aschec01

Hi all,

We're planning a trip to Oregon this June with our daughter who will be 22 months old at the time of our trip. I've been reading some of the past trip reports on here and am getting very excited! I was wondering if you could help us figure out an itinerary for our trip. We want to spend about 2-3 days in Portland and probably the rest of the time (3-4 days) on the coast. I'd like to minimize the amount of driving done, and also would prefer not to stay in a different hotel every night. So I'm wondering if there's a "home base" you recommend on the coast or what our "plan" should be for the coast portion of the trip.

Thanks so much!

Alissa

KsBubba13

Hi, Alissa. When I go to the coast, my favorite city to stay in is Newport. I really like the atmosphere of the whole city and there are a lot of nice little shops there in addition to -- obviously -- the beach, which is a bit nicer than some of the other areas. Walking along the boardwalk is always fun and interesting, and gives you an opportunity to really take in the atmosphere and get a feel for the city.

As far as specific places to stay, I've spent the night at a couple hotels in the area on a few occasions and none of them really jumps out at me as being particularly memorable. However, I remember enjoying my stay at the Shilo Inn quite a bit. It's in close proximity to the beach from what I remember, if that's a priority. Here's a link for a little info on the hotel:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...rt_Oregon.html

I really hope this post was helpful in some way, shape or form.

nanabee

If you are only going to be in Portland for a couple of days I would stay in NW 23rd Street area or the Pearl District.

There is good access from those areas (both in NW) to go to the Zoo, Washington Park, Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI). I like the Pearl District for kids because there is a place called Jamison Park which is very cool for young kids especially. My granddaugher and grandson (6 years & 2 years) love to go there and they spend hour playing at the large water fountain made to simulate the ocean tides. There are a lot of kid friendly stores near Jamison Park as well.

Jamison Park http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/...ction=ViewPark

Washington Park
http://www.washingtonparkpdx.org/

OSMI:
http://www.omsi.edu/

Porland Zoo
http://www.oregonzoo.org/

nanabee

I've heard good things about The Fifth Ave Suites I think it is now called The Monaco in Downtown Portland very close to the Pearl District and NW 23rd district. This is a very popular hotel with Fodorites (I've never stayed there as I stay with family, but my sister and inlaws have and all have loved it).

nanabee

Oh one last thing - OMSI is in SE Portland not NW. All of Portland is easily assisable by car as it's not an overly large city. If you are in the downtown (including Pearl and NW23rd areas) you will have access to the public transportation system called the Max line - it is free and efficient and fast eliminating the need for a car in the city area -- btw parking can be expensive.

http://trimet.org/max/

tomfuller

If you arrive at PDX at a reasonable hour, the end of the Trimet Red line is just outside baggage claim. You can ride downtown and pick up a rental car when you need it.

Andrew

Hi Alissa. If you want to limit your driving, drive to and stay in to Cannon Beach which is only about an hour and a half drive from Portland, an easy drive through the coast range on US 26 and briefly on US 101. Cannon Beach is one of the nicest towns on the coast and it has a beautiful beach, with the much-photographed Haystack Rock. There is plenty of natural scenery to drive to and see from here, mostly south of Cannon Beach down to Tillamook (you can stop at the Cheese Factory for a tour and ice cream). The drive up/down US 101 is scenic in parts and very easy.

AAA has a nice tour map of the Oregon/Washington Coasts that breaks out the scenery and tourist attractions pretty well.

I'd probably take an extra night in Portland from the coast and use that day to drive out to and see the Columbia River Gorge about 40 minutes east of Portland. The area is full of beautiful waterfalls and nice scenery, one of the highlights of the area. Many people drive out to Hood River and some drive up around the east side of Mt. Hood.

Early June is the Rose Festival, so if you come then expect a lot of parades and celebrations but also high hotel rates. Usually the Rose Gardens are in bloom by then but last year they weren't yet. By mid-June you should see plenty of roses, though. Seeing a Rose Garden here - either the popular International Rose Test Garden or the less-known Peninsula Park Rose Garden - is a must.

FYI, don't expect nice weather in Oregon in June. It may still be raining. The Oregon Coast, while beautiful, can be windy and overcast (and chilly) in the summer. The coast here isn't known for sunbathing activities. Bring a sweatshirt and even an umbrella just in case, and hope for nice weather. August and September are usually nicer than June.

nanabee

Hi Andrew, going up to Portland soon, any new, good restaurant suggestions?

Fodorite018

We joke that our summers do not begin until July 5th You should expect some rain anytime in June, although it usually isn't bad, but definitely bring some warm clothes and layers are key.

As for places to stay, the Monaco is where we like to stay when we go into downtown for events and don't want to drive home. It hasn't been the 5th Avenue Suites for a number of years. The Monaco is good for families in that the bedroom area is separated from the sitting area with sliding doors, so with a little one this is convenient. The suites are quite large as well.

As for the coast, we really like Cannon Beach. Our favorite spot there is the Surfsand Resort, which is very family friendly and the only resort on the Oregon coast with cabana service. There are complimentary kites and various toys for your use, as well as adirondack chairs and large umbrellas set up out on the beach. Our family has been staying there for years and have never been disappointed.

The tide pools at the base of Haystack Rock are always a big hit with all ages.

I agree to take a day and see the gorge. You might also head up to Timberline Lodge and let your little one play in the snow.

aschec01

Thanks so much! This is great. We will definitely add the gorge to our itinerary. Do you think it's worth staying a night over there or easy enough to do as a day trip from Portland? Also, assuming the season is right, any suggestions on where to go cherry or berry picking?

Fodorite018

I wouldn't bother changing hotels to do the gorge/Timberline. The gorge starts about 15 minutes outside of Portland, and you can do a loop through the gorge, up to Timberline and back into Portland which is very easy.

June is typically strawberry season here. If it's been cold, the berries won't be ready til later in the month. The variety called Hoodies are the best ever, so try for those! Here is a good website to find upick farms. http://www.tricountyfarm.org/. Cherries are also usually in June. On a stretch, if marionberries are ready when you are here, go for those. You won't find them elsewhere and they are amazing!

Andrew

If you want an interesting place to stop on the way back from the Gorge off I-84 in Troutdale, try the McMenamins Edgefield:

http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home

McMenamins is a local chain of pubs that is known for repurposing old buildings like abandoned schools and turning them into hip retail establishments. The Edgefield is an old "poor farm" that they've turned into a mini-resort with a tiny hotel, a winery, golf course, and several bars and restaurants. You could certainly stay there overnight, but a stop for a drink/meal and a tour through the main building - originally the dorm where the residents lived - is enough. You can see colorful murals on the walls depicting the lives of the "poor farm" residents and staff. A friend once worked there as a tour guide and gave me a personal tour - if there are still offering tours when you are there, do take one, the history of the place is fascinating. The outdoor grounds are beautiful too - it's a popular mini-concert venue in the summer time.

Andrew

Sorry, nanabee, I don't go to the hot new Portland restaurants much. ;-)

tomfuller

For breakfast it's hard to beat Elmer's (several locations).
If you are headed to the gorge, you don't have to go into downtown Portland. Stay a night in Gresham or on Sandy Blvd.
You can ride the free shuttle back to the airport to pick up your rental car and save at least a half day on the car rental.
Be sure to see Multnomah Falls. The parking is in the median of I-84 (left exit).

Tomsd

I would rather stop at the glass roofed coffee shop/restaurant at Multnoma Falls if I was drivng along the 7 waterfalls.

And I would also recommend spending a night up at Timberline, one of the most amazing lodges in the world. Built during the Depression by old world craftsmen from Europe - supposedly without using nails.

It's had several movies filmed there, including part of the Jack Nicholson scare - The Shining.

And from the 2nd floor - at their little bar/sandwich place - you can have a great view looking up the Glacier - and their restaurant is top notch. It's also fun to duck into the Paul Bunyan room for a brew/snack, and their outdoor pool also have a view of the glacier/ski area. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/

Tomsd

BTW - if you rent a car for a week - that's usually the best deal. Check out www.rentalcars.com, for some good deals.

Tomsd

Here is the webpage for the Multnoma Falls Lodge - and you can look up at the waterfalls from your table.

http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/

Fodorite018

There is also a smaller parking lot right next to the lodge, off the old scenic highway. I would not bother with taking I-84 at all since the old highway lets you see so much more.

A great breakfast place in downtown is Mother's. Great with kids too

I agree about stopping at McMenamins Edgefield. Even if you don't stay there, try to allow some time to wander and maybe have lunch. It is a great place for pictures too if you want a nice place to get a pic of your child. We have done a few photo sessions out there, including last June, and they turned out very good.

Andrew

tomfuller, some people actually want to STAY in/near downtown Portland, perhaps so they can walk around the waterfront or through the Pearl District, and do some shopping or have a nice meal, not stay off noisy, run-down Sandy Blvd, far from everything else.

Since you can usually pick up a car in downtown Portland and return it to the airport for no extra charge, there's not much benefit to picking it up at the airport. In fact, an approach I recommend for some is to take the MAX train from the PDX airport to downtown if you are staying there, use public transit and walking to get around the city, then pick up your rental car downtown a day or two later.

islandaze

Just to clarify a couple points..... The Monaco is one of the favorite and best hotels in Portland, but it is not really any closer to the Pearl District and NW 21st and 23rd Aves. than most other downtown core hotels. If you're looking to stay in/close to those areas, your best (only?)choice would be Inn at Northrup Station, which is right on the streetcar line, and offers free parking.

In my mind there's little better than a sunny day in Cannon Beach. But June weather, as noted, can be iffy, and I'm not sure what you'll find to keep yourselves all entertained if, when it's not beach weather. For that reason, you might also consider Newport, where you'd at least have the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a couple lighthouses, and a picturesque bay waterfront with sea lions barking from docks.

Like you, I hate losing precious vacation hours in moving from hotel to hotel. So I agree that there's no need for more than two hotels in your itinerary. And if you decide on Cannon Beach, I 2nd mms's recommendation of Surfsand Resort.