The beautiful and dramatic Oregon coastline.
Portland, Ore., like much of the Pacific Northwest, is known for its rainy weather, a factor that makes summer a rather short and somewhat cool affair for residents and visitors of the area. There is a solution to this potential problem for those who wish to enjoy the water sports of the season. A selection of indoor water parks have popped up in and around Portland to bring a touch of summer fun on a rainy day.
Mount Scott Community Center & Pool
Completely renovated in the year 2000, the Mount Scott Community Center & Pool began in the 1920s as a bathhouse with swimming pool, then later a roller rink was added as a year-round attraction. Part of the Portland Parks and Recreation system, the center is a public facility and not a privately owned water park attraction. The community center features an 84-degree, 25-yard six-lane lap pool, leisure pool with slide, current channel, vortex and 102-degree whirlpool spa. The water park sits within the Mount Scott-Arleta neighborhood and serves as the community center for the immediate area and as an attraction for visitors alike. In addition to the water park, it has sporting activities that include a basketball court, fitness room, gymnasium, kitchen, meeting room and indoor stage. As of 2010, entry fees for adults are $4.50, while children start at $3.25.
Mount Scott Community Center & Pool
5530 SE 72nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97206
503-823-3183
portlandonline.com
Southwest Community Center & Pool
Another of the Portland Parks and Recreation-run activity and community centers in the Portland area, the Southwest Community Center & Pool welcomes both residents and visitors into its large indoor facilities. The community center offers indoor water activities of all sorts, including the large heated pool, a second leisure pool with slide and interactive features and a heated whirlpool spa, as well as non-water activities like basketball, fitness room, gym, kitchen, weight room, rock climbing wall and party room. While not a formal water park, the community center is an oasis of cool on a summer's day and a great place to unwind all year-round. Entry fees are $6.50 per adult, and $3.25 per child aged 3-12, $4.75 for ages 13-17. Parties can also be booked at the center.
Southwest Community Center & Pool
6820 SW 45th Ave.
Portland, OR 97219
503-823-2840
portlandonline.com
Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, Wash.
About a 1.5-hour drive north of the center of Portland is the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Wash.. This all-suite resort combines deluxe accommodations, several water parks, shopping, spa and dining options, all indoors and all weatherproof. Suites are large and feature separate living areas, kitchen, air-conditioning and cable TV. The lodge has a wide variety of water and land activities with options for kids, adults and everything in between, including the Totem Tower three-story water slide, River Canyon Run raft slide, the 4,000-square-foot outdoor Tadpole Pond, North and South Hot Springs, Gr8 Space Teen Lounge complete with Wii, Xbox and PlayStation, Howling Tornado wind tunnel, the Northern Lights Arcade and much more. Great Wolf Lodge is an all-in-one entertainment, water park and activity center where guests can stay the night in better-than-average accommodations. If you get hungry at the lodge, try the Loose Moose Cottage for buffet fare, Bear Paw Sweets & Eats for snacks or Starbucks Coffee for something to drink. Rates for a family suite start at $199 per night.
Great Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99, SW
Grand Mound, WA 98531
360-273-7718
wainfo@greatwolf.com
greatwolf.com
