Hello Fodorites. I really need help We are two couples early 60's non hikers heading for a fishing trip on June 9th on the Columbia River. So we have to be around the Gorge the night before for sure. We fly into SeaTac on June 5th in afternoon and renting a car, flying out on June 15th. We want to hit the most gorgeous scenery of Mt St Helens, Rainier and the coast but prefer the out of the way/ smaller hotels and great but cheap food. How much is doable? My guess is that we will either go up into Wash for a few days and then hit the gorge for fishing and then go south, but can we make both Olympic Natl park and Crater lake in this trip or should we just stay around the Columbia River- venturing a few hours here and there. I am stumped. We don't like lots of driving each day, but don't mind it every few days. Please help with a round trip circle of stops and lodging, meals, etc. Time is runnign short. Oh we prefer to stay under $150 a night but understand on weekends it might be worse. THANKS

OOps my apology. We fly in and out of PORTLAND. Not SeaTAc so sorry

As much as I love the Olympics, with only ten days I don't think you have time to include this.

Also, early June will most likely find the north entrance to Crater Lake still closed, so that would mean entering from the south, which would take more time. Again, I think you will need to skip this.

I would stick the the gorge, Portland, and the coast for this trip. You could head over towards Cannon Beach, stay for a night or two, then wander up through/past Astoria up to Longview, then back down to Portland or the gorge.

There is a small place that sounds like what you are looking for for lodging in the gorge. The website is http://bridalveillodge.com/.

Mt. St. Helens is a great day trip. Check the forecast and try to go on the clearest day. Definitely go all the way up to Johnston Ridge Observatory and take in the short film. You can also hike on trails in the area, which really gives you another perspective.

Wander around Hood River and then around the back side of Mt. Hood up to Timberline Lodge. Great stop for lunch as well.

Might want to wander around White Salmon also.

Thanks for your time and help mms.
Do you think the Timberline lodge would be a good place to stay as well as eat? Any recommendations for places to stay on the coast? Or in Portland? How about Seattle? I thought it would be neat to stay in a place if I could near water if it is near the Pikes Peak Market. Only to pacify the girls shopping, but the guys for fishing nearby. The guys want fishing and scenery and quiet, the girls want scenery and a bit of shopping LOL I don't mind driving a few hours every few days though with stops in between for two days.

I personally love Timberline Lodge. Rooms are spendier than what you mentioned, and reservations go fast, so if you want to go there I would call now to book.

We usually head over to Cannon Beach since it is just 90 minutes from Portland so is easy for us to get to. A place that I would suggest is the Cannon Beach Hotel. I have not stayed there as we always stay at the adjacent Surfsand Resort, but the CBH is very nice and in your budget. Great restaurant at the CBH as well. Cannon Beach is a nice town for shopping, and then Ecola State Park on the north end of town is great for hiking and exploring.

I love Seattle and we return often (used to live in the area). Pike Place Market is nice, and there is so much to do. If any of you like baseball, definitely see if the Mariner's are playing and go catch a game.

Thanks MMS Will check out the Timberline for sure and the Cannon Beach Hotel. Any ideas for Seattle lodging?

Seattle is tougher to get nice hotels at a lower cost. That said, I just read where someone got the Westin for $150 on Priceline. We stayed there many times for large events when we lived in the area. Great location, rennovated over the last couple years, and we always enjoyed it. Another place that you might get into for just a touch over the $150 is the Mayflower Park. It is about a block from the Westin and again a great location. Beautiful hotel! We have stayed there several times now. A nice thing about this hotel is that some rooms have 2 full bathrooms, which makes getting ready in the mornings much quicker. Both of these hotels are just a couple blocks from Pike Place Market, and right by Westlake Center and the general shopping vicinity.

You have given me a bunch to work from and on. Thank you so much.
I am sure I will have to come back with more questions, but your insight is invaluable. Happy New Year!!

mms - I was at Cannon Beach over New Years - just returned home - gorgeous drive with all the snow! Anyway, you mentioned the restaurant in Cannon Beach Hotel - Gower Street. You'll be disappointed to hear that it has closed for good. Rumor has it that it may re open under someone else, but I never got a complete story.

I'll be going over again in a few weeks and will try to find out what the scoop is on a new owner.

balitrav--What a fun trip! Too bad about the restaurant. They are owned by the same person as Everett Street Bistro in Portland, and I know a couple years ago they said they were having a hard time keeping up with both. I wish them the best.

A nice hotel in Seattle around $150 is tough. My two mid-range favorites are Mayflower Park hotel and the Warwick hotel.

Less expensive, my friends visiting recently stayed at the Days Inn and liked it OK.

Suze, in Seattle

If you go to Hood River I higly recommmend Celilo at 16 Oak Street for a fabulous meal!

As far as good hotel rates, you might try bidding on Priceline.com--check out biddingfortravel.com first to get an idea of what people have been getting.

If you're renting a car, you might consider staying in nearby Bellevue (can get very good rates on Priceline there) and taking the bus to downtown Seattle.