Best time to visit Oregon
 

One state left and I will have visited all 50... How did I miss Oregon? Advice on best season to visit- Spring or Summer? Suggestions on driving the coast- must sees or must stay the night? Will fly to Portland and rent car. We are 70 years young, but no strenuous uphill hikes or bike rides please...love to do it, but the heart does not. Love scenery and good eats.
Thanks for ideas.

I went there in the summer as it's a good destination that isn't too hot at that time. I wanted a break from the heat where I live in the US. Even then, you wouldn't want to go into the ocean there much, I don't think (I was at Cannon Beach part of the time). I actually flew into Seattle, spent a few days there, rented a car and drove south, stopping off to do a little light hiking at Mt Rainier for a day, then drove to Portland for a few days, then Cannon Beach for a few days, and ended up in Tacoma for one night. I did that because Tacoma is an easy drive to the Seattle airport to fly home. They have a couple interesting museums in Tacoma, actually, and a very nice park.

I did drive down the coast and back one day while staying in Cannon Beach, just for fun (I like to drive). I can't remember if I was visiting Tillamook or what. I also did a day trip from Cannon Beach to visit Astoria (Columbia River museum was fantastic) and the Lewis and Clark national historical park. That was really interesting.

That was actually a very good trip now that I review it. So if you concentrate on Oregon, I highly recommend visiting Astoria and the Lewis and Clark camp. I liked Cannon Beach also, for a couple days. Pretty coastline there, even if I didn't go in the water. here's a good article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...070805476.html

Also love the fall - Sep/early Oct = which in the old days used to be called Indian summer.

Don't forget Southern Oregon - Crater Lake -jet boating on the Rogue River, taking in a Shakespeare play at Ashland, etc.

If you could do the fall instead, that is ideal time here, IMO. Otherwise summer. Spring is still pretty rainy and can be quite chilly for visitors who expect warmer temps.

Without knowing how much time you have, it is hard to make suggestions, so here are just a few general things.

One, on the coast drive north to south as it is easier for pulling over at viewpoints, etc and to get back on the highway.

I would start in Astoria, even though it is technically not on the ocean, but rather on the Columbia River, and then head down. Cannon Beach is one of our fav places and we go there often. It is definitely worthy of a couple nights. Then another few nights around Newport/Yachats. Lots to do and see in this area as well.

These areas are what most visitors do, but if you have more time then by all means go the entire length. Our coast varies quite a bit and so you won't see the same thing all the way down.

Do you want to see other parts of our state, or just the coast? The Columbia River Gorge is beautiful and starts only about 15 minutes east of Portland off of I-84. Crater Lake is about 2 hours south of Bend and is well known for good reason as it is stunning! If you like wine, Oregon is known for Pinot Noir and you can find the best of these in the Willamette Valley region sw of Portland on down to about Salem, for the best of the best.

Like I say, there is so much to do and see here, but hopefully these will give you some ideas to help you decide:)

Good ideas above. There are plenty of non-Shakespeare plays in Ashland as well.
At the end of July (mid-week) Ringo Starr will be performing in Bend at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. There are some good shows at the Tower Theater as well.
Just south of Bend you would enjoy the High Desert Museum.
You can also take a short hike at the Lavalands Visitor Center and also drive up to Lava Butte Lookout.
Also in the Lava region, drive out to the Newberry Caldera which has 2 nice lakes and a road to the top of Paulina Peak.
The top of Paulina Peak has Oregon's highest public outhouse at nearly 8000' above sea level.

In my opinion, the best time to visit ANYWHERE in the U.S. is September - kids back in school, everything much less crowded, weather still good.

Agree Sept is a good time to visit. It seems like the coast weather is better at that time too. Sometimes in the summer it can be cold and windy at the coast.

I think one of the prettiest parts of the coast is between Lincoln City and Florence- beautiful coastline, many places to stop. My favorite beach is Devils Elbow( also known as Heceta Head)
It is a cove with an easy trail up to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US and the Inn Keepers House. The Inn Keepers House is actually a B&B and is a lovely place to stay. They serve an amazing breakfast in the AM.

The lighthouse has recently been restored and is open for tours.

The coast towns between Lincoln City and Florence are worth exploring- I love Yachats and Florence.

Traveling south of Florence, there is not much to see as the view is obstructed by trees until you reach Coos Bay- but then Bandon, Port Orford is very scenic.
The jet boat ride starting in Gold Beach is very fun- not sure what the schedule is after Labor Day though. You will see eagles, osprey, otters, and maybe bears from the boat.

The Hwy between Roseburg and Crater Lake is very scenic with many waterfalls to stop and view- many just a short walk from the parking lot.

And then of course, there is wine country. That is can be the subject of another whole post.