rlwebbinnm

My sister and I have 3 full days in Oregon starting Aug 4 thru Aug 7.
She is recovering from an illness but loves the water and outdoors, so small walks are possible but hiking is not. She loved the ferry ride when I took her to SF. I was thinking of 2 days driving the Oregon Coast and 1 day on the Columbia River Gorge. I need a reasonable hotel in downtown Portland on our arrival and departure. Any suggestions? I was getting nervous reading about how difficult it is to find a place to stay on the coast at the last minute. Do I need to make reservations in advance? I was hoping to just find a place whenever we felt like stopping. Any "must see" or "must do" items. I was thinking about a river cruise down the gorge. I am open to any suggestions.

happytrailstoyou

In two days I suggest you investigate the coast from Florence to at least Depoe Bay--Cannon Beach, if you can. The Fireside in Yachats is one reasonably priced alternative we like, especially the room with direct ocean views.

I suggest you visit the gorge by auto, which is the best way to see the Historic Columbia River Highway. Take I-84 to Corbett to access the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive that road as far as Moltnomah Falls. If you want to see more, drive to the charming town of Hood River, walk around town, then cross the river on the bridge and drive back to Portland on WA-14 for great views of the gorge and Mt. Hood.

HTtY

tomfuller

Good ideas HTtY.
Unless you must see something in downtown Portland, I head directly from PDX to Hood River for your first night.
If the wind is good for an adventure, try wind surfing on the Columbia.http://w3.gorge.net/casiera/columbia.htm
When you are done at Hood River head south on Rt. 35. Take the detour over to see Timberline if you like a closer view of Mt. Hood. At the top of Rt. 35, take US 26 west which will take you through the south end of Portland and over to US 101 in between Seaside and Cannon Beach. Since you want to take a walk, I would try for lodging in Seaside along the "Prom".
Drive south to Newport and see the Oregon Coast Aquarium just south of town. Things that you could see inland would be wineries or the Evergreen Aviation Museum near McMinnville to see the "Spruce Goose".
If you are stuck in Portland on a rainy day, stop to see P
Powell's Bookstore.
The other things to see along the coast are Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach and the Tillamook Cheese factory (north of town).

sunbum1944

Check out the Edgefield in Troutdale. Not far from PDX and at the beginning of the Gorge. A fun place to stay with a couple of restaurants, a theatre, a brew pub and winery. It used to be a poor farm, then a nursing home and now a resort. There is whimsical art painted everywhere - every room door, door knob, and available wall. Every room does not have a private a bath- did not bother me but you should know before reserving.

I usually stay in Yachats- might be a farther drive than you want to do with limited time- but the Overleaf, the Adobe and the Fireside are oceanside and all in a row. Doubtful you will find a place in Cannon Beach or Seaside without a reservation.

Check out the "Travel Portland" website - central reservation for many hotels offering free parking and breakfast - you can talk to a live person if needed.

Happy travels!

Fodorite018

I agree with sunbum.

You can also call the hotels in Portland they will almost always offer you the same deal as Travel Portland. Not knowing your budget makes it hard to make specific suggestions though.

For the coast, CB and Seaside, I would start calling hotels and see if there is any availability. Most places in CB require 2-3 night minimum stays, but if you call you might be able to squeeze inbetween other reservations. We do that quite a bit.

Also as noted though, the central coast has much to offer and lots of lodging choices.

jayne1973

Since you mentioned a cruise on the river gorge, the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge is offering a special one-hour Sunday sightseeing cruise all summer long for just $14. We had no problem getting a ticket at the last minute, although you could certainly book ahead to be safe. It is right off the gorge highway at Cascade Locks, and there is a nice little café and gift shop there for you to kill time while you wait. You can take food and drink on the boat with you, too. We did that a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. An hour was just long enough, too.

Here a link with more information:
portofcascadelocks.org/marine-park/sternwheeler-columbia-gorge/