On our trip in July next year, we have the option of spending an extra night in Rapid City SD or in Portland OR. We will not have spent much time in Rapid City, arriving on a Thursday afternoon for a possible departure on Friday morning for Portland.

On arrival in Portland, we will be spending two nights there before heading off on the rest of our trip.

My reading suggests that we should quit Rapid City in favour of Portland, but I may be missing something. Any advice as to where we would be best to spend that extra time?

Rob.

So I take it you are cutting out Seattle from your Itinerary and will be driving south from Portland to California?

If your tour is taking you to the Black Hill attractions like Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave, Deadwood, Custer State Park, and the Chief Crazy Horse Monument, there is no reason to linger in Rapid City.

Portland, on the other hand, is a very nice city to spend a couple of days exploring. I take it you will be visiting the Columbia Gorge and the Willamette Valley vineyards after leaving Portland or are you going directly to Crater Lake or the Oregon Coast?

There's a lot to see in both areas. It's hard to make recommendations when we don't know your entire itinerary.

We have decided to head up to Victoria and Vancouver for a few days before driving south, Otis. We are doing a short tour out of Portland first, hence the reason for our going there from Rapid City. The idea is to take the train from Vancouver to Seattle and pick up the car there. Having had a few days in Portland, we would then look to by-pass it on our way south.

We will be seeing most of those Black Hills attractions on our tour (not sure about Wind Cave), so it looks like Portland might be best for our extra night.

Rob.

Sounds like a great trip. Yes, I'd choose Portland. It's a great town especially if you like roses, books, and beer.

For BC, you could fly to Vancouver, ferry to Victoria and then ferry to Seattle. It's a more scenic alternative to the train.

Otis didn't mention the food. It's good to. The books and roses are spectacular. I hope to go back soon. Since it sounds like you aren't doing Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, The Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park--This would take the entire three days and then some-just head to Portland and spend the extra day there. Sounds like a great trip with all that's included. Not sure exactly what everything else is though.

Thanks a lot. That is very helpful.
Rob.