Linlins

My boyfriend and I are planning an Oregon road trip at the end of September, beginning of October. We are in our 30's/40's and are quite active, we're looking forward to doing quite a bit of hiking. My passion is photography and we love our food and drink. I'd love some advice on places not to miss, good hikes, nice places to stay (we like cabins, b&b's, and I guess our budget is around $100), and good restaurants.
Our lose plan is to start in Portland, go down the coast where we'll stop at some of the small town including the dunes park. We'll continue into CA to see the Redwoods and then loop back up to do Oregon Caves and then do Crater Lake. After this we're not sure wether to go up through the forest or east to Hells Canyon.
In total we will have 12-13 days.
Thanks in advance for you advice!

Michael

I would definitely try to see the lava fields in the mountains east of Eugene. You might get some ideas from these pictures, most of which are geo-mapped.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622981132189/

The general order is the reverse from your trip: up the coast and down the Cascades.

happytrailstoyou

It sounds like a great trip. Our favorite towns to stay on the coast are Cannon Beach, Newport, Yachats, Bandon and Brookings.

The NE corner of Oregon is beautiful and quiet with the towns of Enterprise and Joseph surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains--well worth a visit.

HTTY

rolncathy

That sounds like a good itinerary. We live near Bandon and love all the coast has to offer - well, maybe not all of the wind. You might add Charleston (west of Coos Bay) to the mix. There are usually sea lions and harbor seals in the harbor, and at Cape Arago where you can see them for free - unlike Sea Lion Caves. The seafood is fresh at the restaurants. We prefer the more casual eating at the Sea Basket and Fisherman's Grotto for lunch or dinner. Heading south along the coast makes it easier to turn off the road for those "not to be missed" photo opportunities. When you head back north allow some time for the town of Bend after leaving Crater Lake. The High Desert Museum just south of town is wonderful. Back to the coast. We have stayed a few times at the Inn at Arch Rock in Depoe Bay. It looks out over the bay, has a nice breakfast and won't break the bank. Each room is decorated a bit differently, with home made quilts on the beds. There are resident whales that often put in an appearance along that section of coast. We are getting unseasonable rain this year. Normally September is one of our best months, but not this year. Be sure to pack a poncho or rain coat.

babylon

if you're looking for a place near Crater Lake, we stayed at Crater Lake B+B (866)517-9560 which was close to the park entrance. We spent a full day at the lake and I was worried that there wouldn't be enough to do, but every view was different and beautiful. The park is kind of out of the way, and a long drive since we were coming from Salem.

Linlins

Thanks for all the info so far. This forum is so helpful in planning a trip.
rolncathy- thanks for the heads up about the weather, hopefully it will all get it out of the system before we arrive, but if not, c'est la vie. Am excited about the idea of seeing whales, I thought it might be a bit too early in the season, is it worth doing a whale watching trip? Thanks as well for the advice on the sea lions, saw the caves advertised and was a bit put off, glad there will be an opportunity to see them more naturally.
babylon-I'll check out Crater Lake B&B.

passerbye

You'll also almost always see sea lions on the bayfront docks in Newport. Just follow the barking noise. You'll often see them on the rocks below a roadside pullout just north of Sea Lion Caves too. Can't miss it; there will be other cars there, and lots of people with cameras pointed at Haceta Head Lighthouse.

As for whales though, those rolncathy is referring to are resident, and don't migrate. They may or may not be in the area at the time you're here. So I wouldn't get my hopes up. And ask if there have been recent sightings before booking a whale watch trip.

Yeah, bring rain gear. And layers. Always a good idea on the Oregon coast.

NWWanderer

i would definitely suggest that you consider spending time in the bend area after crater lake. i'm here now after not having visited for a while, and i'd forgotten exactly how stunningly gorgeous it is here especially when the sun is out, which is more likely to happen over on this side of the mountains. went to the newberry crater volcanic monument today--very dramatic lava fields with wonderful views of at least 5 or 6 snow covered volcanic peaks.

sunbum1944

Crater Lake area I like staying at the Prospect Hotel in the small town of Prospect and not far from Crater Lake - they serve an amazing breakfast as well

As you drive the coast from Portland down, a great place to stop is Heceta Head lighthouse-
my favorite beach, there is a nice trail up to the lighthouse and behind the lighthouse is another trail that takes you to a secluded beach accessible only by walking , there is a trail map close to the lighthouse.

I love the Wallowa Mt area and Hells Canyon - very spectacular - we did jet boats on the Snake River and we saw lots of bears.

If hiking is what you like, there are endless choices- Bend, as suggested has many areas to hike. One very nice hiking area is Smith Rock- world famous for rock climbing- but also hiking trails

An interesting place to stay in Newport is the Sylvia Beach hotel - on the beach, its rather eclectic and old, advertised as a place for book lovers and each room is named after an author.

The room comes with a great breakfast /dining room has great ocean views.
The best deal is that they have a dorm for men and women- costs $25/nt in a shared room and includes breakfast- guess that doesnt work for a couple though.

Another favorite hike is Silver Falls State Park east of Salem- 12 waterfalls in a 7-8 mile hike. This time of year some of the smaller falls may not have much water going over
but will still be nice. There is a visitors center at the main parking lot where you can get maps, buy snacks and they usually have a fire going in a big stone fireplace . Nice place to relax after a hike.