Coming up with creative and uncommon presents, year after year, can turn the joy of gift-giving into an overwhelming chore. In our society, fueled by excess, many on the receiving end may already have their wishes, wants, and needs fulfilled when it comes to consumer products. So why not try giving them the gift of experience this holiday?
For those who would rather collect memories, not stuff – for those that crave a new adventure – here’s a list of some purchasable Oregonian experiences.
Most places on this list offer gift certificates on their websites, and can be called for more information on purchases and reservations.
1. Ride a Zipline, at Tree to Tree Adventure Park
For the hard to please adrenaline junkie, give the experience of Tree to Tree Adventure Park, in Gaston, Oregon, where they specialize in the thrill of outdoor adventure. There, you’ll find an epic 1,280 foot zipline playground, built among the trees near Henry Hagg Lake.
Not just ziplines, Tree to Tree Adventure Park offers a variety of high-up activities. Adventurers of varying ages can explore an aerial obstacle course or the children’s play structure, Adventure Village.
Estimated time from Corvallis: 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Gift cards begin at $20. Zipline Tours can be booked for $79 each. Also for $79, the Triple Play Package deal includes the obstacle course, racing ziplines, and a tree top plunge. Other prices, deals, and information can be found on their website, at https://
2. Sleep in a Treehouse, at Treehouse Paradise
If simply playing in the trees isn’t enough, send someone for an overnight retreat at the Vertical Horizons Treehouse Paradise, in Cave Junction, Oregon.
Resembling a winter wonderland straight from a storybook when it snows, this attraction features state-of-the-art tree houses, and serves locally-sourced breakfasts. A wildly popular attraction, consider booking soon if interested. Prices vary and can be at least $100 per person, depending on the treehouse, time of year, and package deal. If above your budget, remember there are trees a’plenty throughout Oregon, and all kinds of gutter wood for the taking.
Estimated time from Corvallis: 3 hours and 45 minutes.
For booking and information, visit http://www.treehouseparadise.
3. Go Deep Sea Fishing, with Dockside Charters
For the fisherman in your life, consider the gift of chartered deep sea fishing.
Located in Depoe Bay, Dockside Charters offers deep sea fishing year-round. The Oregon Coast provides a great variety of seasonal fish, including Ling Cod and Rock Fish (bottom fishing), Halibut, Salmon, and Albacore Tuna. Dockside also offers Dungeness crabbing opportunities with some of their deep-sea fishing trips.
Fishing trips range between $80 and $260. If fish don’t catch your interest, or you’re looking to save on expenses, consider their whale watching experiences, starting at $20 per adult and $10 per child – free for children 5 and under.
Estimated time from Corvallis: 1 hour and 22 minutes.
For more information on fishing trips and to access a whale watching coupon, visit http://www.docksidedepoebay.
4. Soak in Hot Springs, at Belknap Hot Springs
No list of Oregon gift experiences would be complete without hot springs. Located on the McKenzie River, Belknap Hot Springs is one of Central Oregon’s most treasured hidden jewels.
Open 365 days of the year, the lush grounds include two mineral hot spring pools and many acres of gardens, including the extravagant Secret Garden. Belknap offers a truly relaxing outdoor experience to campers, RVers, and anyone interested in cabins or lodging.
Lodge room rates begin at $110, cabins at $135, and tents and RV reservations at $30.
Estimated time from Corvallis: 1 hour and 50 minutes.
For more info, visit http://www.belknaphotsprings.
5. Stay the Night, at Timberline Lodge
Rising from the picturesque southern flank of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge is an Oregon icon and designated National Historic Landmark. The building design beautifully mirrors the lines of the mountain, and was constructed out of stone and wood from the surrounding forest.
Timberline Lodge provides an enduring sense of place for people who love to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or hike. While those who’d rather stay warm can cozy up to the fireplace and enjoy a glass of Oregon-sourced wine under the gaze of the mountain.
Estimated time from Corvallis: 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Holiday deals and rates of stay can be found at https://www.timberlinelodge.
6. Whitewater Raft, with Cascadia Expeditions
Cascadia Expeditions offers fast-paced rafting trips down the Santiam, Deschutes, and McKenzie rivers – sure to excite any water sport enthusiast. Or, for those who enjoy calmer waters, the outdoor adventure company also offers scenic river rafting experiences.
McKenzie and North Santiam whitewater rafting rates begin at $99, and riverside dining. Deschutes river trips start at $275 for two days. Just enough time to get off the grid and relax for a bit.
Time of travel varies by destination.
Visit https://www.cascadiaexpeditions.com/, for more information.
7. Tour Wine Country, with Aspen Limos & Tours
Give the gift of wine tasting at some of the best wineries the Pacific Northwest has to offer, with Aspen Limo Tours. Choose your own itinerary of wineries or allow them to custom plan a budgeted tour for your family and friends.
Stops are sure to include boutique and private wineries (some not open to the public) that produce small lots of superior quality varietals. While every tour is different, options can include gourmet catered lunches, helicopter rides, champagne, barrel tastings, and complete tours of entire wineries.
Time of travel varies by destination route.
Rates vary per tour. For more info, visit https://www.aspenlimotours.
By Jennifer Moreland
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