Every year in March, the Barlow Bruins take a much-needed break from school for just one week. This year, Spring break falls on March 21–29, and while Oregon doesn’t always have the best weather at the end of March, we still have some fun activities around the Portland area that could be a perfect way to spend your time off from school. In order to lock in for the last few weeks of the 2025-26 school year, take advantage of the fun and rare things that Oregon, specifically the Portland area, has to offer.
Multnomah Falls Hiking: One of Oregon’s most famous tourist attractions, the beautiful Multnomah Falls, is only 45 minutes northeast of Sam Barlow High School. As seen in the picture, Multnomah Falls is a huge waterfall, reaching 620 ft and holding the title of Oregon’s tallest. The only fee you need to pay is the parking ticket for the hours you are staying, which only costs $2 per vehicle. One way to take in the beautiful scenery is to hike the 22.4-mile trail, which offers views even better than those from the ground. Even with the less-than-ideal spring weather in Oregon, the forest hike is most enjoyable and recommended.
Oaks Amusement Park: Just in time for the 2026 spring break, Oaks Amusement Park will open on March 21. Located in Portland, Oregon, Oaks Park offers roller coasters, arcade and carnival games, and a variety of food options. Oaks Park has been a staple in many Bruins’ childhoods, as it is only 30 minutes away from the Barlow campus, and has been around for 120 years. The park also has multiple covered picnic tables so that you can make a whole day of your visit. Oaks Amusement Park usually stays open through October.
Raider Days Spring Break Carnival: For one week a year, Reynolds High School, located in Troutdale, Oregon, hosts a spring break-only carnival. The carnival is similar to a mini Oaks Park, but just down the street, only 10 minutes away from the Barlow campus. Carnival games, rides, and many different food options are available at varying times throughout the day. Upon arrival, you can either buy an all-access bracelet or singular tickets for each ride. Activities are available for all ages!
Movies & Series to Watch in March: With the Mt. Hood theater and Regal Cinemas Stark Street both just 10 minutes away from Barlow, the new movies of March 2026 are not too far away. Both are amazing options, Mt. Hood with cheaper tickets, and Regal Stark Street with a wide variety. Some of the movies premiering this month include The Bride! (March 6), Disney’s Hoppers (March 6), Reminders of Him (March 13), and Project Hail Mary (March 20). These will all be showing at Regal Cinemas Stark Street, though Mt. Hood’s showing schedule has not yet been released. Also, series returning or premiering in March include Prime Video’s Young Sherlock (March 4), Season 2 of Netflix’s One Piece (March 10), and Season 2 of Disney’s Daredevil: Born Again (March 24).
Vista House (Crown Point): Another one of Oregon’s beauties is a viewpoint along Highway 30. Vista House, better known as Crown Point, overlooks the Columbia River and our neighboring state, Washington. A new fee of about $10 per person, effective October 1, 2025, has been added to visit the viewpoint. While it is usually busy and a bit of a drive, about 25 mins from Barlow, the views of the water and horizon are completely worth it, especially during sunrise and sunset hours.
