Advices for driving from Portland to Welches (Gresham, Bend: condo, light rail)

[fooswasdee]

I am bringing my family with children (8 and 10) to Oregon for 9 days. Would like advices on whether it's a good drive back and forth between Portland and a little town called "Welches" where we have rented a condo for a week. Also, any advices on what to see/do and where to go in the area for family that loves parks and nature, will be greatly appreciated.

Also, we are flying into Seattle, will spend few nights there to visit friends and will be driving from Seattle down to Oregon, either directly to Welches OR stopping in Portland for lunch before checking in at the Condo. Any advices on great local foods, a place for picnic on the way there will be great.

Sorry for a long email.
So excited to visit Oregon!
Thai-Texan

[Silverfall]

Hiking:
I would head to Multnomah falls. It is a tough hike up, but if your kids are in good shape you can walk it slow and they can make it.

The Salmon River trail is nice and is an easy hike

Little ZigZag Falls is also an easy hike. Hikes with Kids - Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood Area Hiking - Hikes is a link to Hikes with Kids in the area.

My kids are 7 and 9 and can easily do these hikes.

There are some family rafting trips (day trips) on the Sandy River also. Northwest Paddling » Sandy River Rafting is just one link to folks that offer those.

There is lots to do!

[Bendite]

It's an easy drive from Welches to Portland and will take less than an hour (traffic permitting). You could drive to one of the Park & Rides in Gresham (on the outskirts of Portland and on the route to Portland from Welches) and take the light rail into downtown so you don't have to fight traffic and parking. Since your family enjoys the outdoors and nature, you might want to plan on just one day in Portland to go to the zoo and the World Forestry Center (very kid-interactive and right across from the zoo) and they'd also really enjoy the Museum of Science & Industry. The rest of the time, you'll have many choices for outdoors activities away from the city.

[Wicked Felina]

Try checking out these links. Informaiton is specific to Welches and surrounding area, including Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

Oregon's Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge Infinity Loop
Travel to Clackamas County - Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory

Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (as Bendite mentioned): Home
Oregon Zoo: www.oregonzoo.org

Have a great time ~