alwaysafrica

You guys are fantastic. Thanks for all of your help. With the lodging, it is actually pretty amazing that with all of the lodging in the area, that I'm having trouble. I've by no means done an exhaustive search in one night and I'll keep looking today (with your resources!), but I must say that when I'm trying to find a suite with a pool at the hotel for less than $400 books a night that is available for our dates, I haven't had any luck

Fodorite018

As mentioned, there are several property management companies that do rentals at Sunriver. We use Sunray Inc most of the time. We have also used Craigslist and found a great place. I will see if I still have the contact information on it.

Also agree with the Edgefield suggestion. Very fun place for all ages!

Fodorite018

I found it. www.5splitrock.com We have rented this place several times. Not sure of your dates, but on their site they still show some August availability. It will go fast though!

Gia

bookmarking

sunbum1944

I just saw the website for Brasada Ranch - I agree it looks fabulous and I think if the price is right, book it-
looks wonderful!

alwaysafrica

Hi guys!

Okay, I'm still picking away at lodging availability! My hubbie is getting back from a business trip tonight and we plan on taking the weekend to plan everything out and hopefully book too! As I say, I'm finding lodging a little difficult to come by in a reasonable price range (not surprising given our requirements and also how late it is!), but I feel confident that I'll manage

I have some questions for all of you about lodging that you'll hopefully be able to comment on:

1) The Steamboat Inn (along hwy 138) - has anyone stayed there? Or just from visiting (to get pie ), what is the Inn like? They've got a "Hideaway Cottage" available on our desired night that has one bedroom, no view of the river. The rate is $215+ for the night. I do think that on our drive from Reedsport to Crater Lake, it would be nice to have the night to stop (and I just haven't really been able to find any other good options). The Steamboat appears to be near Totakee Falls too, which would be great to be able to include.

2) The Riverhouse Resort in Bend: Has anyone stayed here or do you have any thoughts? What is the location like? They have a 1-bedroom unit for $219 per night. Does it have a lot of amenities for the kids?

The other lodging that we're considering in the Bend area is:

- the Seventh Mountain Resort (a 1-bedroom unit)
- the Mount Bachelor Village Resort (a 1 bedroom unit in their "ski house")
- a small cabin which is part of the Sunriver Resort (has a private hot tub and access to the village and pool)
- a 2-bedroom cabin at Brasada Ranch that I found on craigslist. It's a private cabin with a hot tub and 2 bedrooms. The rate for this is only about $30 more than any of the 1-bedroom units above...

I'd love to hear your thoughts on all of this (and soon I'm going to be writing out for possible ideas for family-friendly hotels in Portland ).

Oh and I should mention that we've found a beautiful townhome to stay for our one night on the northern coast. It's in "Oceanside" - what are your thoughts on that location?

Thanks!
Jenn

alwaysafrica

I suppose that for our night driving from Reedsport, we could always stay near Roseburg too. It seems like there's a lot of lodging in that area... Any suggestions would be great.

sunbum1944

I have not stayed at Steamboat- only had lunch there- it appears to be a very attractive property on a beautiful river setting - and it would put you closer to some of the water falls
I think there would be quite a lot of properties around Roseburg- but have not stayed at any

I have stayed at Seventh Mountain Resort several years ago- a nice family resort, I think they have special BBQ's etc in the summer.

Have also stayed at Riverhouse in Bend - but several years ago- it was fine- can't remember anything negative about it

Gotta run now
Keep looking

LindaBrinck

this thread is dizzying.
I hope you will post a trip report and at least your itinerary.

alwaysafrica

Hi Linda -- I agree, there has been a lot of discussion and a lot of changes! It's fantastic how the itinerary is taking shape due to everyone's help! I was contemplating starting a new thread with a more "formed" itinerary, but then I thought that it might be better to leave it all in one place (particularly because I was finding that it was the same people responding again and again).

I will post our itinerary here once it is finalized and then I will most definitely post a trip report! Be forewarned though that my trip reports can also read like novels

(thanks sunbum - tonight will be a big night of research!).

Gia

Can't wait for the trip report! (I will post one as well, but I suck it at - you've been warned!)

alwaysafrica

Hi!

After a night of talking to my husband about our itinerary (and lots more research done!), here is the itinerary we've come up with (it's really taking shape!): **Nothing is booked yet (we're going to do that later today) and so any comments are still very much appreciated!)**

July 27th: Arrive Portland at 7:00p.m. Overnight in Portland (hotel TBD)

July 28th: Day in Portland - visit Oregon Zoo and Dino Exhibit (and Rose Gardens, etc. if time allows). Overnight in Portland (hotel TBD).

July 29th: Leave for Astoria/Cannon Beach in the early morning. Explore northern coast. Overnight in Oceanside (found a lovely townhouse available for a 1-night rental).

July 30th: Leave in the morning to explore the central coast. 1/2 day at the Newport Aquarium. Overnight in Yachats (found a beautiful oceanfront home just outside of town).

July 31st: Day to explore the central coast (Devil's Elbow State Park, hikes, time on the beach with the kids). Overnight in Yachats (same oceanfront home).

Aug. 1st: Explore south of Yachats to Reedsport (visit the dunes, etc.). View elk (hopefully!) near Reedsport. Head along hwy 38/138. Do some hiking (Totakee Falls etc.). Overnight at Steamboat Inn (3-bedroom Camp Water House).

Aug. 2nd: Leave in the early morning for Crater Lake. Drive/explore Crater Lake area (Rim Drive, etc.) in the morning/early afternoon. Overnight in the Bend area at Brasada Ranch.

Aug. 3rd: Day in the Bend area relaxing, swimming in the pools, also hiking at Smith Rock State Park. Overnight at Brasada Ranch.

Aug. 4th: Move to lodging in Bend (Riverhouse Resort?). Explore town of Bend. More hiking in the area (Deschutes River Trail etc.).

Aug. 5th: Leave mid-day for the Columbia River Gorge Area. Overnight in Hood River (or other town in the area - hotel TBD).

Aug. 6th: Day in the Columbia River Gorge Area. Overnight in Hood River (or other town in the area - hotel TBD).

Aug. 7th: Leave mid-morning for Portland. Afternoon at the Children's Museum. Overnight in Portland (1-bedroom suite at the Embassy Suites).

Aug. 8th: Early morning flight home.

So there it is! I'm so excited about this itinerary! I think that we've managed to find a really good balance between sight-seeing and not moving too fast/driving too long... I'd love some thoughts on our decision to take one night away from the central coast (we're going to do 2 rather than 3) and add it to the Bend area. And also our decision to spend 2 of our 3 nights at Brasada and then move to lodging right in town for our 3rd night. I still have "Hotel TBD for our first few nights in Portland and for the gorge area - any thoughts would be great!

And finally - what are the best dunes on the coast for us to explore? Given that we can't do any strenuous hiking with the kids, nor can we go on dune buggy rides, what is a good area for us to go to view the dunes, play in the sand, etc.?

Again, thanks so much for all of your help in planning this itinerary! It really went a long way.

Jenn

sunbum1944

wow- you have been working - I think it sounds good - will be interested to hear how Brasada Ranch is- sure looks nice.

In Bend- Riverhouse is on a busy road and not very walkable to downtown Bend ( that might not be important to you) but its not a bad place to stay
Have not stayed at the Phoenix Inn- it looks nice and more central location.

You might look at Old St Francis School in Bend also - have stayed there and it is fun - they do have some cottages to stay in - I think the Art Cottage has 2 bedrooms.

Best place to play on the dunes in my opinion is Honeyman State Park just south of Florence.
My daughter always loved playing there - your 4 year old should be able to climb to the top of one of them. Also south of Florence you will see signs to the South Jetty - lots of dune access there too.

I think you will find Smith Rock interesting- lots of climbers hanging from the rocks and people practicing their climbing skills. We saw someone fall once when we were there but caught by their ropes but it was still scary- there is a nice trail that goes along the river that is flat and easy and some more challenging ones that go over the top.

Devils Elbow- to the right of the beach you will see some rocks and if you explore you will find some caves the kids might like playing in.
To the left of the beach ( as you are facing the water) there is a little stream that goes down to the ocean. Kids love playing in this stream- its shallow, some bring floating devices and float down- There are BBQ grills there if you want to cook and have a picnic.
One of my favorite spots.

My favorite place to eat in Florence is Travelers Cove- variety of food - and they are the only place that has a deck overlooking the water - Siusilaw River - so nice on a sunny day.
When you are coming into Florence, watch for signs for Old Town- thats where all the shops and restaurants are.

Sounds like plans are coming together. I think spending an extra night inland is good- I love the Bend area and there is a lot to do.
You might think about a gondola ride up Mt Bachelor - pretty spectacular, likely to still be snow up there.

Portland/Columbia river Gorge- did you check the Edgefield and not what you want?

Fodorite018

As sunbum said, the location is not ideal for the Riverhouse. We have stayed there and I have mixed thoughts on recommending it. The room was nice, had been redone recently. Beds very comfy,etc. The bathroom was not done though and was in need of it. For me, the worst part was the stale smoke smell in the hallway. It is a nonsmoking hotel now, but it has been around for quite a while and that smell is still in the carpets, etc of the hallways. Granted, you don't spent much time there, lol, but I wanted to at least share that with you and then you can decide if it would matter to you or not.

alwaysafrica

Thanks Sunbum for all of that! It really helps to hear about specific spots from people you've come to trust.

As for the Gorge, I did check out the Edgefield, but they didn't have anything for the nights we need. I actually think I'm going to start checking on the Washington side... It's amazing how many rentals in the Gorge have 3-4 night rentals!

The booking has been going well. We've only made one change to the itinerary as we've been booking. We decided to spend our night in Bend first (because it's literally on the way from Crater Lake) and then the 2 nights at Brasada Ranch afterwards (we found a private listing for a 2-bedroom cabin, so it worked out great!). We are in fact going to stay at the Riverside Resort in Bend, because I couldn't find anything else. Although it may not be walkable to downtown, it at least will bring us close to the Deschutes River Trail, which is what we're most interested in.

One weird thing... We're going to be staying at the Embassy Suites - Downtown Portland (on Pine St.) which seems to be in a good location and had a nice 1-bedroom suite for us. Weirdly, the $18/day parking doesn't have in/out privileges and so I guess we'll be transiting. I hope it's convenient to transit from the zoo!

Jenn

p.s. -- Gia, I've now taken a look at the Children's Museum website and it looks fabulous! We've made time for it on our last day...

sunbum1944

Try the Travel Portland website for Portland Hotel deals - most of them have free parking with the room and many have a breakfast included

If you dont see what you want on the website- there is a number where you can call and talk to a real person

http://www.travelportland.com/

Gia

Hey Jenn, not sure if you're still looking for a place on Hood River, but I booked us for a few nights at Hood River Inn (Best Western Plus). Decent rate for a 1 BR suite, included breakfast - from the photos it looks really nice - and great reviews on Tripadvisor. http://www.hoodriverinn.com/

Also, I've never heard of a garage that does not have in-out priveleges! That's crazy. I plan on making a stop by the Children's Museum as well. It would be great if we had a minute to grab a coffee.

tomfuller

There is an Embassy Suites between PDX and I-205. You can ride the light rail from the airport to get to downtown Portland.
Free parking-no garage.

alwaysafrica

We had a heck of a time finding someplace to stay in the gorge! In fact, at one point, I thought we weren't going to find anywhere at all! I guess because our two nights fall on a weekend, and it's already so close to our trip - everything is VERY full. Gia, we actually tried the Best Western Plus first (because it looks great and has great suites), but they are completely booked for the entire weekend. We then tried about 50 other places and came up with nothing... Finally we came up with a plan B to only spend Friday night in the gorge and then return to Portland on Saturday night.

I think we managed to find the only suite left in the gorge (only a/v on Friday, not Sat.) at the Celilo Inn in The Dalles. The hotel actually looks great and it should work out well to go straight to The Dalles from the Bend area (shorter drive). We'll see what we want to see on the east end of the Gorge on Friday (any recommendations for sight-seeing around the Dalles?) maybe between the Dalles and Hood River and then we'll stay overnight at Celilo Inn. Then, on Saturday morning, we'll start making our way west - ending up in Portland on Saturday night. We've rented a suite at the Embassy Suites Hotel (Airport) - so now we'll be staying there on both of our last 2 nights in Portland.

And I agree that the parking thing is ABSURD! But it's in fact true - I'm glad we can ride the light rail. That will be fun!

The only other change we made to our itinerary is that when leaving Crater Lake and heading to Bend, we decided to stay right in Bend first before heading to Brasada Ranch (because it's on the way from Crater Lake and because Brasada is actually closer for when we have to head north).

So everyone, our entire trip's accommodations have been booked and here is the "final" itinerary:

July 27th: Arrive Portland at 7:00p.m. Pick up rental car. Overnight in Portland (Embassy Suites - Downtown Portland - 1 BR suite).

July 28th: Day in Portland - visit Oregon Zoo and Dino Exhibit (and Rose Gardens, etc. if time allows). Overnight in Portland (Embassy Suites - Downtown Portland - 1BR suite).

July 29th: Leave for Astoria/Cannon Beach in the early morning. Explore northern coast (with a stop at Tillamook ). Overnight in Oceanside (found a lovely 2BR townhouse available for a 1-night rental).

July 30th: Leave in the morning to explore the central coast. 1/2 day at the Newport Aquarium. Overnight in Yachats (found a beautiful oceanfront 2 BR home just outside of town).

July 31st: Day to explore the central coast (Devil's Elbow State Park, hikes, time on the beach with the kids). Overnight in Yachats (same oceanfront 2BR home).

Aug. 1st: Explore south of Yachats to Reedsport (visit the dunes, etc.). View elk (hopefully!) near Reedsport. Head along hwy 38/138. Do some hiking (Totakee Falls etc.). Overnight at Steamboat Inn (3-bedroom Camp Water House).

Aug. 2nd: Leave in the early morning for Crater Lake. Drive/explore Crater Lake area (Rim Drive, etc.) in the morning/early afternoon. Drive to Bend and spend the evening in the town of Bend. Overnight in Bend at the Riverhouse Resort (1BR Family Kitchen Suite).

Aug. 3rd: Morning hike on the Deschutes River Trail. Move lodging to Brasada Ranch (30 min. NE of Bend). Spend the day hiking at Smith Rock State Park, relaxing, swimming at the pools, etc. Overnight in a 2BR cabin at Brasada Ranch.

Aug. 4th: More hiking in the area. Relaxing/swimming in the resort's pools, etc. Overnight in a 2BR cabin at Brasada Ranch.

Aug. 5th: Leave late morning for the Columbia River Gorge Area. Explore between The Dalles and Hood River. Overnight in The Dalles (Celilo Inn - 1BR Family Suite).

Aug. 6th: Day in the Columbia River Gorge Area. Return to Portland by evening. Overnight in Portland (Embassy Suites - Portland Airport - 1BR suite).

Aug. 7th: Leave mid-morning for Portland. Afternoon at the Children's Museum. Overnight in Portland (Embassy Suites - Portland Airport - 1BR suite).

Aug. 8th: Early morning flight home.

I am almost giddy I'm so excited about this trip! Can't wait! And I think we've found a good mix of places to stay - I should have an interesting trip report when we return (particularly for people traveling and looking for lodging with young kids!).

Jenn

sunbum1944

wow- you have done a lot of hard work- congratulations - I think you will have a great time!

When I first moved to Oregon I did not know how popular the Gorge area was - was driving to SunValley Idaho and thought I would just get a room at a motel somewhere without making reservations. I ended up driving all night because there was no place to stay - dumb me!

glad you have it all put together - sounds great