I am always looking for more ways to travel and ski, even in the springtime. Everyone is getting ready for warm weather and well I am just wondering how I can extend my winter season. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy all seasons in their own way and get excited to go on those warm adventures. So there's something about being able to do it all in one trip that really sounds too good to be true. 

How in the morning can I ski down snowy slopes and by the afternoon be walking on a breezy sandy beach? Welcome to Oregon, this trip was nothing like I have ever experienced before. Let me show you how you can make the most of Oregon in just a week.

MT. HOOD

I am going to start with the main attraction sitting at 11,239 feet (3,425 meters) high Mt Hood, is the largest peak in Oregon which offers nearly year round skiing for all you addicts out there.

When visiting you have the option of staying at the wonderful Timberline lodge. Which has the longest running ski and snowboard season in North America. Making it the perfect destination for riders who want to get in some more laps during the off season.

Illumination rock

Below is a picture of me standing in front of Mt Hoods Illumination Rock. Unfortunately, I didn't get to hike up to the top so that is definitely on top of my list next time I visit Mount Hood. Its definitely a long hike so if you are interested make sure you get an early head start because it takes about a full day to get up there!

Government Camp 

Just a little bit down the mountain is the government camp which is where I stayed in a beautiful log cabin Airbnb that was just a few steps away from town and a short drive up to the mountains. I highly recommend renting a car. There's lots to do but it is all so spread out so having your own form of transportation makes it is easier to get to explore more. 

Right in town there are restaurants, bars, and small convenient stores. My favorite place to visit to grab some breakfast before a long day of skiing was the Huckleberry Inn. Which has AMAZING huckleberry milkshakes. If there's one thing I want you to take away from this article is that you have to try one and let me know what you think. Because I am obsessed and crave them enough to fly back… 

Oh, and a persian roll it's a huge donut, great for a nice slope snack. 

ZIG ZAG FALLS

Good ole zigzag falls, a beautiful refreshing hike is how I remember it. If you have some time during your trip take a drive over and enjoy this little scenic trail. 

TRILLIUM LAKE 

But in all seriousness Trillium Lake has some of the best views of Mt Hood and definitely worth the visit if you want to capture the mountain from off the slopes. 

HOOD RIVER & PANORAMA POINT 

If you are looking to do some shopping and try some really good restaurants head over to Hood River. You can explore the town and even stop to grab some Mike's Ice Cream, all while enjoying the views of the river. 

Since you can never get enough of Mt Hood. On the way back from Hood River, headover to Panorama Point county park. A group of us went during sunset to capture some photos of the volcano and it was worth the stop!

Since you can never get enough of Mt Hood. On the way back from Hood River, head over to Panorama Point county park. A group of us went during sunset to capture some photos of the volcano and it was worth the stop!

PORTLAND & ECOLA STATE PARK 

Oregon is one of those places where there is so much to see and do that you just have to plan another trip back as soon as you come home. Although skiing was the main priority of this trip we really made an effort on those rainy days to see more of just the mountains. 

We started the day off heading over to Portland for some breakfast at a restaurant called Jam on Hawthorne. One of my favorite breakfast foods to get is a breakfast burrito and this one was a burrito to remember. After walking around Portland for a bit and doing some shopping we got right on the road to head straight to the coast.

Arriving at our destination Ecola state park where the infamous Goonies was filmed felt like we found the gold after seeing these spectacular views. It was so fun to roam around Indian Beach, watch the waves come crashing in, climb rocks, and capture the moment. 

I felt like I was on top of the world, or at least a giant rock, where I could see miles and miles of the pacific ahead of me. 

Ecola State Park and Indian Beach

Cannon Beach 

MULTNOMAH FALLS 

To end the trip on a bang, we took a drive over to hike up to Multnomah Falls which even though it was raining on us it was really enjoyable and a pretty good workout. I couldn’t tell if I was sweating or if it was just rain. But it was worth being able to see the falls from the top, it's really hard to capture the falls and how massive it is in a picture. You are just going to have to go and see it for yourself. 

This is your sign to plan that trip to Oregon now,  because overall I just couldn’t get enough. From the mountains to the coast there's just so much to see and do. I need to work on planning my trip back now. 

What part of the trip would you want to add to your itinerary to Oregon? Any recommendations for my next trip that you would want to hear about?

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

Have you ever dreamed of making it to the Alps one day, to go skiing/snowboarding or maybe The Top of Europe to see Aletsch Glacier? This is definitely one to add on your itinerary when visiting Switzerland. 

I stayed in Zurich for 4 days and wanted to see more of Switzerland outside the city. I came across an exciting full day tour by accident when I was trying to create my itinerary which leads me in to visiting our first bus stop Interlocken.

Here's everything you need to know about going to the top of Europe and why it's worth the trip!

 Interlocken 

Interlocken is a beautiful little village with great views of the lakes and mountains. Theirs not much time on the tour to explore Interlocken, since its a pit stop. Even though the time was short you will get to walk among various beautiful hotels, shops, and restaurants. I recommend if you want to see more of the village and try out new activities such as paragliding plan another day to really get to check it out.

Grindelwald 

The bus then takes its final stop at Grindelwald where you will go into this indoor facility where theirs stores and others getting ready to head on to the slopes. You will then feel the cold air breeze right through you as you climb in to this massive gondola. This was definitely one of the biggest gondolas I have ever been on so far! The gondola then takes you up to your next destination giving you a sneak peak of BREATH TAKING views of these mountains. The views only get better and better as you go higher! 

Once you get to the top there is a huge deck to walk out on where 360 panoramic views surround you. This is then where you connect to take Europes HIGHEST railway station to the main observatory. 

Jungfraujoch

The train ride is really cool because you are going through the mountain!

Learning some cool history about the railway on the way up.

Once you make it to the top, it is pretty easy to navigate everything they have to offer, which is crazy how much you can do on top of a mountain.

We started at the main observatory which is half in doors half out doors, when they say dress warm they really mean it cause it was COLD. Gloves, hats, jackets, the whole nine yards. I had multiple layers and at one point thought I was getting frostbite. It's worth it for the views though it's insane how beautiful these mountain ranges are but scary at the same time. I thought I was going to be blown away at some point by the wind. 

In the indoor observatory you can buy watches at around (11,332 ft) or (3,454 meters) which is said to be the highest watch store in Europe.

We made our way over to the ice palace which was a work of art, filled with cool sculptures all hand carved out of solid ice. 

There are a couple outdoor observation decks if you want to brave the cold. Which of course I had to check out, and the views were insane and super picturesque.  

Overall, this experience was a 10/10 and completely worth the money. You will get to see more of Switzerland in such a unique way. A side note if you do want to go to Switzerland and see the mountains but you are not much of a skier or snowboarder this is a great activity to do!

What to Know Before Arriving!

Is going to the alps is on your bucket list, or going to Switzerland  in general? What are some unique places you have been? 

Please let me know your thoughts!