I live in Portland and have been to Coos Bay several times, but I probably can't answer most of your questions about the food. I haven't been to Crater Lake in years, but a friend who was just there with his family (not big hikers) thought a few hours there was enough. Some people could spend a day or two there I guess.

Still, I feel obliged to ask: is there some reason you are spending five nights in Coos Bay? (Staying with a friend?) I've spent the night there a few times on coast trips purely out of convenience, but it's not a particularly scenic town on its own (it's not directly on the ocean - you need to drive about 15 miles to the beach). If you are staying closer to Charleston Harbor (west of Coos Bay town itself), that's much nicer.

Many people would prefer Bandon to the south of Coos Bay - much more scenic beach town.

The coast is breathtakingly beautiful on the drive from Bandon down to California. I highly suggest driving it if you can, even stopping a night in Gold Beach (you can stop for a detour up the Rogue River, even take a boat tour). What is your Oregon Coast itinerary?

When you head back to Portland, many people like the town of Hood River about an hour east off I-84 (you can loop around Mt. Hood to Hood river via OR route 35). But in the area between Hood River and Portland is a beautiful area called the Columbia River Gorge. The area is full of hiking trails and waterfalls. Get off of I-84 and drive the old Scenic Highway and stop along and see most of the waterfalls close to the road. (Everyone stops at the popular Multnomah falls but there are several other falls you can't get to directly from I-84.) You don't have to hike much to see the falls but there plenty of opportunities for short hikes.

South of Portland about an hour, east of Salem, is a beautiful park called Silver Falls State Park. This town is also full of waterfalls. There are some modest hikes to get to the falls but they aren't too strenuous (if you aren't up do it, you don't have to see ALL the falls, but see a few). If I were you, I would take your time seeing the falls in Silver Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, or both.

Totally agree about spending more time on other parts of the Ofegon Coast than just Coos Bay. Depoe Bay, Florence, Bandon - are all wonderful.

As for Crater Lake - I grew up an hour from there (Klamath Falls - and it's in my home - Klamath County) and have never taken the boat ride - but have always wanted to and others rave about it.

As for healthy food - hard to define that - but you can always buy a styrofoam cooler and take whatever you want with you and stop somewhere and have a lovely picnic lunch. There are waterfalls along the North Umpruqa River - or if you can wait - sitting on the rock walls overlooking the Lake is marvelous, even if the chipmunks will beg for food.

And if you can't find lodge in at or very near Crater Lake - try the Lodge/Resort at Diamond Lake, a very pretty little lake. While the Lodge is rustic, I thought it was cute - even though I camped - really - slept out under the stars - at the other end of the lake. http://www.diamondlake.net/

Great fishing there too if that interests you. I caught a limit of five very big, beautiful Rainbow trout.

And the drive up hiway 97 - east of the Cascades - through Bend and north - offers you a great view of cinder coned mountains, http://tinyurl.com/cfezpgt such as the Three Sisters by Bend - and north of there - beautiful Mt. Jefferson (which most people don't appreciate).

A couple hours further and you could stay at out favorite place on Mt. Hood - the Timberline Lodge. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/

Here is a basic Oregon map if you don't have one handy.

Again, up 97 is what I would recommend. A couple hours plus to Bend - and then about three more to Mt. Hood - driving time.

http://tinyurl.com/cfx7a9c

Actually - the Area around Bend is beautiful - with the Lakes Loop - and/or staying out at Paulina Lake Lodge and seeing the Newberry Crater, etc. http://tinyurl.com/cfx7a9c

There is a mountain of obsidian/sharp lava glass/rock - which the Native Americans prized for use as arrowheads.

Uno Mas: There are aslo some cute B & B's and wineries in the valley below/north of Mt. Hood - toward and around Hood River which you might check out. From there - you can drive in/west - parallel to the mighty Columbia River - along the Gorge and see Multnomah waterfall - and the others along the frontage road - http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=wineries&find_loc=Hood+River%2C+OR

Like Andrew, I live here I agree about spending more time in other areas.

As for Crater Lake itself, yes, the boat ride is very much worth it! It gives you a totally different perspective of the lake, and the rangers that do the tour have great information and it is really interesting. The trail down to the lake is a mile and about 700 ft elevation drop, which isn't bad but there are benches along the way if you need them. On the way back up that is more of an issue The boat ride does sell out, so I would definitely arrive as early as you can, or check as I have heard they are now selling them online. Not sure if that is for lodge guests only or not though, so call to be sure. Also, there is a new trolley that goes around the lake. I would opt for that instead of driving so that both of you can enjoy it. Otherwise the driver is more focused on the road.

Since you want to head to Mt Hood, I would head up 97 from Bend, to 26. Timberline Lodge is wonderful, but if it is full, I would head over to Hood River on hwy 35. Government Camp is closer to Mt Hood but it is a tiny village with pretty much just lodging and a couple of restaurants. If you go there though, Huckleberry Inn is a must. Great diner food and you will see tons of locals there after skiing or hiking. Hood River is a great place to base yourself if you want to see the gorge area, and you can easily do Mt Hood from there.

Tomsd you are up early this morning!
I also don't see why you are spending 4 nights in Portland and 5 nights in Coos Bay. Think about a night in Cannon Beach with an ocean view.
Make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese factory for some good cheese and ice cream.
When you leave Coos Bay head north on 101 to Reedsport to take Rt. 138 instead of 42. The reason: seeing elk at Deans Creek viewpoint just east of Reedsport.
Never stayed at Mazama cabins but I have been to the cabins at Diamond Lake. Not fancy but fairly close to the north entrance of Crater Lake off Rt. 138.
If you can, spend at least 5 hours in Crater Lake NP. before exiting through the north entrance. It is 90 miles from the north entrance to Bend. If it is late, you can stay at the Newberry Station Best Western in LaPine behind the Subway and McD's.
There are plenty of things to see and do around Bend. When you leave Bend head north on 97 to Madras and take US 26 to Rt. 35 and drop down to Hood River on the east side of Mt. Hood. Timberline Lodge is worth a stop even if you don't spend a night there. Along I-84 west of Hood River, make the stop to see Multnomah Falls on the way back to PDX.

The cabins are brand new(just built last season, I think). I'm not sure whether or not you supply your own linens or not? But, my cousin camped in an rv there and loved it. We really enjoyed CL Lodge. I would at least go to the lodge and have a meal or sit on the porch and have their cobbler or a drink there. We really like the boat ride. And yes, I even swam in the lake. Only lasted for about 15 seconds-very cold.

If you can get the cabins or lodge, I would go for it.

There is nice short hike there called Crescent Wildflower or something like that. The hike down to the boat is easy, but coming back up is slightly strenuous. Nothing to bad, but just wanted you to know that for some people it could be to much.

Info on the Cleetwood Cove trail to the boat landing:
http://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/planning-visit/activities/trail-cleetwood-cove.htm
I think you buy your tickets at the Lodge.
I've been to CL many times but never sprang for the boat ride out to Wizard island.

tom--There is a kiosk in the parking lot by the Cleetwood Cove trail where you can buy the tickets.

You can also buy them in advance, they could sell out.

Yes, you can buy some in advance, but they limit the number of those. So buy early and you have a much better chance at that.

This information is fantastic. As to "why 5 nights in Coos Bay." we are participating in a Road Scholar program that includes jet boat up the river one day, the dune buggy, and trips to coastal towns, with informative presentations for all events. I have never done one of their trips and have my fingers crossed. We have done walking tours in Europe and found that having someone make all plans is pretty nice.

Based on the comment that the boat trip is led by the NPS, I think we will book it. Just a "ride in a boat" wouldn't do it, but some good commentary on the area would be wonderful.

Based on all the great info, we'll probably spend one night in the CL cabins and then head up toward Bend on our way to Mt Hood. I'll check on the trolley so we can enjoy the views. We rode the one at the North Rim of Grand Canyon and I assume it will be similar (hop off/on at points so you can walk the rim).

Timberline is definitely on the list and I plan to call today.

I didn't mean to sound so physically unfit. We are really very active and have always loved hiking (but always need a shower and bed at the end of the day!). We've just learned to pace ourselves as we've "matured."

Again, thanks for all your wonderful input. I will get busy now with my planning.

Sylvia

Tomsd: meant to say thanks for the cooler idea. We will have a car and it will be easy enough to buy some ice and load up on some of the wonderful food (cheese, produce, bread) and wine that I have read about. I am really looking forward to this.

Have not stayed in the cabins but I have stayed at Prospect Inn several times- there are 2 parts to the Prospect- some are just motel like and although clean and not anything special. If you stay in the main building- more B&B like furnished with antiques. The Prospect serves an amazing breakfast in the AM- and a great dinner at night. Always enjoy staying there.

Also - not far from Crater Lake is Steamboat Inn- more upscale and on a beautiful spot on the river- there is a restaurant there too.

Diamond Lake also is close by but I would have to say accommodations are "heavily used."

There are some great short hikes along Hwy 138 - Watson Falls and Tokatee Falls being 2 favorites.

Coos Bay is also not my favorite area on the coast but there are some nuggets- Shore Acres, Sunset Bay are worth a visit.

If you enjoy reading " A Gathering of Finches" is an interesting historical fiction book on the area around Coos Bay .

http://www.uniqueinns.com/inns/steamboat-inn-oregon


Link to Steamboat- it would be a nice place to stop for a healthy lunch- and they usually have some good desserts too in case you feel like being a little unhealthy

Sunburn: Thanks for the reading recommendation. My local library in Raleigh NC has it and I have put it on hold.

I live on Highway 138 east of Roseburg. If you leave Coos Bay in the morning, you will be ready for lunch when you hit Glide (17 miles east of Roseburg)or Steamboat(38 miles). In Glide, there is the Illahee Restaurant. Good food and decent prices. Go 30 minutes farther and eat at Steamboat Inn. The restaurant has a variety of good food and homemade pies that are very good. The scenery there is fabulous. Then you would be an hour or so from Crater Lake. Spending the afternoon is probably plenty. You could head up 97 and stay in the Sunriver or Bend area that night continuing to Mount Hood the next day. Perhaps a 1 1/2 hour drive from Crater Lake.

Many thanks to all for the suggestions. My plans are falling into place.

For my lunch plans on my drive over, I now of the option of picnic if I get a cooler or stopping east of Roseburg. Even if we get cheese/bread/fruit for a light lunch .... stopping for the pie is a good option.