My husband and I will be going to a big event in Eugene on a Saturday. We fly in to Portland on Thursday evening and leave Monday at 11 pm. That gives us very little time for seeing the area, but we would like to at least have two fun days. So here are my questions --

We will drive Thursday night from the airport to somewhere on the coast and spend Friday on the coast, somewhere between Lincoln City and Florence. Should our focus be the coastal drive with a few pull off stops to stroll? If so, where? Or would you recommend concentrating on one town/park and taking more of a real hike? If so, where?

We will leave Eugene on Sunday probably after brunch, and have a reservation in the Timberline Lodge for Sunday night. What would you do before and after that?

Thanks to all!

You might want to reconsider driving to the coast if you arrive in Portland in the evening. It is about a 2.5 hour trip to Lincoln City. IMO, a better stop for the first night would be McMinnville, which is a cute town about 1.5 hours from Portland.

On Sunday, it is going to take you about 4 to 5 hours to get to Mt Hood from Eugene . You can go up I-5 to Lake Oswego, then east, or a more scenic option would be to head out on #126 toward to Sisters, then turn north at Redmond. If you leave after a brunch, you'll get to the lodge just in time for a short hike and dinner.

On Monday, you can take the direct route back to Portland (about an hour and a half) and have time to explore parts of the city, or you could go north, then through the Columbia Gorge on your way back to the city. I'd allow three or four hours if you plan to get out and take short hikes to waterfalls.

There are lots of great places to sightsee or shop and eat in Portland. Just type "Portland" into the search box above for lots of posts on food and sightseeing. Note that lots of restaurants close on Monday in Portland.

I think you have planned your trip backwards. The following plan will take good advantage of your time by giving you one day in the Columbia River Gorge, a night at Timberline Lodge, a day and a half on the coast, and the possibility of dinner in one of Portland's fine restaurants.

Since you are arriving late on Thursday, stay at a hotel within a few miles of the airport in preparation for visiting the Columbia River Gorge on Friday. For a authentic Oregon experience, consider McMenamins Edgefield, which is in a quiet location about ten miles from the airport: http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home

On Friday explore the Columbia River Gorge at leisure--checking out the waterfalls, taking short hikes, and walking around the delightful town of Hood River.

Then, spend Friday night at Timberline Lodge. The Saturday drive from TL to Eugene is 160 miles and it takes about 3 1/2 hours. You could visit a winery in the Willamette Valley on your way, time permitting.

After brunch on Sunday, drive to Florence--the drive between Florence and Lincoln City is one of the most beautiful in Oregon. Spend the night in the little town of Yachats or in Newport, which has more activities and dining options. (In Yachats we like to stay at Fireside Motel or Overleaf Lodge, and in Newport we like to stay at Hallmark in a "deluxe" room.)

On Monday, explore the coast between Newport (or Yachats) and Cannon Beach. You could have dinner in one of Portland's great restaurants before your 11:00 p.m. flight.

HTTY

Thanks for this advice. I am afraid that by the time we decided to take this trip the only night with availability at Timberline was on Sunday night, which meant we'd spend Friday on the coast and Sunday night and Monday inland.

It definitely sounds like Lincoln City to Florence is a must do drive, so that's how we'll spend our Friday. It looks to me like Lincoln City is low on charm but since we get in at 7 pm we should make it well before midnight, which is my self-imposed cut-off time.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for lunch on the coast around Yachats?

Thanks.

In Yachats you might try the dining room at the Adobe Motel -
because it is on the ocean so great views - nice place to walk and food is decent - not fabulous, but OK
I once saw a whale while I was dining there

In Yachats, Drift Inn is a very well established place that's popular with locals and visitors. It's not wonderful, but Yachats is a little town.

Don't give up on Timberline Lodge. Find out their cancellation policy (I think it's seven days), and call for a reservation ten, nine, eight, seven, and etc. days before your arrival. This always works for us (and I don't use "always" often).

HTTY