ashland to crater lake to hood river. need help
Jul 18th, 2010 | 01:26 PM
#1
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Joined: Dec 2003
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ashland to crater lake to hood river. need help
we are coming up from california. our final destination is seattle to visit son. never been through oregon. first stop is ashland for 2 nights. next to crater lake for rim drive. north to columbia river gorge (hood river). looking for scenic drives and charming towns. questions: 1) should we overnight near crater lake or head for bend to overnight? 2) are there very scenic routes from crater lake to hood river? 3) should we overnight at mt.hood on our way to hood river, or make hood river our base (and see mt.hood as a day trip? any suggestions will be really appreciated. thank you........
Jul 18th, 2010 | 01:50 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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This hard because there are so many great areas, so it is hard to narrow down. How much time do you have?
I love Crater Lake. If you have time, the boat tour is very good. Crater Lake is less than 2 hours from Bend, so you could easily head up there for lodging. Bend has so much to do/see, so if you can spare the time I would suggest at least a day or two there.
Getting to Hood River, the most direct route would be to head up 97 to 26 towards Mt. Hood then over on 35 to Hood River. It is a nice drive and a variety of scenery.
I love Crater Lake. If you have time, the boat tour is very good. Crater Lake is less than 2 hours from Bend, so you could easily head up there for lodging. Bend has so much to do/see, so if you can spare the time I would suggest at least a day or two there.
Getting to Hood River, the most direct route would be to head up 97 to 26 towards Mt. Hood then over on 35 to Hood River. It is a nice drive and a variety of scenery.
Jul 18th, 2010 | 05:06 PM
#3
Joined: Feb 2005
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Crater Lake is off the beaten path and for most people a once-in-a-lifetime destination. It deserves a stay of at least one night.
The most scenic drive in Western Oregon are Highway 101 from Brookings to Fort Orford and from Florence to Lincoln City, Highway 38 from Reedsport to Drain, and I-84 on the Columbia river (though, in the Columbia River Gorge, I prefer the views from WA-14).
There are no similarly scenic drives between Crater Lake, Bend, and Hood River.
We like to have a meal at Timberline Lodge, but to stay in Hood River, which is a delightful town.
The most scenic drive in Western Oregon are Highway 101 from Brookings to Fort Orford and from Florence to Lincoln City, Highway 38 from Reedsport to Drain, and I-84 on the Columbia river (though, in the Columbia River Gorge, I prefer the views from WA-14).
There are no similarly scenic drives between Crater Lake, Bend, and Hood River.
We like to have a meal at Timberline Lodge, but to stay in Hood River, which is a delightful town.
Jul 18th, 2010 | 05:48 PM
#4
Joined: Jun 2003
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Not associated in any way, but my favorite B&B is in Ashland! Check out http://www.countrywillowsinn.com/ The breakfasts are wonderful and every detail is carefully attended to without it ever feeling "fussy".
The Inn at Crater Lake has really nice public spaces but the rooms are nothing special. You may or may not see the lake depending on the local weather conditions.
There's lots to see and do in Bend. If you like beer there are great micro-brews there.
The Inn at Crater Lake has really nice public spaces but the rooms are nothing special. You may or may not see the lake depending on the local weather conditions.
There's lots to see and do in Bend. If you like beer there are great micro-brews there.
