by admin

It’s well into summer here in Oregon, with most families having an adventure of a vacation time on their list of things to do.  This brings the question to mind – What fun things are there to do here in Oregon in the summer?

Well, let me name a few.  Actually, let me name quite a few spectacular spots to visit while in Oregon.

1. Crater Lake – Crater Lake is the the deepest, purest lake in the United States.  It has a depth of 1,946 feet, and is also incredibly beautiful anytime of the year. The water is so blue that it’s almost surreal, the views are incredible and you can enjoy renting cabins, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and visiting Wizard Island in the summer months.  The historical 100 year old lodge is also an amazing place to stay.  It is open in the summer months only.  Crater Lake is only 100 miles from Canyonville Christian Academy.  The school has taken a group of students out to visit Crater Lake almost every year.  This past year, Canyonville Christian Academy’s National Honor Society students had the opportunity to take a special trip to Oregon’s amazing & beautiful Crater Lake.

2. Columbia Gorge – The Columbia Gorge has been placed in the 7 Wonders of Oregon.  With over 292,000 acres to explore, you will quickly see why it is a spectacular place to take time and visit.  For starters, just a short drive east from Portland on I-84, you enter into the gorge.  Sporting over a dozen waterfalls, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating, hiking, and views everywhere you turn, this 80 mile trip offers you a breathtaking view of the beauty in the Columbia Gorge.  With over a dozen waterfalls, including the world famous Multnomah Falls, and the Crown Point viewpoint which offers a stunning look at the Gorge and the famous Vista House which was built in 1916, you will quickly see why the Columbia Gorge is part of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.  The Columbia Gorge is a 4 hour trip from Canyonville Christian Academy.

3. The Oregon Coastline – Oregon is home to 363 miles of rugged, beautiful, breathtaking scenic coastline.  From Astoria in the farthest northwest corner of the state to Brookings down in the most southwest corner, there are countless of places to explore.  Tide pools, secluded beaches, sand dunes, agates, ocean fishing, horse-back riding on the beach, lighthouses and towering cliffs, can keep everyone busy as there is an unlimited number of things to do.  Canyonville Christian Academy makes trips to the coast every year.  Bandon home of gorgeous beaches and Sunset Beach is only a 2 hour drive directly west of us.

4. The Painted Hills and Fossil Beds – This natural wonder wilderness area gets its name from the delicately colored stratifications in the soil.  You can view the yellows, golds, blacks, and reds of the hills best in the late afternoon.  Nearby you can find fossil beds and visit the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center which has a collection of over 40,000 fossils.   This is part of a 3 unit area to explore in the northeast section of the state of Oregon, and roughly 5 to 6 hours from Canyonville Christian Academy.

5. Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon – About a two hour trip to the south of Canyonville Christian Academy, is the cozy town of Ashland.  Ashland, Oregon is the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  This festival produces 11 plays on 3 different stages annually during a season which lasts from February to early November.  Canyonville Christian Academy’s seminar class usually attends 1 or 2 of these plays a year.

6. Rogue River – The Rogue River boasts a 217-mile stream of fun, adventure and discovery.  You can spend hot summer days floating through fun Class I and II rapids between Hellgate Canyon and Grave Creek Boat landing.  You can also try your fishing skills for trout, steelhead and chinook salmon.  There are numerous campgrounds along the Rogue, including some really nice restaurants.  Jet Boating excursions, rafting, boat rentals, guided trips and more.  Travel Oregon describes it as “The Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River is the trip of a lifetime.”  Canyonville Christian Academy takes the whole school on a yearly trip down the Rogue River at the beginning of the school year.  The students come back to the school with lots of memories and smiling faces.  The Rouge River is approximately 45 minutes from the school.

7. North Umpqua National Wild and Scenic River – less than 1 hour from CCA – includes 7 great waterfalls within easy walking distance of highway.

8. Silver Falls – Labeled as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls is a scenic treasure.  This 9,200 acre property is the largest state park in Oregon, and one of the most popular.  It is located about one and a half hours from Oregon’s capital city of Salem.  Silver Falls offers several walk-behind-the-waterfall views and a 9-mile loop hike.  The popular South Falls with a drop of 177 feet is a short distance from the day use area.  Silver Falls is a 3 hour trip north from the school.

9. Oregon Caves National Monument – Cave Junction (1.5 hours from Canyonville Christian Academy) Discovered in 1874, The Oregon Caves have been dubbed “The Marble halls of Oregon”.  The caves have passages totaling about 15,000 feet or (4,600m), that are formed in marble.  Tours are 0.5 miles (0.80 km) long and last 90 minutes, visitors can choose to leave the cave about halfway through the tour.  The tour route consists of maneuvering more than 500 steep and uneven stairs along with some passageways with as little as 45 inches (110cm) between floor and ceiling.  Tours of the cave from mid-April through early November.

10. Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Bend, Oregon – Newberry National Volcanic National Monument is a 3+ hour drive from Canyonville Christian Academy. The area includes 56,400+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon.  Paula Peak is the highest point of the Monument at 7,985 ft., giving you spectacular views of the Cascades, Newberry Caldera and across the High Desert.  This scenic area offers many activities ranging from day hikes, backpacking, scenic drives, nature viewing, picnicking, camping, climbing and more.

11. Aviation and Space Museum – McMinnville, Oregon.  The Aviation and Space Museum offers historical aviation achievement, space travel milestones and the need for mathematical and science skills, teamwork, determination and perseverance.   This museum hosts the original Spruce Goose that was built entirely of wood and was the largest airplane ever constructed.  A visit to this museum is not only educational for kids and adults, it is an inspiring place that teaches fun and informative lessons about science, technology, engineering and math.  After you have complete touring the museum, there is more fun to discover at their unique WaterPark. This educational and fun museum is located 3 hours north of Canyonville Christian Academy.

12. The Oregon Trail – One of the most important pieces of history in American History.  This historic 2,170 mile trail was used by American pioneers, and became one of the key migration routes west.  Here in Oregon, you can visit historic Oregon City, which was the final leg of the trail.  In Oregon City you can take part in their summer programs such as:  Pioneer Games and Crafts, Oregon Trail Journey Guided Walk, Henderson Farm Exhibit.  You can also visit exhibits about families who came across the Oregon Trail.  While you are there, visit some  other attractions that are close by.

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