The Pacific Northwest is such a beautiful part of the country. There are many things to do, but the heat may prevent proper exploration. It might be worth staying inside with a newly tuned up Lennox air conditioner. However, a change of pace may be in order. If you are tired of sitting at home waiting for the heat to pass, here are some things you can do outside while keeping your cool.
Beaches
Some of the most popular outdoor activities take advantage of the numerous water sources throughout Washington and Oregon. You can enjoy the water at Cottonwood Beach in Washougal, WA or George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, OR. Some other suitable places for a trip to the water or a pleasant picnic include Wintler Community Park and Vancouver Lake Park, both in Vancouver. It seems that both Washington and Oregon have a beach, lake, or river at every turn. This is very convenient for those of you who want to get out and enjoy the water.
Pools and Parks
If you like the water but have kids to watch, consider visiting a local spray park or public pool. Some good options include Spray Park in Centralia, WA or the Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center in Chehalis, WA. Some options further south are East Portland Community Center, Mt Scott Community Center & Indoor Pool, or Wilson Outdoor Pool, all located in Portland, OR. These are great places to take your family without much worry. Kids will have a great time and you will too!
State Parks
Many State Parks throughout Washington and Oregon have areas to fish, boat, hike, and some even allow swimming although it is unsupervised. Two of the more popular State Parks are Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach, OR and Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, WA. There are too many parks to list, each with its own specialty. Some parks are better for fishing while others are better for swimming or hiking. It is best to find a local one near you that allows for the hobby you are interested in. To find the right park for you, visit https://www.parks.wa.gov/ for a Washington getaway or https://stateparks.oregon.gov/ for one in Oregon.
Sight Seeing
Sometimes less is more. Taking a trip to see something new with the kids or a special someone could be the perfect way to spend a day. The Stonehenge replica and the Vancouver Land Bridge are both quick visits but interesting, nonetheless. The Stonehenge replica is in Maryhill, WA and is a replica of the original Stonehenge found in England. It was created as a WWI memorial and is a great place to visit and pay your respects while enjoying the view. The Land Bridge is more than a way to get across the road. There are historical implications you can learn about while crossing the bridge. The south end of the bridge leads you to a beautiful view of the Columbia River. Manmade architecture can be beautiful but natural beauty is usually even more spectacular. Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful parts of nature. Twin Falls, Shannon Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls are all found after a shorter walk than other locations, making them good choices on a warm day. Waterfalls and other natural water formations are scattered throughout all of Oregon and Washington. They are a pleasant sight to see, and you may even be able to swim in or around them.
An outdoor trip may not sound the most pleasant during a hot day. If you would rather stay inside, here are some suggestions for a great day without the risk of sun burn.
Museums
Washington has a museum for any interest. Pearson Air Museum and Clark County Historical Museum are a couple of the most suggested museums to visit in the area. Portland also has its fair share of Museums, such as the Portland Art Museum, Portland Children’s Museum, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Museums are an easy way to get out of the sun while learning something new or appreciating beauty, whether natural or manmade.
Movies
If you want to have a nice movie experience away from home, look no further than your local AMC or Regal Theaters. There are a handful throughout Vancouver and Portland, all rated highly on yelp and google. Sometimes the best getaway is one where you get comfortable without having to worry about an itinerary. Movies are a great choice, especially if you have been anxiously awaiting a new movie release. It’s easy to stay in a theater during the heat of the day and make your way outside once it cools down, right in time to get some food or enjoy a visit to the Stonehenge replica.
Other
Maybe none of the above suggestions piqued your interest, or maybe you are looking for something to finish off the day. Arcades, Roller Skating, and Bowling are all great suggestions in this case. There is bound to be one near you and they are each fun for the whole family. Whether you are an adventurer at heart or more of a homebody, The Pacific Northwest will have the perfect way to beat the heat all while keeping you entertained!
Service Patriots
Each of these ideas can make for a great getaway. However, the easiest way to keep cool may be to stay inside. If your old AC unit is preventing you from doing that, give Service Patriots a call. We are a family owned business with over 30 years of experience. Click here to learn more about us.
