Active Out-Doorsy couple seeking Vacation Spot
 

My boyfriend and I are very active, out-doorsy people. We're sport rock climbers, like to hike, mountain bike, kayak/canoe, etc. (although we'd generally rather sleep in a hotel than camp unless it's the dead of summer, we learned that the hard way). We were planning a vacation to Portland this spring but some time constraints are keeping us from doing that. We have 3 days including travel to go someplace, preferably east-coast and preferably someplace likely to have light-jacket weather in late April when we'll be going. I've seen some resorts with recreation packages in the Carolinas, but what else is out there?

Any suggestions for a young couple on a budget that prefer to get out there and grab life by the horns rather than sit back and take a tour?

If you're not wedded to the east, head for Moab UT. Find a flight to Grand Junction that gets in early in the day, be in Arches NP in time for a hike, maybe Delicate Arch for sunset (bring flashlights for the hike back). Rent mountain bikes to hit the slick rock, or go down into Canyonlands.

You could kayak or canoe any number of rivers in the south, take surfing lessons along the Atlantic, hike some of the Appalachian though not sure about the hotel constraint for that, see if there are some early season white water rafting in the smoky mountain area. Combine that with some day hikes and you've got a nice outdoor long weekend.

Was that Portland Oregon or Portland Maine?
Depending on your budget, you could fly to Denver and rent a car and go to Estes Park Colorado. It's anybody's guess as to how much snow will still be in Rocky Mt. National Park.
For a western NC and TN adventure head over US 441 between NC and Pigeon Forge through the Great Smoky Mt. NP.
Pigeon Forge had a major wildfire last week burning many homes.

I'm not ahilling for them, but call the Highlands Hiker in Highlands NC. they will give good advice.