Time for an Adventure!
Summer is in full swing, and now is the perfect time to have yourself an outdoor adventure! Whether you’re planning for just yourself, a group of friends, or the whole family, LifeBalance can help you save on the adventure of your dreams. Indeed, what better way to bring balance to your life than to get back into nature?
We’ve put together some ideas to spark your inspiration, highlighting LifeBalance vendors in a number of states, and the adventures they can help you take:
OREGON
- Hike the lush and rocky Columbia River Gorge, or explore Mt. Hood National Forest! Before you go, gear up and get some advice on trails from the folks at US Outdoor Store, a long-running independent gear shop in Portland. Larger groups might consider booking a guided day trip with NW Discoveries.
- Learn to rock climb at gym near you, or hone your skills to take your climbing to the next level! LifeBalance members save at Rogue Rock Gym in Medford, Portland Rock Gym, and The Circuit’s three locations in the Portland-metro area.
- Splash around in the refreshing Cascade stream water that fills Oregon’s many rivers. It’s summer, after all! Book a trip with eNRG Kayaking in Portland, Momentum River Expeditions in Medford, Imperial River Company in Maupin, or Hood River Waterplay in Hood River.
WASHINGTON
- Plenty of solitude can be found the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests of SE Washington and NE Oregon. Gear up at the Whitman College Outdoor Program Rental Shop (which is open to the public, not just students).
- Stand up and paddle on sun-soaked Lake Wenatchee or Lake Washington with Northwest Paddle Surfers. Check out the Spokane and Lower Salmon rivers by raft, kayak, or tube with FLOW Adventure. Or opt for some Cascades whitewater with North Cascades River Expeditions.
- Get your most daring friends together to go skydiving with the professionals at Skydive Toledo.
- See Washington by bike! Take a multi-day tour with Bicycle Adventures through the San Juan Islands, over Cascade volcanoes, or along the Columbia River to the coast.
CALIFORNIA
- Some of the best rock climbers in the world come to California for their most daring achievements. We recommend starting safe: learn to rock climb at Rockreation Los Angeles. Once you’re feeling confident in your skills, check out a few of the many outdoor climbing destinations near Los Angeles.
- See California from the air! Fly over citrus groves and vineyards in a hot air balloon with A Grape Escape. They’ll also treat you to breakfast, a champagne toast, and wine tasting.
- Get out on the Sacramento River, and go fishing with Mike Bogue’s Guide Service. Check out what people are currently catching here.
ALASKA
- The Chugach National Forest dominates southeastern Alaska, and is a paradise for wilderness junkies. Families can rent a rustic cabin or yurt at the Eagle River Nature Center, with direct access to forest hiking trails. You can see the forest from above by booking a flight seeing trip with K2 Aviation or Alaska Air Taxi. If boats are more your thing, you can go fishing with Angle 45 Adventures, or kayaking with Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking Company.
- To the north lies Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak. Denali Raft Adventures leads whitewater and mild-water rafting trips in the park, depending on how much action you seek.
- See Alaska by train on the Alaska Railroad. Experience glaciers, mountains, coastline, and forests with the whole family.
MONTANA
- Go for an adventure, or several, in western Montana’s Lolo National Forest. Book a trail ride with JM Bar Outfitters, a whitewater trip with Zoo Town Surfers, or a fishing trip with Go Fish Montana. Kick back for some camping and soaking at Lolo Hot Springs, or book more luxurious accommodations at the Dunrovin Ranch.
- Golfers looking for a memorable experience can book a room at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake, and play 18 holes on a championship golf course.
We hope these ideas have helped stoke some vacation inspiration for you and your adventuring companions! Wherever your compass points you this summer (and beyond), be sure to check out the LifeBalance Outdoor & Adventure category to see savings that are available. Happy trails!
