Portland/Columbia/Cannon
Jul 13th, 2010, 05:01 PM
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Portland/Columbia/Cannon
Hey, fellow travellers: Please comment on routing and schedule. Traveling with 24 yr-old also, so want to make it interesting.
2 nights Portland: Japanese & Rose Gardens,Pearl District,Voodoo Donuts,Brewpub, Underground Tour (Embassy Suites)
2 nights Columbia River Gorge: Falls, hiking/biking (BW Columbia River Inn)
2 nights Cannon Beach- as far south as Tillamook (Schooners Cove)
1 night Portland Airport (Hotel TBD)
1. Should we cut one night from Columbia River Gorge and stop at Eugene, and go to more southern coastal cities such as Florence & Newport; or should be just stick to the listed itinerary with 6 nights? 2. Recommend renting car at airport or in downtown?
2 nights Portland: Japanese & Rose Gardens,Pearl District,Voodoo Donuts,Brewpub, Underground Tour (Embassy Suites)
2 nights Columbia River Gorge: Falls, hiking/biking (BW Columbia River Inn)
2 nights Cannon Beach- as far south as Tillamook (Schooners Cove)
1 night Portland Airport (Hotel TBD)
1. Should we cut one night from Columbia River Gorge and stop at Eugene, and go to more southern coastal cities such as Florence & Newport; or should be just stick to the listed itinerary with 6 nights? 2. Recommend renting car at airport or in downtown?
Jul 13th, 2010, 05:57 PM
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I think you will have a better experience if you spend three nights on the coast.
Instead of staying at the BW Columbia River Inn, I think you will be happier at the BW in Hood River. Hood River is a delightful town, the BW has balconies right on the river, and the train will not run under your window.
From the gorge, I suggest you drive to Florence, because on the drive north from there to Lincoln City you will have ocean views much of the way.
Spend the night in Yachats, a charming little town. The Overleaf Lodge is a good and popular place, but we prefer it’s less expensive next-door property—Fireside Motel, which has rooms with balconies on the ocean.
This routing gives you one fairly long day of driving, but the pay-off is big.
The next day you can explore leisurely the coast between Yachats and Cannon Beach. There are several interesting towns along the way, including Newport and Depoe Bay.
Newport has a world-class aquarium and an interesting waterfront where Oregonians like to go to Mo’s for clam chowder. There are two Mo’s in Newport—across the street from each other. The noisy one with water views does not serve fish and chips.
Just south of Tillamook you have the option of visiting the Three Capes—a good thing to do.
Schooner’s Cove is an excellent choice—it’s our favorite place to stay in Cannon Beach.
About the car: On a recent trip to the SE, I discovered that we didn’t have to pay Atlanta airport charges when we picked up the car downtown and dropped it off at the airport when we caught our flight home. Fiddle around with car rental web sites.
HTTY
Instead of staying at the BW Columbia River Inn, I think you will be happier at the BW in Hood River. Hood River is a delightful town, the BW has balconies right on the river, and the train will not run under your window.
From the gorge, I suggest you drive to Florence, because on the drive north from there to Lincoln City you will have ocean views much of the way.
Spend the night in Yachats, a charming little town. The Overleaf Lodge is a good and popular place, but we prefer it’s less expensive next-door property—Fireside Motel, which has rooms with balconies on the ocean.
This routing gives you one fairly long day of driving, but the pay-off is big.
The next day you can explore leisurely the coast between Yachats and Cannon Beach. There are several interesting towns along the way, including Newport and Depoe Bay.
Newport has a world-class aquarium and an interesting waterfront where Oregonians like to go to Mo’s for clam chowder. There are two Mo’s in Newport—across the street from each other. The noisy one with water views does not serve fish and chips.
Just south of Tillamook you have the option of visiting the Three Capes—a good thing to do.
Schooner’s Cove is an excellent choice—it’s our favorite place to stay in Cannon Beach.
About the car: On a recent trip to the SE, I discovered that we didn’t have to pay Atlanta airport charges when we picked up the car downtown and dropped it off at the airport when we caught our flight home. Fiddle around with car rental web sites.
HTTY
Jul 13th, 2010, 08:54 PM
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Yes, in Portland you can probably pick up or drop the rental car downtown one way and at the airport the other. Check kayak.com and compare rates. You can take the MAX train from the Portland airport very easily to the Embassy Suites downtown.
You could definite cut the night from the Gorge. Without the hiking/biking comment, I might even have suggested doing it as a day trip from Portland and add the two days elsewhere - but you can certainly spend at least a night there hiking. I don't think the average person would feel cheated having only a single day at the Gorge though, staying in Portland, with only six days out here.
Consider AAA's Oregon Coast Tour map for navigating the best of the Coast.
In Portland, the trendy Pearl District gets all the attention in Portland these days, but I personally think NW Portland/NW 23rd Ave is more interesting unless you have a specific restaurant or gallery in the Pearl in mind. Portland has fantastic old neighborhoods (not just NW Portland) with great old houses, leafy sidewalks, etc. You don't get any of that in the Pearl, which is mostly new condos buildings built in an old industrial area. You can easily take the Portland Streetcar from the Pearl up to NW Portland, though, get off, and walk around. Walk not just down NW 23rd like most people do but on some of th side streets between 21st and 23rd to see the houses.
You could definite cut the night from the Gorge. Without the hiking/biking comment, I might even have suggested doing it as a day trip from Portland and add the two days elsewhere - but you can certainly spend at least a night there hiking. I don't think the average person would feel cheated having only a single day at the Gorge though, staying in Portland, with only six days out here.
Consider AAA's Oregon Coast Tour map for navigating the best of the Coast.
In Portland, the trendy Pearl District gets all the attention in Portland these days, but I personally think NW Portland/NW 23rd Ave is more interesting unless you have a specific restaurant or gallery in the Pearl in mind. Portland has fantastic old neighborhoods (not just NW Portland) with great old houses, leafy sidewalks, etc. You don't get any of that in the Pearl, which is mostly new condos buildings built in an old industrial area. You can easily take the Portland Streetcar from the Pearl up to NW Portland, though, get off, and walk around. Walk not just down NW 23rd like most people do but on some of th side streets between 21st and 23rd to see the houses.
Jul 14th, 2010, 04:40 AM
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Excellent suggestions HTTY and Andrew! I will look at BW Mt Hood. Had also considered Skamania Lodge. I should have mentioned we live 10 minutes from the California coast, so I guess I was assuming it is similar to our coast and we wouldn't need much time there, but we will definitely make some of the recommended specific stops. Also appreciate the Portland neighborhood suggestions. If anyone can suggest a unique brewpub in downtown please do. Oh, and we'll check out Powells too. Again, thank you.
Jul 14th, 2010, 08:40 AM
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If Mount St. Helens is of interest, it would make sense to stay 3 nights in Portland and 1 in the Gorge, but otherwise, I agree; move one of those Gorge nights to the coast. Further agree with Yachats, though my preference is the Overleaf.
If you can fit it in, I'm thinking a 24 year-old would enjoy a ride in a dune buggy. Check Sand Dunes Frontier or Sandland Adventures, just south of Florence. Other favorite sights: the view south from Cascade Head (but it involves a hike), and the old roadway cut into Hug Point. If you're somewhere near Pacific City (along the Three Capes Loop) around lunch time, Pelican Pub & Brewery would be right up your alley. Take a few minutes to check out the stunning beachscape there too. And just because it's not always obvious, you shouldn't miss Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach.
In Portland, I like Rogue Ales, which is in the Pearl District (and also in Newport), but admit that's mostly because I love their fish & chips, especially when paired with a pint of the Chipotle Ale. But you'd probably also like Deschutes and Bridgeport. I agree also with Andrew re the Pearl District. Aside from Powell's Books and lots of good dining and drinking establishments, it's mostly "upscale" shopping and galleries. A 24 year-old would enjoy NW 21st & 23rd more. You might also enjoy Mississippi Avenue; some great little shops along that street. Including another pretty good brewpub... can't remember the name.... Amnesia maybe? ;-)
If you can fit it in, I'm thinking a 24 year-old would enjoy a ride in a dune buggy. Check Sand Dunes Frontier or Sandland Adventures, just south of Florence. Other favorite sights: the view south from Cascade Head (but it involves a hike), and the old roadway cut into Hug Point. If you're somewhere near Pacific City (along the Three Capes Loop) around lunch time, Pelican Pub & Brewery would be right up your alley. Take a few minutes to check out the stunning beachscape there too. And just because it's not always obvious, you shouldn't miss Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach.
In Portland, I like Rogue Ales, which is in the Pearl District (and also in Newport), but admit that's mostly because I love their fish & chips, especially when paired with a pint of the Chipotle Ale. But you'd probably also like Deschutes and Bridgeport. I agree also with Andrew re the Pearl District. Aside from Powell's Books and lots of good dining and drinking establishments, it's mostly "upscale" shopping and galleries. A 24 year-old would enjoy NW 21st & 23rd more. You might also enjoy Mississippi Avenue; some great little shops along that street. Including another pretty good brewpub... can't remember the name.... Amnesia maybe? ;-)
Jul 14th, 2010, 10:10 AM
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Right, N. Mississippi Ave is fun. Also SE Hawthorne Blvd between about 30th and 39th Ave. Portland has a number of "theater pubs" where you can watch a 2nd run movie for $3 and get food and alcohol. Most of them are run by the McMenamins brothers; in NW there's the Mission Theatre and Pub, in SE there's the Bagdad. I know you aren't coming to Portland to see movies, but you're looking for some recreation after dinner or something, some people find these theaters kind of unique.
If you are used to the coast, then I can see spending more time at the Gorge for sure. But you didn't say where in CA you live. The Oregon coast is similar to the northern California coast but much less so to the southern California coast, FYI.
If you want another beautiful natural area with waterfalls, consider Silver Falls State Park, east of Salem, about 90 minutes each way from Portland (looks closer on a map but it takes some time to wind your way in there). Beautiful park with lots of waterfalls and hiking opportunities.
If you are used to the coast, then I can see spending more time at the Gorge for sure. But you didn't say where in CA you live. The Oregon coast is similar to the northern California coast but much less so to the southern California coast, FYI.
If you want another beautiful natural area with waterfalls, consider Silver Falls State Park, east of Salem, about 90 minutes each way from Portland (looks closer on a map but it takes some time to wind your way in there). Beautiful park with lots of waterfalls and hiking opportunities.
Jul 14th, 2010, 02:29 PM
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Thanks for all your input, everyone! Will do many of the suggestions. If we go to Florence/Yachats from the Gorge, what is best route? I figured Eugene (via Hwy 5--faster too) would be interesting to 24-yr old since it is a college town, but would instead go a more scenic highway if it's worth it.
Jul 14th, 2010, 04:08 PM
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The point would be to get to Florence the fastest way, and that would be 84, I-5, and 126. Resist the temptation to take what you hope will be a more scenic drive to Eugene--it won't be, and it will take what seems like forever.
My favorite east-west route in Oregon is from Drain to Reedsport on Highway 38 as it follows the Umpqua River. However, that would add about 1 1/2 hours drive time between Hood River and Florence--time better spent at the ocean.
HTTY
My favorite east-west route in Oregon is from Drain to Reedsport on Highway 38 as it follows the Umpqua River. However, that would add about 1 1/2 hours drive time between Hood River and Florence--time better spent at the ocean.
HTTY
Jul 15th, 2010, 07:51 AM
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HTTY,passerby,Andrew: I'm taking advice from every one of you. Will do 1 night BW Mt Hood & 1 night in Yachats after all and quicker route. Love the Mo's, Pelican Pub, etc. suggestions. One traveler especially looking for good fish and chips. Dune buggy idea intriguing...has anyone done Willamette Jetboat Excursions in Portland (considering for 24 yr old), not that we really need additional thrills...
Jul 15th, 2010, 09:05 AM
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I haven't taken the jetboat tour, but these folks did and liked it: http://www.yelp.com/biz/willamette-j...ons-portland-2
Jul 15th, 2010, 10:02 AM
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If you're spending the night in Yachats, the quicker route from the Gorge would be I-84 to I-205 south and I-5, as far as Albany, where you'd catch OR 20 to Newport. If you're not planning the dune buggy ride, you should at least drive far enough south from Yachats to see Haceta Head - probably the most photographed scene on the entire Oregon coast - and Cape Perpetua. Some great, short, big bang-for-the-buck trails there. It's only if you're planning the dune buggy ride that you'd need to go as far south as Florence.
Re the jetboat tour; I've lived in the Portland area since long before they begone offering them, and haven't yet done it. It's really more for thrills than scenery/views. If you had more time, I'd suggest you go as far south on the coast as Gold Beach, where the jetboat rides combine the thrills with beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings. Have to suffer through the pilot's bad jokes though.
Re the jetboat tour; I've lived in the Portland area since long before they begone offering them, and haven't yet done it. It's really more for thrills than scenery/views. If you had more time, I'd suggest you go as far south on the coast as Gold Beach, where the jetboat rides combine the thrills with beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings. Have to suffer through the pilot's bad jokes though.
Aug 1st, 2010, 02:10 PM
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Trip Postcript: Thank you again fellow post-ers (especially HTTY, Andrew & passerbye), for your great suggestions. Just got back from our trip and thought we'd share our comments for future travelgoers.
The Embassy Suites turned out to be an excellent base with many sights within walking distance. Great afternoon reception and breakfast; good for families. We used public transportation during 2 days there (MAX light rail from airport, streetcars, MAX for other stops--all free in Free Range zone). Visited Chinese, Japanese and Rose gardens, Voodoo, Powells, Pioneer Sq, Riverfront. Enjoyed Rogue for fish&chips and ale! Picked up Hertz car across street, drove to Columbia River Gorge with typical stops (Vista House, Falls, Bonneville Dam--see Frommers Guidebook). Enjoyed visiting Hood River with windsurfers and Full Sails (didn't have a view room at BW Hood River but breakfast and free bikes very nice). Even drove to the Dalles. Stopped at Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood to see snowboarders in the summer. Long drive via Corvallis (OSU for 24-yr old)to Yachats. Enjoyed Overleaf Lodge (spa and breakfast excellent), OSU Marine Science Center and Mo's in Newport, Depoe Bay with tiny harbor inlet, Pelican Brewery--gorgeous & refreshing!) and great ice-cream at Tillamook Cheese Factory. It was foggy and overcast (it's July) but cleared toward the end of the week. Schooners Cove pricey but on-the-beach, comfortable and walking distance to flower-filled, attractive Cannon Beach town and Haystack Rock. Drove through Astoria and visited Astoria Column for amazing view and excellent Maritime Museum. One last memorable (German) meal and brew at Widmer Gasthaus Pub in Portland. Dropped car off at airport; had called Hertz to get best rate compared with internet rate. Great week!
The Embassy Suites turned out to be an excellent base with many sights within walking distance. Great afternoon reception and breakfast; good for families. We used public transportation during 2 days there (MAX light rail from airport, streetcars, MAX for other stops--all free in Free Range zone). Visited Chinese, Japanese and Rose gardens, Voodoo, Powells, Pioneer Sq, Riverfront. Enjoyed Rogue for fish&chips and ale! Picked up Hertz car across street, drove to Columbia River Gorge with typical stops (Vista House, Falls, Bonneville Dam--see Frommers Guidebook). Enjoyed visiting Hood River with windsurfers and Full Sails (didn't have a view room at BW Hood River but breakfast and free bikes very nice). Even drove to the Dalles. Stopped at Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood to see snowboarders in the summer. Long drive via Corvallis (OSU for 24-yr old)to Yachats. Enjoyed Overleaf Lodge (spa and breakfast excellent), OSU Marine Science Center and Mo's in Newport, Depoe Bay with tiny harbor inlet, Pelican Brewery--gorgeous & refreshing!) and great ice-cream at Tillamook Cheese Factory. It was foggy and overcast (it's July) but cleared toward the end of the week. Schooners Cove pricey but on-the-beach, comfortable and walking distance to flower-filled, attractive Cannon Beach town and Haystack Rock. Drove through Astoria and visited Astoria Column for amazing view and excellent Maritime Museum. One last memorable (German) meal and brew at Widmer Gasthaus Pub in Portland. Dropped car off at airport; had called Hertz to get best rate compared with internet rate. Great week!
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