I am planning to visit crater lake sometime this summer. I would like to combine with a trip to Seattle.
What is the best month to visit seattle and oregon.
Also, is cannon beach in portland worth visiting? What places should I look for a must see in Washington and Oregon.
Crater Lake
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I for one always think Crater Lake is worth a visit. If you are driving from Seattle - you could also include driving out the Gorge/along the Columbia River - east of Portland - and maybe spend a night in our favorite mountain lodge - Timberline at Mt. Hood.
From there - you could drive down hiway 97 to Crater Lake - and spend the night there - or at the rustic resort at nearby Diamond Lake - or in the cute little cottage town of Ashland, or in my home town of Klamath Falls - perhaps at the beautiful Runny Y Ranch (once a real/working ranch - and now has a beautiful - Arnold Palmer designed golf course. http://www.runningy.com/ )
From there - head over to the Oregon Coast, and on up to Cannon Beach - or maybe stop in Depot Bay (south of Lincoln City) for the night - at the Surfrider Resort - from which you might see some whales. http://surfriderresort.com/
July. Generally not too much rain. Seattle during Seafair is fantastic!
Spend the night at Crater Lake Lodge IF you can get a room (they book a year in advance). Crater Lake is one of those places that no matter how many places in the world you visit, nothing quite matches the beauty, from the unique blue of the lake to the number of stars in the sky at night.
Columbia River Gorge is also very nice in Oregon. I really like Mount Rainier. There is plenty in both states to keep you busy for 10+ days each.
Basically anytime from July 5th (a local joke that our summers do not begin until then) to mid September will give you the best weather here.
Cannon Beach is 90 minutes from downtown Portland and is very much worthwhile. Most places have 2 night minimums in the summer, so if you plan on staying there, book asap.
Crater Lake is wonderful. There is a boat ride that, IMO, is not to be missed. There is also a new trolley that does the rim drive so that you don't have to. While the rooms at the lodge do fill up a year in advance, there are oftentimes cancellations so keep calling.
As for what places are must sees, it all depends on your interests. What are you looking for?
The north entrance of Crater Lake (off Rt. 138) usually does not open until July 5 - sometimes later. There are many areas of the park that now have more than 100" of snow.
If you run into a 2 night minimum at Cannon Beach you can find cheaper rooms in Seaside.