I'd like to take my six year-old on a Father/Son trip. I'm looking at taking him to Crater Lake NP via Portland. It would be over a holiday weekend. How much time should I allocate to each of the following: Portland, Coast, Crater Lake? Would my son be bored with Crater Lake?

Hi Dan,

By holiday weekend, do you mean a three day weekend? If so, 3 days won't give you enough time. Drop me an email if you want more information. And Crater Lake is beautiful. My dad and I went fishing and stayed in a cabin when I was about 12 and I loved it.

Rachel

Your son will not be bored with Crater Lake unless he's totally an indoors person. Also consider the "Dunes" area as an excellent alternative, had great times of repeatedly tumbling down the sand there when younger. But do one or the other if you've got 3 days.

Does your son like to hike, and like the outdoors? Crater Lake is great. It will be a LONG drive from Portland, but most of it is interstate. Although that last part is still LONG. Just driving AROUND the lake takes forever. But, man, is it something to see. Hiking down to the lake is a chore and, frankly, the lake isn't that impressive when you're right next to it. There really isn't anything to do once you're there except revel in nature.

Crater Lake is the perfect place for a Father/Son getaway. It's inspiring to be around so much natural beauty. I went for an overnight stay at the lodge and took the caldera tour. It was wonderful.
That said, I think just an overnight visit will be enough. There's not that much to do outside of walking around and being awed by nature. The lodge is comfortable and very "woodsy" with lots of neat lodge furniture. The walls in the reception area are made of tree bark! Have a great visit!

I agree with the writer who said a three day weekend isn't enough time. Crater Lake would be a long drive from Portland by interstate hwy, let alone by the coast or route west of the Cascades - especially with a 6 yr old in the car. He would not appreciate it enough to justify the car time. I don't believe you can go fishing there now. Check with the National Park Service. I think all you can do is go on a park sponsored boat ride, which is wonderful, but not for a 6 yr. old. Plus, there could be a substantial wait in an exciting parking lot before the boat ride, as they fill quickly. There is a lot to do closer to Portland that six year old would love, such as a stay at the Oregon Coast. Canon Beach is only 1 1/2 hrs away, and is gorgious, with star fish, etc in the rocks, a wide beach, 3 wheeled bikes to rent. You could stay at a hotel with a pool, in case the weather isn't great. What time of year are you going? The road around Crater Lake can be closed much of the year, with snow. (and the kid would hate that drive, anyways.) Just my thoughts as a parent and Oregonian.

Thanks for all the great info! I'm planning this trip for Labor Day Weekend 2002. I'll be arriving Friday AM for a four day stay.

Is this enough time to see CLNP, Portland, and the coastline?

Dan,

In my opinion 4 days is not enough time to see Portland, Crater Lake, and the Dunes areas. If you want to have a whirlwind trip you may have enough time to hit 2 of the sites. But that will mean a lot of time in the car. Oregon is a big state and things are spread out quite a bit. If you decide to do the dunes area, fly into Eugene instead of Portland. That way you can spend a day in Eugene and see some of the sights (5th street market, U of O, etc.) and then drive to the coast. Again, feel free to email me if you need more help.

Rachel

I agree with the others who say 4 days is not enough time, especially with a 6 year old. It would probably take most of the day just to drive from Portland to Crater Lake. I would recommend either flying into Eugene and staying south, doing Wildlife Safari, Crater Lake and even a trip to Florence (the dunes) might be possible. Or stay north, fly into Portland, go to the coast and maybe try the Columbia Gorge. There are lots of things on the Columbia Gorge between Portland and Hood River. Seaside on the coast is a VERY touristy town but there is lots a 6 yr old would enjoy, but expect it to be busy on the holiday.

Though I enjoy Crater Lake there isn't very much to "do". It is wonderful but I would say it is more 'educational' rather than 'amusement' type wonderful. I might wait a few years, until his legs are a little longer to do some hiking. If you do decide to do Crater Lake I would stay in the lodge, it has a great history and they have done an excellent job restoring it.

Remember that the paper map size may be the same as Rhode Island but the states are not the same size! Oregon is large! Whatever you do enjoy Oregon, it is beautiful here.