pengony

Hello,
My boyfriend and I will be driving from Boise, Idaho to Astoria, Oregon in early June. We want to spend most of the first day driving but can't decide on a route. We don't mind spending a bit more time driving if the route is more scenic. I'm thinking of either taking 26 and spending the night in Prineville/Madras or taking 84 and staying in The Dalles. Any suggestions? Thank you!

sunbum1944

I would take 84 but stay in Hood River instead of the Dalles.

Tomsd

Agree, or go up to Timberline Lodge on the south side of Mt. Hood and then take 26? from there into Portland the next day.

happytrailstoyou

If you like the high desert (as I do) you could drive to John Day and then up 26, 19, and 97 to Hood River--a delightful town. If I did that, I would cross the Columbia River and drive to Astoria on WA-14 and WA-4. WA-14 is a delightful two-lane road that skirts the banks of the Columbia River much of the way giving expansive views of the river and Mt. Hood. WA-4 is a pleasing alternative to OR-30.

If, instead, you drive I-84 you can visit the waterfalls on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Too many good choices!

Another good option is to spend the night in the Prineville area and then drive to Florence, OR, and up the coast to Astoria. The entire coast drive is beautiful and the stretch from Florence to Lincoln City affords the most expansive ocean views.

It really depends on what you've seen, what you haven't seen, and what you want to see.

HTtY

tomfuller

It's 265 miles from Ontario to Bend (US 20). Bend has much more to offer than John Day (unless you want to visit the fossil beds).
From Bend try US 20 over the Santiam Pass and then Rt. 22 through Salem all the way to US 101 north of Lincoln City.
make a stop at the Tillamook cheese factory for great ice cream and cheese on your way up 101 to Cannon Beach, Seaside and Astoria.

Gardyloo

Or push through to Troutdale and stay at McMenamin's Edgefield, and cool your heels (and insides) with various on-site pub options, some good food, maybe a movie. Do the "historic" gorge highway in the morning, then follow the north shore of the river out to Astoria. http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home

Alternatively, stay in Hood River, do the historic drive first thing the second morning, then north shore to Cape Disappointment before crossing the river into Astoria. Cape Disappointment is anything but. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Di...ent_State_Park

pengony

Sorry, I should have added more info. We are actually going from Astoria all the way down the coast and into the Redwoods. Last year we spent time in Seattle, Portland, Bend and Crater Lake so my boyfriend wanted to explore other areas. I actually have family in Nevada, I get to see the high desert a lot already, so maybe we will try going up on 84 and see the river area.

Where would you recommend crossing over from I-84 to wa-14? I hadn't considered that option yet but it looks like it could be fun.

Thanks for the McMenamins suggestion.. We do like to stop at a lot of breweries. I'll look into the hotel or at least maybe stopping for breakfast.

So it is worth it to stop at Cape Disappointment and Long Beach? I was thinking of checking out that area before we head down the coast. Thanks for all the great suggestions!

tomfuller

Cross over at Biggs Junction on US 97 onto WA 14.
Cross back over into Oregon at Hood River. Hood River has several great places to stay overnight.
If you want the fastest route that avoids Portland to get to US 30 to Astoria, take I-84 to I-205 north past the airport. I-205 ties into I-5 north to Longview. Get off at the first Longview exit and follow the signs to the "Port of Longview". The Lewis and Clark bridge is next to the port. At the end of the bridge you get on US 30 west which can be a bit slow but it will take you to Astoria.

happytrailstoyou

Where would you recommend crossing over from I-84 to wa-14?

Since you're not going to John Day, I agree with tomfuller--cross at Biggs Junction. The Maryhill Museum and Maryhill Winery across from Biggs Junction are both worth a visit.

So it is worth it to stop at Cape Disappointment and Long Beach?

Cape Disappointment is an interesting, rugged destination with a lighthouse and nearby Fort Columbia State Park is another surprise awaiting you.

In my opinion, Long Beach is less interesting than several towns you will pass through on your way down the Oregon Coast.

HTtY