Rainier, mt. Hood, Oregon coast from portland
Jun 12th, 2016, 03:09 PM
#1
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Rainier, mt. Hood, Oregon coast from portland
Would greatly appreciate any insight regarding mt rainier and mt hood. We are trying to plan a trip of about 9 days beginning the first week of July. We were thinking 1 or 2 nights near rainier, 3 nights at timberline lodge on mt hood (with day visits to oneonta gorge, Columbia river, and some of the falls nearby), and then three days on the Oregon coast, with a drive through willamette valley on the way, and then back to Portland to return home. (I realize it's late in the game but there does seem to still be lodging availability if we're flexible).
My primary concern is whether we should drive the 3 hours from Portland to rainier for a one or two-night stay and then head back to mt hood area, or if mt hood is a sufficiently similar experience that it would be better to allocate those days to the coastal areas or diversion to smith rock state park. I'm worried that rainier 's famous wild flowers won't be in bloom - and may even be under snow for all I know (was this past year a heavy snow winter? In short, is rainier so much more spectacular than mt hood that it is worth going out of the way to get to it, or would it be a bit disappointing because the wildflowers arent blooming yet and the hikes are similar to those on mt Hood. (Anyone have trail suggestions for wildflowers near mt. Hood?). The nice thing about mt Hood is that it is close to Portland and there are several sites nearby that we also want to see, whereas rainier seems to be more isolated.
Thanks in advance for any help. It is GREATLY appreciated,
My primary concern is whether we should drive the 3 hours from Portland to rainier for a one or two-night stay and then head back to mt hood area, or if mt hood is a sufficiently similar experience that it would be better to allocate those days to the coastal areas or diversion to smith rock state park. I'm worried that rainier 's famous wild flowers won't be in bloom - and may even be under snow for all I know (was this past year a heavy snow winter? In short, is rainier so much more spectacular than mt hood that it is worth going out of the way to get to it, or would it be a bit disappointing because the wildflowers arent blooming yet and the hikes are similar to those on mt Hood. (Anyone have trail suggestions for wildflowers near mt. Hood?). The nice thing about mt Hood is that it is close to Portland and there are several sites nearby that we also want to see, whereas rainier seems to be more isolated.
Thanks in advance for any help. It is GREATLY appreciated,
Jun 12th, 2016, 06:17 PM
#2
If you can get the 3 nights at Timberline do it now.
Do the hike up Multnomah Falls and maybe another hike by one of the other waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge.
There is a discount available on the Mt. Hood Railroad if you check into it. https://www.mthoodrr.com/ride/odell-excursions/
If you think Mt. Rainier is too far to drive, you might want to go to Mt. St. Helens.
If you come as far south as Smith Rock, please come to Bend and do some hiking in the Mt. Bachelor and 3 Sisters area.
Do the hike up Multnomah Falls and maybe another hike by one of the other waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge.
There is a discount available on the Mt. Hood Railroad if you check into it. https://www.mthoodrr.com/ride/odell-excursions/
If you think Mt. Rainier is too far to drive, you might want to go to Mt. St. Helens.
If you come as far south as Smith Rock, please come to Bend and do some hiking in the Mt. Bachelor and 3 Sisters area.
Jun 13th, 2016, 08:43 AM
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Oneonta Gorge and other waterfalls are in the Columbia River gorge, 1.5 hours from Timberline Lodge, so Hood River might be a better base. From there, you'd either head west into the gorge, or south up to Mt. Hood.
I don't know much about Rainier, but here's a link to Oregon wildflower areas: http://oregonwildflowers.org/index1024.html. Clicking the embedded link, "best wildflower locations", indicates that now is probably too early for the mountains, but it might not be by the time you get here. Don't know if I'd plan a 3.5 +/- drive to Mt. Rainier on the chance of getting the timing right, though.
That said, your decisions may depend somewhat on availability of acceptable accommodations. July 4 and the weeks around it are always busy at the coast, and Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival draws fans from across the country: http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.com/schedules.
I don't know much about Rainier, but here's a link to Oregon wildflower areas: http://oregonwildflowers.org/index1024.html. Clicking the embedded link, "best wildflower locations", indicates that now is probably too early for the mountains, but it might not be by the time you get here. Don't know if I'd plan a 3.5 +/- drive to Mt. Rainier on the chance of getting the timing right, though.
That said, your decisions may depend somewhat on availability of acceptable accommodations. July 4 and the weeks around it are always busy at the coast, and Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival draws fans from across the country: http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.com/schedules.
Jun 13th, 2016, 10:06 AM
#4
The first week of July will be too early for wildflowers at Mount Rainier; there's usually still snow on the ground at Paradise on July 1 (currently 40 inches.) Frankly, from a base around Portland, I'd pass on Rainier and if you want to do a day trip, visit Mount St. Helens instead.
Note Oneonta Gorge requires hiking up (in) the river below the falls, which in early July might be quite deep and definitely extremely cold.
I like Hood River as a base. In early July any of the Cascade volcanoes can be socked in, reducing the appeal, whereas with a base around Hood River you can visit the Hood River Valley, head up to Trout Lake and some great wildflower hikes near the base of Mount Adams, or travel east an hour to Maryhill for the museum, Stonehenge, wineries, even some star-gazing at the Goldendale observatory.
Note Oneonta Gorge requires hiking up (in) the river below the falls, which in early July might be quite deep and definitely extremely cold.
I like Hood River as a base. In early July any of the Cascade volcanoes can be socked in, reducing the appeal, whereas with a base around Hood River you can visit the Hood River Valley, head up to Trout Lake and some great wildflower hikes near the base of Mount Adams, or travel east an hour to Maryhill for the museum, Stonehenge, wineries, even some star-gazing at the Goldendale observatory.
Jun 13th, 2016, 12:43 PM
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Thanks to all for these replies. They are very helpful. I actually went ahead and booked the three nights at Timberline this morning because there was limited availability and I didn't want to lose the opportunity. I think it will work out well, as either way, I'm sure we'd be driving between Timberline and the Hood River Valley at some point. Thanks for the heads up about the Oneonta. I knew it might require walking through the water, but I didn't think about the fact that it may be prohibitively cold! I really enjoy photography and it just seemed like a great place, so maybe I can ask around about my options when I'm in the area.
Being at Timberline also gives us the option of heading south afterward. Personally, I would love to head to Smith Rock State Park and have lunch or dinner in Bend and maybe even make it all the way to Crater Lake. I'm guessing that my better half will vote for heading for the coast, however, as she prefers spending more nights in each location rather than driving and moving each night. For that reason, Tom, I don't think we'll be able to fit in Mt. Bachelor or three sisters area, although they certainly look beautiful!
We really like artsy small towns with cool shops, restaurants and a certain outdoors ethos (towns like Asheville, NC, Truckee, CA, Franklin, TN have been favorites of ours). It seems like Bend may fit that description? Are there any other towns that you would recommend in that regard? I was wondering if Eugene might be a good stopover for a night if we do end up heading south before going to the coast.
Thanks again! I really appreciate all of these great comments.
Being at Timberline also gives us the option of heading south afterward. Personally, I would love to head to Smith Rock State Park and have lunch or dinner in Bend and maybe even make it all the way to Crater Lake. I'm guessing that my better half will vote for heading for the coast, however, as she prefers spending more nights in each location rather than driving and moving each night. For that reason, Tom, I don't think we'll be able to fit in Mt. Bachelor or three sisters area, although they certainly look beautiful!
We really like artsy small towns with cool shops, restaurants and a certain outdoors ethos (towns like Asheville, NC, Truckee, CA, Franklin, TN have been favorites of ours). It seems like Bend may fit that description? Are there any other towns that you would recommend in that regard? I was wondering if Eugene might be a good stopover for a night if we do end up heading south before going to the coast.
Thanks again! I really appreciate all of these great comments.
Jun 13th, 2016, 03:17 PM
#6
We really like artsy small towns with cool shops, restaurants and a certain outdoors ethos...
Well, Hood River fits that to a tee. Bend is good, but also check out Sisters, not far from Bend. For the valley, Eugene is good, also have a look at McMinnville.
Three nights at Timberline might be a bit much; you'll still most likely be there before the wildflowers etc. Maybe reduce it and add a night in Hood River? Worth looking at.
Where are your three days on the coast? If it's the north or central coast (Astoria to, say, Newport) then also have a look at traveling down the Columbia to the mouth at Cape Disappointment, driving along the north shore of the river. You'll pass through some interesting old towns, and be sure to visit Cape Disappointment itself - waves on rocks, great Lewis and Clark interpretive center, and - who knew? - Waikiki Beach! http://www.outdoorproject.com/sites/...?itok=eGA24-Ej
Well, Hood River fits that to a tee. Bend is good, but also check out Sisters, not far from Bend. For the valley, Eugene is good, also have a look at McMinnville.
Three nights at Timberline might be a bit much; you'll still most likely be there before the wildflowers etc. Maybe reduce it and add a night in Hood River? Worth looking at.
Where are your three days on the coast? If it's the north or central coast (Astoria to, say, Newport) then also have a look at traveling down the Columbia to the mouth at Cape Disappointment, driving along the north shore of the river. You'll pass through some interesting old towns, and be sure to visit Cape Disappointment itself - waves on rocks, great Lewis and Clark interpretive center, and - who knew? - Waikiki Beach! http://www.outdoorproject.com/sites/...?itok=eGA24-Ej
Jun 13th, 2016, 05:49 PM
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"We really like artsy small towns with cool shops, restaurants and a certain outdoors ethos..."
Agree with Hood River and Sisters, Bend to a lesser extent. On the coast, Bandon, Yachats, Manzanita and Cannon Beach (despite that it's wildly popular). Also agree with Cape Disappointment. But if you don't already have them, again, I can't overemphasize the need for making reservations ASAP.
Agree with Hood River and Sisters, Bend to a lesser extent. On the coast, Bandon, Yachats, Manzanita and Cannon Beach (despite that it's wildly popular). Also agree with Cape Disappointment. But if you don't already have them, again, I can't overemphasize the need for making reservations ASAP.
Jun 13th, 2016, 09:02 PM
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Thanks Gardyloo and faceinthecrowd for the great tips on cool towns to check out! We'll definitely spend time in Hood River, and if we decide to head south, we'll definitely visit Sisters. Right now we have three nights planned at Timberline condos in Government Camp, which may be one more night than we need, but we have two children who will enjoy the resort amenities, and we tend to move kind of slow on vacation. So I think it should work out. I do hope the hiking on mt Hood doesn't end up being a total bust, though. I guess I assumed snow wouldn't be as much of an issue as on Rainier. Oh well, we'll see.
Right now I have a couple of open days and then a night booked in Newport (possible detour to Smith Rock, Sisters, Crater Lake? - from the pictures, CL looks like a very nice lake, albeit a very large one. I assume this is one of those situations where the photos just don't do it justice, though, as everyone who visits seems absolutely blown away by it. Is that right? What is it about Crater Lake that makes it stand out so much in a state with so many beautiful lakes and other water features?).
Once we do get to Newport, I thought we could drive as far south as Haceta Beach for a day trip. On the way, I would like to see Yachats and cape perpetua, including a hike in the woods nearby - saw some photos that looked amazing, almost rainforest-like. I'd also like to see Thor's Hole. Unfortunately, I think Bandon is just too far south. I have a couple more nights to book, maybe by adding a night to Newport or further north. (I agree that I need to finalize my reservations in the next day or two, but so far there seems to be availability as long as we're a little flexible.).
From there, we could perhaps visit McMinnville on the way back to Portland. At some point we'd like to spend an afternoon in Willamette Valley for some wine and a few photos of the vineyards. I understand that there is also some sort of lavender event during the second weekend of July that my wife would likely enjoy.
Assuming we see some lighthouses on our way up the coast, do you still think we should head all the way up to Cape Disappointment? I was wondering if that might be too far of a drive. I was thinking Cannon Beach might be as far North as we get. What do you think?
Right now I have a couple of open days and then a night booked in Newport (possible detour to Smith Rock, Sisters, Crater Lake? - from the pictures, CL looks like a very nice lake, albeit a very large one. I assume this is one of those situations where the photos just don't do it justice, though, as everyone who visits seems absolutely blown away by it. Is that right? What is it about Crater Lake that makes it stand out so much in a state with so many beautiful lakes and other water features?).
Once we do get to Newport, I thought we could drive as far south as Haceta Beach for a day trip. On the way, I would like to see Yachats and cape perpetua, including a hike in the woods nearby - saw some photos that looked amazing, almost rainforest-like. I'd also like to see Thor's Hole. Unfortunately, I think Bandon is just too far south. I have a couple more nights to book, maybe by adding a night to Newport or further north. (I agree that I need to finalize my reservations in the next day or two, but so far there seems to be availability as long as we're a little flexible.).
From there, we could perhaps visit McMinnville on the way back to Portland. At some point we'd like to spend an afternoon in Willamette Valley for some wine and a few photos of the vineyards. I understand that there is also some sort of lavender event during the second weekend of July that my wife would likely enjoy.
Assuming we see some lighthouses on our way up the coast, do you still think we should head all the way up to Cape Disappointment? I was wondering if that might be too far of a drive. I was thinking Cannon Beach might be as far North as we get. What do you think?
Jun 13th, 2016, 10:01 PM
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If you stay in Sisters or Bend and are still looking for wild flowers, check out Iron Mountain for a day trip. There are over 300 varieties of wild flowers growing there, bloom the first or second week of Jul.
it's a rather strenuous hike or you can shorten it by driving part of the way up. Get directions at the ranger station in Sisters.
it's a rather strenuous hike or you can shorten it by driving part of the way up. Get directions at the ranger station in Sisters.
Jun 14th, 2016, 06:01 AM
#10
My thoughts...
Smith Rock State Park is a short side trip if you're already heading to Bend or Sisters. It's quite scenic but doesn't take a great deal of time unless you want to hike around. http://gardyloo.us/oregon603%20008b.jpg
Crater Lake... It's beautiful sure enough, and what I find impressive is that you can really tell it's a crater when you stand on the edge looking down. But it's all about choices, and Crater Lake simply takes a lot of time to reach, and once you've seen it - unless you want to commit to long hikes or one of the boat rides - that's pretty much it. By comparison, the same hours you'd spend getting to and from Crater Lake might be more fulfilling for your family somewhere else.
Newport, Heceta Head, Cannon Beach, Cape Disappointment... I personally find Cannon Beach to be a little precious and touristy, but it's certainly popular so just assume I'm a curmudgeon. I frankly prefer Astoria, even though it's not on a rocky beach and it's a little more down-on-the heels looking or gritty. It's incredibly historic, and to me the bridge over the mouth of the Columbia is one of the wonders of the Pacific Northwest... that's one awesome river, dude. I also like Ilwaco WA, something of an honest little fishing town, not without its own charm, and a great base for Cape Disappointment (which I would visit for the Lewis and Clark center if nothing else.)
PS it's snowing this morning at Timberline Lodge. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/webcams/
Smith Rock State Park is a short side trip if you're already heading to Bend or Sisters. It's quite scenic but doesn't take a great deal of time unless you want to hike around. http://gardyloo.us/oregon603%20008b.jpg
Crater Lake... It's beautiful sure enough, and what I find impressive is that you can really tell it's a crater when you stand on the edge looking down. But it's all about choices, and Crater Lake simply takes a lot of time to reach, and once you've seen it - unless you want to commit to long hikes or one of the boat rides - that's pretty much it. By comparison, the same hours you'd spend getting to and from Crater Lake might be more fulfilling for your family somewhere else.
Newport, Heceta Head, Cannon Beach, Cape Disappointment... I personally find Cannon Beach to be a little precious and touristy, but it's certainly popular so just assume I'm a curmudgeon. I frankly prefer Astoria, even though it's not on a rocky beach and it's a little more down-on-the heels looking or gritty. It's incredibly historic, and to me the bridge over the mouth of the Columbia is one of the wonders of the Pacific Northwest... that's one awesome river, dude. I also like Ilwaco WA, something of an honest little fishing town, not without its own charm, and a great base for Cape Disappointment (which I would visit for the Lewis and Clark center if nothing else.)
PS it's snowing this morning at Timberline Lodge. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/webcams/
Jun 14th, 2016, 06:19 AM
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I would cut back on the number of nights at Timberline. I would do one night there, and two in Hood River, for reasons mentioned by other posters. You will be too early for wildflowers on any hikes up by Timberline. The Timberline trail is fantastic (it goes all the way around the mountain), but much of it will be under snow when you are here, so you are going to need to head down off the mountain to hike and find the wildflowers.
You will be a bit late for other wildflowers in the gorge, but there might be a few left. A couple of good hikes for those are Dog Mountain (hordes of people, but fantastic hike), Hamilton Mountain, Dallas Mtn Ranch(over near The Dalles). We do a lot of hiking and two websites that we use are www.wta.org for WA hikes and then www.oregonhikers.org .
With limited time, I would definitely skip hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls. Do at least walk to the bridge though. But going all the way to the top is not worth it when your time is so limited. You can't see much from the top anyway.
As for Crater Lake, IMO it is fantastic! Since you like to hike, absolutely do the boat tour. It gives a totally different perspective and you also have the option of getting off at Wizard Island for a few hours to hike even more.
You will be a bit late for other wildflowers in the gorge, but there might be a few left. A couple of good hikes for those are Dog Mountain (hordes of people, but fantastic hike), Hamilton Mountain, Dallas Mtn Ranch(over near The Dalles). We do a lot of hiking and two websites that we use are www.wta.org for WA hikes and then www.oregonhikers.org .
With limited time, I would definitely skip hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls. Do at least walk to the bridge though. But going all the way to the top is not worth it when your time is so limited. You can't see much from the top anyway.
As for Crater Lake, IMO it is fantastic! Since you like to hike, absolutely do the boat tour. It gives a totally different perspective and you also have the option of getting off at Wizard Island for a few hours to hike even more.
Jun 14th, 2016, 06:34 AM
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Forgot to add, yes, there is a lavender festival in Newberg. They changed it a bit and now it is mostly at the cultural center there instead of out at each lavender farm. You can still go to the farms, which I would do as well. My favorite one is Willakenzie Lavender Farm, which is really close to Willakenzie winery too. If you are wanting to stick closer to Newberg/McMinnville then head to Red Ridge Farms for the lavender. It is much smaller, but nice.
