3 days in Portland, Oregon
Oct 6th, 2009, 01:17 PM
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3 days in Portland, Oregon
My wife and I (baby boomers) will be spending three days at a conference in Portland later this month. We'll be staying at the Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront.
Although we have limited time, we'd still like to try to get in some tourist activities. We've heard that the Columbia Gorge/ M. Falls is a reasonable distance, so we could rent a car for that day or sign up with a local tour operator. But we'd probably be needing to rent a car anyway, if we want to check out different districts/areas of town. We're not yet sure how to access public transportation from the hotel.
We're hoping that the hotel is within a moderate strolling distance to restaurants, parks, and other attractions.
Also, are there any good venues in the area for live rock/blues concerts or good movie houses or comedy clubs?
If we had time, we thought about taking a drive to the coast (Cannon Beach,Tillamook Cheese Factory,etc.), but with only three (partial) days to work with, we're probably better off concentrating on attractions in and around Portland.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as we're totally new to the Portland area!
Although we have limited time, we'd still like to try to get in some tourist activities. We've heard that the Columbia Gorge/ M. Falls is a reasonable distance, so we could rent a car for that day or sign up with a local tour operator. But we'd probably be needing to rent a car anyway, if we want to check out different districts/areas of town. We're not yet sure how to access public transportation from the hotel.
We're hoping that the hotel is within a moderate strolling distance to restaurants, parks, and other attractions.
Also, are there any good venues in the area for live rock/blues concerts or good movie houses or comedy clubs?
If we had time, we thought about taking a drive to the coast (Cannon Beach,Tillamook Cheese Factory,etc.), but with only three (partial) days to work with, we're probably better off concentrating on attractions in and around Portland.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as we're totally new to the Portland area!
Oct 6th, 2009, 02:21 PM
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Marriott Portland is conveniently located to a variety of good restaurants.
You can definitely do the Columbia River Gorge as a day trip and Cannon Beach is only 80 miles from Portland. Rent a car.
For the Columbia River Gorge, take I-84 to Corbett to access the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive that road as far as Moltnomath Falls. Return to I-84 and drive as far as Hood River. After walking around town and having a meal at Celilo or a cone at the ice cream shop, take the bridge across the Columbia and return to Portland via WA-14 (the views of the river and Mt. Hood are spectacular on a clear day).
Take OR-26 to Cannon Beach explore the town, tide pools, and Haystack Rock. Visit Ecola State Park and, if you have the time, the town of Manzanita.
HTTY
You can definitely do the Columbia River Gorge as a day trip and Cannon Beach is only 80 miles from Portland. Rent a car.
For the Columbia River Gorge, take I-84 to Corbett to access the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive that road as far as Moltnomath Falls. Return to I-84 and drive as far as Hood River. After walking around town and having a meal at Celilo or a cone at the ice cream shop, take the bridge across the Columbia and return to Portland via WA-14 (the views of the river and Mt. Hood are spectacular on a clear day).
Take OR-26 to Cannon Beach explore the town, tide pools, and Haystack Rock. Visit Ecola State Park and, if you have the time, the town of Manzanita.
HTTY
Oct 6th, 2009, 05:03 PM
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Definitely rent a car and do the gorge on your own. As HTTY said, take the Corbett exit, which is #22. Go all the way up the hill, then turn left onto the old scenic highway. Good stops along there include the Portland Womans Forum, Vista House, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls. You can continue on to Hood River, but if you have a bit more time I would continue around to Mt. Hood. That would mean in Hood River, hop onto HWY 35 to HWY 26, westbound. This is very pretty this time of year. Then another must stop is at Timberline Lodge. You can continue on 26 back into Portland.
Cannon Beach is a great town, and takes roughly 90 minutes from downtown. I would do a loop though, heading to Cannon Beach via HWY 26, then after exploring all that has to offer, continue south and take the Three Capes Scenic loop, then head back to Portland on HWY 6 which then hooks back up with HWY 26.
Days will be getting short, so plan for that. By the end of the month it will be dark by 5pm.
For something unique to here, catch a movie at either the Bagdad or Mission theaters, both of which are McMenamin properties.
For things right in downtown head to the Chinese Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion (if it is a clear day there are amazing views from here), and if you are here on a weekend then the Saturday Market (open on Sundays as well).
Cannon Beach is a great town, and takes roughly 90 minutes from downtown. I would do a loop though, heading to Cannon Beach via HWY 26, then after exploring all that has to offer, continue south and take the Three Capes Scenic loop, then head back to Portland on HWY 6 which then hooks back up with HWY 26.
Days will be getting short, so plan for that. By the end of the month it will be dark by 5pm.
For something unique to here, catch a movie at either the Bagdad or Mission theaters, both of which are McMenamin properties.
For things right in downtown head to the Chinese Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Pittock Mansion (if it is a clear day there are amazing views from here), and if you are here on a weekend then the Saturday Market (open on Sundays as well).
Oct 6th, 2009, 05:26 PM
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You could try the VQ (Veritable Quandary) for dinner, just a block or two away from your hotel. Also close by is Carafe; both of them are very nice dining destinations. If you're in the area for lunch go to Tom's Bento on 2nd avenue (and a couple doors south of the VQ). Not an atmospheric environment but probably the best fish in town and the portion is large enough to share. Fabulous panko shrimp but you won't want to split that order. Garlic mashed potatoes, too, so don't be thinking it's your average bento joint. Sit and watch the local office crowd meander in and out.
There is the history museum within walking distance, too, if that floats your boat. http://www.ohs.org/
You're also very close to the Keller Auditorium so check if there is anything playing that will be of interest to you during the time you are here. There is a fountain across the street that I love. Walk down the steps and be enveloped by the rushing water sound. This is across the street from Carafe, by the way.
There is the history museum within walking distance, too, if that floats your boat. http://www.ohs.org/
You're also very close to the Keller Auditorium so check if there is anything playing that will be of interest to you during the time you are here. There is a fountain across the street that I love. Walk down the steps and be enveloped by the rushing water sound. This is across the street from Carafe, by the way.
Oct 6th, 2009, 05:59 PM
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I have stayed at the Marriott you'll be using as home base. It's a lovely property, set right in the midst of Waterfront Park. There are lots of shops and restaurants very close by.
I second the recommendation of PPs to tour the Classical Chinese Gardens and the Portland Japanese Garden (considered by many to be the finest Japanese garden in the United States). Both attractions are stellar (and the Tea House inside the Chinese Garden is wonderful for a quick snack in a truly amazing setting). In addition, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is not far from your hotel.
A quick drive to the gorge is also lovely and refreshing. Lunch places are a little spendy up there (due to the hassle of getting supplies in and out, I suppose), so either pack a lunch or be prepared to pay. I think we stopped at a place called TippieCanoe, where, as I recall, portion sizes were mammoth!
I also think that Bijou Cafe in downtown Portland is not too far from where you'll be staying. Their oyster hash is to die for, and prices are reasonable.
I second the recommendation of PPs to tour the Classical Chinese Gardens and the Portland Japanese Garden (considered by many to be the finest Japanese garden in the United States). Both attractions are stellar (and the Tea House inside the Chinese Garden is wonderful for a quick snack in a truly amazing setting). In addition, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is not far from your hotel.
A quick drive to the gorge is also lovely and refreshing. Lunch places are a little spendy up there (due to the hassle of getting supplies in and out, I suppose), so either pack a lunch or be prepared to pay. I think we stopped at a place called TippieCanoe, where, as I recall, portion sizes were mammoth!
I also think that Bijou Cafe in downtown Portland is not too far from where you'll be staying. Their oyster hash is to die for, and prices are reasonable.
Oct 9th, 2009, 08:13 AM
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It would be nice if you could at least make it over to Cannon Beach/Seaside area. We have been having some wonderful weather this month here in Seaside where I am. Seaside is about 10 minutes from Cannon Beach, you could walk the prom, feed the seals at the aquarium (we just did this a couple of days ago) grab a bite to eat at Norma's Ocean Diner and stroll the downtown area. 
I agree about the Bijou Cafe, the oyster has is wonderful! I would also consider a meal at Fenouil in Portland, we had a lovely lunch there this summer on the outdoor patio. ***kim***
I agree about the Bijou Cafe, the oyster has is wonderful! I would also consider a meal at Fenouil in Portland, we had a lovely lunch there this summer on the outdoor patio. ***kim***
Oct 9th, 2009, 01:33 PM
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Kim,
I'm going to really try to make it over to Cannon Beach, and, at your suggestion, Seaside also. I figure it's a good 90 minutes, mostly on OR-26, to get to Cannon. Then a short jump North to Seaside - sounds good, I hope the weather is still decent in a week or so!
I'm going to really try to make it over to Cannon Beach, and, at your suggestion, Seaside also. I figure it's a good 90 minutes, mostly on OR-26, to get to Cannon. Then a short jump North to Seaside - sounds good, I hope the weather is still decent in a week or so!
Oct 9th, 2009, 02:29 PM
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If my time were limited, rather than go to Seaside, I would be inclined to spend it visiting Ecola State Park and the little town of Manzanita, south of Cannon Beach.
For one thing, the drive between Cannon Beach and Manzanita is more scenic than the drive between Cannon Beach and Sunnyside.
For one thing, the drive between Cannon Beach and Manzanita is more scenic than the drive between Cannon Beach and Sunnyside.
Oct 9th, 2009, 06:11 PM
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Two cents: I think the Gorge is the best day trip for a short stay such as this. Multnomah Falls and Crown Point are jewels and the views during the drive are so unique to Oregon. I love the coast as much as the next person but for out-of-staters the Gorge has my vote.
Oct 10th, 2009, 06:42 AM
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Don't know how much stamina you have for hiking, but Eagle Creek Trail is a fantastic hike. It is a couple miles up from Multnomah. You will see 6 or 7 falls and even get to hike behind one of them. It is long, but doesn't change elevation much at all.
Oct 11th, 2009, 07:18 AM
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If you're not going to be hiking, then you can do the Columbia River Gorge area (a truly beautiful area) quickly, in half a day. It's only about 30 minutes each way to Multnomah Falls, the main attraction. You'll want to follow the advice above to follow the old scenic highway via Corbett, through the forest to see the other falls, which are well worth a look, but if you aren't hiking, you probably won't spend much time there...
So I'd consider a quick trip to the Gorge in the morning, stop for an early lunch in Troutdale at the McMenamins Edgefield (funky mini-resort that is a complex of little pubs, restaurants, winery, a golf course, European - style hotel rooms) that is worth a stop even if you don't eat there...then (if you get nice weather late in the month) slingshot back through Portland and out to Canon Beach a few hours before sunset. It's an easy drive an a terrific place to visit for a quick trip.
So I'd consider a quick trip to the Gorge in the morning, stop for an early lunch in Troutdale at the McMenamins Edgefield (funky mini-resort that is a complex of little pubs, restaurants, winery, a golf course, European - style hotel rooms) that is worth a stop even if you don't eat there...then (if you get nice weather late in the month) slingshot back through Portland and out to Canon Beach a few hours before sunset. It's an easy drive an a terrific place to visit for a quick trip.
Oct 12th, 2009, 09:36 AM
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No hiking? How about short walks? Wahkeena and Bridal Veil are two falls along the Old Highway that provide big bang for the buck experiences.
And, I agree with happytrails... If you do make it to the coast, whether or not your time is limited, pass on Seaside. Unless you're into bumper cars, arcades, and corn dogs, that is. Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach are much more worth your time. If you have a full day, consider driving south from Cannon Beach, and returning to Portland via highway 6 from Tillamook. Cape Meares State Park, on the northern section of Three Capes Scenic Loop, is another short-walk, big bang for the buck stop.
And, I agree with happytrails... If you do make it to the coast, whether or not your time is limited, pass on Seaside. Unless you're into bumper cars, arcades, and corn dogs, that is. Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach are much more worth your time. If you have a full day, consider driving south from Cannon Beach, and returning to Portland via highway 6 from Tillamook. Cape Meares State Park, on the northern section of Three Capes Scenic Loop, is another short-walk, big bang for the buck stop.
Oct 14th, 2009, 04:21 PM
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mrace - Just to reinforce some advice from previous posters, you can easily take the scenic gorge drive and see most all of the waterfalls recommended above in the better part of a day (even with a liesurely pace). Most are viewable either from the pullover on the side of the road or after a veryvery short walk on a well-marked trail. At the bigger falls (such as Multnomah), you can also take longer hikes that get you closer to the falls, but you can still view the falls with very little walking whatsoever from the roadside.
