Italy_bound

I'll be flying into Seattle late on June 28, renting a car and staying at the Holiday Inn in Renton for the night. I'd like to make a scenic drive down to stay at in the Columbia River Gorge area, staying there on the 29th. Then it's on to Bend for several nights (a planned event for the weekend before July 4th). Leaving Bend on the 5th to drive to Crater Lake. Had planned on 2 nights, but may only stay one night so that I can see more on the way back up to Seattle to fly out on July 9.

1. Is it possible to see Mt Rainier & Mt St Helens on the way down to the Gorge area? If so, what's the best route?

2. We will be leaving Bend early to drive to Crater Lake, will one night be enough? We plan to bike around it.

3. Suggestions for places to see/stay on the route up to Seattle. Is the coast a possibility?

Gardyloo

You can do both Rainier and St. Helens in one day if you leave Renton early and don't mind about arriving at the Gorge around dinnertime. You'll have to go east to Mt. Rainier, west back to the freeway, then east again into the St Helens visitor center(s), then back west to the freeway to get to the Gorge, so a good deal of zigzagging. (Staying somewhere on the Zigzag River in the Hood Natl. Forest would be a fitting end to your day...)

Otherwise, visit Mt. Rainier alone then take Hwy 12 over the mountains to Yakima, thence US 97 south through great open country to the river, then approach the Gorge from the east (my fave approach anyway.) Gorgeous drive, but also a longish day. (2 hrs to Rainier, 2 hrs at the mountain, 1 1/2 hrs to US 97, 1 1/2 more to Maryhill, one to Hood River, say 8 hours total driving. Plenty of daylight, easy driving, so not out of the question.)

I personally think a night at Crater Lake is one too many, but YMMV. Certainly the coast is an option on the way back, in fact a preferable option, as the southern Oregon interior in July can be muy caliente. Take OR SR 38 over to Reedsport from north of Roseburg - by far the prettiest route to the coast. Two overnights from Reedsport (try Bandon and Astoria) on the way back to Seattle is easy; alternatively one night on the coast, then back to Portland (from Tilamook or Lincoln City) so you can hit St. Helens on the last day en route to Seattle.

kimamom

If you overnight in Astoria, check out the Hotel Elliott, www.hotelelliott.com It is very nice. Astoria also has some great little places to eat!

If you like the B&B feel, I would recommend Clementine's. Judity Taylor is an excellent chef and makes a very good breakfast there. ***kim***

jimshep

A night at Crater Lake is very worthwhile, especially if you can get a lakeside room at Crater Lake Lodge. The drive from Crater Lake to Bandon is tiring. My choices for stays on the coast are Newport and Cannon Beach.

A few miles north of Bend there is an amazing rock formation to visit, but I can't find its name.

kimamom

If you haven't seen Crater Lake before, go there! Book your room at the Lodge well in advance, it's hard to get in there sometimes.

If you the Interstate in Southern OR, stops in Ashland and Grant's Pass are very nice. Lots to do and see in both places. ***kim***