9 days in Oregon (in Aug.) with 2 Young Kids - Itinerary Help Please!
Jun 21st, 2011, 06:20 PM
#21
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Hi!
Wow, thanks for all of this info. I always am amazed how an itinerary can take shape with the help of a few experts
So here are my follow-up thoughts:
How long can we anticipate the drive being from Reedsport to Crater Lake? Also, I think 138 is called a Scenic Byway - what can we expect in terms of scenery? Is it a beautiful drive? (I actually wrote most of this follow-up before reading your reply sunbum and so you've answered some of these - thanks!).
As for Bend, it sounds wonderful. I've only wondered whether there is much to do, given the ages of our children. We would love to partake in the hiking and rafting and such that is offered in Bend, but since our kids are so young, I questioned. Sunbum, your thoughts help a lot with this.
Since we'll be doing the drive on day 6 in afternoon from Yachats to Reedsport - where do you suggest we stay that night?
Then would we make the drive from Reedsport to Crater Lake (is it a 3 or 4 hour drive?) in the morning on Day 7. Spend the afternoon at Crater Lake and overnight at Diamond Lake.
Day 8: Head from Diamond Lake to Bend (driving time?). Spend the day. Overnight in Bend. It seems like we'll have no time at Diamond Lake (it will really just be a place to rest our heads), but I'm assuming our day would be better spent in Bend?
Day 9: Drive from Bend up to the Columbia River Gorge Area (is there anywhere we really should stop on the way?). Spend the rest of the day exploring the Gorge area - hiking, seeing waterfalls and the like. Overnight somewhere in the gorge area.
Day 10: Explore the Gorge. Overnight in the Gorge area.
Day 11: Spend the morning in the Gorge area. In time for kids' nap, head back to Portland. Return the rental car and explore the city a little further by foot. Early to bed for a very early flight on day 12!
Day 12: Return flight home.
How does this sound? I'm still waivering on whether we're really missing out by not heading to Port Orford (not just on the dino exhibit, but also the dramatic scenary). But since we did hwy 1 in California, I'm thinking that our limited time is better spent on the central coast and then seeing Crater Lake?
Thanks again!
Jenn
Wow, thanks for all of this info. I always am amazed how an itinerary can take shape with the help of a few experts
So here are my follow-up thoughts:How long can we anticipate the drive being from Reedsport to Crater Lake? Also, I think 138 is called a Scenic Byway - what can we expect in terms of scenery? Is it a beautiful drive? (I actually wrote most of this follow-up before reading your reply sunbum and so you've answered some of these - thanks!).
As for Bend, it sounds wonderful. I've only wondered whether there is much to do, given the ages of our children. We would love to partake in the hiking and rafting and such that is offered in Bend, but since our kids are so young, I questioned. Sunbum, your thoughts help a lot with this.
Since we'll be doing the drive on day 6 in afternoon from Yachats to Reedsport - where do you suggest we stay that night?
Then would we make the drive from Reedsport to Crater Lake (is it a 3 or 4 hour drive?) in the morning on Day 7. Spend the afternoon at Crater Lake and overnight at Diamond Lake.
Day 8: Head from Diamond Lake to Bend (driving time?). Spend the day. Overnight in Bend. It seems like we'll have no time at Diamond Lake (it will really just be a place to rest our heads), but I'm assuming our day would be better spent in Bend?
Day 9: Drive from Bend up to the Columbia River Gorge Area (is there anywhere we really should stop on the way?). Spend the rest of the day exploring the Gorge area - hiking, seeing waterfalls and the like. Overnight somewhere in the gorge area.
Day 10: Explore the Gorge. Overnight in the Gorge area.
Day 11: Spend the morning in the Gorge area. In time for kids' nap, head back to Portland. Return the rental car and explore the city a little further by foot. Early to bed for a very early flight on day 12!
Day 12: Return flight home.
How does this sound? I'm still waivering on whether we're really missing out by not heading to Port Orford (not just on the dino exhibit, but also the dramatic scenary). But since we did hwy 1 in California, I'm thinking that our limited time is better spent on the central coast and then seeing Crater Lake?
Thanks again!
Jenn
Jun 21st, 2011, 07:09 PM
#22
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I should also mention that the place that I've found "in Yachats" is actually 3 miles from town. What do you think about that? Should I be trying to find a place instead that is right near town (i.e. walkable)? The cool thing about this place is that not only is it a beautiful looking place, but it is directly on the beach! I think this feature would be amazing for the kids (oh - and us .
.
Jun 21st, 2011, 07:23 PM
#23
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I'm still thinking of course... As I mentioned above, we plan on spending the morning on the central coast (maybe the dunes) and then head to Reedsport in the early afternoon. But now that I'm thinking about it further, rather than trying to find a place to stay along the way... perhaps we keep driving right to Diamond Lake? Or are there too many things to do/see along the way that we should slow down the pace and stay somewhere in the middle that night? I was just thinking that if we stayed in Diamond Lake on the night of Day 6, we could go to Crater Lake in the morning and then head to Bend for the night of Day 7. This would just give us more time in Bend... What would be preferable - more time spent on the way to Crater Lake or more time in Bend?
As I mentioned above, we plan on spending the morning on the central coast (maybe the dunes) and then head to Reedsport in the early afternoon. But now that I'm thinking about it further, rather than trying to find a place to stay along the way... perhaps we keep driving right to Diamond Lake? Or are there too many things to do/see along the way that we should slow down the pace and stay somewhere in the middle that night? I was just thinking that if we stayed in Diamond Lake on the night of Day 6, we could go to Crater Lake in the morning and then head to Bend for the night of Day 7. This would just give us more time in Bend... What would be preferable - more time spent on the way to Crater Lake or more time in Bend?
Jun 21st, 2011, 07:45 PM
#24
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I think you take the place in Yachats even though its 3 miles from town- you can always just drive into town.
Place to stay in Reedsport? I really dont know- I a not sure there is much there.
Bend- there are some easy hikes to do around there, the 18 month old likely not allowed on a raft trip - but not sure. Check with Sun Country Tours regarding the Big Eddy trip- its fun, short I took the Sask relatives on it but kids were a little older/
But the 4 yr old might enjoy the Volcano visitors center - and the walk through the area -
In the Gorge area you could check the Best Western in Hood River - again, I think you need to be making reservations as this area books up .
An option would be to stay at the Edgefield in Troutdale - its a very interesting place to stay, but would mean a bit farther of a drive for you that day- on the other hand, its not that far from airport so would make it easy for the day you leave. The Edgefield used to be a poor farm- now a hotel, a brewpub, winery, there is a movie theatre that is included with cost of room, and interesting art everywhere.
I do think highway 138 is very scenic- beautiful Umqua River, lots of waterfalls - you could stop at Steamboat Inn for lunch- make sure you have some marionberry cobbler/crisp.
Don't know your budget but Steamboat would be a nice place to stay - but I think pretty expensive.
Place to stay in Reedsport? I really dont know- I a not sure there is much there.
Bend- there are some easy hikes to do around there, the 18 month old likely not allowed on a raft trip - but not sure. Check with Sun Country Tours regarding the Big Eddy trip- its fun, short I took the Sask relatives on it but kids were a little older/
But the 4 yr old might enjoy the Volcano visitors center - and the walk through the area -
In the Gorge area you could check the Best Western in Hood River - again, I think you need to be making reservations as this area books up .
An option would be to stay at the Edgefield in Troutdale - its a very interesting place to stay, but would mean a bit farther of a drive for you that day- on the other hand, its not that far from airport so would make it easy for the day you leave. The Edgefield used to be a poor farm- now a hotel, a brewpub, winery, there is a movie theatre that is included with cost of room, and interesting art everywhere.
I do think highway 138 is very scenic- beautiful Umqua River, lots of waterfalls - you could stop at Steamboat Inn for lunch- make sure you have some marionberry cobbler/crisp.
Don't know your budget but Steamboat would be a nice place to stay - but I think pretty expensive.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 07:15 AM
#25
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Sunbum is correct, an 18 month old will not be allowed on a raft trip. I remember one year with our niece, someone stayed back with her as she was not old enough. The age is 6 if I remember correctly.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 08:07 AM
#26
Diamond Lake to Bend is 2:10. I was at Diamond Lake on Saturday.
The midges were in clouds. Personally I would not spend $219/night for lodging there. Never checked the prices at Steamboat. Continue on to Bend even with a late arrival.
There is one fairly decent motel on the right as you are coming into Chemult (formerly Featherbed Inn). The Woodsman in Crescent is OK and is next to the Mohawk restaurant which is worth a stop to see the taxidermy and Avon bottles alone.
The midges were in clouds. Personally I would not spend $219/night for lodging there. Never checked the prices at Steamboat. Continue on to Bend even with a late arrival.
There is one fairly decent motel on the right as you are coming into Chemult (formerly Featherbed Inn). The Woodsman in Crescent is OK and is next to the Mohawk restaurant which is worth a stop to see the taxidermy and Avon bottles alone.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 11:20 AM
#27
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Hi!
First question, is it about a 4-hour drive from Reedsport to Crater Lake? Also, I've been reading that Bend is only 1.5 hours from Crater Lake (is this true? Google maps puts it at 2.75 hours!). I'd really love to hear the actual driving time!
If these two things are true, then I'm thinking on Day 6, after spending the morning on the central coast, we'll leave for Reedsport, see the elk and continue along hwy 138. Any other suggestions for where to stay along hwy 138? I'd like to check out a few different options if possible. Perhaps we'll stop for a late lunch/early dinner at the Steamboat Inn! Overnight somewhere along hwy 138.
Then, we'll get up on the morning of Day 7 and make the rest of the drive to Crater Lake (which shouldn't be more than a couple of hours), spend a good part of the day at Crater Lake and then drive into Bend in the evening. Does this timing sound okay?
Day 8: We'll spend the entire day in Bend - hiking and the like. (yes, I'm sure that the rafting age is about 6 or so... no babies allowed... I've been white-water rafting before and I definitely wouldn't want to take my little one. I was nervous when it was just me ).
Day 9: Get up in the morning and head for Hood River/Gorge area (an estimated 3 hour drive)? Is there much to see along the way or should we just plan on getting there as quick as possible? Spend the afternoon/evening in the gorge area. The Best Western Inn in Hood River looks GORGEOUS, but there's nothing left for our dates
Any other suggestions? Should we plan to stay in Hood River or elsewhere?
Day 10: Explore the Gorge. Overnight in the Gorge area (same lodging if possible).
Day 11: Spend the morning in the Gorge area. In time for kids' nap, head back to Portland. Return the rental car and explore the city a little further by foot. Early to bed (hopefully stay at Embassy Suites near the airport) for a very early flight on day 12!
What does everything think? If this sounds like a good plan, then I will likely be writing out (once I've done some further research on this site for previous posts) for restaurant ideas, more sightseeing ideas, etc.).
And one further thing - now that our itinerary is getting closer to finalized, is it too rushed? Is it too much driving? I've read other itineraries before where the replies all suggest that the trip is too rushed, way too much driving, not enough enjoying. I do think that our itinerary is a bit longer/less rushed than those, but I just want to check (particularly because we have the two young kids with us, who won't want to be in the car nonstop!).
You guys are great! Thank you so much for all of your help!
Jenn
First question, is it about a 4-hour drive from Reedsport to Crater Lake? Also, I've been reading that Bend is only 1.5 hours from Crater Lake (is this true? Google maps puts it at 2.75 hours!). I'd really love to hear the actual driving time!
If these two things are true, then I'm thinking on Day 6, after spending the morning on the central coast, we'll leave for Reedsport, see the elk and continue along hwy 138. Any other suggestions for where to stay along hwy 138? I'd like to check out a few different options if possible. Perhaps we'll stop for a late lunch/early dinner at the Steamboat Inn! Overnight somewhere along hwy 138.
Then, we'll get up on the morning of Day 7 and make the rest of the drive to Crater Lake (which shouldn't be more than a couple of hours), spend a good part of the day at Crater Lake and then drive into Bend in the evening. Does this timing sound okay?
Day 8: We'll spend the entire day in Bend - hiking and the like. (yes, I'm sure that the rafting age is about 6 or so... no babies allowed... I've been white-water rafting before and I definitely wouldn't want to take my little one. I was nervous when it was just me
).Day 9: Get up in the morning and head for Hood River/Gorge area (an estimated 3 hour drive)? Is there much to see along the way or should we just plan on getting there as quick as possible? Spend the afternoon/evening in the gorge area. The Best Western Inn in Hood River looks GORGEOUS, but there's nothing left for our dates
Any other suggestions? Should we plan to stay in Hood River or elsewhere?Day 10: Explore the Gorge. Overnight in the Gorge area (same lodging if possible).
Day 11: Spend the morning in the Gorge area. In time for kids' nap, head back to Portland. Return the rental car and explore the city a little further by foot. Early to bed (hopefully stay at Embassy Suites near the airport) for a very early flight on day 12!
What does everything think? If this sounds like a good plan, then I will likely be writing out (once I've done some further research on this site for previous posts) for restaurant ideas, more sightseeing ideas, etc.).
And one further thing - now that our itinerary is getting closer to finalized, is it too rushed? Is it too much driving? I've read other itineraries before where the replies all suggest that the trip is too rushed, way too much driving, not enough enjoying. I do think that our itinerary is a bit longer/less rushed than those, but I just want to check (particularly because we have the two young kids with us, who won't want to be in the car nonstop!).
You guys are great! Thank you so much for all of your help!
Jenn
Jun 22nd, 2011, 11:36 AM
#28
An hour and a half from Reedsport to Roseburg turning in Elkton.
Another hour and a half from Roseburg to the north entrance of Crater Lake NP. 1.5 to 2 hours from the north entrance to Bend downtown. Depending on how much snow is still left you may not be able to drive around the east side of the lake even in August. Check the NPS website for current conditions.
There is nice lodging on the Washington side of the Columbia River if you can't get what you want in Hood River.
Another hour and a half from Roseburg to the north entrance of Crater Lake NP. 1.5 to 2 hours from the north entrance to Bend downtown. Depending on how much snow is still left you may not be able to drive around the east side of the lake even in August. Check the NPS website for current conditions.
There is nice lodging on the Washington side of the Columbia River if you can't get what you want in Hood River.
Jun 22nd, 2011, 11:38 AM
#29
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OMG - I feel like I just won the lottery! I just discovered that we have one extra day that I missed! I knew when I started the itinerary using "Day 1, Day 2" instead of actual dates, that there might be a mix-up... and there was! I forgot that I included our flight day as day 1 (since we don't arrive until 8:00p.m.) and so it means that the our return flight date is actually day 13 (rather than 12! I got so used to thinking that we have 11 days in-state, that I just added our return flight home and got to day 12 rather than day 13 like it's supposed to be!) I'm so excited right now!
And so this means that we have another day!! And so.... thoughts? Where to spend that day? I'm thinking that maybe we could spend some more time on the northern coast (giving us time to check out Astoria, Seaside and spend a bit more time in Cannon Beach). But since there aren't great lodging options available, where should we stay overnight (that wouldn't have a two-night minimum)? Or maybe we should add that extra day somewhere in the Bend area or the Gorge area... Or another idea! Maybe we should take that extra day to head down to Port Orford for the Historic Gardens (and even a little further to see some of that "dramatic" southern coast that is sounding so tempting) - but then where would we stay overnight? I suppose we could always spend only 2 nights in Yachats (and 2 days) and then spend part of that third day driving down to Port Orford and overnight there before having that next day to explore the area and back up to Reedsport to head inland. Or should we spend an extra day in Portland (since we only planned on spending one day)?
It's so funny how thrilled I am right now in finding that extra day!!! (and how shocked I am that I let that happen in the first place!).
Can't wait to hear all of your thoughts about my last couple of posts.
Jenn
And so this means that we have another day!! And so.... thoughts? Where to spend that day? I'm thinking that maybe we could spend some more time on the northern coast (giving us time to check out Astoria, Seaside and spend a bit more time in Cannon Beach). But since there aren't great lodging options available, where should we stay overnight (that wouldn't have a two-night minimum)? Or maybe we should add that extra day somewhere in the Bend area or the Gorge area... Or another idea! Maybe we should take that extra day to head down to Port Orford for the Historic Gardens (and even a little further to see some of that "dramatic" southern coast that is sounding so tempting) - but then where would we stay overnight? I suppose we could always spend only 2 nights in Yachats (and 2 days) and then spend part of that third day driving down to Port Orford and overnight there before having that next day to explore the area and back up to Reedsport to head inland. Or should we spend an extra day in Portland (since we only planned on spending one day)?
It's so funny how thrilled I am right now in finding that extra day!!! (and how shocked I am that I let that happen in the first place!).
Can't wait to hear all of your thoughts about my last couple of posts.
Jenn
Jun 22nd, 2011, 12:17 PM
#30
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Great you discovered an extra day - not sure on what to advise on how to use it- lots of good options. my choice would be 2 nights in Bend/Sunriver
Hood River area- did you check out the Edgefield? I think its not a bad option and very unique-
I have also stayed in at the Inn at the Mountain- it was nice place to stay- have not stayed on the Washington side so no advice there.
Also, 138 Hwy does not have many places to stay that I am familiar with - there is a motel in the park - Mazama Village Hotel - I think its very well used but its close to the lake so might be an option.
Hood River area- did you check out the Edgefield? I think its not a bad option and very unique-
I have also stayed in at the Inn at the Mountain- it was nice place to stay- have not stayed on the Washington side so no advice there.
Also, 138 Hwy does not have many places to stay that I am familiar with - there is a motel in the park - Mazama Village Hotel - I think its very well used but its close to the lake so might be an option.
but I'm ecstatic to have it nonetheless!
Jun 22nd, 2011, 06:48 PM
#34
Camp Sherman near the head of the Metoulius River. At lot more wild than Bend. They have a special for a free raft trip if you stay 2 nights. http://lakecreeklodge.com/specials.php
Sisters is a nice small tourist oriented town.
Sisters is a nice small tourist oriented town.
Jun 23rd, 2011, 03:49 AM
#35
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Quick question (because it's 2a.m. here and I've been up doing lodging research all night - any opinions on the Brasada Ranch outside of Bend? I think it's about a 20-minute drive... but I'm not sure whether that is a big deal or not. The Ranch looks beautiful and it looks like it has beautiful views, but also a fun recreational area for us and the kids (indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, lazy river). I'm just thinking if we're not really able to partake in a lot of the outdoor activities in the area (other than short hikes) that perhaps it would be nice to have a really fun place to stay. Thoughts? How important is it to stay right near Bend? Any thoughts would be great.
- any opinions on the Brasada Ranch outside of Bend? I think it's about a 20-minute drive... but I'm not sure whether that is a big deal or not. The Ranch looks beautiful and it looks like it has beautiful views, but also a fun recreational area for us and the kids (indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, lazy river). I'm just thinking if we're not really able to partake in a lot of the outdoor activities in the area (other than short hikes) that perhaps it would be nice to have a really fun place to stay. Thoughts? How important is it to stay right near Bend? Any thoughts would be great.
Jun 23rd, 2011, 05:26 AM
#36
I would avoid the Brasada Ranch It is in the High Desert east of Bend. Lots of sagebrush and Junipers and not much water.
I've lived in the area for 6 years and didn't know about it until now. Alfalfa is not a town I'd send anyone to. If you want to stay out of Bend, try Sunriver, Sisters, Camp Sherman or Elk Lake.
The Cascade Lakes Highway is now open all the way through. There is a stretch from Mt. Bachelor to Devil's Lake that has a lot of snow on each side of the road.
Plan on seeing the High Desert Museum 5 miles south of Bend.
I've lived in the area for 6 years and didn't know about it until now. Alfalfa is not a town I'd send anyone to. If you want to stay out of Bend, try Sunriver, Sisters, Camp Sherman or Elk Lake.
The Cascade Lakes Highway is now open all the way through. There is a stretch from Mt. Bachelor to Devil's Lake that has a lot of snow on each side of the road.
Plan on seeing the High Desert Museum 5 miles south of Bend.
Jun 23rd, 2011, 05:55 AM
#37
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Hi Tom!
We will definitely plan on seeing the High Desert Museum!
It's not that I want to stay out of Bend actually, it's just that I'm finding accommodations (given that we want a 1 or 2 bedroom suite) quite difficult to find for our dates. And the ranch just looked beautiful because it has such an amazing recreation area (pools, lazy rivers, etc.). I thought it might just have a "southern resort" feel that the kids would love for a few days. Oh and it wasn't astronomically priced (I guess now I know why ).
Any other ideas about lodging in the area that would have the same sorts of amenities?
We will definitely plan on seeing the High Desert Museum!
It's not that I want to stay out of Bend actually, it's just that I'm finding accommodations (given that we want a 1 or 2 bedroom suite) quite difficult to find for our dates. And the ranch just looked beautiful because it has such an amazing recreation area (pools, lazy rivers, etc.). I thought it might just have a "southern resort" feel that the kids would love for a few days. Oh and it wasn't astronomically priced (I guess now I know why
).Any other ideas about lodging in the area that would have the same sorts of amenities?
Jun 23rd, 2011, 06:13 AM
#38
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Its hard to believe you can't find a 2 bedroom at Sunriver- there are so many options there.
I don't know anything about the Ranch either- never heard of it- but that doesnt mean much. I
I also recommend the Camp Sherman area - but I think you will find more to do in Sunriver and Bend-
good luck- hope you find something great
Not sure but I think there is a Central Oregon Reservation service- you could call for 800 information and see
Also there are several other resorts around that could work - Black Butte Resort is a nice area but not that close to Bend- closer to Sisters if that works for you
I would also check Craigslist for Eugene and Bend- might find a rental that way
I don't know anything about the Ranch either- never heard of it- but that doesnt mean much. I
I also recommend the Camp Sherman area - but I think you will find more to do in Sunriver and Bend-
good luck- hope you find something great
Not sure but I think there is a Central Oregon Reservation service- you could call for 800 information and see
Also there are several other resorts around that could work - Black Butte Resort is a nice area but not that close to Bend- closer to Sisters if that works for you
I would also check Craigslist for Eugene and Bend- might find a rental that way
Jun 23rd, 2011, 06:36 AM
#39
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I found my recent guide to central Oregon- wish I could send it to you but I think you need to be making reservations now
anyway number to call for res is 1-800- 800- 8334 - not sure if that works for Canada
or try website www.visitcentraloregon.com
I dont see anything about the ranch listed in my book but that doesnt really mena anything
also check into the place Tom mentioned - Lake Creek Lodge- its a great family place
anyway number to call for res is 1-800- 800- 8334 - not sure if that works for Canada
or try website www.visitcentraloregon.com
I dont see anything about the ranch listed in my book but that doesnt really mena anything
also check into the place Tom mentioned - Lake Creek Lodge- its a great family place
Jun 23rd, 2011, 06:39 AM
#40
Try the toll free number on this site for Sunriver.
http://www.sunriver-resort.com/bend-...ionrentals-ppc
There is a footbridge over the Deschutes River (Cardinal) that connects to a great hiking trail along the river. I have a geocache hidden near the trail.
http://www.sunriver-resort.com/bend-...ionrentals-ppc
There is a footbridge over the Deschutes River (Cardinal) that connects to a great hiking trail along the river. I have a geocache hidden near the trail.
