5 days in Portland and Willamette wine country
Jun 21st, 2015, 02:57 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
5 days in Portland and Willamette wine country
My wife and I will be spending five full days in the Portland area in early August. I have spent time in Portland (but not for 10 years) but haven't been anywhere else in Oregon, and it's my wife's first trip to Portland. We are planning on 3 nights in Portland and 2 nights in the Willamette Valley. We love wildlife, wine, cats, historical places, natural beauty, coffee, restaurants, and quirky cities.
While we are in Portland, I'm thinking of visiting the Rose Garden, Oregon Zoo, Japanese and Chinese gardens, and Powell's bookstore. Also, we will be there for the Bite of Oregon festival in the waterfront park, which sounds fun.
For the other two days, I'm thinking of focusing on winery visits one day, and nature sights the other day. We would like to stay in a winery if we can find one that allows guests, or if not, we would like to stay in a town that has tasting rooms we can walk to. Carlton and McMinville look good from what I've read so far.
Are there any must-visit wineries in Willamette? We like smaller, family-owned, laid back wineries, more like Somona than Napa. And we love winery cats. Are there wineries that also have lodging?
For the second day outside Portland, I would like to see the Historic Columbia River Highway, Mount Hood and Trillium Lake. The Timberline Lodge looks like a good place for brunch or dinner, and I'm also interested in seeing the Spruce Goose at the aviation museum.
Are there any places in the area where we would be likely to see wildlife? We went to Minnesota last year, and a highlight for us was seeing moose in the wild.
We were thinking about driving to the coast, but I don't think we have enough time and I don't want to spread ourselves too thin.
If anyone has any suggestions about where to stay or what to see, please let me know. We are very excited about this trip, and any thoughts would be appreciated!
While we are in Portland, I'm thinking of visiting the Rose Garden, Oregon Zoo, Japanese and Chinese gardens, and Powell's bookstore. Also, we will be there for the Bite of Oregon festival in the waterfront park, which sounds fun.
For the other two days, I'm thinking of focusing on winery visits one day, and nature sights the other day. We would like to stay in a winery if we can find one that allows guests, or if not, we would like to stay in a town that has tasting rooms we can walk to. Carlton and McMinville look good from what I've read so far.
Are there any must-visit wineries in Willamette? We like smaller, family-owned, laid back wineries, more like Somona than Napa. And we love winery cats. Are there wineries that also have lodging?
For the second day outside Portland, I would like to see the Historic Columbia River Highway, Mount Hood and Trillium Lake. The Timberline Lodge looks like a good place for brunch or dinner, and I'm also interested in seeing the Spruce Goose at the aviation museum.
Are there any places in the area where we would be likely to see wildlife? We went to Minnesota last year, and a highlight for us was seeing moose in the wild.
We were thinking about driving to the coast, but I don't think we have enough time and I don't want to spread ourselves too thin.
If anyone has any suggestions about where to stay or what to see, please let me know. We are very excited about this trip, and any thoughts would be appreciated!
Jun 22nd, 2015, 07:19 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When we passed through the Williammette Valley on our way to Portland, we asked people in town: "What winery would you visit if you had time for just one, with beautiful location and really good if not highest-end pinot noir?"
We were not disappointed by the advice we received: Sokol-Blosser.
We were not disappointed by the advice we received: Sokol-Blosser.
Jun 22nd, 2015, 07:48 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Smaller wineries are almost all there is in the Willamette Valley, so you're in luck! You might be surprised at how rural and laid back it is compared to Sonoma.
I believe that Ken Wright Cellars has some sort of lodging in Carlton. That's not my favorite place to stay (we like to stay in Dundee because it's well located), but the Carlton Winemakers' Studio is a great place to visit because you can sample a handful of wines from wineries too small to swing their own tasting room--it's a cooperative.
Sokol Blosser is very good and has a fancy new tasting room. So does Ponzi, and they're excellent, too. We like Penner Ash. Elk Cove is great and has a pretty spot on a hill. Archery Summit is excellent. Bergstrom is excellent. Our absolute favorite is probably Cristom.
If you've had some Willamette pinot noir that you've loved, well, that's one way to choose where to stop! Once you find lodging, plot the wineries you're interested in on a map and you'll see what's doable in just a day.
I believe that Ken Wright Cellars has some sort of lodging in Carlton. That's not my favorite place to stay (we like to stay in Dundee because it's well located), but the Carlton Winemakers' Studio is a great place to visit because you can sample a handful of wines from wineries too small to swing their own tasting room--it's a cooperative.
Sokol Blosser is very good and has a fancy new tasting room. So does Ponzi, and they're excellent, too. We like Penner Ash. Elk Cove is great and has a pretty spot on a hill. Archery Summit is excellent. Bergstrom is excellent. Our absolute favorite is probably Cristom.
If you've had some Willamette pinot noir that you've loved, well, that's one way to choose where to stop! Once you find lodging, plot the wineries you're interested in on a map and you'll see what's doable in just a day.
Jun 22nd, 2015, 09:52 AM
#4
Well, first, the Spruce Goose is at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, right in the middle of the Willamette Valley wine country, not in the Gorge.
Frankly, given your priorities, I wonder if you might want think about staying first outside of Portland, closer to the Columbia Gorge, rather than in the city.
Here's why: the Columbia Gorge/Mt. Hood area is many things - the vistas and waterfalls of the Gorge itself - stunning, but also it's a quickly developing center for wine, cider and craft beer. Hood River, on the east edge of the Gorge proper, is a very pleasant little town with some excellent restaurants. But it's also the focus of the so-called Hood River Fruit Loop - which combines the beautiful orchard and vineyard landscapes of the Hood River Valley - with Mt. Hood at its top - with seasonal fruit stands, winery tours, crafts stands... and August is the perfect time. http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/
Farther east, toward Maryhill WA, with its remarkable little museum - Rodin in the sagebrush, http://www.maryhillmuseum.org/ - are yet more wineries, some of them quite outstanding.
Also in the Gorge, near Cascade Locks, is the marvelous Bonneville Hatchery, a fun place to see a few million salmon, and also visit Herman the Sturgeon, an ancient and giant fish that's been a landmark for decades; maybe he'll count as wildlife. http://www.yelp.com/biz/bonneville-d...-cascade-locks
Don't know about your lodging style or preferences, but have a look at McMenamin's various properties, especially the Edgefield near the Gorge (on-site winery, distillery, brewery, golf, movies, spa, cool little pubs) and the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville close to the Willamette Valley wineries. Fun, affordable, quirky... http://www.mcmenamins.com/
Maybe you could make it something of a loop trip - PDX through the Gorge to the Hood River Valley, then the fruit loop, then Mt. Hood, then over to McMinnville, then back to Portland to end. Sadly, five days will barely scratch the surface, but it's better than no days.
Frankly, given your priorities, I wonder if you might want think about staying first outside of Portland, closer to the Columbia Gorge, rather than in the city.
Here's why: the Columbia Gorge/Mt. Hood area is many things - the vistas and waterfalls of the Gorge itself - stunning, but also it's a quickly developing center for wine, cider and craft beer. Hood River, on the east edge of the Gorge proper, is a very pleasant little town with some excellent restaurants. But it's also the focus of the so-called Hood River Fruit Loop - which combines the beautiful orchard and vineyard landscapes of the Hood River Valley - with Mt. Hood at its top - with seasonal fruit stands, winery tours, crafts stands... and August is the perfect time. http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/
Farther east, toward Maryhill WA, with its remarkable little museum - Rodin in the sagebrush, http://www.maryhillmuseum.org/ - are yet more wineries, some of them quite outstanding.
Also in the Gorge, near Cascade Locks, is the marvelous Bonneville Hatchery, a fun place to see a few million salmon, and also visit Herman the Sturgeon, an ancient and giant fish that's been a landmark for decades; maybe he'll count as wildlife. http://www.yelp.com/biz/bonneville-d...-cascade-locks
Don't know about your lodging style or preferences, but have a look at McMenamin's various properties, especially the Edgefield near the Gorge (on-site winery, distillery, brewery, golf, movies, spa, cool little pubs) and the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville close to the Willamette Valley wineries. Fun, affordable, quirky... http://www.mcmenamins.com/
Maybe you could make it something of a loop trip - PDX through the Gorge to the Hood River Valley, then the fruit loop, then Mt. Hood, then over to McMinnville, then back to Portland to end. Sadly, five days will barely scratch the surface, but it's better than no days.
Jul 9th, 2015, 03:30 PM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with NewbE on the wineries. Love Penner Ash. Do not like Sokol Blosser but you can't really go wrong in the Dundee/McMinnville area. You can also stay at various wineries or downtown McMinnville, and see the Spruce Goose while you are there (it's at the Evergreen museum there as mentioned previously). Chinese garden is a skip in Portland but your other ideas are great. Be sure on Saturday morning to check out the PSU farmers market downtown, it's fabulous and lots of yummy samples. A day trip to the gorge is perfect with all of your other plans. Old Gorge Hwy, check out the waterfalls, late lunch or early dinner in Hood River then I84 for a quick hour ride back to Portland. Enjoy!
Aug 2nd, 2015, 06:50 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for your responses - very helpful and we greatly appreciate it! We are heading to Oregon this week and have made some changes to our plans, based in part upon the feedback on this site.
Here is our updated plans (any last minute suggestions are welcome):
Day one: arrive in Portland late afternoon, check into hotel, dinner at brewpub (Eclectic Brewing?)
Day two: Flying Cat Coffee, then head to Salem to Willamette Valley Cheese Co., them to McMinnville for Aviation Museum, visit wineries (mostly in Dundee), then head to Hood River, staying at Seven Oaks B&B, explore Fruit Loop.
Day three: morning hiking on or around Mt. Hood, possibly lunch at Timberline Lodge, afternoon wineries and orchards in Columbia Gorge area.
Day four: more hiking in morning, head to Portland for lunch at Pine Biscuit, explore Portland in afternoon (dinner at Andina?)
Day five: Portland sightseeing all day. We found a food walking tour in Pearl District. We're thinking about going to the Bite Festival that evening, but we may just look for an interesting restaurant instead. Portland really looks like a food paradise.
Day six: hit Voodoo Doughnuts and fly home
My main task now is to find good hikes (3-5 miles duration, moderate intensity) around Mount Hood and places to go in Hood River area. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.
I can already tell that we will need to return soon for a longer trip to see more of this beautiful state!
Here is our updated plans (any last minute suggestions are welcome):
Day one: arrive in Portland late afternoon, check into hotel, dinner at brewpub (Eclectic Brewing?)
Day two: Flying Cat Coffee, then head to Salem to Willamette Valley Cheese Co., them to McMinnville for Aviation Museum, visit wineries (mostly in Dundee), then head to Hood River, staying at Seven Oaks B&B, explore Fruit Loop.
Day three: morning hiking on or around Mt. Hood, possibly lunch at Timberline Lodge, afternoon wineries and orchards in Columbia Gorge area.
Day four: more hiking in morning, head to Portland for lunch at Pine Biscuit, explore Portland in afternoon (dinner at Andina?)
Day five: Portland sightseeing all day. We found a food walking tour in Pearl District. We're thinking about going to the Bite Festival that evening, but we may just look for an interesting restaurant instead. Portland really looks like a food paradise.
Day six: hit Voodoo Doughnuts and fly home
My main task now is to find good hikes (3-5 miles duration, moderate intensity) around Mount Hood and places to go in Hood River area. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.
I can already tell that we will need to return soon for a longer trip to see more of this beautiful state!
Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:16 AM
#7
Hike up the trail from the base of Multnomah Falls to the top. The trail does go onward from the top of the waterfall (Oregon's tallest).
There are trails that leave from Timberline up on the south side of Mount Hood.
For a lunch in Portland try Ken & Zuke Deli about 2 blocks south of Powell's Books. Powell's is at the corner of 10th & Burnside.
There are trails that leave from Timberline up on the south side of Mount Hood.
For a lunch in Portland try Ken & Zuke Deli about 2 blocks south of Powell's Books. Powell's is at the corner of 10th & Burnside.
Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:33 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Huh, thought I posted something last night...
Friends of ours with good taste in food and restaurants LOVE Andina--they never stop talking about it. I have never been, but they have made me promise we'll go on our next visit
If you're a book lover, Powell's City of Books is a must. Used and new co-mingled across, oh, 4 or 5 stories. Bookworm paradise. Nearby is Deschuttes brewpub. It is the only one we went to on our last visit, so Eclectic or others might be better, but we liked it. They brew their own, of course, and have guest taps.
On Day Two, I don't see how you will have time to stop at more than one winery. Which is too bad...
Friends of ours with good taste in food and restaurants LOVE Andina--they never stop talking about it. I have never been, but they have made me promise we'll go on our next visit
If you're a book lover, Powell's City of Books is a must. Used and new co-mingled across, oh, 4 or 5 stories. Bookworm paradise. Nearby is Deschuttes brewpub. It is the only one we went to on our last visit, so Eclectic or others might be better, but we liked it. They brew their own, of course, and have guest taps.
On Day Two, I don't see how you will have time to stop at more than one winery. Which is too bad...
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tokidoki
United States
10
Sep 18th, 2009 05:19 PM
