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Kick off summer by heading over to the Tigard Hot Air Balloon Festival! Channel your inner child and check out some rides and carnival games. We recommend grabbing some ice cream, stop by the beer garden, and dancing to some live music of classic hits. Embrace that summer nostalgia feeling by participating in face painting! Don’t forget to see the Balloon Glow where several hot air balloons are inflated and opens to the public for this unique opportunity! 

Hot Air Balloon Festival 

At Cook Family Park Playground, purchase wrist bands online or at the gates for the Tigard Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Ticket Purchase

✅ Before you go
• Purchase a wrist band at the gates or online at their website. 

http://www.tigardballoon.org

Purchase Tickets

Let's check out the Tigard Hot Air Balloon Festival

Hot Air Balloon Festival. We were so excited for the rides.

We had to kick things off with this super fun super spinny ride called the Twister.

Aidan loved it. He could not stop smiling.

I loved the Super Orbiter and I screamed so much on this ride.

Followed by that. We checked out all these fun houses

and let's be honest, it wouldn't be a summer carnival without some good food.

We started things off with some classic dippin dots.

They even had a beer garden that you could check out

and then surrounding all the food was these adorable locally

owned businesses selling all these lovely arts and crafts.

Then you have to channel your inner childhood by getting some face painting.

They had so many options. I think we made the right choice here.

The live music brings such a fun atmosphere. So the whole carnival

everyone can't help but dance and laugh and smile.

It really just makes you go up and join them

to beat the heat. We highly recommend grabbing your own lemonade thriller.

They even had so many fun flavors such as Sour Patch kids

and they even squeeze the lemonade right in front of you,

I personally got the strawberry lemonade. It's a classic

And then when the sun sets, the real party begins with all the rides being lit up

and nothing can beat that summer nostalgic feeling 

of hearing laughter, the smelling of kettle corn, all the bubbles.

But let's not forget the main event here,

which is definitely the hot air balloon festival

at the next field over. They line up all the hot air balloons

and you can get up close and personal with them.

You can interact with the pilots, you can ask them questions,

It is such a cozy way to wrap up such a fun night

and their grand finale included lining up all the balloons and lighting them up.

Here's your plan for hiking falls, sightseeing, dining, and pinball fun near Vancouver and Portland.  
Watch the video 👇

a full day exploring the columbia river gorge starting from vancouver, wa. stayed at the heathman lodge as a base, then hiked latourell falls, visited vista house for gorge views, toured pittock mansion in portland with city/mountain views, caught the sunset at the waterfront, and ended the night playing pinball and grabbing cocktails at silverball. everything is within 20-40 mins of each other making it perfect for a day trip.


A day exploring the Columbia River Gorge

Hike the short scenic trail to Latourell Falls near Vancouver for breathtaking waterfall views and refreshing mist. Wear good shoes and go early for easier parking.

Waterfall hike

✅ Before you go

bring good shoes with grip. the trail gets muddy and slippery even when it hasn't rained. parking fills up fast on weekends so get there early or go on a weekday.

pro tips: the hike is short (2.4 miles) so you can do it in like 90 mins. the mist from the waterfall soaks you so don't wear anything you care about. there's a bathroom at the parking lot. bring water.




Start from Vancouver, Washington to the Latourell Falls

Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge from the historic Vista House, a must-see lookout spot just a short drive from Vancouver.

Scenic Gorge Views

✅ Before you go

check the weather. if it's super windy (over 50mph) they actually close it. it can get cold up there even on warm days because of the wind.

💪 Pro tips
the view is best in the afternoon when the light is better. you can see the gorge in both directions. there's a gift shop inside if you need anything. the building itself is cool to walk around but the real reason to go is the view.


Drive 10 minutes to Vista House 

Enjoy a casual lunch in downtown Portland at Metropolitan with a variety of menu options to recharge during your day of exploring the city and Gorge area.

Lunch dining

Lunch at Metropolitan Portland

Visit Pittock Mansion for sweeping views of Portland and five nearby mountains, plus a historic mansion tour. Grounds are free; inside tour requires a ticket.

Historic mansion tour

✅ Before you go

it's in the hills so the drive up is a bit winding. parking can fill up in summer/holidays. entry fee is $16 for adults. the grounds are free to walk around if you just want the view

💪 Pro tips

go to the back of the grounds for the best view of the city and mountains. on clear days you can see five peaks. the rooms inside are interesting but the real draw is standing outside looking at the view. go in the afternoon when the light is good.

Drive to Pittock Mansion 

Watch the sunset, stroll along the river, and enjoy tranquil views at Vancouver Waterfront. Ideal for an evening walk or relaxing by the water.

Waterfront walk

✅ Before you go

it's open 5am-10pm. there are restaurants and shops nearby if you want to grab food before the sunset.

💪 Pro tips

go right before sunset. find a spot along the water and just sit. it's a nice walk if you want to explore. there's parking right there. bring a jacket because it gets cold once the sun goes down.

Vancouver waterfront 

Enjoy delicious food, creative cocktails, and unlimited pinball at Silver Ball Social Club in Vancouver—a fun, laid-back arcade bar perfect for dinner and games with friends.

Arcade Bar Dining

✅ Before you go

it's open 3pm-12am most days (11am-12am on weekends). you pay a flat fee to play unlimited pinball ($12 usually). they have a full bar and food menu.


💪 Pro tips

go on a weeknight if you want it less crowded. the food is actually good—try the chicken burger. the cocktails are creative. get there early enough to actually play without waiting for machines.

Dinner at Silverball Arcade Club, Vancouver 

Here's a full day itinerary of things you can do around Vancouver,

we drove about 40 minutes from Vancouver and ended up at the Lateral Falls,

that drops straight down over basalt columns.

It's one of those spots that looks even bigger in person than it does in pictures.

This octagonal Art Nouveau building literally sits.

You can see the entire Columbia River Gorge spread out below you.

We took in the view and explored the building.

They even had a cafe down below in the basement

We stopped at the Metropolitan Portland and had Brussels sprouts,

We then drove to Pittock Mansion in Portland,

but the real reason people go is the view.

You can literally see five mountains from up there.

We spent a good chunk of time just walking around,

We went to the Vancouver waterfront and caught some really calming views.

we headed to an arcade bar in Vancouver called the Silver.

with actually really good food and cocktails.

We ordered a chicken burger and had some really creative cocktails,

and just had this surprisingly fun low-key night.

crashed in that comfortable suite of ours,

That's the perfect day in this part of Washington,

Here's your plan for a relaxing outdoor sauna session followed by scenic coffee views. Watch the video 👇

Take a day trip to the gorge for the most serene and budget-friendly sauna escape, followed by a drive up the road for coffee at a historic spot overlooking the gorge!

$20 outdoor sauna + coffee w/ views🧖‍♀️☕️🏞️

Unwind in a wood-fired outdoor sauna with forest views at Bawb’s Acres, enjoy amenities like a cold plunge and explore their scenic property.

Outdoor sauna relaxation

✅ Before you go
• book your session here: https://bawbsacres.com/make-a-reservation
• keep in mind these are social sauna sessions, so you’ll be sharing the sauna with others! It’s a great opportunity to meet some new folks 
• If you want a private experience, you can book a private session at the link above as well. Even private reservations are pretty affordable, especially if you book a weekday session! Weekend private reservations are $160 for 2.5 hours, and that’s for up to 8 guests (so if you have 8, it evens back out to the og price of $20 per person!)

💪 Pro tips
• if you’re willing to get up early, opt for a sunrise session! that’s what we did, and it was such an amazing way to start a day 
• exploring and hanging out on the property after is such a special perk, it’s beautiful out there! make sure to leave yourself time for that
• you could totally bring a picnic to enjoy on property after; I’m definitely doing that next time!  

Relax in the outdoor sauna & beautiful property at Bawb’s Acres 

Grab coffee at Vista House's cafe and soak up breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge from this historic, scenic landmark.

Coffee with a View

✅ Before you go
• be prepared to pay $10 for an Oregon State Parks parking permit when you get there! You just scan a code in the parking lot and pay online
• learn more about Vista House here: https://vistahouse.com
• their Instagram is the best place to check for the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/vistahouseatcrownpoint

💪 Pro tips
• explode the vista house a bit if you can! it’s a historical site and there are some great exhibits explaining the history 
• there’s a great gift shop as well with local art, post cards, books, etc! 

Enjoy coffee with a view from the cafe at Vista House at Crown Point 

Here's how to have an amazing budget-friendly sauna escape near Portland,

where you'll find a wood-fired sauna tucked into the trees on a

hill with views of the forest and the tip of Mt Hood.

Amazing amenities accompany the sauna, like a standing

water with complimentary bath salts, and a cold plunge

but feels so good after sitting in the heat for a while.

This is perfect for groups, with an unbeatable price of

just $20 per person for a 2.5 hour reservation.

soap, plus the changing room and bathroom make it easy to get cleaned up after,

and you may even get a visit from the house cat.

the good times don't stop there at Bawb’s Acres because aside from the sauna,

the rest of the property is a giant natural playground.

and you're invited to explore and hang out even after your reservation ends.

Make sure to greet Bawb himself before driving around 15 minutes to your coffee spot.

Grab a drink and enjoy with stunning views of

the Columbia River to wrap up a beautiful morning.

Here's your plan for relaxing with sauna sessions, aromatherapy, vegan eats, drinks, and socializing. Watch the video 👇

Secret Sauna PDX offers contrast therapy and sensory delights tucked behind Replicant in NE Portland. The wood-burning cedar sauna, aromatherapy, access to taproom drinks and vegan eats, and emphasis on social connection make it a unique experience that will leave you feeling totally revitalized!

Sensory Reset Hidden in NE PDX

Sweat, relax, and connect at Secret Sauna's wood-fired cedar sauna sessions in Montavilla, featuring aromatherapy, showers, fire pit, and drinks.

Sauna Relaxation

✅ Before you go
Make a reservation for a 60 or 90 minute session and your choice of social sauna, quiet sauna, FTWNB session, or a guided session: www.secretsaunapdx.com

💪 Pro tips
If you plan on visiting for regular sessions, you can purchase a 5-visit value pack to save some $$.
Check their socials for additional fun promos and discounts!

Relax at a Secret Sauna session

If you want to treat your senses with a total body reset,

Head through the Replicant tap room and follow the gnomes to

the back where you'll find everything you need to relax,

and a complimentary herbal tea station that is so good.

The social session is the perfect chance to enjoy the picture perfect

wood fired cedar sauna while you get to know your other saunagoers.

Melt away stress with personalized aromatherapy steam or cool off with

a beverage or your choice of a hot or cold shower.

You can even enjoy some fresh air and good company around the fire pit.

you'll leave with a clear head and new friends,

Here's your plan for tasting seasonal teas, learning brewing, savoring treats, and strolling spring blooms. Watch the video 👇

Enjoy an educational tea tasting with tea master Hannah Ma, then get treats from the tea house and wander through the spring blooms. 

Tea tasting in a Chinese garden 🍵

Book an educational tea tasting with master Hannah Ma at Lan Su Chinese Garden and enjoy a unique experience in Chinese tea culture.

Tea tasting booking

✅ Before you go
• book here: https://lansugarden.org/series/garden-tea-tastings/

💪 Pro tips
• both tea tastings were sold out the day we went, so make sure to snag tickets in as much advance as possible!

Book your tea tasting online

Join a guided tea tasting led by tea master Hannah Ma at Lan Su Chinese Garden, sampling seasonal teas while learning about Chinese tea traditions.

Tea tasting

💪 Pro tips
• ask Hannah alllll your tea questions - she’s got a great depth of experience and knowledge 
• get there early so you have your pick of seats - there’s not a bad seat, but sitting in the middle made it easier for us to focus on Hannah and get a clear view of everything 

Enjoy your tea tasting at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Enjoy delicious moon cakes and buy your favorite teas at Yun Shui Tea House, then stroll through the garden or join a guided or audio tour of Lan Su.

Tea house treats

✅ Before you go
• learn more about the tours here, including the number to call about tour times: https://lansugarden.org/visit/tours-guides/#public-tours
• they also have free audio tours if you can’t make a public tour! find them here: https://lansugarden.org/visit/tours-guides/#virtual-audio-tours

💪 Pro tips
• we ALWAYS get a moon cake from the tea house because they’re that good - consider trying one! 
• if you loved any of the teas you tried during the tasting, you can buy some at the tea house to take home

Get treats at Yun Shui Tea House and wander the rest of the garden

Here's how to have a tea tasting in a traditional Chinese garden in Portland.

tea master Hannah Ma is hosting traditional tea tastings in

the heart of Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town.

you'll take your seat with gorgeous views of the pond,

followed by introductions from Hannah and

introductions to your fellow tea tasters.

and hear about the stories and science behind Chinese tea culture.

and we thought it was really interesting that each steep tasted different.

perfect for tea enthusiasts or just anyone who's

curious about this aspect of Chinese culture.

you even get to take your tea cup as a keepsake.

you should go to the garden's Yun Shui tea house to enjoy some treats.

Then make sure to walk around the garden since your tea tasting

includes garden admission and it's absolutely full of spring blooms right now.

I also highly recommend joining one of the free

garden tours to learn all about the history,

so just call ahead to learn what the times will be that day.

You can also check out their calendar to see if

any other events will line up with your tea tasting.