Spring Break
Summer for fun - not just work - in Oregon
Patrick Fancher
Issue date: 5/18/09 Section: Forum
The time is almost here. It's been a lengthy school year and we've had to endure months of rain and cold to get to this point. In a few weeks, after we get those bothersome finals out of the way, summer will officially be ours for the taking.
Summer won't be all fun and games, but we should at least make a little time for ourselves while we work, go to summer school or participate in internships.
Personally, I need to be involved in all three of those activities, plus I'm hoping to take a couple small trips. I mean, what would summer be without leisure and travel?
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, Oregon provides some of the best outdoor activities and scenic travel destinations in the United States. For instance, if you have never been to Crater Lake National Park, it is one of the most awe-inspiring, picturesque sights you will ever see. The massive lake can be especially fascinating to those interested in geology, or anyone who has an appreciation for nature and the unique.
The park offers boat tours around the lake and, if you're brave enough, includes the opportunity to swim. There are also numerous hiking trails and available campgrounds within the park.
A group of friends and I made the trip a few years ago, and the journey was well worth it. For additional information, check out www.nps.gov/crla.
Each summer, I try to make at least one camping trip. If I'm planning on only camping for one night, I usually go to areas like Foster Lake. It's not a far drive from Corvallis, and there are quite a few places to swim and hike along the way. Foster Lake is also an ideal spot for people who enjoy water sports like waterskiing or jet skiing.
Last summer, a friend and I did a mountain biking trip along the McKenzie River Trail, and, even though I haven't ridden my bike since because it damn near killed me, the trail is very scenic and considered one of the best mountain biking trails in the world. However, it is not a trail for beginners, which is something I learned the hard way.
Summer won't be all fun and games, but we should at least make a little time for ourselves while we work, go to summer school or participate in internships.
Personally, I need to be involved in all three of those activities, plus I'm hoping to take a couple small trips. I mean, what would summer be without leisure and travel?
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, Oregon provides some of the best outdoor activities and scenic travel destinations in the United States. For instance, if you have never been to Crater Lake National Park, it is one of the most awe-inspiring, picturesque sights you will ever see. The massive lake can be especially fascinating to those interested in geology, or anyone who has an appreciation for nature and the unique.
The park offers boat tours around the lake and, if you're brave enough, includes the opportunity to swim. There are also numerous hiking trails and available campgrounds within the park.
A group of friends and I made the trip a few years ago, and the journey was well worth it. For additional information, check out www.nps.gov/crla.
Each summer, I try to make at least one camping trip. If I'm planning on only camping for one night, I usually go to areas like Foster Lake. It's not a far drive from Corvallis, and there are quite a few places to swim and hike along the way. Foster Lake is also an ideal spot for people who enjoy water sports like waterskiing or jet skiing.
Last summer, a friend and I did a mountain biking trip along the McKenzie River Trail, and, even though I haven't ridden my bike since because it damn near killed me, the trail is very scenic and considered one of the best mountain biking trails in the world. However, it is not a trail for beginners, which is something I learned the hard way.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.