claytoj1

Have finally come up with a itinerary for our trip but haven't figured out the last part of it.
Heres the scoop, my husband and I are flying into Seattle from NYC on Oct. 16. We chose Seattle because we had a free flight . We were so torn as to what direction to go but finally came up with the following plan:

Arrive Seattle at 1pm
First night stay at Chelsea Station Bed and Breakfast
Next morning head down toward the coast and stay in China Beach in Seaview, WA
(looks like about 4 hour drive)
Next day head further down to Depoe Bay and stay at Channel Inn
Next day head toward wine country and stay 2 nights at Black Walnut Inn, Dundee, OR
Next stop Columbia Cliff Inn at the Hood River for 2 nights

Then we still have 2 more nights before we fly back from Seattle so we thought we would head back to Seattle and explore that area before we left. Haven't decided yet about that end of trip. I know it sounds like alot of moving around but all the places we are staying all sound interesting. We love nature and especially looking forward to seeing what the northwest coast looks like. Then we also love wine and anxious to explore the Columbia Gorge area take in some waterfalls and hopefully get a chance to fish maybe. Still want to get some time in closer to Seattle area so thinking of maybe Woodinville or some area outside the city. We only got as far as the route and accomodations. Still have to explore the areas we will be staying in. Sure we will get some more good feedback from you guys. Has anyone stayed at any of these places?

Andrew

Too bad you have to fly back out of Seattle instead of Portland! The Columbia River Gorge is only a half hour from PDX airport. Is that really not possible with a free flight? (Probably too late to change it now anyway I imagine...)

Any reason you are driving all the way down to Depoe Bay? The Oregon Coast is beautiful but the scenery varies as you drive south. There's great scenery from Canon Beach south on and off but then (look at a map) you are inland for a while and don't see alot. South of Lincoln City scenery improves again - it's nice around Depoe Bay but even nicer further south of Newport...

Personally, with the extremely limited time I had, I'd probably stop at Cannon Beach instead of Depoe Bay. That would give you time to stop and enjoy some of the nice parks in the area (Ecola State Park right at Cannon Beach; Oswald West State Park just to the south) instead of driving so much down 101 and half of the time not having much to see. Cannon Beach is a beautiful town with perhaps the best beach on the Oregon Coast - though it is very popular, bigger than tiny little Depoe Bay, and more touristy. By October the tourist hordes should have dissipated though.

Then you can take highway 22 (probably, check a map) inland toward McMinnville and Dundee.

Also, why are you completely neglecting Portland? Like Seattle it's a wonderful city. I know you have limited time but it still seems a shame not at least to enjoy a meal there. I know you want to fish, etc. but the Columbia River Gorge is within easy striking distance of Portland. Might you consider a night in Hood River and one in Portland?

NWWanderer

i would also sub cannon beach for depoe bay--either the stephanie inn or the ocean lodge. and i'd consider spending the extra 2 nights in portland as well--amazing food scene there. or maybe one night in portland between wine country and the gorge, and the last night in woodinville if your flight home isn't too early in the morning.

i've stayed at columbia cliff and it's gorgeous!

claytoj1

thank you so much for your input. Ok I will definetely look into Cannon Beach. Do you think I should do Columbia Cliff for the two days than head back to Portland for at least a night then finish up back in seattle. Actually the other idea sounds good too one night at Hood River and the other in Portland. I have to get back to the map and reroute things a little. thanks again

passerbye

Or, sub Cannon Beach for Seaview, still taking time for Cape Disappointment State Park, which is absolutely worth a stop. Also, given your other lodging choices, I'm wondering if you considered Whale Cove Inn in Depoe Bay: http://www.whalecoveinn.com/. I do agree with others though, that there's plenty to do/see on the north coast to keep you busy for two days/nights.

If you leave the coast in the morning, you should be in wine country in time to taste that day (winery hours are typically 11:00am - 4:30pmish). That would allow you two days of tasting with just one night at Black Walnut, and free up a night for Portland. As NWWanderer said, the food scene here is amazing.