Portland to Salt Lake City Road Trip Guide

Finishing off your trip on a high, the Lagoon Amusement Park promises fun and laughter for the whole family! With over 60 different rides and attractions, there is truly something for everyone. Plus, thrill-seekers will be ready to face their fears on one of Lagoon’s ten roller coasters. In fact, their wooden roller coaster is one of the oldest operating coasters in the US. As well as rides for all ages, Lagoon has booths and stalls, live entertainment, food, and refreshments.

Originally opened in 1886, the family-run amusement park promises to be lots of fun but it can get busy in the summer. If you are looking to beat the queues, there is also a Fast Pass ticket available for an extra fee. Entrance into the Amusement Park also includes access to the Lagoon A beach water park. Here you can discover sandy beaches to relax and top up your tan, as well as four water slides and a River Ride.

Providing the opportunity to soak away your worries and swim in the crystal clear waters, Crystal Hot Springs is one of the largest natural hot springs in the world. Located just north of Brigham City, Utah, this site includes both cold and hot pools, with temperatures ranging from 65-134 degrees depending on which one you choose. There is a large stone lodge at the entrance of the Hot Springs, with changing rooms and restrooms for your convenience.

Rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters and relax amongst the spectacular scenery. If you are looking to spend the night, a campground on site has both tent and RV campsites. There are over 100 sites available, including some with full RV hook-ups, and reservations should be made in advance.

If you like to fish, the Mayor’s Pond is located on the west side of the campground and it is home to lots of carp, or you could land a big one at the nearby Bear River. As always, it is important to check the laws and regulations regarding appropriate fishing permits and licenses.

The next stop on our journey is the impressive Shoshone Falls located in the center of the Shoshone town. Named after the Shoshone tribe, these spectacular waterfalls on Snake River are truly impressive, with these powerful cascades standing at around 212 feet taller than the world-renowned Niagara Falls. There are miles of developed hiking trails in the area, including a short hike to the location where in 1974, Evel Knievel planned to jump but failed in his mission. Alternately, this is a popular spot for white water rafting with Class IV rapids in the area.

If you are looking for primitive camping in the wilderness, check out the Falls Campground. This is managed and maintained by the USDA Forest Service, with sites offered on a first-come, first-served basis. On the other hand, the Twin Falls KOA campground has all the amenities you could require, including full hook-ups and up-to-date facilities.

Situated on the Snake River and Brownlea reservoir, the Farewell Bend State Recreation Area is located on the Oregon/ Idaho border, just north of Ontario. This State Park in Baker County is rich in history, and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife species. Located among the delightful desert scenery with access to the water, this is a popular area for fishing, water skiing, boating, hiking, biking and so much more.

The nearby amphitheater is home to interpretive programs in the evenings in Summer, with the chance to learn more about the rich history of the region. The Campgrounds nearby provide the perfect base for exploring the area. If you are planning on traveling between May and September reservations are available and recommended. However, for the rest of the year, sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Maryhill State Park is the perfect place to spend the night, providing the opportunity to get back to nature and relax among the spectacular scenery. There is a wealth of recreation options nearby, including camping, boating, swimming, wildlife watching and more.

You might also want to check out the Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge. This stone circle is a replica of the one in England. It was first commissioned in the early 20th century and it is now dedicated as a monument to those that died in World War I. If you would like to spend the night gazing at the heavens, the Goldendale Observatory State Park promises a superb view of the constellations and it is less than twenty-five minutes away. If you are just spending the day at the park, you may require a Discover Pass.