Checking off another state - Oregon Questions

[OldGuy]

BW and I are are checking off another state in September - Oregon. Only three more (OK, AR, MS) after that, and we're working on the U.S. territories...

We're flying into Portland right after Labor Day, and back east ~2 weeks later. Once we get east of Portland, into the Dalles and start south toward Bend, our resources are not giving us much help on places to stay (B&Bs or hotels) until we get to Crater Lake and turn west to the coast.

Has anyone done the clockwise circuit from/to Portland, ending up coming back up 101 to Astoria before flying back out of PDX?

Any places we should be certain to visit, or stay, or eat at, or grab an adult beverage, etc.?

This is a remarkably well-traveled group; we'd really appreciate your tips!

 

[homestead]

We like to stay in cooper spur lodge near parkdale
and ponderosa lodge in sisters if you are going that way
check them out.

 

[Chuckanut]

It's not in Oregon, but it is relatively near Portland - Mt. Saint Helens.

It's not every day you see a volcano with it's side blown out.

 

[knucklehead 61]

we like to stay at belknap springs resort on the mckenzie river just east of eugene. beautiful river & forests. we always go on a rafting trip there as well. the fly fishing is awesome too.

 

[farmerEd]

You defintely want to go up to Ecola State Park :

Was there a few weeks ago. I didn't spend much time on the coast, but this area was really nice. Maybe the whole coast is like this, but this was the only spot I saw; about an hour and 1/2 NW of Portland. SOme day when I have more time I'd like to start up farther north and work my way down the rest of the coast for a while.

 

[RoccoPacco]

Last year we drove Hwy 101 north to south from WA to CA -- Oregon was truly spectacular and highly recommend! We Stayed in Lincoln City (at the Chinook Winds Casino) and in Gold Beach (Pacific Reef). Rooms were clean and simple, but we had a very good and inexpensive weeknight Dungeness Crab meal special overlooking the Pacific at Sunset at the Casino. We enjoyed it so much, this summer we'll be back on the west coast for an Alaskan Cruise and are going back to Lincoln City and then heading to Crater Lake which we didnt see last summer. So am interested to see what replies you get from others.

 

[JOHNNIE36]

Went to a wedding out there in the late nineties. The whole family stayed at Timberline Lodge at the base of Mt. Hood, where they filmed The Shining. US ski team trains on Mt. Hood. From the lodge you can take the chair lift about half way up the mountain. Snow capped year round. It's quite the place.

 

[Brat]

A stay at Timberline Lodge if at all possible. If not at least have dinner there. Timberline Lodge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Another popular spot on the way to Bend is KahNeeTa Resort which has a huge outdoor warm springs pool. Lodging runs from teepee camping to a hotel on a bluff.

South of Bend is Sunriver. Resorts in Oregon | Sunriver Resort - Sunriver Map | Pacific Northwest Hotels

Lodging may be tough to book at Crater Lake but worth a try: Crater Lake Lodges at Crater Lake National Park.

Nearby is Diamond Lake: The Resort

More, later.

 

[RoccoPacco]

One more thought... I would consider going counter-clockwise on your trip...heading to Astoria first then south on 101 till you cut over to Crater Lake and then north. This way, you are on the coast side of Hwy 101. If you go North on 101, you will constantly be having to cross the south-bound lane to pull-off for the views. Also, you'll be looking at cars as you gaze across to the beautiful views....

 

[Brat]

RoccoPacco beat me to an important question. Traveling south on 101 is always better for tourists. The pace tends to be leisurely southbound while cars traveling northbound are focused on a destination.

 

[TromboneAl]

Seal Caves is worth seeing. Also, the dune buggy rides are fun (near Florence? Have someone else drive.

 

[ShortInSeattle]

Powell's City of Books in Portland is a must-see for any book lover.

 

[OldGuy]

Great Feedback - It's our "next trip"

Thanx for the feedback, fellow ER travelers. You've given us a lot more to think about.

- Mt St Helens is already on the itinerary -- probably day-tripping out of Portland
- Sisters is one of the places where our resources left us searching; thanks for the referral to Ponderosa Lodge
- Timberline Lodge - may need to rearrange things to go there while we're near Mt Hood.
- North-to-South on 101 would be great, but you don't understand "who" needs to be riding mauka when we travel. And it's not the driver! It all started with a counterclockwise trip on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia in the 70s, and "hanging off the side of the mountain"... but that's another story of tent camping, frosty nights & "informing" a Bar Harbor U.S. Customs agent that he'd re-pack the car's trunk if he'd tossed it. Maybe I (with your helpful comments) can convince BW to go N-to-S on 101 this trip.

THANKS to all for the feedback; keep it coming if there's any other ideas!

 

[ejman]

If you are looking for a more rural /small city retirement destination the cities of Ashland, Medford and Grants Pass in the Rogue Valley of SW Oregon are worth a visit. If you are going to Crater Lake from the coast it's easy to visit the towns as each has a totally different feel from the other.

 

[Brat]

Thanx for the feedback, fellow ER travelers. You've given us a lot more to think about.

- Mt St Helens is already on the itinerary -- probably day-tripping out of Portland
- Sisters is one of the places where our resources left us searching; thanks for the referral to Ponderosa Lodge
- Timberline Lodge - may need to rearrange things to go there while we're near Mt Hood.
- North-to-South on 101 would be great, but you don't understand "who" needs to be riding mauka when we travel. And it's not the driver! It all started with a counterclockwise trip on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia in the 70s, and "hanging off the side of the mountain"... but that's another story of tent camping, frosty nights & "informing" a Bar Harbor U.S. Customs agent that he'd re-pack the car's trunk if he'd tossed it. Maybe I (with your helpful comments) can convince BW to go N-to-S on 101 this trip.

THANKS to all for the feedback; keep it coming if there's any other ideas!

N to S on 101: OR DOT will not leave you driving at the edge .. We do like our guests to return! (One warning, do not go beyond safety fences, helicopter fuel is expensive and a ride in a C.G. basket is a thrill you do not need.). There are many view points and pull outs. Driving south on 101 eliminates the need to cross traffic to enjoy them. 101 is basically a 2-lane highway, there are turning lanes at some pull-outs but golly, between cell phones and look-e-loos - turning in across traffic is problematic.

Also our coast is public property .. All the sand is yours to enjoy.

Astoria is an important maritime community but 101 south to Seaside isn't memorable so skipping Astoria isn't a big deal IMHO given all the other things to see. Keep in mind that the Columbia River has as much volume as the MS, the river bar has sunk many a ship. I love the town but not all tourists have the time to appreciate the community.

 

[SecondCor521]

OMSI in Portland is a personal favorite, but may not be your cup of tea.

The Columbia Gorge is very beautiful; you may enjoy a brief drive east on I-84 to Multnomah Falls.

Second the suggestion about Sun River. Mount Bachelor is a highly regarded ski area; may or may not be open the time of year you'll be there.

Also second the 101 north-to-south idea. I've driven almost all of the Oregon coast on 101 at one time or another, and there is perhaps only one place that is even the slightest bit scary.

The Gilbert Inn in Seaside is (well, was, it's been years since I've been there) a great little B&B. It looks like it has transferred ownership, so the fabulous breakfasts and hosts are gone, but it still is probably a lovely place to stay.

2Cor521

 

[meierlde]

Having been out there I would encourage looking at Eastern Oregon, in particular if you like desert landscapes. Start with John Day Fossil Beds, add Fort Rock Abert Rim, and if you can hack off pavement driving Steens Mountain which has a couple of nice glacial valley on top. All of these places are more or less in the middle of nowhere however.

 

[Brat]

Hush... we keep those treasures for ourselves..

 

[bld999]

Hush... we keep those treasures for ourselves..

Don't forget to not mention the milkshakes and burgers at Fields,,, oh, and the hot springs

 

[Brat]

Strawberry milkshakes at Burgerville.. Ah fond memories of Bagby Hot Springs in my youth.

 

[Marathoner]

I almost did that last year, except we started in Seattle instead. So beautiful! I found the Lonely Planet guidebook to be very helpful. Stayed a couple of nights near Crater Lake -- we actually stayed at a very nice bed and breakfast: Bed and Breakfast and Horse Hotel :: Sun Pass Ranch I would highly recommend it!

The bird watching was pretty amazing -- I was there in August. Have a great trip!