grill in Zigzag offers games for the kids and live music. Choose from tasty meats smoked on-site, and pair your meal with an infused cocktail next to the vintage indoor fireplace. If you’re in a pinch for time, the whole family can fill up on the thin-crust pizzas at Rhododendron’s Al Forno Ferruzza before winding down the scenic highway or traveling on toward the magnificent Mt. Hood. Top: Wildwood Recreation Site Right: Koya KitchenGOVERNMENT CAMP COMMUNITIES & EVENTS P erched at 4,000 feet on Mt. Hood’s southernmost slopes, Government Camp — or “Govy” as it’s called by locals — has stayed true to its alpine roots. The Bavarian-style downtown is every winter powderhound’s dream, but because the slopes at Timberline are open through Memorial Day, spring is an equally prime time to ski groomed trails, soak up the mountain-high eateries and breweries, and bring on the outdoor family fun. Once the snow melts, usually in early June, Mt. Hood Skibowl turns into a Summer Adventure Park with over 20 fun-filled attractions. Ride alongside the kids as you take on the S-curves of the half-mile dual alpine slide, go bungee jumping, or take the littlest ones on the kiddy karts. For a deep dive into the area’s fascinating history, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum features interactive exhibits about Mt. Hood geology, flora and fauna, plus a scavenger hunt for the kids. Another historic point of interest is chalet-style eatery The Ratskeller. The building was built by hand in 1938 and was a ski shop until 1963, when it was converted into a restaurant. Come for the legendary-size pizzas and stay for the famous cocktails featuring house infusions. Another alpine outpost is the family owned Glacier Public House, which is located in the old Govy country store and serves up hearty sandwiches, plus European dishes like bratwurst and its classic haus schnitzel. Kick back with friends over a hyperlocal pint at Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Ales are brewed with glacial waters from Mt. Hood, and many menu items, such as the blonde-beer fondue, are created using its beer. It doesn’t get any more local than that, unless you’re talking about the Huckleberry Inn. Huckleberries grow wild around Government Camp, and the landmark Huckleberry Inn uses them in its homemade pies and shakes. Stick around for a prime rib dinner, then retire to one of the inn’s cozy alpine-style rooms to rest up before exploring more of Government Camp the next day. Left: Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum Bottom: Aerial view of Government Camp44 M t. Hood Territory businesses are ready to welcome you to their signature events any time of year. The seasons here are a bounty for all your senses, bringing colorful flower festivals, outdoor concerts, delicious farm dinners and heart-pumping snow sports. For a list of all of the special events updated throughout the year, visit mthoodterritory.com/events. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy winter on Mt. Hood with snow festivals and events at Skibowl and Timberline. Or if you’re looking for indoor entertainment, check out a local theater production or get hands-on with an art workshop. skibowl.com timberlinelodge.com/events lakewood-center.org artomaddic.com/events artscouncillo.org/events Celebrate Valentine’s Day (also Oregon’s birthday!) with a romantic lodging package. And for all of the beer lovers out there, February is Oregon Craft Beer Month, which means special releases and beer events like Zwickelmania. Make the most of spring break with special events and weekend activities every day of the week, including Skibowl’s Cosmic Tubing. skibowl.com The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival runs late March through April each year. A visit to its rainbow fields is sure to delight! Sure signs of spring continue — watch for special events at many of the gardens and plant nurseries, including Mother’s Day brunches and the beginning of Field & Vine Dinners in the Field, which run throughout the summer and fall. Plus, May is Oregon Wine Month, with many wineries opening for the summer season of wine tasting. cascadenurserytrail.com/events ourtable.us/events.html alliumoregon.com/farm-dinners oregonwine.org/oregon-wine-month mthoodterritory.com/winetrail Aah, breathe in relaxation at the Clackamas County Lavender Festival. Lavender u-pick, products and fantastic photo ops are just a few of the ways to celebrate this fragrant flower. libertynatural.com mthoodterritory.com/articles/ celebrate-lavender-in-bloom JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE oregoncraftbeer.org/oregon-craft- beer-month mthoodterritory.com/taptrail woodenshoe.com/events/tulip-fest45 COMMUNITIES & EVENTS Celebrate the 4th of July with local communities. The Molalla Buckeroo embraces the city’s long-running rodeo history, while the Estacada Timber Festival is a nod to all things lumberjack with entertaining competitions like log rolls and chainsaw carving. molallabuckeroo.com estacadatimberfestival.com Camp out and rock on at Pickathon, a multiday indie/bluegrass music festival. Find fun (and food!) for all ages and make furry friends at the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo. At the end of August, the Swan Island Dahlia Festival boasts blooms of all colors, including new varieties each year. clackamascountyfair.com pickathon.com dahlias.com/our-farm/annual- dahlia-festival As fall weather starts, it’s the perfect time to get outside! Consider a hike or paddle with a guide, or a volunteer event, such as the Down the River Cleanup on the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River. welovecleanrivers.org enrgkayaking.com clackamasriveroutfitters.com mthoodoutfitters.com Take the family to a fall harvest festival with pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes and more. Or get in the Halloween “spirit” when you explore the spooky side of history with an Oregon City Ghost Tour or a visit to Haunted Historic Philip Foster Farm. firpointfarms.com liepoldfarms.com nwghosttours.com philipfosterfarm.com The holiday season kicks off in November. Enjoy a delicious Diwali dinner at Our Table Cooperative. Area wineries open their cozy tasting rooms for Thanksgiving Wine Weekend. ourtable.us/events mthoodterritory.com/wineries Shop local at holiday markets or take in a spectacular light show like the Christmas Fantasy Trail or Christmas Ships on the Willamette River. fantasytrail.com christmasships.org SEPTEMBERNOVEMBERJULY OCTOBERDECEMBERAUGUST46 Collins Lake Resort is located in the heart of Government Camp. The condos and chalets are moments from ski slopes and other outdoor recreation opportunities Mt. Hood has to offer as well as dining and shopping amenities steps away in Government Camp Loop. LODGINGLODGINGLODGING Y our humans have been physically and emotionally by your side for months during the pandemic. Isn’t it time to treat them to a nice getaway? Just off I-5 in Lake Oswego, Phoenix Inn Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott are all pet friendly, making them perfect for you and the family to unwind after a day of driving. Their staffs also know all the great pet friendly restaurants in the area. For dinner, cozy up at La Provence’s flagship location with dog approved outdoor tables and delicious French fare. Plus, many of its ingredients come from its own farm in Canby, so you know everything is fresh! After restful sleep at your hotel, get the day moving with Berliner doughnuts from Fills in Lake Oswego’s Mercato Grove complex. Fun fact: Haute dogs are invited to strut their stuff at an annual dog fashion show here. Take your human for a walk at one of Lake Oswego’s stunning dog parks. Dog parents love Hazelia Dog Park at Luscher Farm, thanks to its thoughtful design, which offers two areas: one for timid and shy pups and one for those who are more outgoing. Next, take in Mt. Hood Territory’s urban icon: Willamette Falls. View it from the Highway 99E lookout, or sign up for a SUP Pup Lesson with Paddle Board Oregon. Its boards come with traction dog mats, so you have an easier time staying upright with your human in tow. You’ll also get to meet the other SUP pups before the paddle. Before you head to your next adventure, make a stop at Corner 14 Foodcarts, Spirits & Brew. All of the food carts are amazing, but we’re going to guess that you might most love Walter French’s mascot. Plus, you get a free treat when your humans buy a sandwich. And across the street at Oregon City Brewing Company, your humans will find a huge variety of its craft beers, as well as other local Oregon City brews on guest taps. For a keepsake, it has Brewdog crowler plush toys and collapsible doggie bowls. For you pups wanting to spend some time in the wilderness, you’re in luck! Our Mt. Hood National Forest area is perfect for pooches. Mt. Hood Oregon Resort in Welches and the renovated Best Western Sandy Inn are both pet friendly and near everything you’ll want to do. Plus, they’re easily accessible from US-26 along the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway. And for doggo families wanting more space, Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals and All Seasons Vacation Rentals both have plenty of dog friendly homes, many with on-property trails or river access, so you can get “the zoomies” all you want. Looking for a house just A DOG’S GUIDE TO MT. HOOD TERRITORY BEST OREGON PLACES TO PLAY AND STAY WITH YOUR HUMAN your size? Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches has several pet friendly micro homes, including Andersen, a tiny house for dog parents with a passion for cycling. After exploring the forest, think about all the vacation memories you’re making on Chicali Cantina’s covered outdoor patio. It even has a doggie menu with entrees and a dessert. Let your humans know that if the monkey light is on inside the restaurant, it means that they have a drink special going. Different colors indicate different specials. With a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to head out to Estacada, where a day of water fun awaits. Visit Milo McIver State Park’s off-leash dog park, just past the lookout point highlighting Mt. Hood. Oh, and if your family has any horses in it, the equestrian trails are just beyond that. Meet fellow dog travelers before taking your human to the Estacada Lake boat ramp, where you can go on a guided paddle tour with Clackamas River Outfitters. Finally, before heading back to your room, find out all that makes Estacada special by touring its 20+ building-size murals complete with QR codes leading to interesting historical facts and stories. For example, did you know that you can find white and black truffles in Mt. Hood National Forest? Dogs are preferred to pigs as Oregon’s mighty truffle hunters! Visit mthoodterritory.com for more trip ideas, and look out for the dog paw icon, which marks dog-approved places and attractions. Opposite: Dog friendly paddling with Clackamas River Outfitters Right: Scenic views with a best friend at Milo McIver State Park 49Next >