chriskd

This is our second family vacation to Oregon and need advice on itinerary. Trip is ten days in mid August, First night we arrive at 10pm, will stay at a hotel near airport. Not sure where yet. Next day drive to Columbia Gorge/Hood River. (thinking full day, drive to Mt Hood , stay one night (hotel suggestions?), Next day visit Ski Bowl (girls ages 14&17 should enjoy). Then off to Bend area-maybe Sunriver-we were there last trip and loved it, but another suggestion for a nice place would be great. Thinking 3-4 days in Bend, including a day trip to Crater Lake. From Bend drive to Salem (stopping along the way) and then to Portland. Need a place to stay in Portland for 2-3 nights.
Hotel suggestions would be helpful, Decent budget(not into motels), thinking about Mcmenamis just wondering if appropriate for teenagers. Also do not want share baths.
Last visit we did the Southern Coast, Rogue River, Sand Dunes in Reedsport, Sunriver.
We didnt get to Crater Lake or Portland or Willamette Valley or Mt Hood. So we are trying to hit more of the spots we missed.
Ideas for must see/do in the area.
All help appreciated!

tomfuller

Once you leave Bend/Sunriver for Crater Lake, don't go back.
Go onward from Crater Lake to Ashland. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is still going on. https://www.osfashland.org/experienc...y-tickets.aspx
There are plenty of plays other than Shakespeare performed.
From Ashland head up I-5 to Salem. See if you can get a tour of the Capitol building. When we visited a few years ago they wouldn't let us into the rotunda because of an earlier earthquake and they weren't sure the golden man on top of the dome wasn't going to come down.
Go to McMinnville to the Evergreen Aviation Museum to see the "Spruce Goose" and other cool flying machines.
In Portland the Mark Spencer hotel (not cheap) is an impressive place. It is across the street from Ken & Zukes Deli and several blocks south of Powell's Books.

happytrailstoyou

You really can't do Crater Lake justice as a day trip.

In Hood River we like to stay at the Best Western, which is the only hotel there with rooms right on the river. However, it not a "budget" hotel.

This web site offers rooms in Portland with breakfast and parking included: http://www.travelportland.com

HTtY

sunbum1944

I agree the Best Western is Hood River is a good choice- nice setting, easy access to activities.

In the Bend area you can't beat Sunriver. The Old St Francis School in Bend is fun ( an old catholic school turned into a hotel with a restaurant, movie theatre, soaking pool) but my first choice would be SR with all the activities that are available.

In Portland check out The Inn at Northrup Station - its a little funky with bright colors but great location and parking is free. Its only on the streetcar line and I believe the hotel gives you free passes for the streetcar.

The Bend area has so much to do - its endless. Have yu tried a raft trip? Suncountry Tours in Sunriver can arrange- the Big Eddy is a very fun one.

Interested in trying a flat water kayak? Not sure if Suncountry arranges those but I assume they do - or Tumalo kayak in Bend- or from Sunriver you can drive to Elk Lake where there are kayak rentals ( and paddle boards) and just do your own thing.
Sparks Lake is beautiful for a kayak trip- you can see 3 snow capped mountain when you are out on the lake.

Like hiking? Between Crater Lake and Roseburg there are many waterfalls that you can easily hike to- most of these are very easy walks- my favorite is Watson Falls. it is a little more uphill than some but so worth it.

Did you visit the Lava Caves when you in Oregon the last time- I think that is something the gigs might enjoy- not far from Sunriver.

There's a few ideas

sunbum1944

Forgot to mention another favorite - Smith Rock- in the Redmond area. World famous for rock climbing and has some nice hikes- along a beautiful little river- you will see climbers hanging from the rocks- pretty interesting to watch- I think you can even take a lesson there if that appeals to you- not me for sure!