Last-Minute Winter Activities to Get in before Spring

Hit the Slopes!

There is still time to go sledding, tubing, skiing, and snowboarding before the winter ends. Spring is arguably the best season on Mt. Hood. It's warmer and there's more snow coverage. March is a great time to head up to Mt. Hood for some last-minute tubing or sledding with the younger kids or skiing and snowboarding with the older ones.. Check out our roundup here on some of the best tubing and sledding spots on Mt. Hood. There are are a ton of options including tubing at Ski Bowl and Cooper Spur, and lots of sledding hills at the Snow Bunny, Little John and White River Sno-parks. 

Go to a Blazers or Winterhawks Game

Basketball and hockey season are quintessential winter sports and there's still time to catch a game on the weekend before the season ends in April or May. Tickets are as low as $15-20 this year at both Portland Winterhawks and Portland Trailblazers game. Intimidated by taking your kids to a giant sporting event? Check out our insiders guide to a going to a Blazers game here. Moda Center has some fun activities for the kids including a kids zone, Rip City Tattoo (a trailblazers temporary tattoo parlor), and a "My 1st Game" souvenir available to all kids whose first game it is is. There are also a plethora of local food options kids will love including local favorites like Sizzle Pie, Baes Fried Chicken, Cha Cha Cha, and of course, plenty of sweet treat options if you feel like splurging. Taking the Max to the game adds another fun element to the sports experience as well. 

Note: Vaccination cards or a negative test are required to enter Rose Quarter for all people ages 12 & up. 

Snowshoeing, Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing

Even little kids will find a short walk in the snow to be a lot of fun. Strap on pair of snowshoes, cross-country-skis, or even crampons or micro-spikes and set off on a winter adventure. Many of these gear items are available to rent at places in Portland like Next Adventure, REI, or the Mountain Shop, and even on the way to the mountain itself in Sandy. Check out our guide here for the best places to grab snowshoe rentals and tips for beginners. 

Pocket Creek Sno-Park is a great place for beginners to hike in and it's just down the road from the Teacup Nordic track. While the Teacup Nordic Track is a groomed trail specifically for cross-country skiing, Pocket Creek allows for dogs and snowshoes. Trillium Lake, one of the closest lakes to Portland, has a two mile out and back to the lake or five-mile loop with stunning views of Mt. Hood. Keep in mind it's a steep descent (and returning ascent) from the parking lot. White River Sno-Park is another terrific option. Find snow parks here.

Early Spring Hiking

If you don't mind some mud and wet trails, late Winter/early Spring is a great time to hike the Columbia River Gorge. We all know when that nice, warm weather comes the parking lots fill up quick! So venture out to the Gorge or Forest Park on a weekend for less crowded hikes. Hike to the Witch's Castle in Forest Park or Latourell or Wahclella falls for a family-friendly waterfall hike without the heat. You can also hike Dog Mountain before permits are needed on April 23. 

Winter Road Trip

Enjoy a weekend away to one of Oregon's winter wonderlands. Last-minute winter road trip options abound and give families an opportunity to experience  unmatched outdoor adventures and have up-close experiences with the wonders of nature. From the wild west charm of Sisters, to whale watching along the coast, the winter months are magical across the state, right up to the first day of spring. For our picks on the best last-minute road trips to get in before the warm weather shows up, read here.