What is it?
In 1896 a man by the name of John Cyprian Stevens challenged Oregonians to support a permanent site displaying Oregon’s rich natural resources.  His suggestion was met with great enthusiasm by Oregonians who donated many of their own pieces in order to see J.C. Stevens’ dream become reality.

With “minor” setbacks, such as the Great Depression and World War II, Stevens’ dream wasn’t to be realized until 1946 when at last the first display of Oregon’s natural history objects was exhibited at the Portland Hotel. Now 65 years later, OMSI, as it was named in 1949, is a stunning 219,000 square foot building providing an inspiring and unique look at the people, history, and technology that are Oregon.

Why visit?
OMSI is ranked one of the top science centers in the United States and boasts an international reputation for its innovative exhibits. The museum receives over 1 million visitors a year, so you know they’re doing something right! Currently, OMSI has five exhibit halls with literally hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on displays to awaken the scientist in every child.

Take in the latest film showing at the OMNIMAX Theater; a five-story domed screen with stadium seating. The 2D IMAX projection system uses the largest frame in the history of the motion picture industry. Next, visit the Planetarium and experience an exciting laser-light show. Then, peer through the telescope of the Navy’s last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback. Let the kids release some energy on the colorful and vibrant science playground and when you get hungry enjoy a meal at either the OMSI Café or Galileo’s.

Where is it?
Located just south of Portland on the east bank of the Willamette River, only 44.5 miles from Whispering Woods Resort, OMSI is an easy 1 hour drive, located at: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214-3354

Special Information:
OMSI is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost:
Parking: $3
Museum tickets: $12 Adults · $9 Youth (3-13) and Senior (63+)
OMNIMAX Theater tickets: $8.50 Adults ·  $6.50 Youth (3-13) and Senior (63+)
Planetarium: All seats are $5.75
The USS Blueback Submarine tour: $5.75

Contact Information:
http://www.omsi.edu
503.797.4000 (TTY 503.239.7804)
info@omsi.edu

Why visit?
Purchasing the t-shirts, totebags and tokens available at the Information Booths of all 6 markets lets our community know that you support the goals of local food and sustainable agriculture. One of the many special aspects of shopping at farmers’ markets is getting to know the farmers and vendors who worked long and hard to bring you their best and freshest produce. It doesn’t get any fresher than at a farmer’s market!

Where is it?
If you will be visiting the city of Portland during your stay at Whispering Woods Resort, Portland’s Farmers Markets are located at these 6 locations:
Portland State University: Saturdays, March 19 through December 17 (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mar. through Oct.)
(9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m Nov.Dec.)
Pioneer Courthouse Square: Mondays, June 20th through September 26^th · Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 5 through August 18 
Shemanski Park: Wednesdays – May 4th through October 26^th · 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
Buckman: Thursdays, 2011 -  May 5th through September 29th · 3 p.m to 7 p.m.
Northwest: Thursdays, June 2nd through September 29th · 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
King: Sundays, May 1st through October 30^th · 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The closest Farmers Markets to Whispering Woods Resort are the two located in the cities of Gresham and Troutdale, Oregon:
Gresham Farmers Market,  open Saturdays, May – October · 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. · 28.6 miles – a 38 minute drive.
Troutdale Farmers’ and Artists’ Market open Saturdays, April – October · 10:00 – 3:00, a 30.7 mile drive · a 43 minute drive.

Special Information:
Regarding pets: Portland Farmers Markets do not allow dogs or other pets at their two busiest markets – PSU and Shemanski Park. However, pets are welcome at all other markets. All six markets are open to service animals.

On a pre-arranged basis guided tours are given of the markets. Tourists will learn how food is produced, why it is important to make good food choices, and  will get to meet the farmers and artisan food producers from the market community. Contact the market’s Education and Outreach Specialist, Anna Curtin (anna@portlandfarmersmarket.org).

Cost:
For your convenience, Farmers Market does accept debit and credit cards. The only cost to you is what you purchase at the markets.

Contact Information:
Portland’s Farmer’s Market
(503) 241-0032 ·
Website:  http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/

If you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and casual style of an open air style market where local artisans showcase and sell their one-of-a-kind pieces, be sure to visit the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation.  Operating since 1974, the Portland Saturday Market is a favorite shopping destination for finding unique local handcrafted goods.

Not only is Portland Saturday Market a positive experience for visitors and local artists it has proven to be healthy for the local economy as well. The Market’s 750,000 visitors a year generate an estimated $8 million in gross sales, making it an economic boon for the historic Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood where it has set up shop for nearly 40 years.

Why visit?

Baby gifts, musical instruments, pottery, jewelry, clothing, home furnishings; these are only a few of the many arts and craft treasures you will discover strolling the aisles of over 350 businesses and artists from the NW region and across the nation.

The exotic food choices will satisfy your hunger while the live music entertains your senses.

Where else can you meet the artist behind the art than in an environment like Portland Saturday Market?

Where is it?

This homegrown weekend of activity and fun is located in Portland’s Waterfront and Ankeny Parks in historic Old Town-Chinatown. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Whispering Woods Resort.

Special Information:

The Portland Saturday Market runs the first weekend of March through December 24^th

Weekend Market hours are:  Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For parking there is a Smart Park garage located at NW Naito Blvd and Davis Street and with a minimum $25 purchase at The Market you receive two hours of free parking at any of downtowns Smart Park parking garages.

Feel free to bring your four-legged family member as Portland Saturday Market is pet friendly.

Cost:

Other than parking, visiting Portland Saturday Market is cost-free

Contact Information:

Website:  http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

Admin Office
108 W Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
503.222.6072

After 11am Saturday & Sunday
503.241.4188

In order to be considered for a Board election or appointment, you must first complete and submit a Nomination Form. Click the preceding link and the form will open in a new window.

You may fax the form to the Resort at 503-622-5685 or you may send the form by regular mail to:

Whispering Woods Resort
P.O. Box 435
Welches, OR 97067

If you have questions, please contact the resort at 503-622-3171 or by email at wwresort@gmail.com.

Timberline Lodge

One of those places in the United States that everyone who enjoys natural beauty should visit is Timberline Lodge.  Few locations allow one to visit such wonders of nature, while having a modern and accessible base camp from which to enjoy the sites.  This resplendent mountain lodge is located on the south side of Mount Hood in Oregon.  Those who are already visiting the Mount Hood area have the benefit of being near all the wonders of Mount Hood while still being only about 60 miles from Portland, Oregon.

Built between 1936 and 1938, Timberline Lodge was a significant accomplishment of the Works Progress Administration.  As a result, this project created countless jobs.  To this day, this amazing lodge continues to serve as a regional focal point and tourist destination.

The fact is that you might be more familiar with Timberline Lodge than you suspect.  The famous and terrifying film The Shining, based on the Stephen King novel, used Timberline Lodge as a shooting location.  The Lodge has been used in numerous other movies and television programs as well.  Thus a trip to Timberline is also a visit to a major Hollywood shooting location that will undoubtedly bring back memories from some of your favorite films.

There is an abundance of activities to keep skiers smiling from ear to ear even when they are not on the slopes, including the Magic Mile Sky Ride.  The Magic Mile Sky ride is a chair lift that takes guest up to 7,000 feet.  Once there, guests have a simply fantastic view of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson and the Palmer Snowfield.  No doubt this is a must when visiting. You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to participate.

Timberline Lodge is simply a breathtaking place that will delight visitors and skiers to no end.  Skiing and snowboarding is world class and includes freestyle terrain.  You can even do a little snowshoeing as well.  The flexibility that Timberline offers makes it perfectly convenient for those who have secured their lodging at local Mt. Hood rentals.  If you are looking for a stunning daytrip, a visit to Timberline Lodge should be at the tip-top of your list.

For more information, visit the Timberline Lodge website.

Mt Hood Railroad

Have an Amazing Tour with the Mount Hood Railroad

If you have never visited Oregon or the Mount Hood area before, then not only are in you in for a treat, but you are also in for a simply remarkable time. The entire state of Oregon is simply full of natural wonders as well as scenes of great beauty.

Seeing all the great sites in Oregon could take a very long time indeed. Just seeing all the top spots in the Mount Hood area alone is likely more than you will squeeze into your trip! However, there is one way you can see some of the best the region has to offer in a casual and easy way.

The Mount Hood Railroad is simply an Oregon gem. Built between 1906 and1909, the Mount Hood Railroad offers stunning tours of one of America’s most captivating regions. The Railroad runs through the Columbia Gorge and into the Hood River Valley. Both of these areas are simply stunners and provide some of the most abundant and rich natural scenery in the United States.

While the Mount Hood Railroad is only 60 miles from Portland, Oregon, you are likely to feel as though you are hundreds of miles from civilization. The wild and untamed nature of the Columbia Gorge and Hood River Valley serve to make your ride a striking and unforgettable one.

There is no doubt that a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad is one of those visceral experiences that radiates with one for years to come. This is one reason this experience is such a great option for families. Your children will remember their ride for years to come, if not for the rest of their lives. In fact, there is even a Dome Car that serves to make the experience all the more vivid and vibrant through a unique skylight view.

MT Hood Railroad

There are also other entertainment options, such as a brunch or dinner onboard. Also throughout the year, there are special events with themes like murder mystery dinner trains and western train “robberies.” During the Winter season, there is a special Polar Express train ride where the train takes kids to the North Pole to meet Santa.

The Mount Hood Railroad marks a phenomenal opportunity to take a tour of the Mount Hood area that is unlike any other available. Further, as it is likely near your Mount Hood lodging, your trip from your hotel or lodge is likely to be a short one. This is one great way to make some amazing memories when you visit the Mount Hood region.

For more information, visit the Mount Hood Railroad Website.

For more information, visit the Rainbow Trout Farm website.