Sunbum, thanks for those recommendations. I'll check them out!

How does OR 42's drive compare with OR 38?

BB, I know you said 38 is a nice drive paralleling he river. 42 has come up because someone recommended the wild animal park in Winston and Frommer's also recommended it. My wife loves animal parks, so it's now under consideration for the drive back from Bandon. If it's also a pretty drive, we may do that one instead.

Mapquest said Bandon to Portland through 42 is only about :30 minutes longer than going up to Reedsport then taking 38, so time shouldn't be a problem. We still should have time to check out the rivers and go up 99 a ways.

Anyone have any thoughts on the animal park in Winston also?

Thanks.

We di the Winston thing last June on a roadtrip. We did it on a lark, just DD (16) and I. It was afternoon, which is not ideal. If you do it, I would suggest in the morning as the animals are more active. Personally, I would not suggest it for a visitor with limited time. It doesn't take a whole lot of time, but once you start you cannot decide to stop and turn around, etc. For us, it was a great time killer for that day otherwise we would have ended up at our hotel in Weed early and with nothing to do. So unless someone is in that circumstance, I would not suggest it.

You actually mean you aren't playing golf at Bandon Dunes? I'm verklempt...talk amongst yourselves.

mms, thanks for your thoughts on Winston. How would you compare the drive on 42 between Bandon and Winston as opposed to 38 between Reedsport and Eugene? I think that might be the deciding factor whether we do the animal park or not.

john, surely you jest! Of course I'm playing Bandon!!! Playing Bandon Dunes and Pacific. I would never forgive myself if I was there and DIDN'T play!

I haven't made that drive for a number of years, so hate to comment on it. Sorry! I would trust beachbums opinion though.

Doesn't Dean Creek Elk Reserve qualify as an animal park? ;-) Sorry, I can't help with OR 42 either. Can't remember the last time I drove it; at least 20 year ago, probably. Or, maybe even before mms was born. Haven't been to the animal park near Winston, either. Couldn't get past Abacela winery! ;-) Regardless, if your wife has been to other animal parks, I wonder if she'd be disappointed with this one. I'm reasonably certain that neither of you would be disappointed with the scenery along OR 38.

Yeah, I think we'll stick with the original plan and go back through 38. We were also just saying the same thing. We just went to the wild animal park in San Diego, and from it's website, this one may not offer quite enough "new" stuff to warrant a trip this time.

beachbum--LOL, you are good for the ego

travelinandgolfin--If you just did the SD one, then yes I would definitely skip Winston.