We’re planning next summers vacation and could use some help. We’ve had between 20 and 46 people for our family vacations and are now looking for a place to go, possibly in Oregon or Washington. Two of the family’s live in Oregon and my son will be moving to Seattle next month. Other places that we’ve vacationed are Southern Vermont and just this summer in McCall, Idaho. We like ruralish, with hiking, some water sports like kayaking and fishing, golf and a little shopping. PYO fruit was a bonus in Vermont. We’ve been very fortunate to find some lodge style homes (ie, houses that have 18 beds, many bathrooms and huge kitchens) but I can’t seem to find any where I’m looking now. We generally cook most of the dinners so don’t want a hotel or B&B. We were told that Bend, Oregon might be what we want. Not looking for a slick touristy place. Would also like it within two hours from Seattle or Portland since a dozen of us may be flying in from the East coast and will not want to drive more than that. I should also mention that we will have two sets of grandparents in their 80’s but the rest of the group are 60-45 and then 30-18 and three kids under 16. No babies or very young kids. Suggestions?
One year we rented several large homes in Sunriver, Oregon which is near Bend. Lots to do. Biking, rafting, downhill mountain biking. We don’t fish but I’m sure it is available.
I also like Sunriver Oregon. My familiy vacationed there many times. One year we rented five Circle 4 cabins. Since two of the families live in Oregon, they likely are aware of Sunriver.
Not in Wash or Oregon, but family reunions in Whistler, BC
http://www.whistler.com/about-whistler/maps/
Definitely Sunriver.
You can also rent the former officers’ quarters at Fort Warden State Park in Washington.
Vancouver/Whistler look great but the flight is too expensive. Not bad for one or two, but for a family of four or five, it’s over $500 more than Seattle or Portland. That was the only downside to Idaho this summer - we couldn’t get any flights less than $500 each and we decided we didn’t want to do that again.
We have had family reunions (15 people) at Sunriver. It’s everything you want but is not two or three hours from Seattle or Portland.
Fort Worden State Park would be cool.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/384/Fort-Worden
(Disclaimer - I have only been a day visitor, never experienced the overnight accommodations.
We love Cannon Beach area, and the Columbia River Gorge area has a lot to offer also. Tons of waterfalls and hiking, kayaking, etc.
Bend is a LONG drive from Portland, but a very pretty one.
IMHO, you should look on the Oregon Coast. Mild weather (not too hot or too cold), lots of outdoorsy things to do, but also some good restaurants and so on. There are some “resorts” that are really clusters of cabins that would meet your needs nicely.
I will second 1214mom’s suggestion for Cannon Beach. Have been there twice, and it is an incredible place… lots of very easy day trips can be taken from there for people who want to, or those who don’t can hang back and enjoy the town/beach, etc.
I love Sunriver, Oregon. There are lots of large homes to rent. Miles of bicycle trails and hiking trails. There’s white water rafting in the area. Fishing. The homes are very nice with BBQs, hot tubs, bicycles, etc. Great place for a family reunion.
Cannon Beach: here’s one that sleeps 28…
http://www.vrbo.com/201536
Oregon coast is gorgeous…and only about 1.5 hours from Portland…
@gosmom - That’s exactly the same place I was going to recommend, but I was going to provide another link. Both times we’ve been to Cannon Beach, we’ve stayed at another property own/run by the same people who own/run the Seascape Retreat House. We’ve stayed at Sea Sprite on the Estuary and loved it. But it’s a small boutique hotel, so would not work for walkinghome’s situation. But I knew they had a larger facility and when I went to my favorites folder, I saw it was the same place you suggested.
You’ll need to check out the options in Cannon Beach/Tolovana Park; I know at least Tolovana Park has restrictions on home rentals. I have a friend who has a house on the beach in Tolovana Park, and they are not allowed to rent it out, so I’m sure that’s true there… not sure about Cannon Beach. And I don’t know if it’s just true for homes right on the water, or all homes. Obviously the Seascape Rental is a commercial property, so that’s fine, but as far as finding other large house rentals, it may be difficult for that area.
Here’s the direct link for the property itself:
http://seasprite.com/sea-sprite-retreat/
Wow! I now want to start planning an extended family retreat/ getaway! That place looks amazing and is so very well priced! I love, love, love the Cannon Beach area. Hmmmm … My wheels are turning.
Ok, H’s best friend had a destination wedding in Leavenworth, WA a couple of years ago and there were easily 40-50 people staying there. It is in the middle of some stunning mountain views, and a short drive from a river with kayaking, tubing, and of course, all the hiking you could want. There was a main building with a restaurant-sized kitchen, a huge seating area, and a living room/lounge area. Plus many other buildings with rooms for families or individuals. There were places for sports too, for the kids. It was an amazing weekend. I’m not doing it justice-go to the website:
I live in Portland and we NEVER go to Bend in the summer as it is very HOT.
I would vote for Cannon Beach and if a longer drive would work would choose Florence as my first choice. You have the Dunes and just short drives away the amazing Aquarium and different small towns with artists shops and such.
If you want to fly into WA. then think about the Olympic Pen.
But do make your reservations soon!
Another thought.
Think about the Columbia Gorge near Hood River or a large cabin on MT. Hood.
Florence has the dunes which are cool and you can ride ATVs there and that’s exciting and fun. And sand-surfing. Further south is more golf-y. Further north is the aquarium (Newport). Florence and Newport are not very interesting towns though imo. Manzanita is cool; very small town but a little more charming than F or N. Cannon Beach or Manzanita would be my picks. And along the coast people can break off and go on little day trips easily. Seaside is touristy but some people (kids) might find it fun (arcades, etc). Cannon Beach is classier.
Sun River is great for big groups and a lot of families like the summery weather, but I’d go to the coast, too. (I live in Eugene).
A lot of families also go to Ashland and see plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (which is not only Shakespeare). Ashland is very charming. Farther from PDX though.
Following this thread, interested as well.