Metro Parent Magazine July 2014 | Page 30

D AY T R I P S PHOTO COURTESY OF SKAMANIA LODGE ZIP LINE TOUR PHOTO BY KRISSY ALLORI (KRISSYALLORI.COM), COURTESY OF TREE TO TREE ADVENTURE PARK Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Gaston offers zip courses for kids, teens and adults, plus an aerial obstacle course that’s fun for all (participants must be at 75 pounds for the obstacle course). Get unmatched views of the Columbia River Gorge from the zip lines at Skamania Lodge. Carpe Summer! continued from page 29 tight ropes, and balance beams. The lines are lowered on the first two levels to cater to “’tweens” who aren’t quite tall enough to reach the lines on the adult course. There’s also a kids’ course, which is just like the adults’ course, but a little closer to the ground. It’s a great way for kids to gain confidence, strength and skills while having a whooping good time. The zip park – Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage – is separate from the Aerial Obstacle courses. It features six different zip lines, about 80 feet at their highest point with the longest run spanning 1,280 feet. Kids can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, but don’t worry – each participant is equipped with a helmet, full body harness, and a thorough orientation that covers safety to keep kids safe while they’re flying through the air. Hours: Open daily during summer. First outing at 9 am; last outing at 4 pm. Reservations required. Prices: The Kids’ Obstacle Course costs $32 for two hours. To use this course, kids must be under 5´ tall but be able to reach their hand over their head up to 5´ flat-footed. The ‘Tween Course (for those whose flat-footed reach is at least 5´11˝) is $40. The Adult Course (must have a flat-footed reach of 6´6˝) is $48. Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage is $75. For this option, kids must weigh at least 75 pounds. Combination packages (aerial course and zip line) are $97 for kids, $105 for ‘Tweens and $113 for adults. 30 July 2014 metro-parent.com Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour 1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, Washington; 509-427-0202; zipnskamania.com Skamania Lodge opened its own zip line park last year, with seven zip lines ranging in length from 100 to more than 800 feet, plus sky bridges, tree decks, a belay station and more. The park offers spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge – from a vantage point you can’t get anywhere else. You don’t have to be a guest of the lodge to soar over the tree-covered hillsides, where riders can reach speeds of 45 mph! Like Tree to Tree Adventure Park, participants receive an orientation and are fitted with mandatory safety equipment. In addition, all zip line tours are led by experienced guides. Hours: Tours available from 9 am-5 pm daily, or later by special request. Each tour last 2.5 hours. Reservations recommended. Price: $99 per person, discount for groups of 10 or more. (Two people required for a booking.) Weight must fall between 60 and 275 lbs. to participate. This article originally ran in Metro Parent’s June 2013 issue. The information has been updated for summer 2014.