There’s no denying that Oregon is filled with the most awe-inspiring sights. From lush forests to scenic rivers and waterfalls, majestic mountains and miles’ worth of glistening coastline, the Beaver state is a postcard come to life.
During the holidays, the Beaver State’s beauty is amplified thanks to festive light displays and decor and seasonal community outings. Add in an exciting itinerary for exploring and a lengthy bucket list of activities, and you’ll find your family creating new holiday traditions.
If you plan to do a road trip this winter to switch up your usual plans, we recommend making stops by the coast and high desert regions for exciting festivities—and, of course, a little bit of R&R for moms and dads. Fortunately for parents, Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels and Soul Community Planet (SCP) Redmond Hotel offer exactly that.
Read on to discover how these two hotels make for an easy-to-plan itinerary during your holiday road trip through Pacific Northwest.
Salishan Coastal Lodge
A road trip through Oregon isn't complete without a stop at the coast, which boasts 363 miles of shoreline. The stunning area is filled with many natural wonders that make it hard to pack up your bags when your getaway is over. Picture soaring sand dunes, a tranquil rainforest escape, jagged ocean cliffs and glistening waterfalls— even the highest-quality photos can't do its beauty justice.
Now that you're wrapped up in the coast's undeniable charm, it's time to find a perfect lodge that mirrors nature's essence. Nestled in the heart of the Oregon Coastal Region, Salishan Coastal Lodge provides a well-balanced retreat for parents and kids alike. With its focus on both holistic wellness and eco-friendly experiences, families can enjoy a private hatha yoga session at The Spa at Salishan. Not only will moms and dads get a little bit of peace and quiet, but kiddos can learn soothing mindfulness tactics that they can bring back to school with them after the holiday break.
With Siletz Bay just a few miles out, parents and kiddos can also try their hand at clam digging—yes, we said it! If rustling around the sand isn’t your thing (we totally get it), spend the day paddleboarding as a group, especially once after feeling limber from yoga. Then top it off with a night at the Siletz Bay pier.
Salishan’s 200-plus acres, which neighbors evergreen forests, also provide an opportunity for year-round, outdoor activities that’ll keep the whole family entertained. If biking and hiking are more your family's speed, head to the local trails in the early hours then take an afternoon stroll on the shoreline of Gleneden Beach. Evenings by the waves call for a picnic and bonfire duo that offers not only beautiful views but lasting memories.
Let’s not forget about our golfing parents either. Salishan Golf Links touts an 18-link course whose restoration design was ​​overseen by Oregon golf legend and PGA Tour Pro Peter Jacobsen. While Dad hits the links, youngsters can soar high up in the trees at Salishan’s on-site Aerial Park–the only of its kind on the Oregon coast. With trained aerial guides by their side, they can climb and maneuver their way through the park's 15 obstacle platforms.Â
To end a jam-packed day, set your sights on sunset views, with a micro-brew or handcrafted cocktail in hand, at Salishan’s The Attic. You'll actually leave feeling rejuvenated post-vacation.
The next stop to perfect your Oregon road trip is a stay in the state's High Desert—a nickname given to the region since it sits at 4,000 feet above sea level. The area is bounded by the Blue Mountains and the Cascade Mountains, offering a sweeping landscape of towering rock pillars, rugged terrain and incredible wildlife. Fun fact: most of the High Desert was formed about 10 to 30 million years ago from a series of lava flows.
To revel in these sights, head to SCP Redmond Hotel in Central Oregon, which takes the concept of a hotel to the next level. It blends modern touches with mindfulness by offering rejuvenating wellness amenities, locally grown and sustainably-sourced goods, and minimalist suites that bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Plus: moms and dads are greeted with a welcome glass of craft beer or kombucha upon arrival!
With easy access to Mount Baker, a popular local ski destination, parents don’t have to plan a single thing. Just be sure to wake up early each morning to enjoy a day of snow play and hitting the slopes. You can also catch sweeping views of the mountains that the family will never forget, which is the perfect photo op for next year's holiday card.
For days when parents want to slow down from the usual hustle and bustle, turn to SCP's dedicated meditation room and amenities. You'll not only get a well-deserved break but you can also carve out time for mindfulness. To take your wellness practice a step further, though, book a Peaceful Room for your stay. These rooms have everything you need to wind down while your little one naps, from essential oil diffusers to meditation pillows, sound machines and Himalayan pink salt lamps. They also provide a refreshing break from technological distraction, with no television screens or alarm clocks to disturb you while you relax and recharge during a deep night’s sleep.
A vacation isn't complete without tasting the local food. The SCP Redmond Hotel brings local flavors right to you and your family, offering four food and beverage options right inside the hotel that make planning meals a breeze. With farm-to-fork menus, creative and nutritious dishes and seasonal, organic ingredients, parents can guarantee each meal time is providing the right amount of fuel to get through the day's activities.
In the mornings, grab a fresh coffee from local roaster, Backporch Coffee to start the day off right. When the kiddos are in need of a midday pick-me-up, Provisions Market is just what they'll need. With a focus on plant-forward breakfast and lunch plates, this casual dining option is both healthy and delicious for parents and kids alike. We recommend the Heirloom Tomato Grilled Cheese or Crunchy Cashew Quinoa Salad.
Looking for dinner that’s good for you, good for the planet, (and just really, really good)? Head to Terra Kitchen, a farm-to-fork restaurant next door to the hotel lobby that provides locally grown and sustainably sourced menus highlighting Central Oregon's flavors in colorful and crave-able dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Or head to The Rooftop for stunning panoramic views of the Cascade Range (this includes the Three Sisters volcanic peaks, Mount Bachelor and Black Butte) while enjoying their locally-inspired small plate menu.Â
Family and community are also key to the hotel’s mission. Through SCP Redmond Hotel's Every Stay Does Good program, every guest who books a stay at the hotel plants one tree in an unnaturally deforested area, provides one adolescent with well-being tools and resources and lights the home of a family caring for a critically ill child for 24 hours. Every visit to the hotel helps create positive and meaningful change.