Dear Fodorites,
We are a family of 2 adults, 2 teens. The teens like activities vs. just scenery, and I can probably talk them into some short hikes.Here's my tentative itinerary with a few questions:
day 1 - Ashland (spend 2 nts). Any suggestions for teens?
day 2 drive to Crater Lake to explore. Need to be at yachats for following night, so wanted to stop somewhere halfway-ish, but wanted a charming town, preferably in the woods. Am planning to take Route 138 as I hear scenery is beautiful.
3 nts. - Yachats - tidepooling, sand dunes, sea lions
2 nts. - Gold Beach - jet boat tour. We have reservations at Tu Tu Tun Lodge, which I hear is spectacular. My concern is that it's more adult oriented. Are there any teens? Also, the meal plan is on the expensive side. I'm sure the food is fabulous, but just wondering if teens will appreciate it. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

Patience joan...
Most of the real Oregon people have passed out by now and don't come to until about noon Eastern time.

I was real but I'm not anymore...some people think that doesn't count ... you know what I say to them

I will nudge my Portland pals and get them over here to Fodors to help ..

Hola Kal honey

I'm awake, I'm awake!!!

Activities for teens in Ashland... hmmm.... Our teenage daughter has a couple favorite shops there, and enjoys going to the plays. But beyond that.... hanging out in Lithia Park seems a favorite pastime for lots of people, young and old.

Not sure what to suggest between Crater Lake and Yachats except for a coastal town - like Bandon. The drive down 138 is very nice, but I don't know of any towns along the way that would be described as "charming". So consider going the entire distance in one day.

Yes, Tu Tu Tun is spectacular, but as you've undoubtedly read, more adult oriented. Our teen was one of maybe six when we were there a couple summers ago. But that doesn't mean there aren't activities for them to enjoy: kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking.... As far as meals, you're kinda stuck. The food is great, but I think your only option without going into town, a 10+ minute drive. Unless you've reserved a suite, where you could buy your own groceries and prepare meals.

Is there a reason why you are spending two nights in Ashland? Yeah, it's a cute little town but I can't imagine finding two or three days worth of things to do there. I think you'll get bored very fast, especially with teens.

Driving to Crater Lake to explore is about all you can do. It's out in the middle of nowhere there is nothing close. The only exception in Diamond Lake about 20 minutes away. Yet, there is still not a lot to do their either. I would spend a few hours at Crater Lake and take their boat tour, it's pretty cool. It's a crazy hike down to the bottom but it sounds like your the outdoor type.

Newport, OR is nice. It has the Oregon Aquaruim which is one of the nicest and most interactive aquariums I've ever been to. It used to house Keiko the Orca from the movie Free Willy. Now it has a big shark exhibit in it's place.

Or Sunriver is nice, but out of the way.

Have fun on your trip.

tick tick tick.....:-"

Ciao Scarlett!

Hi honey

I am happy to see beachbum posted...one of those who has actually done this stuff lol
I can google stuff I have heard about but it just isn't the same..

and Casey !! lol

I disagree about Ashland and or the Rogue Valley in general. There is plenty to do in the valley. As mentioned the plays are good. Britt Fest ( in Jacksonville) puts on some great concerts in a very nice outdoor setting. Jacksonville itself is a neat town worth a few hours. Rafting the Rogue River out of Shady Cove or Grants Pass is alot of fun especially for teens. The Hellgate Jetboats out of Grants Pass is worth a trip as well.
Wildlife Images is a local wildlife rescue and have tours daily. It is a great way to see local fauna including eagles,owls,cougars, and bear to name a few. It is donation based and very informative. They release most animals after they are rehabed.
Oregon Caves is a short drive from Grants Pass as well and worth a trip.
So...there is at least 3-4 days of stuff to do for you! I live in Grants Pass so if you have any questions about any of the above let me know! Best Wishes, Nathan

I googled ess ee exx once and you're right...
just not the same as being there.
:-"

Panhandle, casey_reed, and beachbum - thank you for your suggestions. Think we'll do a rafting trip one day, then head up to Crater Lake the next.

When you are in the Yachats area -
the teens might enjoy dune buggy riding which is very fun or sand boarding at the worlds first sand board park

http://www.sandmasterpark.com/

Also close to Florence there is a place where you can go horseback riding on the beach

I agree with Panhandle, the Hellgate Jet Boat excursions are great fun, we have done the Quick n Scenic several times when we stayed at the Riverside Inn. The Weasku Inn is also a great place to stay in the area. ***kim***

If they're already planning a jetboat trip from Gold Beach, is there a particular reason they should do Hellgate too, kimamom?