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Best in the West
The Top Family-friendly Destinations on the West Coast
By Elisa Ast All
The Zephyr Cove Resort's Marina is in the center of a mile of beautiful beach and offers boats of various types for families who want to cruise the lake or enjoy a day of water skiing. Not sure about taking a boat out yourself? Explore the lake on the M.S. Dixie II paddle wheeler, or jump aboard the Woodwind II catamaran. The adventurous can soar above the lake in a parasail or fish aboard a sport-fishing charter. Back on land, horseback riding is available on lake-view trails.
After an active day, enjoy a delicious meal at the Zephyr Cove Restaurant, or "The Lodge," as locals and regulars call it. A hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner can be enjoyed with a lake view. It also serves up cold espresso and other coffee favorites, and whips up a renowned milkshake the old-fashioned way, which is sure to please the kids.
Guests visiting in winter can explore the backcountry around Lake Tahoe by snowmobile. The Zephyr Cover Snowmobiling Center is the largest in the United States, and has more than 100 snowmobiles. Choose a double-rider and children as young as 5 can join in the fun.
800-238-2463
www.zephyrcove.com
If you are looking for high desert adventure but love the water, too, the Cove Palisades located in beautiful Central Oregon is sure to fit the bill. Located 15 miles southwest of Madras, Cove Palisades State Park sits adjacent to Lake Billy Chinook, boasting nearly 4,000 acres of water and surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged desert views. Lake Billy Chinook was formed by a dam at the canyon confluence of the Metolius, Deschutes and Crooked Rivers and couldn't be more picturesque.
The Cove Palisades is a perfect vacation destination for families of all ages and interests. Like to fish? The lake is filled with Kokanee salmon, small- and large-mouth bass and several species of trout. Prefer water sports? The lake is a water skiing, wake boarding and wave running dream. Like to hike? You'll be delighted with the 14 miles of hiking trails. Prefer to bike? Young and old bikers will be overjoyed with the extensive trail system. Swimming is a blast with roped-off swimming areas, making paddling safer for little ones. Kayak tours are a great addition to a Cove Palisades vacation as some of the most beautiful areas of the park are available only by boat. The park offers a camp store, restaurant, amphitheater, numerous boat docks and picnic areas. Remember to keep young children under close watch – not only because of the nearby water, but also because wildlife is common.