August gets it right out of the chute with the two-day Ross Coleman Invitational. This Professional Bull Riding event has teamed up again with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions while rounding up top-notch competitors and bodacious barrelmen. These folks show fans in the stands a good time from the first-go to the Gold Buckle. The Invitational has partnered with local lodging for special overnight rates, so reserve now for the weekend of August 6 - 7. Carve out your own adventure just down the road from the Buckeroo grounds by riding single track in the Molalla River Recreation corridor. Thrill seekers will jump for joy at nearby Skydive Oregon, where an airborne plunge guarantees an adrenaline rush and a clear 360 of the Willamette Valley's vineyards, sparkling Mt. Hood and the marine blue of Oregon's coastal range. Wind down by making tracks to Snowline Tree Farm. Get the taste of a SummerYule afternoon by riding on the red tractor, taking a picnic basket to the pond and chatting with the Greif family. Learn how different varieties of Christmas trees are shaped and harvested. You can even pre-select your tree now for pick up between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Each August, the best-kept secret on Mt. Hood, the Arts Cabins, host Blacksmith Week. Blacksmiths from across the country hotfoot it to this event, where they demonstrate, share knowledge and sell their hand forged work. If graphic arts are more your style than iron mongering, multi-day workshops that range from painting to printing are offered through the autumn months. Timberline Lodge is just up the road, a WPA-era icon that continually inspires travelers appreciative of hand-crafted elegance. Stay overnight, take a self-guided tour, and amplify your memories with a dinner prepared by Timberline's new chef, Jason Stoller Smith. Stoller Smith recently added to his resume by serving as guest chef at the White House summer picnic. When was the last time someone who cooked for the Commander-in-Chief cooked for you?

When travels take you to Greater Portland, carve out time for the Mary S. Young Park Arts Festival in the Forest. Headliners include the A-WOL Dance Collective tree dancers, live Blues music, and Zydeco tunes. Take a guided nature hike, get creative with your kids at one of the children's art stations or be the highest bidder at the silent Art Auction. The cost of admission is free all weekend long, and Mary S. Young State Park is one of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory's natural gems. After pARTying well into the evening, rest your sleepy self at one of our B&Bs or hotels.