Oregon in 7-8 days

To answer your last question first, there's NO WAY I would try to vacation in Oregon in July without advance reservations, especially since there are 2 couples. Accommodations in the places you want to see are limited and get booked up in advance and I can't think of much worse than spending hours of your limited vacation time driving around looking for a place to stay rather than enjoying yourselves and seeing the things you came to OR to see. You might luck out but there's too big a chance that you won't IMO.

With your limited time and given what you want to see, I'd probably divide up your trip with 2-3 nights in Portland (doing the Gorge as a day trip from there), 2 nights in Bend, then 2-3 nights on the coast (seeing Crater Lake in the morning of a looong day going from the Bend area to the mid-coast (maybe Yachats or Newport) and then drive to PDX directly from there on the day you leave. Or you could spend one night mid-coast and 2 nights in the Cannon Beach area.

I think trying to include the Rogue would be too much--although you'd go through the Grant's Pass area on your way out to the coast but that's already going to be a long day. Where you thinking of a jet boat trip or...? Gold Beach would be too far IMO unless you want to change locations almost every night.

You could lessen the amount of driving by making Ashland or somewhere close to there your base for Crater Lake--or even somewhere closer to Grant's Pass if you do want to do something on the Rogue.

See? On this board, everybody hates the Rogue Valley. Bah! Northern Oregoners!

I really don't hate the Rogue Valley . I just don't think the OP has time for it on this trip.

And I'm a Seattle-ite so that's probably even worse on your "bah" meter, LOL.

Nah. I love Seattle. It's just that Portlanders are so earnest and self centered that they can't percieve that folks want to see the sights of the WHOLE state, not the Willamette Valley.
I'm not a Bend fan, I must admit. Makes me feel like I'm back in Phoenix.

Thanks for the input. So an option would be 3 nights in Portland, 2 in Bend, one in Grant's Pass-or-Ashland as a way to see Crater Lake, and then back up the coast stopping/staying where? I suppose we could cut out Bend and just do the Gorge and the coast only with a day trip to Crater Lake? There is just so much to see. I am totally unfamiliar with Oregon so I have no idea where good spots (or spot) to stop along the coast would be. As far as the Rogue River, again I will plead ignorance as to what would be the best use of time...are the jet boat trips pretty neat? I am more of a sailor than a power-boater but my impression was they could take you to some of the best scenery.

You've got plenty of time to make a loop.
1st day: Gorge and stay in Hood River.
2nd Day: Hood River to Crater Lake, if you can get in, or stay at Prospect Hotel.
3rd day: Rogue Valley and Ashland.
4th Day:
Over to the Redwoods, then up to Gold Beach or Bandon
5th Day: Yachats and Newport
6th day: Garabaldi or Astoria
7th Day: Portland
Rough Draft, but you can scope it out.

No, actually I was thinking Ashland /Grant's Pass area *instead* of Bend rather than in addition to. I think only spending one night on the coast would be a shame.

You can't day trip to Crater Lake from Portland if that's what you were thinking--it could be a day trip from Ashland/Grant's Pass though. Or you could see it on the way from Bend to the coast.

I haven't done the jet boat trips from Grant's Pass so can't comment on them, but the one from Gold Beach is pretty spectacular and I'm not really into power boats either. But that's a long ways down the coast and in order to do the full day trip, you'd need to spend 2 nights in the area. So in order to do that, your itinerary would have to look something like this: 2 nights in Portland (with a day trip to the Gorge), 1-2 nights near Crater Lake, then 2 nights Gold Beach and finally 1-2 nights further up the coast (to put you close enough to get to PDX on the day you fly out).

And yes, if you're ok with moving every night you can obviously see/do more. I personally don't enjoy doing that so that's why I didn't suggest it but if you're comfortable with it then the loop bbqboy suggested is very do-able.

You can do these from Grants Pass:
http://www.hellgate.com/?gclid=CPKQr7z38ZECFRnwYAodkWwxrw

The jet boat rides are very fun-
do the all day trip
lots of great scenery / fun times on the river and little Oregon history thrown in
we have always seen bears on the trip and eagles
Think you will enjoy

NWWanderer---I agree. We will have to scale back somehow. To bbqboy...thanks for the draft for doing the whole "circle". It looks doable but after talking with my companions, I think we would probably not want to pack up every single night (this just means we have to do multiple trips to Oregon to get the true "ambience" of the state!) ~4 or so packings and unpackings would probably be our max.

The choice of a stop in Bend was for viewing the National Volcanic Monument or viewing/hikes in the Three Sisters area. Is that a must see area or would time be better spent on the coast? From my reading about Crater Lake, a visit there won't involve too much time at the Lake itself (more the time getting there and back), so we thought we would view it on the way from Bend to Grant's Pass. We would sort of like to split our time to get some coastal viewing and some time forest/mountain viewing/hikes.

Is the Rogue River boat trip from Gold Beach significantly better than the ones that leave from Grant's Pass? It looks like the river travels through Siskiyou NF from the beach and goes through the Rogue River and Umpqua NFs on the way from Grant's Pass. Are any of those more likely to yield wildlife viewings?

I guess some of the alternatives I was thinking:
(1) 3 nights in Portland, one in Bend, one in Grant's Pass (viewing Crater Lake on the trip from Bend to Grant's Pass), and 3 on the coast
(2) 2 nights in Portland, 2 in Bend (that would require a long evening drive from Columbia River area the third evening), 1 in Grant's Pass and 3 on the coast somewhere. This may be too much time in the Bend area.
(3) 3 nights in Portland, 1 in Grant's Pass, 1 at Gold Beach, 3 at other area(s) on the coast.
(4) 3 nights in Portland, 1 at Bend, 1 at Gold Beach (viewing Crater Lake NP on a long day from Bend to Gold Beach) and then 3 nights along the coast somewhere
(5) ????

From our experience, I'd go counterclock-wise and drive down the coast. You could begin or end with a couple of days around Portland to take in Gorge sights. Go over to Cannon Beach for a night or two and drive down the coast. (Schooner's Cove is a great place to stay, Pig-n-Pancake or Lazy Susan for breakfast, Driftwood for steak/salmon, Fireside for chowder.) Drive down the coast as far as you like and then over to Crater Lake. Agree you need to make reservations and the sooner the better, especially CB and near NP. Have a great trip--spectacular scenery on the Oregon Coast. We can't wait to return.

Philsbert, I thought you only had 7 nights total? The alternatives you're suggesting are all 8 nights--did you change your flights?

And one night in Gold Beach will not give you enough time to do the full day trip on the Rogue, which has the best wildlife viewing. So if that's your reason for going to Gold Beach, you need to schedule 2 nights there.

Texasjo's suggestion of going south down the coast is a good one.

Oops...my mistake. We had initially had 8 nights (Tu-Wed) but it ended up 7 nights (Wed-Wed). That makes things tougher. We have little interest in night life or fine dining, so staying in Hood River the 1st 2 nights may make more sense than Portland, maybe? That might give us a head start to cut out Bend and go directly to Crater Lake area from there and then stay 1 night in Grant's Pass. That would leave 4 nights to split up somehow on the coast.

Our reasoning for going clockwise was that we planned on doing more hikes in the early part of the trip (Columbia River Gorge/Bend area/Crater NP) and when we get to the coast doing a little less strenuous activities/more relaxation.

Schooner's Cove looks like a great place to stay but they have a 3 night minimum at that time of year.

phils, pardon me for butting in, but I may be doing something similar to you.

If you stay in the Mt. Hood area overnight, what routes are you planning to take to Crater Lake then on to Grant's Pass?

You're going to do all that in one day? Thanks.

I routed you to the gorge because the Airport is on the east side of Portland and puts you right there.
If you are arriving midday, you'll be getting to the coast at 5:00 or 6:00pm
at the earliest.
The cascades are all Volcanic, so take your pick of peaks to hike, if that's what interests you. I'm a lush foliage/redwoods/coast kind of guy, and not a high desert fan, so accept my predjudices.

It would be a long day with an early awakening and then OR 35 to US 26 to OR 97, then OR 138, then OR 232. AAA says it would take about 4.5 hours. From Portland taking I-5 to OR 58 and OR 97 etc. they say is 4 hours....half an hour faster. I would think the first route might be more scenic though.

bbq boy---I totally understand the routing and it makes sense. We will be heading out to the gorge once we get there. We are from Georgia so the desert and the Pacific coastal areas hold equal interest for us.

A question for anyone that has recently done the drive down OR 97....boring? Doable in a day, with a few stops for short hikes and pics?

I've taken 97 from Bend to 84 and it is boring but quicker. My best route is 84 to 35 to 26 ton 97 to Bend. I prefer the scenery and the time difference isn't that great. In Bend (assuming you want to be in the Cascades ie. Sisters, Bachelor, Three Finger Jack etc) take the Hwy 46 Loop which is a scenic Biway. South of Bend on 97 are the Lava bed attractions and right on the Hwy. (When you drive through the Warm Springs Reservation you may want to tune into the Indian Music Station for some local color!)

If you've never been rafting you may enjoy a trip through Big Eddy on the Deschutes R. You will get wet but....it is fun, safe and exciting. http://www.suncountrytours.com/river_rafting_adventures/Deschutes_River_Big_Eddy/

I agree with John. 97 to 84 is quicker, but really boring. We did this route over Christmas. 97 to26 to 35 is really scenic though and not much slower. That would be my pick. And the Big Eddy is a blast! We do that every summer and it never gets old.

SO many great things to do and so little time to do them. The "Big Eddy" rafting sounds like a blast, but our time is so limited we probably wouldn't be able to do it and still see Crater Lake AND make it to the coast.

At present I am thinking 2 nights at Hood River, a long drive to Crater Lake on our third day and then on to Grant's Pass for 3rd night and Gold Beach 4th night OR 2 nights at Gold Beach and then nights 5-7 at Yachats (or split Yachats and somewhere else?).

If you go up the gorge, dont forget to stop at Multnomah Falls

Sounds good--now the big question is, does Tu Tu Tun Lodge have room for you on the date(s) you'll be in Gold Beach? I don't know if your budget extends to a splurge like that but if so, it's very, very well worth it.

As far as whether you're further north than Yachats on night 7--what time is your flight the next day? That may determine it.

Since you've already decided you'll need another trip to Oregon <vbg> here are some ideas for next time. Make a loop from Portland through The Dalles and Baker City and the John Day area. The Dalles has an excellent small museum. Baker City has the Oregon Trail center, which we have visited several times because the Oregon Trail experience so captures my imagination. You can still see the ruts from the wagon trains. Eastern Oegon is totally different from what you'll see on your upcoming trip. We love it all, especially Oceanside on hte coast.

Sally

You might consider doing Portland for at least a couple days--it is one of the most lively U.S. cities with lots to see and do--gardens, theater, great dining--staying in a downtown area hotel will let you step out your door and take free transportation on the streetcars, light rail, and buses in the downtown area. You can go up the gorge to Hood River on an easy day trip and loop back around Mt. Hood--or you could cross the river into Washington and visit Mt. St. Helens area too.

The coast deserves to be explored leisurely, with overnights along the way. We enjoy the old fisherman's wharf area in Newport, and Yachats is just a short drive south of there. Florence to the south is also fun.

We have owned vacation property in Central Oregon for years, and it takes 3 hours to drive there from Portland. I think I'd make Central Oregon and Southern Oregon another trip so that you're not constantly in the car. Oregon is a big state!

Have fun! Sharon

Thanks for all the suggestions. I know that we will do another Oregon trip, but it's so hard to pick and choose for this one. I am even (slightly) considering cutting out Crater Lake and southern Oregon and folding that into a northern California trip some time in the future. See questions below:

The only thing I have decided for sure is to spend at least 2 nights at Yachats (Overleaf Lodge looks really neat), possibly our last 2 nights. Our flight leaves PDX ~ 2 PM. Could we wake up and drive to Portland in time to make the flight?

Not sure if there is availability at Tu Tu Tun. Is it expensive? We aren't really splurging on lodging (well, maybe at Overleaf) as we will be out hiking, walking, soaking up ambience hopefully as much of the time as possible.

Having a tough time finding a place with availability in the Gorge area. Best Western Hood River is booked up. Any suggestions? We will be heading down OR 35 from the Gorge so we thought Hood River would be a good place to stay overnight the first two nights.

Has anyone driven the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (126 to 242 circle west of Sisters)? I was reading it was a remarkably beautiful drive with lots of nice hikes. We would only be able to do it if we stick to central and northern OR and bypass Crater Lake/Gold Beach/southern Oregon altogether and headed to the central coast through Eugene. Our trip would then be something like 2 nights at the Gorge, 1 in Bend, 2 in Yachats and 2 someplace farther north on the coast. Would we sacrifice too much with this plan?

A fun place to stay might be the Edgeield Inn - it is not really in the Gorge but at the beginning of it and an easy drive to Gorge activities

Have stayed there several times

http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3&category=Location+Homepage

The McKenzie Pass/ Santiam area is beautiful scenery - and there are lots of great hikes in the area

Personally, I could easily spend a week in the area - hiking, biking etc - and I only live a couple of hours away
One of my fav hikes in the area is Iron Mountain - 300 varieties of wild flowers grow there and fabulous views from the top


http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/IronMountain_0000.asp

Driving tours are my favorites!

I feel the loop as described above by bbgboy puts you in the car just a few too many hours a day. This one still has a lot of seat time but it’s better, though it cuts out some incredible scenery… though any trip will. A lot of people from the east bite off more than they realize out here, while I love Crater Lake if you drop it you could save hundreds of miles and see other great stuff, but here it is:

1st day Wednesday: Portland to Hood River
Arrive at Airport Rent your car there, Drive E on I-84 up the Gorge see Multnomah Falls and stay in Hood River. If you arrive early this should be adjusted. What is your eta?

2nd Day Thursday: Hood River to Sunriver.
Hwy 97 This is the Columbia Plateau, see the ghost town of Shaniko, see Mirror Pond in Bend, dine at the Pine tavern, then drive another 20 miles to Sunriver. Two nights here – read that’s what you wanted, but it is difficult elsewhere on this itinerary.
Day 3 Friday: A local Day
Century Drive – the High Cascades Lake loop – Newberry Volcanic National Monument Visitors center on HWY 97 for a walk in the lava fields. Still a 100 Miles of driving, take the ski lift (yes, in summer) to the top of Mt. Batchelor. See the lakes.
Day 4 Saturday: Sunriver to Prospect
From Sunriver travel south again on Hwy 97 to Klamath Marsh and into the Crater Lake National Park Area. The North Entrance will LIKELY be snowed in clear into early July this year… check in advance and plan your route accordingly. Staying at Prospect Junction Hotel was an excellent suggestion – see my review at tripadvisor! (Crater Lake Lodge will already be booked but do take in a lunch or early dinner there.) If this is July 4th there are some adjustments to be made.
Day 5 Sunday: Prospect to Roseburg
Prospect across to Diamond Lake then down Hwy 138 descending along the North Umpqua River - welcome to God’s country. Schedule your white water rafting trip her – even older people like this. On down to Roseburg for the evening.
Day 6 Monday: Roseburg to Lincoln City,
Travel down the lower Umpqua River. Take in a dune buggy ride South of Florence. See Newport and see the Sea Lions, on up to Depoe Bay’s a great spot to take a short boat ride to see whales. Stay in Lincoln City at any of the beach front Motels.
Day 7 Tuesday: Lincoln City to Portland.
Here is your day to see the wine country of the Willamette valley. Consider using HW 99W through McMinnville and not I-5 nor Hwy 99E. See the Rose Gardens in the “West Hills” . Take a walk in Portland’s downtown district – see the waterfront. Take a trolley ride.
Day 8 – Fly home – take vacation when you get there because you will be tired!

Bob

Re: Has anyone driven the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (126 to 242 circle west of Sisters)? I was reading it was a remarkably beautiful drive with lots of nice hikes.

Yes - lots of times... it is known as the "Old McKenzie Highway" and is not the same as "Santiam Pass". Even Oregonians confuse these roads. I recommend it IF: One, it is only open in the summer. Two, last year rock slides closed it part of the summer and it was poorly marked as being closed. Three, it is not for trailers or motor homes it is very narrow. four - mosquitoes can make even a short walk unbearable at certain high lakes in July - go prepared. Be sure to see the elk across the road from Sisters High School when you get down to the town of Sisters! Or, you will get the same kinds of volcanic experiences at Newberry National Volcanic monument.

Re: Not sure if there is availability at Tu Tu Tun. Is it expensive?

Tu Tu Tun Lodge is world class place to stay and you would be positioned for a lower Rouge Jet Boat tour (From Gold Beach) which is somewhat better than the ones out of Grants Pass, but this will entail an awful large round trip. Trip advisor lists the Tu Tu Tun price at 115 - but will be more in the summer, if available at all.

bf, how would you categorize H62 and H58 during early September going from I-5 to Crater Lake?

Easy drive? Or narrow, lots of twists and turns, etc? Thanks.

RE: Author: travelinandgolfin
Date: 03/06/2008, 03:54 pm

bf, how would you categorize H62 and H58 during early September going from I-5 to Crater Lake?

Easy drive? Or narrow, lots of twists and turns, etc? Thanks.
-----------------------------------

Both are clear well maintained highways and neither present undue hazards. Hwy 62, which winds beside the upper Rouge River is spectacular, where as 58 is a wider, gentler and more more direct route from the north but will have more truck traffic. Where will you be coming from and going next would determine best route.

Bob

Since I have lived in Oregon all my life and since my family anscestors traveled The Oregon Trail in covered wagons in the 1800's and helped found towns and cities all across this state; since I know this state very intimately, might I make a few itinerary suggestions for your short visit here?

I suggest you make sure to pre-book ALL your lodging, car/suv rental and events booking, as much in advance as is possible! Rent the car from pick-up point at PDX to drop-off in Medford, Oregon.

I suggest you folks fly into Portland Airport/PDX and have a car or SUV rented at Enterprise Car Rentals at the PDX airport! For the four of you adults how about a nice mid-sized SUV at least? Most motel/hotel chains are very close by PDX. Rent the car/SUV and then get a good nights sleep at your motel/hotel, the day you fly-in to PDX.

Day 1 of your visit, get up early at your motel at PDX and travel the Columbia Gorge on the Oregon side of the river. Travel from your PDX motel via I -205 South, a couple miles to I-84 East. Easily accessible from I-84 are the spectacular Multnomah Falls. On up river easu access off I-84, you can visit Bonneville Dam, Hood River and The Dalles, Oregon. Lots of fun things to do if you want. When you've seen enough, you should have pre-booked motel accomodations in the Dalles or Hood River,Oregon.

On Day 2, from The Dalles or Hood River, you could travel back down I-84 to Cascade Locks, cross the Columbia River on "The Bridge of the Gods" to the Washington State side of the Columbia Gorge and travel west, down-river. You can stop and climb up to the top of Beacon Rock, below Bonneville Dam a few miles, and then travel on into Vancouver Washington and visit the Fort Vancouver National Monument, where the Old Fort Vancouver has been almost fully restored.

Once you are ready, you could come back across the Columbia River on the I-5 Interstate Bridge and stay at a pre-booked motel/hotel once across the river in Jantzen Beach or Hayden Island in North Portland. Might I suggest Red Lion Inn On the River, @ 909 N. Hayden Island Drive, Portland, Oregon. This motel is just across the I-5 interstate bridge from Vancouver, Washington, very easy to find, right off I-5!

Day 3, up early again, you could choose to get back on I-5 South and go downtown in Portland to visit OMSI, (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), or better yet; Take I-5 South from your hotel then take I-405 West bound over the beautiful bridge and go up into the West Hills to see the Portland Rose Gardens and Washington Park, The Zoo or whatever you want while in the park.

It's an easy return to the freeway and then travel west and take I-217 south to the Hiway 99W exit in Tigard, Oregon.
Travel West on Hiway 99W, through Oregons famed Willamette Valley Wine Country! You will travel 99W through Newberg, Dundee and McMinnville, Oregon. In Mac,
Take Hiway 18 west to Ocean Beaches.
This will bring you out on the Oregon Coast at Lincoln City.

You can enjoy the best ocean beach views and easy beach access, at the Ester Lee Motel, in Linclon City with pre-booked reservations! For the best ocean/beach views, may I suggest you pre-booking Rooms 110 and 210? Make sure to do dinner at Mo's Seafood Restaurant on the Bay, just a few blocks south from the Ester Lee Motel! Mo's, is a MUST DO lunch or dinner restaurant, anywhere you see it on the Oregon Coast!

Day 4, wake up early and take Hiway 101 south along the scenic Oregon Coast. Travel Hiway 101 through Newport, Waldport and over the cliffs of the infamous and beautiful Cape Perpetua!
While at Cape Perpetua, make sure to stop-in to all the roadside parks and scenic overview sites! Make sure you have your cameras out and ready! Make sure to visit "The Devils Punchbowl" park and walk the nice paved park trails along the coastline, there!
Make sure to stop-in and check-out the world famous Sea Lion Caves! All this is easy access from Hiway 101, as you travel south over and around Cape Perpetua!

Travel Hiway 101 on south thru Florence, Oregon and stay on 101 and travel south into Reedsport, Oregon.

Just across the Hiway 101 Bridge that crosses the Umpqua River into Reedsport, on your left-hand side, you will find the turns to travel East on Hiway 38 to Roseburg, Oregon.
It should be about mid-day when you reach Reedsport and there are any number of Restaurants there where you can eat a good lunch! (Of course, there are great mom & pop restaurants and plenty of fast food places and gas stations, shopping areas, curio shops, all along Hiway 101).

Then, after lunch in Reedsport, get on Hiway 38 and travel East up-river along the famous Umpqua River Hiway. At Elkton, Oregon, follow the road signs to travel East on Hiway 138 to Sutherlin and Roseburg, Oregon. You will still be following the scenic Umpqua River most of the way.

When you get into Sutherlin, Oregon, take I-5 South, and go about 12 more miles to Roseburg, Oregon. There are any number of nice chain motels in Roseburg. Might I suggest a pre-booked nights stay in The Windmill Inn there?

Day 5, up early, get the directions at the motel, and a map, and take the easy turns in Roseburg to Hiway 138 East - The world famous Diamond Lake/ North Umpqua Hiway?

Once on Hiway 138 East through Glide, Oregon, you will follow the North Umpqua River deep into the Cascade Mountains.

Once many miles up Hiway 138 from Glide Oregon, there are many roadside forest service parks, easy access for you walk in. May I suggest Susan Creek Park, or The Narrows Park, or for sure take plenty of time to check-out Steamboat Falls?
Near Steamboat Falls, the great western novelist Zane Grey had a cabin, where he wrote The Rogue River Feud, novel. I think you can still see his cabin, if you watch for the signs!

Travel on up Hiway 138 until you reach Diamond Lake at the top of the Cascade Mountains. Stop by the Diamond Lake Lodge and get a hearty lunch! Make sure to walk the docks and check out Diamond Lake and the snow-capped mountain peaks all around you!

From the lodge, it is a short drive on up Hiway 138 to get to the entrance of Crater Lake National Park.

From the park road, drive on up to the world famous Crater Lake lodge.
Drive the Crater Rim Drive Road, if you can....see Crater Lake from all angles, one of the seven natural wonders of the world!

Drive back to Crater Lake Lodge and once you are ready to leave, follow the signs to the road that will take you into Medford, Oregon.

Once in Medford, spend the night at any number of chain motels, the one you have pre-booked, along I-5 somewhere.

Day 6, why not get up early and Travel I-5 North a few miles to Grants Pass, Oregon?

Once in Grants Pass, drive to old Hiway 99 downtown and go south a short distance through town, until you get to the Hiway Bridge that crosses the Rogue River there. Along both sides of the river banks, you will see docks for the big river excursion boat trips down the Rogue River.

You can take one of the trips a few miles down river and back and spend a few hours of fun and see some gorgeous scenery!

If you pre-book the boat rides and get there early enough, you can be back into Grants Pass by mid-day. There are a number of great mom & pop restaurants in Grants Pass you won't want to miss-out on, for lunch!

IF you choose not to do the boat rides on the river, why not then
travel down the river on the Highway and go tour The Oregon Caves National Monument, if you want? Those caves are phenominal! Make sure to wear jeans and a warm jacket if you are planning on going through the Oregon Caves! You'll need em, for SURE!

At the end of the day you'll come back to Medford, Oregon and either stay at your motel another night there, or choose to continue on south on I-5 and go to Ashland, Oregon.

Once in Ashland, make sure to visit Lithia Park and why not take-in a play at the famous Shakesperian Festival Theatre or the Bowmar Theatre while in town? Make sure to taste some of Ashlands famous Lithia Waters, before you leave town.

You can either choose to pre-book a motel in Ashland, Oregon, or travel north on I-5 to the motel in Medford, Oregon.

Day 7, what you do now, depends on when you actually have to fly out of Oregon! If you don't have to leave until day 8, then there is still much fun you can have in the Medford, Oregon area!

If you have done your travel planning ahead of time and well, why not get tickets for a music concert day 7 night, at the Britt Festival Outdoor Aampitheatre in Jacksonville, Oregon? There is always great world-class music concerts going on at the Britt Festival in the summertime! Great Fun!

So, IF you don't have to fly-out of Oregon on day 7, why not travel a few short miles from Medford, to Jacksonville, Oregon and walk the city streets and relive the Gold Rush hey-days of this little late 1800's mining town? Check-out the museums there, and make sure to eat at the mom & pop restaurants there that serve some of the best food in Oregon! Once you've done enough sight seeing in Jacksonville, it should be about time for the concert at the Britt!

After the concert, return to Medford to your motel.

Day 7 or 8 you can catch any number of flights and air connections to any major city in the US, from the Medford Aiport. I know there will be at least direct connections to San Francisco airport, or north to PDX or Seattle and from those airports, anywhere in the world you want to go!

In all the car rental traveling, I tried not to have you on-the-road more than 3-4 hours at a time, before lunch break and then not over 2-3 hours more car travel to the next nights motel destination!

If you have 8 days in Oregon, you might want to book a motel in Reedsport, Oregon at the end of Day 4.
On Day 5, you can easily drive from Reedsport, Oregon to Roseburg Oregon in 2-3 hours time. Lunch in Roseburg and travel on up to Diamond Lake Lodge in 2-3 more hours time. Pre-book a stay at Diamond Lake Lodge Day 5 night.

Day 6, get up early, drive into Crater Lake NP and take all morning and early afternoon to check-out that NP. It's only about another 2 hours drive into Medford, Oregon.

Day 7 you can got to Grants Pass and take a boat ride, or go see the Oregon Caves and still get back to your motel in Medford in plenty of time to get a good nights rest.
You can fly-out of Medford Airpot on Day 8. Adjust your intinerary any way you want.
But the first 8-day itinerary will get you to some of the most scenic and best sights Oregon has to offer!

So how does this sound to you folks?

Hope this helps you out some!

I had a lovely stay for three nights at the Villa Columbia (www.villacolumbia.com)in Hood River last fall. Right in/near downtown so you can walk to restaurants and shops if you wish. Brian's Pour House was my dinner choice two nights, nice staff and good food. Loved the whole area! Have a great trip!

bf, thanks for the info.

How's about 138 along the Umpqua river? Easy drive? On google earth, it looks a bit more windy than 58?

Re: How's about 138 along the Umpqua river? Easy drive? On google earth, it looks a bit more windy than 58?
===================================
If I were in Eugene I might be tempted to go 58, but 138 isn't much longer because you can zip down to Roseburg on I-5 and east then up 138 is way prettier with waterfalls and the North Umpqua River - it is truly a beautiful drive. Windy - some but mostly 55mph as with Hwy58. Did you say "going in May" somewhere?? North entrance to Crater Lake will still be closed so 138 to 230 to 62 is your best route in. Try to head west on 62 and see the Upper Rogue on your way back out if possible too.

No idsrespect meant, but a few comments on jibboom1's itinterary.

If you head out to the gorge, do not take I-84 to Multnomah Falls. Get off at either exit 17 (troutdale) or exit 22(corbett) and take the old scenic highway to Multnomah Falls. The scenery is a thousand times better than from the freeway, and you can stop at some pretty great places along the way.

Also, staying at Jantzen Beach area would be the last place I would suggest for a visitor.

And for getting onto HWY 99 from 217, no way would I do that. It is stop and go all the way through Tigard. Much better to head all the way down til I-5 and get off at either of the Wilsonville exits and then cut over to 99W.

jibboom1...thank you for that extremely detailed and thorough itinerary. It sounds great but we are stuck with arrival and departure at PDX. Right now some possible itineraries are :

#1 Whirlwind Tour
Wed afternoon and Thursday: Gorge and stay in Hood River.
Friday: Hood River to Crater Lake, stay at Prospect Hotel.
Saturday: Prospect to Gold Beach.
Sunday: Gold Beach
Monday: Yachats
Tuesday: Yachats to Lincoln City
Wednesday: Portland

#2 Slightly Less Whirlwind Tour
Wed/Thursday: Hood River
Friday: Bend or Sunriver
Saturday: Prospect or Grant's Pass (viewing Crater Lake on the trip from
Bend)
Sunday/Monday: Yachats
Tuesday night: Lincoln City or Depoe Bay? someplace farther up the coast
Wed: to PDX

#3 Alternate Slightly Less Whirlwind Tour
1st two nights night in Hood River
3rd at Prospect or Grant's Pass (short visit to view Crater Lake on long day)
4th at Gold Beach
5th, 6th nights in Yachats
7th night farther up the coast nearer to Portland (?Lincoln City)


#4 North Oregon Only Option
Wed./Thur: Hood River hiking and viewing the Gorge area.
Friday: travel down to Bend through the Mt. Hood area getting in a hike, stay that
night around Bend
Saturday: hike/view Old McKenzie Hwy then over to the coast to Yachats.
Sat. and Sunday nights in Yachats
Mon and Tue. nights at Depoe Bay or Lincoln City
Wed. AM drive to PDX airport with flight leaving at 2 PM

#5 Alternate North Oregon Only
Wed./Thur. in Hood River hiking and viewing the Gorge area.
Friday travel down to Bend through the Mt. Hood area getting in a hike, stay that
night around Bend
Saturday hike/view OR 242 to OR 26 to US 20 then over to Corvallis or US 20 to OR
126 over to Eugene for Saturday night
Sunday and Monday nights in Yachats
Tue. nights at Depoe Bay or Lincoln City
Wed. AM drive to PDX airport with flight leaving at 2 PM

#6 An itinerary partially recommended by bfrazier (see above)
1st day Wednesday: Portland to Hood River
2nd Day Thursday: Hood River to Sunriver.
Day 3 Friday: A local Day in SUnriver/Bend area.
Day 4 Saturday: Sunriver to Prospect
and into the Crater Lake National Park Area. Stay at Prospect Junction Hotel.
Day 5 Sunday: Prospect to Yachats via Roseburg Hwy 138 descending along the North Umpqua
River - stay in Yachats.
Day 6 Explore Yachats area. Stay at Yachats
Day 7 Tuesday: Drive to Lincoln City stopping along the way, stay in Lincoln City.
Day 8 Wednesday Drive from Lincoln City to PDX.

bf......we'll be going in early September. What is the best time of day to play golf in Bandon (less chance of rain and fog)?


mms......I forgot what you told me before, but to avoid traffic from Portland to Mckinnville and back to Portland, what was the route to take again? I think somewhere around Sherwood, it was bad?


Thanks.

travelinandgolfin--Yes, from the north edge of Sherwood on up the traffic is horrendous. Take I-5 to the North Wilsonville exit, and head right (west). At second light take a left onto Day Street. Go to the intersection and take a right onto Grahams Ferry. Go roughly a half mile or so, and take a left onto Tonquin. Warning...you will think you are lost here, but you are not, lol! Follow that all the way to the end, and take a left onto Oregon Street. Go through the roundabout, taking the 2nd exit onto Murdock. Go up the hill. At the 4 way stop, take a right onto Sunset. Follow that for 2 miles and when you see the YMCA, that is where hwy 99w is. Take a left, and then the wineries begin in about 2 miles. This backroad way is really easy, and very few cars.

i'd add one strong suggestion: contact the AAA in Portland before you actually begin to drive! There's always summer construction and this year's slides won't have helped.
Also- 101 (coast highway) is always slow in summer. Everyone has to look at the view - you'd probably want to get out and look, too. Allow time...
Many great little parks on the coast for a picnic lunch.
May you avoid fog and have a great time.

mms....thank you for the tip! What about McMinnville back to Portland? Actually, it will be McMinnville to Multnomah falls to begin the gorge drive. Thanks again.

All the scenic pullouts are why we like to drive the coast north to south. Easy in and out as opposed to having to turn left plus you are driving on the ocean side and the views are spectacular. Do allow for time driving the coast as the going can be slow.

Does it really make that much of a difference driving N to S or S to N on the coast regarding catching the beauty of the drive?

I stayed in Portland and did a side trip to the Willamette Valley which has great wines. Oregon is famous for their Pinot Noir's and Pinot Gris. In town, I remember a Brew Pub which had a wonderful assortment of local wines to taste (I forget the name of the restaurant, but we really enjoyed it).

We are from the SE but just bought a summer home on the coast in Washington. We would recommend the Columbia River area in fall, but for mid-summer I would head for the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast is 353 miles long and the state has an excellent brochure that tells you what to see mile by mile. There is a new Lewis & Clark National Park in Ilwaco, WA which is on the Pacific where the Columbia River enters the ocean. There are lovely lighthouses and scenic harbors. The mailboat on the Rogue River was a delightful trip, and although Crater Lake is nice, you might want to check out Oregon Caves National Park. Getting there you may travel thru parts of the Redwood National Park which is fabulous as well. Staying near the coast will be much cooler than traveling inland.

travelinandgolfin--From Mac out to MFalls, go north on 99, take a right onto Sunset, left onto Murdock, go through taffic circle and take first exit out of the circle onto Oregon, then a quick right onto Tonquin. At the end, take a right onto Grahams Ferry, then a left onto Day, then a right onto Boones Ferry. Get onto I-5 going north. Take the I-205 exit, and stay on that til I-84 heading east toward the Dalles. Once on 84, get off at either exit 17 (troutdale) or exit 22(corbett) and follow the old scenic highway. it will take you right to MF lodge and the falls.

Philsbert, I like your first itinerary the best, but I'd stay in Yachats 2 nights. As long as you're willing to get on the road by 9 AM or so, you'd be at PDX by noon-ish, in plenty of time to catch your 2 PM flight.

I personally wouldn't recommend Lincoln City as a place to stay on the coast in any event.

Have you found a place in Hood River yet? It's very simple and could use some updating, but the Vagabond Lodge has view rooms and very inexpensive. Then you can take the money you save there and splurge at Tu Tu Tun, which is expensive but oh so worth it .

Philsbert1,

I think you're absolutely right in keeping this short trip to Northern Oregon! Then, plan the next trip to take-in the sights in Southern Oregon!

When I first posted my reply to you, there were not yet that many reply postings.

Anyway, you now understand, when thinking about vacationing in Oregon, to pre-book and reserve all lodging & events ASAP!

On this trip, try your best not to let your gas tank levels get down past half a tank! Whenever you get down to a half tank, fill it up ASAP!
You will be traveling long stretches of hiways through scenic Oregon country-side or wilderness areas, with few gas stations!

Might I suggest, since this short trip, you are stuck to flying-in and out of Portland/PDX, the following itinerary suggestions?:

Wed. Day 1: fly into PDX arriving PDX as early in the AM as you can, around 7-8AM, if possible! Once in PDX, get a decent breakfast and a big shot of your fav brew of Java-Joe at little PDX restarants or coffee shops. Go to Enterprise Car rents and rent a nice mid-sized SUV 4 wheel drive, or at least and all- wheel drive vehicle.

From PDX terminal, take NE Airport Way East and take I-205 Southbound from PDX. Go 3-5 miles south and take I-84 Eastbound until you get into Troutdale, Oregon. Then look for Lewis & Clark Park signs. You will note then too, FWY exit signs for: SE Crown Point Hwy and/or the Historic Columbia River Hiway. Just quit I-84E and get on this old Highway and stay on it! You are in for a breath-taking scenic beauty travel treat you'll not soon forget!

You will also note, once on this old Highway that it may be called SE Crown Point Hwy on signs, the first 4-5 miles after your exit off of I-84. This is fine, the first 4-5 miles or so. Keep in mind that; you want to follow all signs that say Historic Columbia River Hiway. You will be traveling this old scenic hiway, Eastbound &/or up-river.

Make sure to stop at Crown Point and get your cameras out! Check-out the world famous vistas of most of the Columbia Gorge from there!

Then get back on Historic Columbia River Highway and travel eastbound again. Many miles later, this old scenic Hiway will rejoin I-84 at Mulnomah Falls. On the way there, make sure to stop and check-out all the scenic vistas and parks along the way!

Once you have hiked up to the bridge that overlooks Multnomah Falls, seen what you want there; then, get back on I-84 Eastbound and make sure to stop at Bonneville Dam & Locks, the many parks along I-84 and if I were you, I'd try to advance book reservations into any of the hotels/motels others have mentioned here, in Hood River, Oregon.

Day 2 - Thursday, from Hood River, get back on I-84 Eastbound and travel a few more miles East to The Dalles Oregon.

You might want to check-out the Oregon Trail historic museums or parks here because The Dalles, Oregon was one of the last major stopping places on the Old Oregon Trail. So, this little town is rich with History! However, I wouldn't take too much time in The Dalles this day.

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and get a belly full of good food in The Dalles. Then, follow the signs to Hiway 197 South/Bend.

Hiway 197 will take you South through Tygh Valley and Maupin, Oregon. Many miles below Maupin, at the little crossroads of Axford, Hiway 197 merges with and becomes Hiway 97.

Continue on southbound on Hiway 97 and when you see the signs to Cove Palisades State Park, this park is well worth going out of your way a few miles to see! Once you've driven the park, go out and took pics,seen the park and rested your legs a bit, retrace your route back out to Hiway 97 South, and travel on south.

Travel South on Hiway 97 and follow the signs to Smith Rock State Park, which is very close to Redmond, Oregon. This park is beautiful!

When done at Smith Rocks Park, go back to Hiway 97 south in Redmond.
From there, travel Hiway 97 south the last few miles, into Bend, Oregon. While in Bend, see the sights.

In the late afternoon, make sure to fill your tank with gas before you leave Bend. Get back on Hiway 97, and travel a couple miles north until you see the signs for US Hiway 20 Westbound- to Sisters, Oregon.
Travel westbound on US 20W about 20 miles or so, until you get to Sisters, Oregon. Find your Motel/Hotel and then go check-out Sisters, Oregon! A cool little town!
I suggest you lodge at some of the accomodations others here have told you about in Sisters, and for sure take-in the Restaurants they have told you of! Please eat at the mom & pop restaurants you see a lot of vehicles parked around! That will be the best eats in town!

Day 3, Friday: up early, dress in warm clothing and fill your vehicle tank with gas and ask the station attendant in Sisters whether Hiway 242 - the Old Mckenzie Pass Hiway is open for thru-travel. It should be by July. Make sure to get a hearty breakfast in Sisters, before you leave town, buy and pack along a good BIG hearty lunch for you all!

At the west end of Sisters, Oregon you will see signs for Hiway 242W - The Old McKenzie River Hiway. If the road is open, take this Hiway.
This old scenic Hiway is about 36-40 miles long. About 20 miles into it, at the top of the Cascade Mountain divide, you will want to stop and hike the trails through the lava beds and check-out the break-taking beautiful volcanic and alpine mountain scenery from the pavillion made of Lava that is there near the hiway!

Then drive on west 2-3 miles until you get to Frog Campgrounds. This is part of the Pacific Crest -Cascade Crest trail. It depends on what time of morning you get to Frog Campground, as to whether I'd take any of these trails and hike them. There is still a long drive to Florence and the beach, to make today! The short hike on the trail north of Frog Campground to Tenas Lake is cool, IF you really have the time to do the hike and not be exhausted for the rest of the trip to the motel on the coast today!

IF you chose to hike ANY trails from Frog Campgrounds, you MUST be in jeans and warm cloths, good hiking boots, have heavy coats w/you, a good First Aid kit/snake-bite kit, (Western Diamond-back and Timber Rattlers), always take enough food and water to do a hike in and back to your vehicle! Realize: these trail hikes will get moderately difficult not far from Frog Campground, whether you go north or south. Very pretty scenery either direction. Just don't go far without good topo-maps of this very area and a good working compass! This IS wilderness reaches! NO PLACE to get lost or hurt! No help anywhere near-by!

Make sure to check-out the Lava tubes and the edge of the lava flows that make the tall eastern border of Frog Campground parking area! These lava tubes and formations is worth the whole stop at Frog Campgrounds, as far as I'm concerned!

When done, get back on Hiway 242W and drive very slowly, windows down for good clear/quick cam shots of some spectacular scenery!

About 18-20 miles farther down the pass, Hiway 242 intersects with Hiway 126 - the McKenzie River Hiway, about 3-4 miles above McKenzie Bridge, Oregon.

Travel Hiway 126 West. Take Hiway 126 and travel west completely through Eugene, Oregon. Stay on Hiway 126 and follow the signs to Hiway 126 to Florence/Ocean Beaches.
This hiway will take you West out of Eugene, through Venita, Noti and on through the beautiful Coast Range Mountains & thru Mapleton, Oregon. Stay on Hiway 126 West at Mapleton and follow the signs to Florence Oregon. It's about 60-70 miles from Eugene to Florence, Oregon.

I would have a motel/hotel booked with beach view/access in Florence. There's about any brand of nice chain motels and lodging you want, in Florence.

Day 4-Saturday: Up early, walk the beach at Florence, near your Motel! When hungry, go eat breakfast in Florence at any number of places along Hiway 101. Then take Hiway 101 North.

Make sure to check-out Cape Perpetua a few miles north of Florence on Hiway 101.
You will want to check-out The Sea Lion Caves on the south side of Cape Perpetua!

Once back out on Hiway 101 North from the Sea Lion Caves turn-out, go real slow, keep your cameras ready and make sure to stop at every pull-out and scenic overview, every little park, as you follow Hiway 101 North, up, over and around Cape Perpetua. on the northern end of the Cape, Devils Punchbowl in the Devils Elbow Park and beach is a MUST STOP, hike and scenic pic stop!

Then, continue on north on Hiway 101
and check-out Carl C. Washburne Park and the beaches you have access to there.

Get back on Hiway 101 northbound after and travel a few miles further to Neptune State Park and check it out if you want.

Continue on up Hiway 101 North, the last few mmiles to Yachats, Oregon. Once in Yachats, check into your motel/hotel, then go check-out the town! Make sure to go down and check-out the docks and Marina there and check-out the ocean scenery around there for sure!

Day 5- Sunday, up anytime you feel like it and do whatever you want near-by Yachats, Oregon. Travel back down 101 to Neptune or other beach access parks and walk the Oregon Beaches for awhile! Travel north on 101 a few miles to Walport Oregon and walk the hiway sidewalks to see the Bay and walk the beautiful Alsea River Bay Bridge there at Waldport. Check-out Waldport, its a neat little costal town!

Day 6-Monday: Get a good breakfast in Waldport a few miles north of Yachats on Hiway 101 then hit Hiway 101 and travel on North until you start coming into Newport Oregon.

On the south side of the Newport bay, make sure to go into the huge Marine Science Aquarium there! It is an outstanding MUST SEE EvERY PART OF IT- stop!

(A Side Note: Once on the Oregon Coast, you cannot top the great food at Mo's Family seafood restaraunts, anwhere you see them! There are a couple Mo's Restarants In Newport).

While in Newport, if you have the time, take the side trip down along the old Bay/cannery docks on Newport Bay! You'll see the signs for this, right after you cross the Hiway 101 Bay Bridge into Newport itself!

Once you've seen what you want in Newport,I would get back on Hiway 101 North and travel a short distance, maybe 2-3 miles out of Newport City Limits, until you see the signs for Beverly Beach State Park. Go into this park and walk the trails to the beach, under the hiway bridge. These are beautiful long beaches here. Some of my fav ocean beaches in Oregon!

Get back on Hiway 101 North, and make sure to stop and check-out Depoe Bay, Oregon. Great restaurants and gift shops here!(It might look fun @ Depoe Bay, but if I wanted to take a safe fishing boat ride out on the ocean, I'd do it out of Newport, Oregon, NOT Depoe Bay!)

Stay on Hiway 101 and travel to Lincoln, City. I think I'd check into the Ester Lee Motel on the south end of Lincoln City, Oregon and then go back down to the bay at the south end of town a few blocks, take SW 51st Street towards the beach and get a bite to eat at Mo's Seafood Restarant there. If it's open, make sure to buy some salt water taffy at the little red and white trimmed candy shop, across the street from Mo's! Make sure to take a sunset stroll out on Mo's docks and take a sunset stroll onto the beach at the end of the street at Mo's parking lot! It's all really close-by Mo's!

Day 7- Tuesday - It depends upon whether you have to fly out of Portland PDX early the next day or not, as to what you do in Lincoln City this day.

If you have to take a morning flight out of PDX the next day, then on this Tuesday, I'd just plan to check-out Lincoln City and the Chinook Winds Casino this morning, eat lunch at the Buffet restaurant in the casino, then get back on Hiway 101 North....and follow the directions from Lincoln City for LAST DAY or Day 7 below, and take Hiway 18 back to Portland and your motel/hotel, pre-booked at Portland/PDX airport.

If you don't have to fly out of PDX until late in the afternoon/early evening of Wed., then on this Day 7 -Tuesday, I'd drive Hiway 101 through Lincoln City and check-out any of the shops or sights that interested me in Lincoln City! Make sure to go to Chinook Winds Casino and eat at their buffet style restaurant there, which has outstanding good food! If, after a day of shopping or beach combing at Lincon City, I got hungry again, I would eat at Sambo's Restaurant just a short distance south on Hiway 101 from the Casino, which is located near the north end of Lincon City. When I'd had enough, I'd return to my room at the Easter Lee Motel and get a good nights sleep.

Wednesday or LAST DAY: up early, on Hiway 101 North through Lincoln City. About 3-5 miles north of Lincoln City on Hiway 101, you will see the signs for Hiway 18 to McMinnville or Portland, Oregon.

Travel Hiway 18 through the Coast Range Mountains until you get to McMinnville, Oregon. There, take Hiway 99W traveling Eastbound through Mac and on through the towns of Lafayette, Dundee and Newberg, Oregon, staying on 99W traveling Eastbound.

Stay on 99W from Newberg,traveling Eastbound, until it connects with I-5 in Tigard, Oregon.

Travel I-5 Northbound from Tigard, until you get into Portland, Oregon. On I-5 take all the signs to I-5 North/Seattle until you get just over the double-decker Marquam I-5 Bridge. Then, at the foot of this bridge, take the righthand exit off of I-5 onto I-84 Eastbound.

Travel I-84 Eastbound, a few miles, until you see the exit signs for I-205 Northbound. Take I-205 Northbound about 5-6 miles until you see the signs for NE Airport Way and follow the signs to Enterprise car rentals. Drop your vehicle off there, take their shuttle to the terminal and catch your flight out of PDX!

How does this sound? It doesn't have you traveling too far any one day, saving for maybe Day 3, when you will travel from Sisters to Florence Oregon. Still, there are plenty of scenic stops and such!

Think an itinerary like this might would work for you?

I've had a lot of FUN trying to answer your questions and maybe helping you out some! Thank you!

(Last Notes: If you plan to take-in Crater Lake N.P. on your second, longer trip to Oregon; by all means you will WANT to stay at the world famous original Crater Lake Lodge a couple of nights! If you want to stay at the origianlCrater Lake Lodge, then understand...they are booking a full 9 months to 1 year in advance! So, depending upon when your second trip to Oregon will be,if its within the next year or so,you might want to call the Crater Lake Lodge and book those Room reservations NOW!
While you are booking a room at the lodge, most definitely see if you can get a nice room with a lake view, on the second or top floor of the lodge.
You should be able to get a lake view room with its own bathroom attached. Other rooms share a bath.
Expect to pay $150.00 a night for one of these nice, big rooms at the lodge. But, its worth every penny! You'll NEVER forget your stay in this old lodge, I guarantee you! The food at the lodge restaurant is GREAT! The views of Crater Lake from the lodge, are fantastic! Just a few thoughts and ideas for your next trip to Southern Oregon! Thank you!)

Philsbert1,

jibboom1 outlines a truly exceptional itinerary - I agree 100%, as long as you come back some other time for the rest.

Bob

jibboom, nice itinerary!

Couple questions.

The Scenic highway past the Columbia Gorge only goes up to Multnomah falls, then you merge back to the main freeway? I was under the impression that it went all the way up the gorge to Hood River.

I booked a lakeside room at Crater Lake Lodge. From your post though, do I take it that some rooms SHARE a bath??

jibboom 1--- thanks for the extremely complete and interesting sounding itinerary. Wow. You should be a travel consultant. And thanks to everyone else as well. We will take a closer look at all the suggestions, but I think we are going to stick with just doing the northern part of the state with this trip. If we get a "wild hair" and decide to take a day's drive just to "see" Crater Lake NP", we may do so, but I think limiting it to the northwest quadrant makes more sense with our limited time available. Yachats and Hood River accommodations reservations will be our first priority, and I will check into Vagabond Lodge.

Travelinandglofin,

You asked the following questions of me in your last post here! If you have the time, I would like to answer them! I will attempt to answer each question in context, after each question you ask, okay?

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Author: travelinandgolfin
Date: 03/10/2008, 02:46 am

jibboom, nice itinerary!

Couple questions.

The Scenic highway past the Columbia Gorge only goes up to Multnomah falls, then you merge back to the main freeway? I was under the impression that it went all the way up the gorge to Hood River.

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No, I'm sorry the Scenic Hiway denoted above, does not go all the way through, up the gorge. Last few years, I heard they were working on opening-up new sections of the old highway, but it still does not go all the way thru.

You are correct, in that the old Historic Scenic Hiway does continue on, about 5 miles or so farther up-river, from Multnomah Falls. Mostly though, it parrallels I-84 and most of that section is within sight of 1-84. Still, the old Scenic Highway does bring you through Ainsworth State Park, which is beautiful, a MUST SEE park....just before the hiway intersects with I-84 again; so I would take this last short section, if I were you! It's worth it!

Most of the old scenic highway is not accessible from Ainsworth Park, on up past Bonneville Dam and up I-84 well past Hood River, Oregon. This is because they used some stretches of the old Scenic Highway roadbed, as a base for I-84.

Other stretches of the old Highway are still closed because tunnels have collapsed or slides had filled them in, old concrete bridges are crumbling and unsafe, un-passable through having no use at all for 50 years or so.
However, as I noted formerly herein, there is a movement afoot, several groups trying to raise funds, (which will take millions of $$), to go in and repair the whole hiway, as much as is left they can, to get it open again. I haven't recently heard, how far they are along with these plans, raising that kinda money and etc.

However, a few miles East of Hood River on I-84, you will come to the little town of Mosier, Oregon. Here, you will find exit signs for US 30 the Old Historic Columbia Scenic Highway! You can travel this section quite a few miles, and it intersects with I-84 again at Rowena, Oregon. However, if you watch the signs closely and stay on old Hiway 30, I think they have opened-up the old scenic hiway on through to The Dalles, Oregon, (which is not that far up-river from Rowena!)

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I booked a lakeside room at Crater Lake Lodge. From your post though, do I take it that some rooms SHARE a bath??

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Well, they should've told you when you booked. My guess is, if it's a full sized double bed lake side/lake view room, then it probably has it's own bath.

You see, Crater Lake Lodge was built in the 1920's or 1930's and 2-4 of the non-view rooms at the end of some hallways, do share a bathroom. Just depends on where they are located in the lodge.

I would simply call the number you used to reserve your room and ask them if your room has it's own bath! If it doesn't have its own bath, there may have been a cancellation or another lake view room with its own bath, that is still open for you to rent! Worth a call at least!

I hope this helps answer your questions! They have sure been fun for me to answer!
Thank you!