Gardyloo

(I'm not really lurking around here waiting for a chance to pounce... )

I think the north shore drive (SR 4/401)from Vancouver (Longview, really - you can use I-5 as far as Kelso) to the mouth of the Columbia is one of those "byways" that make our region so special. You go through some very scenic country with interesting and very historic small towns - Cathalmet, Skamokawa - divert off to Puget Island in the middle of the river... there are covered bridges, Indian fishing sites, lots of river views - in short, a lot to see. But it's not terribly slow going nor difficult driving. If you leave in the morning from Hood River, maybe stop in Portland for a quick caffeine/calorie infusion in the Pearl or on NW 23rd, then up the freeway to Kelso, the river drive can be completed (ie to Ilwaco) by mid-afternoon. A couple of hours poking around the mouth of the river, then across the bridge, through Astoria, and down 101 to Cannon Beach, arriving 5-ish with plenty of time to get to a place to watch the sunset over the ocean (if there is a sunset - remember we're talking April.)

Next morning a couple hours walking on the beach or whatever, around 2 hours into Portland, shop, walk, birthday dinner, out to PDX for the flight. Works like a champ.

marquamhill

I've read all the posts and thought I should add one, as I'm a lifetime resident of Portland, OR and a small innkeeper here. First of all, the Gorge is too beautiful to miss by driving there after 8pm. I'd suggest having a nice meal in Portland and spending the night near downtown, rising early and driving the 60 minutes East to Hood River on I-84 in the AM. You can cross the river to the Washington side of the Columbia at Cascade Locks and hit lots of small hikes e.g. Beacon Rock, Dog Mountain, and many more. Then go slightly east to rendevous with your raft guide near the White Salmon. After your river drift, drive a few more miles east and cross back to Hood River, Oregon for dinner and a night in town. There isn't THAT much to see in Hood River, so I'd suggest breakfast and a quick foot tour, and then drive S. on Hwy 35 up to Mt. Hood (45 mins.) through orchards and dense forest. Turn W. on Hwy 26 (toward Portland) and take a quick side trip up to Timberline Lodge. Then continue W. on 26 to Portland. This loop from Hood River to Portland only takes about 2 hours driving time but is very beautiful. Then if you want to go directly to the beach, continue W. on 26 about 1.5 hours to Cannon Beach ... go to Ecola State Park and stretch your legs, go to Haystack Rock and check out the tidepools and walk on the beach, check into a hotel and relax a bit after dinner. In the morning, head south on Hwy. 101 ... you'll go through dairy country and see some of the most stunning Pacific Coast views in Oregon. Go to Pacific City and then head back to Portland (can't recall the Hwy # that starts there), but it is about 1.5 hours back to Portland through wine country. If you have the time and energy you could stop at any one of several wineries along the way. Arrive back in Portland in early evening, have a great birthday dinner, and catch your red-eye. If you like seafood, I'd highly recommend Jake's Grill in downtown Portland. You can always go up to the Portland City Grill for a drink (and awesome views). Portland has many fine restaurants ... especially for a special occassion. Our guests are NEVER disappointed with Jake's ... great service and food for more than a century. If you are renting a car, you can drop it off at the airport rental return and take a shuttle, or the MAX train to the airport.

By following this itinerary you will see the best of northwest Oregon, have the hike and raft trip you desire, and some relaxation time too. You will be traveling during the daylight hours...a good thing, since none of these sights should be passed by in darkness.

Have a wonderful visit.

beachbum

Okay... Portland restaurants... I agree that Portland City Grill would be good for drinks and the view. But then I think your BF would like a place like Bluehour or Olea for dinner. Both are hip, trendy, and have good food. For a little better food, but less hip and more romantic, choose something like Paley's Place or Fenouil. Actually, Fenouil probably works well for any occasion. If you're looking for something edgy (but really good food), Clarklewis would be a good choice. And, not to confuse you, but I had dinner for the first time at Alberta Oyster Bar & Grill the other night. Wow, was it good!! But maybe not the atmosphere you're looking for.

For seafood, it's Jake's Famous Crawfish that marquamhill is thinking about. Jake's Grill is owned by the McCormick & Schmick's folks.

Regarding your itinerary, I agree again with marquamhill that you should do the drive out the gorge in daylight, so stay the first night in Portland. I think you'll find a day and a half in the gorge will be fine.

You can maybe check a couple things off your list with a stop at Indian Beach in Ecola St. Park. It's probably the best beach around for sea kayaking, and there are some tidepools around the rocks at the south end of the beach. But that's not to say you shouldn't still check out the pools around Haystack! I'm not sure, but I think you can find whatever gear you'd need to rent at either Cannon Beach Surf or Cleanline.

Have fun! You're cramming a lot into a couple days.

maria_so

Ohhhh Ohh Ohh!!! I like that itinerary much better! Thanks so much Marquamhill and Beachbum (and Gordyloo and Orcas too, of course)! That sounds wonderful. Marquamhill, I'm following that to the T!!! Ok, so can you suggest a place to stay in Portland for the first night near the restaurans in Pearl or 23NW and not so expensive?

You guys/gals are simply the BEST. I can't wait for this trip to get started!

Scarlett

Not so expensive restaurants in the Pearl ~

Henrys Tavern on NW 12th
Everett Street Bistro on NW 12th
Paragon on NW Hoyt
Piazza Italia on NW Johnson ( excellent authentic Italian)
Cafe Mingo on NW 21st..not actually the Pearl but easily gotten to by streetcar and fun restaurant for pasta-goood pasta
Hope this helps ~

maria_so

How about places to stay in Portland? I'm hilton honors, is there one close to those areas so we can walk to restaurants?

Fodorite018

Definitely a good choice to go through the gorge during the day!

As far as Hilton, yes, right in the heart of downtown, so you should be set

Scarlett

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/i...tyhocn=PDXPHHH

Most of the good hotels are located in the downtown area of Portland, the Hilton is right there with them on 6th. Good location.

maria_so

Thanks! Just made reservations at the Hilton so I'm set!!! Thanks everyone!

maria_so

wait, marquamhil, i just reread your message. You said you're an inn keeper? where, in portland? what inn so i can check out your place!!!

Bobmrg

If you have web access at your accomodations, go to www.tripcheck.com for road conditions and delays in Oregon.

KenSue

You asked about a good place to eat in Portland. One of my favorites is Hubers (downtown on 4th street I believe). They are the oldest working restaurant in Portland, with a delightful environment. They specialize in turkey and dressing, and Ham dinners (but have many other entrees). Visit the bar in the back. Also, a friend said her brother (a much-traveled businessman from Chicago) found Wildwood Restaurant (1221 NW 21st Ave, 503-248-9663) to have the best food he's eaten anywhere in the world. It's in the the trendy NW 23rd area. Dinners run from $25 to $38 for entrees.

Enjoy your visit.

mimi9999

One detail I'd be sure to check before hitting Cannon Beach -- a tide chart. You don't want to miss the tidepools there, but they will be completely underwater if you don't time your visit just right. It is one of the most fascinating places this land-locked Texan has seen.

fisches

I think the southern Oregon coast is the most spectacular part of the already specatcular Coast. Around Coos Bay see the State parks and enjoy a real logging town with beautiful views of the bay and coast range anywhere in town.

For Portland, I agree that Hubers is just wonderful, get the hot turkey sandwich. For seafood, you can't beat Jakes. Eat in the bar, it is so much fun to watch the show as the barman mixes drinks. For a fancier version, eat in the dining room but it is not as much fun as the bar.
I also like Red Star; great food and beautiful bar.

maria_so

Hi Everyone! Getting ready for our trip this coming weekend and we're so excited. Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I'll report back to let you know how we did on our first trip to Portland.

Any last minute suggestions for this weekend? Any events going on?

rparis74

weather has been real spotty - sunny one minute, showers the next. pretty typical april weather.

Scarlett

Right now the forecast is for a wet weekend. Have a great trip, there is plenty to do in the wet too, so have fun!!

TerriGoLightly

Maria -- I'm leaving next Wednesday and was able to plan my entire trip from this thread...Thanks for asking all the right questions.

Have a great trip and please do post a report when you return.

maria_so

Will do Terri. BTW, if you're also going to stay at Schooner's Cove Inn in Cannon beach, the proprietor, Sandy, recommended a new restaurant. The chef used to be the one for the Stephanie Inn. Thename of the place is Newman's and phone number is 503-436-1151.

I'll reply with a trip report but it looks like you'll get a wet visit too. It's cool. I can raft, hike, and kayak in the rain anyway. You have a great trip too!

"I'm singing in the rain....."

TerriGoLightly

Yep, I'm happy to hike in the rain. We are from Chicago -- fun city, but great hiking opportunities are pretty much nonexistent -- it's so flat.

I haven't made a reservation for Schooner's Cove...we will only be in Cannon Beach one night, and the website says there is a 2-night minimum for the weekends.

Figure I'll just show up and if they're not sold out, they may take us in.

Have fun!