JVB31

I fly into Portland soon for a week staying in Seaside as the base for our trip. Given we're staying there every night, where do u suggest we visit, given this constraint? Thanks!

indyhiker

Can you clarify what your interests are? My husband and I have stayed in Cannon Beach--just south of Seaside--but we were mostly there to hike (and the hiking is fantastic), so that's about the only thing I can offer some advice on. And when are you going?

JVB31

Leaving in just a day or two. We're all in our 60s and active so love the outdoors. But one of us is recovering from some leg surgery so big hiking won't be possible this trip. Short stuff may be possible. Love good food, theatre, the ocean, stunning views.

Gardyloo

North - Astoria, fabulous Cape Disappointment State Park (WA side) with its lighthouses, rocks, and Lewis and Clark center.

South - Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay, Newport, Yachats... many state parks on the coast.

East - Portland and Columbia Gorge are doable in a long day trip, or McMinnville and the wine country around Yamhill County.

indyhiker

We hiked in Ecola State Park (Cannon Beach)--the Clatsop Loop to be exact. It's a 3-mile trail, and I don't remember the hike being strenuous. It was a foggy, misty day, and the trail looked like something out of a fairytale. It was gorgeous. We witnessed a Coast Guard rescue of a surfer from the trail as well. The park is worth visiting even if you don't intend to hike. The drive up to the trailhead was also gorgeous. Cannon Beach itself will be nice, although I have to wonder if you'll find some places shutdown for the season. I sure hope not!

If you spend time in Portland, we enjoyed the Japenese Gardens.

JVB31

Thanks very much, Gardyloo! Great ideas!

JVB31

Thanks Indyhiker! Appreciate the benefit of ur experience.

Fodorite018

Just to add to the good info already Yes, the hiking at Ecola is not difficult at all. Also, things do not close for the season around here, except outdoor dining Here in OR, if things just down due to the rain, etc we would never get outside So come and enjoy, and honestly, I think the coast is great in the cold/rain. It is beautiful is a very different way, and of course there is a lot more solitude since many people come in the better weather.

tomfuller

If Newport is in your range, try the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
http://aquarium.org/visit/hours
Also be sure to visit the Tillamook cheese factory for great cheese and ice cream.

JVB31

Thx to all! How about some 'must see' places, eateries, foto-ops in Portland? What are ur favs?

brendonb28

I have been going to Cannon Beach and Seaside Oregon every year for 29 years and still love it. Ecola State park is very enjoyable and worth a few hours. There is an 10 minutes or so walk up a path to beautiful views of the Paciic Ocean and Haystack rock. Cannon Beach town has tons of shops and places to eat. If you love pizza, Fultano's has the best in the world. Tillamook is about an 2 hour drive south where you can visit the Cheese factory and get free samples of cheese and watch the factory workers work.

Fodorite018

Cannon Beach to Tillamook is only one hour, without stops

tomfuller

What you want to know about the Astoria Column:
http://www.astoriacolumn.org/
Last month, DW and I rode the train from Eugene to Portland, spent 6 hours in Portland and got back to Eugene by 10PM. We were home by midnight.