Portland, Or. to Seattle & Vancouver Canada and Back
May 5th, 2016, 05:51 AM
#1
Portland, Or. to Seattle & Vancouver Canada and Back
We have traveled extensively in the United States but never had a chance to visit the Pacific Northwest. We have managed to find the time for early this Summer.
Our initial plan is to make a circle as follows :
Day 1
- Arrive at Portland Oregon about noon or early afternoon from Chicago
- Stay night at Portland
Day 2
- 84 to Dalles
- 97 to Yakima
- 12 to Mt. Rainier
- Stay first night somewhere on this route
Day 3
- To Seattle
- Night at Seattle
Day 4
- Vancouver, Canada
Night at Vancouver
Day 5
- Ferry to Victoria, Canada
- Ferry to United States
- Route 101 South
- Stay night on route 101
Day 6
-Route 101
Stay close to Portland, OR
Day 7
- Drive to Portland airport to fly back to Chicago
We like small quiet B&Bs and motels in the country and larger property in cities like Hampton Inn, 4 Points Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, depending on price.
We can drive about two to three hours at each stretch and six hours maximum per day.
We cannot walk longer than one hour at a stretch and two hours a day at a slow pace.
But we still prefer to walk rather than take public transport in cities.
We like nature, art, wine and any interesting urban and rural sites.
We eat anything, wegan, non-wegan, kosher, non-kosher. Love fusion, smaller portions and low carbs, but also good steaks, Thai,Korean, Non-MSG, Chinese
Here are some questions I hope you can answer:
1, Recommended lodging info for each night.
2. Is our plan doable within our mobility constraints?
3. Will this plan allow us a reasonably good selection of interesting places to see and observe?
4. Do you suggest we can remove some stops and/or add others?
5. Any truly great dining experiences?
Thanks,
link to one of our USA visits :
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...pilgrimage.cfm
Our initial plan is to make a circle as follows :
Day 1
- Arrive at Portland Oregon about noon or early afternoon from Chicago
- Stay night at Portland
Day 2
- 84 to Dalles
- 97 to Yakima
- 12 to Mt. Rainier
- Stay first night somewhere on this route
Day 3
- To Seattle
- Night at Seattle
Day 4
- Vancouver, Canada
Night at Vancouver
Day 5
- Ferry to Victoria, Canada
- Ferry to United States
- Route 101 South
- Stay night on route 101
Day 6
-Route 101
Stay close to Portland, OR
Day 7
- Drive to Portland airport to fly back to Chicago
We like small quiet B&Bs and motels in the country and larger property in cities like Hampton Inn, 4 Points Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, depending on price.
We can drive about two to three hours at each stretch and six hours maximum per day.
We cannot walk longer than one hour at a stretch and two hours a day at a slow pace.
But we still prefer to walk rather than take public transport in cities.
We like nature, art, wine and any interesting urban and rural sites.
We eat anything, wegan, non-wegan, kosher, non-kosher. Love fusion, smaller portions and low carbs, but also good steaks, Thai,Korean, Non-MSG, Chinese
Here are some questions I hope you can answer:
1, Recommended lodging info for each night.
2. Is our plan doable within our mobility constraints?
3. Will this plan allow us a reasonably good selection of interesting places to see and observe?
4. Do you suggest we can remove some stops and/or add others?
5. Any truly great dining experiences?
Thanks,
link to one of our USA visits :
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...pilgrimage.cfm
May 5th, 2016, 07:03 AM
#3
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You hope to see too much in too little time.
You could save yourself some aggravation by visiting the Columbia River Gorge as a day trip from Portland (as far as Multnomah Falls) and by driving to Mt. Rainier on I-5 and Highways 12 and 7.
Considering your limitations, Seattle and Victoria are more walkable than Vancouver (which is unbeatable for long walks).
For a better overview of the region, skip Vancouver but go to Victoria on the ferry from Anacortes and return on the ferry to Port Angeles.
If you choose this option, make certain you can drive your rental car into Canada and make ferry reservations well in advance.
HTtY
You could save yourself some aggravation by visiting the Columbia River Gorge as a day trip from Portland (as far as Multnomah Falls) and by driving to Mt. Rainier on I-5 and Highways 12 and 7.
Considering your limitations, Seattle and Victoria are more walkable than Vancouver (which is unbeatable for long walks).
For a better overview of the region, skip Vancouver but go to Victoria on the ferry from Anacortes and return on the ferry to Port Angeles.
If you choose this option, make certain you can drive your rental car into Canada and make ferry reservations well in advance.
HTtY
May 5th, 2016, 07:07 AM
#4
Instead of staying in Portland, try taking I-84 east from PDX and see the waterfalls including Multnomah Falls.
Spend the night in Hood River.
Check to see if you want to take your rental car into Canada.
My favorite way to go to Vancouver BC is to take the Amtrak train or bus.
July 1 is Canada Day (National holiday). Where do you want to be for July 4th?
Spend the night in Hood River.
Check to see if you want to take your rental car into Canada.
My favorite way to go to Vancouver BC is to take the Amtrak train or bus.
July 1 is Canada Day (National holiday). Where do you want to be for July 4th?
May 5th, 2016, 07:24 AM
#5
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You have only one night in each place you are visiting, so you don't even have a full day in any of these cities. I'd suggest you do some editing of your itinerary, spending at lat two nights in any city that interests you (that is still only one full day). I think you have an itinerary for a 2 to 3 week trip.
May 5th, 2016, 07:51 AM
#6
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And I would say you're not planning enough time in nature, which is where the Pacific NW really shines brightest. You've got the right idea with route 101, but the wrong state. It's most scenic from Cannon Beach OR south, but not so much in WA.
Bottom line; IMO you're trying to cram about 3 week's worth into 7 days, so I'd suggest you prioritize your interests and go back to the drawing board. At a minimum, scratch either OR or Canada. Or both WA and Canada.
Bottom line; IMO you're trying to cram about 3 week's worth into 7 days, so I'd suggest you prioritize your interests and go back to the drawing board. At a minimum, scratch either OR or Canada. Or both WA and Canada.
May 5th, 2016, 08:17 AM
#7
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You've got the right idea with route 101, but the wrong state. It's most scenic from Cannon Beach OR south, but not so much in WA.
True, but nonetheless 101 along the west shore of Hood Canal (from Brinnon to Hoodsport), along the south shore of Lake Crescent, and along Willapa Bay are among the most beautiful drives in Washington.
HTtY
True, but nonetheless 101 along the west shore of Hood Canal (from Brinnon to Hoodsport), along the south shore of Lake Crescent, and along Willapa Bay are among the most beautiful drives in Washington.
HTtY
May 5th, 2016, 01:20 PM
#9
Thank you everyone.
Will sit with DW to see if it will be best to fly to Seattle and stay in the North, leaving Portland to a hoped for second visit or to base in Portland and leave Seattle and Canada out.
Wished to visit another Fodorite in Canada whom we met in Istanbul last year, but we may already be too late in applying for a Canadian visa.
DW likes interesting night spots with jazz or blues, but we would also enjoy Folk or Country.
We will probably delay our trip to start on the 5th or 6th, to spend 4th of July in Chicago.
The trip report I gave the link was also quite rushed, and will give you some idea of what kind of creatures we are. -
Will sit with DW to see if it will be best to fly to Seattle and stay in the North, leaving Portland to a hoped for second visit or to base in Portland and leave Seattle and Canada out.
Wished to visit another Fodorite in Canada whom we met in Istanbul last year, but we may already be too late in applying for a Canadian visa.
DW likes interesting night spots with jazz or blues, but we would also enjoy Folk or Country.
We will probably delay our trip to start on the 5th or 6th, to spend 4th of July in Chicago.
The trip report I gave the link was also quite rushed, and will give you some idea of what kind of creatures we are. -
May 5th, 2016, 02:02 PM
#10
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If you decide on Portland, I suggest the Columbia River Gorge to Maryhill (with a night in Hood River), the Willamette Valley Wine District, and the Oregon Coast from Cannon Beach to Florence.
If you decide on Seattle, I suggest Mt. Rainier, Orcas Island, and the Olympic Peninsula via ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend. Return to Seattle on the ferry from Bainbridge for great views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains (if it is clear).
HTtY
If you decide on Seattle, I suggest Mt. Rainier, Orcas Island, and the Olympic Peninsula via ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend. Return to Seattle on the ferry from Bainbridge for great views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains (if it is clear).
HTtY
May 5th, 2016, 02:20 PM
#11
I would limit myself to Oregon. I would substitute Mount Hood for Mount Rainier, not because it's more scenic (it's not a national park but it's still an amazing and spectacular mountain) but because it's far more conveniently located relative to other attractions like the Columbia River Gorge with its vistas and waterfalls, the Hood River Valley, the Mount Adams wilderness area, and both Portland and Portland airport.
With a week you can do justice to the Gorge/Mt. Hood area, go down the Columbia to Cape Disappointment at the mouth of the river, carry south on the Oregon coast to Yachats, then back through the Willamette Valley wine country to Portland. If you want to squeeze Mt. St. Helens in as a day trip from Portland, that's doable too.
This would give you time (but still not a lot of it) to explore some picturesque towns, a wide variety of landscapes, the amazing food and wine scene of Portland the the Gorge area, and still have time to inhale.
Trying to combine Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Vancouver, Victoria and the Olympic Peninsula/Olympic NP into a week during peak cruise/visitor season is unrealistic.
With a week you can do justice to the Gorge/Mt. Hood area, go down the Columbia to Cape Disappointment at the mouth of the river, carry south on the Oregon coast to Yachats, then back through the Willamette Valley wine country to Portland. If you want to squeeze Mt. St. Helens in as a day trip from Portland, that's doable too.
This would give you time (but still not a lot of it) to explore some picturesque towns, a wide variety of landscapes, the amazing food and wine scene of Portland the the Gorge area, and still have time to inhale.
Trying to combine Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Vancouver, Victoria and the Olympic Peninsula/Olympic NP into a week during peak cruise/visitor season is unrealistic.
May 5th, 2016, 10:56 PM
#12
Gardyloo, nice meeting you again.
Thanks to both for practical suggestions
I had not thought of cruises and the havoc they can cause although we should have considered them in view of Istanbul experience of visitors.
Staying at Portland will also solve the Canadian visa issue.
We are always very flexible and if we decide, we can just drive up to Seattle for a night if DW decides that or if we find something interesting for that night.
We are not in-depth travelers and were perfectly happy doing most of Southern Spain (Cordoba, Sevila, Granada) and Madrid/Toledo, even including Valencia in only one week seven years ago; Bangkok, Chang Mai, Phuket (including 4 days at Club Med Resort) in ten days; Portofino, Genoa, Florence, Sienna, Pizza in a week as well.
With that ease of boredom, it is a wonder we have stayed with each other 38 years and managed to keep our daughters in an emotionally well-knit family. -
So, it is back to the drawing board.
The problem will be to reserve for lodging early because of the season and restrict our freedom of movement.
Does anyone have any suggestions regarding good music venues in Portland (also environs) or Seattle?
Thanks to both for practical suggestions
I had not thought of cruises and the havoc they can cause although we should have considered them in view of Istanbul experience of visitors.
Staying at Portland will also solve the Canadian visa issue.
We are always very flexible and if we decide, we can just drive up to Seattle for a night if DW decides that or if we find something interesting for that night.
We are not in-depth travelers and were perfectly happy doing most of Southern Spain (Cordoba, Sevila, Granada) and Madrid/Toledo, even including Valencia in only one week seven years ago; Bangkok, Chang Mai, Phuket (including 4 days at Club Med Resort) in ten days; Portofino, Genoa, Florence, Sienna, Pizza in a week as well.
With that ease of boredom, it is a wonder we have stayed with each other 38 years and managed to keep our daughters in an emotionally well-knit family. -
So, it is back to the drawing board.
The problem will be to reserve for lodging early because of the season and restrict our freedom of movement.
Does anyone have any suggestions regarding good music venues in Portland (also environs) or Seattle?
May 6th, 2016, 06:18 AM
#14
Okay, here's an alternative plan, considerably more aggressive on the driving front, but one that will highlight the region's assets like no other.
Map - https://goo.gl/maps/L6QpU9q1xhH2
Start from Portland and head to the coast. Have a look at Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach, then head north over the (awesome) mouth of the Columbia River to Cape Disappointment with its Lewis and Clark interpretive center, lighthouses, and (!) Waikiki Beach - http://www.outdoorproject.com/sites/...?itok=eGA24-Ej
Continue north up the coast to Olympic National Park, first visiting Lake Quinault and its historic lodge, then out to the ONP coastal strip for a visit to stunning Ruby Beach, near Kalaloch.
Farther north yet to the Hoh Valley rain forest. You must walk the easy, short Hall of Mosses trail, watching out for Roosevelt elk looming in the mist like dinosaurs with antlers.
Around the top of the peninsula to Hurricane Ridge, near Port Angeles. In July you'll probably have wildflowers aplenty on the alpine meadows overlooking the mountain wilderness in front of you.
Then on to Seattle via the Bainbridge Island ferry. Jazz Alley is a great suggestion; for other music and activities, consult the Stranger - http://www.thestranger.com/ - for a comprehensive listing.
After Seattle, head east on I-90 over the Cascades to I-82 to Yakima, then south through the Yakama Reservation and wonderful cowboy country to Maryhill on the Columbia River. Visit the quirky Maryhill Museum and adjacent Stonehenge replica, then head west along the big river to Hood River.
Finish with a day trip up to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, then along the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway past numerous waterfalls and view points, to Portland airport, done.
This is a go-go itinerary, but one that will give you fabulous coastline, the incomparable rain forests and mountain wilderness of Olympic National Park, a day or two in Seattle, great "old west" scenery, a glacier-covered volcano, and the remarkable Columbia Gorge. Fresh fish, wineries, craft beer, wildflowers (and probably lavender fields near Port Angeles) food trucks, Rodin in the sagebrush, and maybe a visit to Herman the Sturgeon at the Bonneville hatchery near Multnomah Falls.
Map - https://goo.gl/maps/L6QpU9q1xhH2
Start from Portland and head to the coast. Have a look at Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach, then head north over the (awesome) mouth of the Columbia River to Cape Disappointment with its Lewis and Clark interpretive center, lighthouses, and (!) Waikiki Beach - http://www.outdoorproject.com/sites/...?itok=eGA24-Ej
Continue north up the coast to Olympic National Park, first visiting Lake Quinault and its historic lodge, then out to the ONP coastal strip for a visit to stunning Ruby Beach, near Kalaloch.
Farther north yet to the Hoh Valley rain forest. You must walk the easy, short Hall of Mosses trail, watching out for Roosevelt elk looming in the mist like dinosaurs with antlers.
Around the top of the peninsula to Hurricane Ridge, near Port Angeles. In July you'll probably have wildflowers aplenty on the alpine meadows overlooking the mountain wilderness in front of you.
Then on to Seattle via the Bainbridge Island ferry. Jazz Alley is a great suggestion; for other music and activities, consult the Stranger - http://www.thestranger.com/ - for a comprehensive listing.
After Seattle, head east on I-90 over the Cascades to I-82 to Yakima, then south through the Yakama Reservation and wonderful cowboy country to Maryhill on the Columbia River. Visit the quirky Maryhill Museum and adjacent Stonehenge replica, then head west along the big river to Hood River.
Finish with a day trip up to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, then along the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway past numerous waterfalls and view points, to Portland airport, done.
This is a go-go itinerary, but one that will give you fabulous coastline, the incomparable rain forests and mountain wilderness of Olympic National Park, a day or two in Seattle, great "old west" scenery, a glacier-covered volcano, and the remarkable Columbia Gorge. Fresh fish, wineries, craft beer, wildflowers (and probably lavender fields near Port Angeles) food trucks, Rodin in the sagebrush, and maybe a visit to Herman the Sturgeon at the Bonneville hatchery near Multnomah Falls.
May 6th, 2016, 02:54 PM
#17
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Jimmy Mak's is the best jazz club in Portland, and I'm sure their performer schedule is posted on-line.
I like Gardyloo's Oregon itinerary, but if you don't think it's aggressive enough, you could extend the drive down 101 to Crescent City, CA before reversing directions on 199 back north into Oregon. South Oregon coast scenery is spectacular, and you'd get a glimpse of some redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park, not to mention the possibly of a drive-by visit of Crater Lake.
I like Gardyloo's Oregon itinerary, but if you don't think it's aggressive enough, you could extend the drive down 101 to Crescent City, CA before reversing directions on 199 back north into Oregon. South Oregon coast scenery is spectacular, and you'd get a glimpse of some redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park, not to mention the possibly of a drive-by visit of Crater Lake.
May 6th, 2016, 03:43 PM
#18
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No, I think a drive by of crater is a terrible idea in the time you've got. I like gardyloo's itinerary! I love Oregon coast but if you want to spend an extra day somewhere it should definitely be in the ONP area.
If you end up in the Dalles at night, I like the Baldwin Saloon for dinner. Big Jim's Drive In is also good if you are drive in fans.
If you end up in the Dalles at night, I like the Baldwin Saloon for dinner. Big Jim's Drive In is also good if you are drive in fans.
May 6th, 2016, 04:06 PM
#19
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I wish I had been more outspoken. I love the things you will be doing in Oregon, but this is what I would have promoted if I were given to promoting anything: "If you decide on Seattle, I suggest Mt. Rainier (as a day trip from Seattle), Orcas Island, and the Olympic Peninsula via ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend. Return to Seattle on the ferry from Bainbridge for great views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains (if it is clear)."
HTtY
HTtY
May 13th, 2016, 07:19 AM
#20
Gardyloo, (and anyone who can pitch in)
on your aggressive plan and the excellent map of the route,
Do you have any suggestions for staying the first night after we leave Portland?
I cannot locate any lodging near Ruby Beach.
Does this mean we have to drive all the way to port Angeles that first day?
Thanks.
Just a few more questions :
If we can spend one extra night in Portland or Seattle, which city center is more friendly?
is the Embassy Suits location at Portland city center a good one?
and Seattle Hilton Downtown, both of which gives very good rates in addition to points?
on your aggressive plan and the excellent map of the route,
Do you have any suggestions for staying the first night after we leave Portland?
I cannot locate any lodging near Ruby Beach.
Does this mean we have to drive all the way to port Angeles that first day?
Thanks.
Just a few more questions :
If we can spend one extra night in Portland or Seattle, which city center is more friendly?
is the Embassy Suits location at Portland city center a good one?
and Seattle Hilton Downtown, both of which gives very good rates in addition to points?
