My husband and I have eight days.We'll be flying into Portland in Aug. As a science teacher I am interested in many things. I don't know if its fedible to drive to the gorge in the north and then south to crater lake and then the shore. I have some guide books from the state but I would like imput from people who traveled there. Open to suggestions. thanks Jeanette

IMHO, eight days is plenty for what you have planned. From Portland, the Gorge is directly east...just get on I-84 and go. But stop when you see signs for Multnomah Falls or Bridal Veil. That's one day.

Jump on I-5 and head south; the best road to Crater Lake is 58, just south of Eugene. It will bring you into CL from the east. Plan to stay overnight; there is a lodge and some cabins for rent. That's two days, with the afternoon of the second day devoted to driving west to the ocean. I'm partial to the south end of Oregon, so I would take 62 from CL to Medford, backtrack on the freeway to Grant's Pass, and then 199 to Crescent City, California. Get onto 101 there and head up the coast.

Another route would leave Portland heading west to the ocean, then down 101 to Crescent City and then back east to pick up CL on the way north.

For a time comparison, we leave the suburbs south of Seattle and make it at least to Roseburg in one day...we have gotten into California in one day with daylight savings time. But that is all freeway without any sightseeing.

Forgot to mention that you absolutely must see the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry...exit 300 off of the freeway.

While at Crater Lake you might consider going to Oregon Caves and stay at the Lodge there. It is probably the least known and least visited of the Great National Park Lodges. And if you are that close and haven't seen the redwoods in northern California, you might consider that as well.

Just how ambitious are you? You have plenty of time if your ambition holds out. In August the days are still long and you can put in a 14 hour day if you want.

I drove the Columbia Gorge in October, but I never went on the interstate at all. I drove the north side which has much less traffic and plenty of "science" things to see. Take a tour of Bonneville dam and see the insides of a working power plant and fish ladder.

Cross the river and head south on Hwy 97 to Bend, OR, noticing the volcanic peaks that make up part of the "Ring of Fire". Tour the fossil cast forest and drive up the cinder cone. Continue on down to Crater Lake, then head out toward the coast. I like to add a dip down into California at this point to visit one of the redwood groves.

While the coast of Oregon is spectacular (don't miss any opportunity to explore the tidal pools anywhere you can to see the sea life that makes this inhospitable place its home), take time to cross over the coastal range to see the Willamette valley and it's fertile farm land. Then get back to the coast for a bit more. You can easily do this in 8 days or 8 weeks if you can find the time.

P.S. The entrance to Mount St. Helens is only about 70 miles up the interstate from Portland but it could easily take you a day or more to "see" it.

If you go to CL be sure you have reservations- gets crowded in summer. same with Oregon coast.
also keep in mind coast is very busy...roads are good but ususally 35-45 MPH is average.traffic speed. Great thing is many "turn outs" to look at beautiful scenery..
Beautiful coastal redwoods are only a few miles north of Cresent City and well worth the time.
Weather should be great but have sweater or sweat-shirt close by...