Need a day trip from Medford to break up the winter blues.... (Portland: live)

[mauigirl6]

Aloha

Well we have been here in Medford for 14 months from Maui. We are fairly settled in. I am feeling a need to get out of Medford with the hubby and kids tomorrow. We have been so cooped up with the rain and winter colds. It is really affecting my mood. Any suggestions? Maybe something not more than an 1hr or 2 away? We drive a 12 passenger van so gas is a consideration. Maybe a waterfall or a easy walk/hike? An interesting historical site?

We go up to Union Creek sometimes to play in the snow. We have been up to Portland once to take our son to a specialist. Seattle to visit family. We have Kid Time and Science Works memberships.

It seems like there is nothing going on in the Valley right now. This time last year I had a newborn so I didn't notice so much. But there seems to be a lull in events for families and such....

Mahalo,
Mauigirl

[Hawk J]

Howdy mauigirl6...

Y'all might like going to Lake Selmac in the town of Selma for a picnic, hike, fishin', mini golf, tetherball, etc. It's a beautiful lake. Use nightcrawlers or Power eggs fer bait.

Lake Selmac Resort

Last time i was there eagles were frequent around the lake.

It's about 20 mile out of Grants Pass on 199hwy( that goes to coast). You will see a sign to turn left in Selma.

Have a Beautiful Day & Great Time.

Drive Safely...






http://bestsmileys.com/fishing/4.gif (broken link)

[bluebird39]

You could try the lava beds and wildlife area near Klamath Falls Lava Beds National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) During the winter, there are more bald eagles there than anywhere else in the lower 48. Check the weather and roads first though. Bring a lunch too....no fast food or even gas stations around there. But they have a nice visitors center, and if the lava tubes are open you can explore them with the kids. Although those are better in the summer when it's really hot :-)

Mt Ashland is fun if you can afford it. I've heard Mt Shasta is too, but never have been there. There's a tubing hill near Hyatt Lake that's fun, but you'll probably need 4 wheel drive or chains to get back there is there's lots of snow.

As mentioned, the Applegate Valley usually gets more sun too. Go further and you have the Oregon Caves NP Oregon Caves National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) Fun for kids, but kids have to be a certain age or size to take the tours, so I'd skip it if they're now old enough. Crater Lake is beautiful in the snow, but unless you are skiing or snowshoeing, there's really not much to do there this time of year.

HTH

PS Sometimes all it takes is driving up Roxyann peak, or to Ashland to get out of the fog.

[lyndaleemalone]

Aloha Mauigirl...I read your postings with great interest as I was a "mauigirl" once...now live on the BI...and am also moving to Oregon soon! Love the BI but need to be closer to family so will be leaving. Have looked seriously at both Oregon and Arizona...tend to lean toward OR more since I do like being closer to the Ocean. I have been looking at Ashland...and even like the idea of the Coast but fear the overcast days after being so long in HI. How did you finally ship all your goods? I left most in a POD so have very little to bring back...but mailed a lot and put what I "had to have" onto a pallet and then shrinkwrapped it; didn't have any issues except I really still think I am missing some of it....maybe was "snaked" off the top because I didn't count the boxes and the top wasn't as well sealed as it should have been. SO don't want to have that happen going back. Do tell...and I hope you get your Vit D over there! Aloha...L

[mdvaden]

Cool - a January 2010 thread revival.

The first replies were interesting, in light of the suggestions and the time of year being January back then.

Seems that the coast or redwoods to the west would be good idea that time of year weather permitting.

[Fiddlehead]

Yes, interesting. I did not see this thread last winter. I wonder what mauigirl6 chose to do. My impression is that late January,early February are the end of the dark period here in S. Oregon that begins in mid November. I know that I am pretty fed up by then each year, but by February we usually get a nice warm, sunny stretch, and with lengthening days all gets better day by day. The bottomline for me is that winter comes early, and is a bit dark, but it also ends early.

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

Generally, the best best for late winter sunshine is Redding, which is just a 2½-3 hr. drive away. Alternatively, Brookings is about the same driving distance. The coast can be clear and relatively mild at times in late winter. Check the internet for best prospects on any given date.