North Cascades National Park

Cascade Pass Trail to Sahale Arm. It's 7 hours from Portland, and you must go there. Stay in Marblemount overnight, drive back after your hike. Do it.

7+ miles, approx 7 hours

Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain Hike

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain has great views, gentle grades, and moderate mileage. We even took The Russells on this one, and they were fine, if a tad hot. This is a good family hike, or for your friends who don't have a lot of experience on the trail but are game for a couple hours and a little effort. And if they're not, you can always leave them at pretty little Mirror Lake while you bang it out.

6 miles, 2+ hours.

Crater Lake National Park

Family road trip with Dr. B and The Russells to Crater Lake National Park and Diamond Lake. We relished in some much needed down time at one of the most beautiful spots in all of Oregon, as if we needed reminding why we came back.

I may have my ashes scattered there.

It's a five hour drive, but very scenic. Any excuse to see Smith Rock and the Three Sisters. And of course, it helps to drink lots and lots of coffee.

Crater Lake Rim drive 35 miles, with options for camping at Mazama Village and Diamond Lake (which I recommend). No dogs allowed on the trails.