Oregon coast- 5 days....do I split it into 2 locations?
 

Hi,
We are going in March(rainy ) only time we are able to for spring break. We will be flying into Portland and wanted to do 2/3 night in Newport and 2/3 nights in Cannon beach then back to Portland for a overnight stay and fly back home. I'm wondering if its stretching too much to go to both locations ? Should I just stay in Cannon and see the areas around that instead?

We are a family of 4. 2 adults and 2 kids ages 11,15. We are fairly seasoned travelers but not sure about the rain hindering us on this trip. I've already booked the flights so don't have a option to go elsewhere.

Monica

Can't you go anywhere else? I personally would not plan a coastal trip to Oregon (or N. California for that matter). It has been very wet this year - which doesn't mean it will be next month, but typically it would be. Maybe even a city-centric trip (Portland + Seattle)?

At least if you go to the coast you should be able to get cheap accommodations . . .

We have actually already done Seattle and Portland so we decided to go west.

Portland got an inch or 2 of snow yesterday while Mt. Hood got over a foot. The snow in Portland won't last long.
I would try to plan Cannon Beach first and then drive southbound to Newport. I always like driving the coast southbound better than north. Take US 26 west from Portland past the zoo. If you want a little history lesson go up to Seaside and walk the "prom" and see the spot where members of the Corps of Discovery boiled seawater to make salt to preserve the elk meat for the long trip back to St. Louis.
On the way south to Newport, stop at the Tillamook Cheese factory for the self guided tour and the free samples. In addition to great cheese they have some great ice cream.
Just south of Newport across the big bridge is the Oregon Coast Aquarium which is a must IMO.
The people that choose to live on the Oregon coast love the tourists whether it is raining or not. You might luck out and have good weather.
On the way back to Portland from Newport, you could stop at the Evergreen Aviation and Space museum near McMinnville. In the aviation building, you can see the "Spruce Goose" which was flown by Howard Hughes for less than 2 miles.

I'm afraid I'm also very much in the "why?" camp. Of course we don't know anything about you or your kids, but let me ask how would you spend your days on the coast if the rain is constant and (possibly) sideways? Hikes? Tidepool searches? Totally anecdotal, but when my son was around that age, a couple of days stuck in a motel room would lead to thoughts of abandonment (or worse.) Now that might not be anything like your family, but - just in case - why not do a combination coast/inland itinerary?

For example, two nights on the coast. I'd pick Cannon Beach because it'll have the greatest density of things that are open for business, and because you've got interesting destinations within day trip range, such as Ecola Beach, Astoria, and Cape Disappointment on the north side of the (awesome) mouth of the Columbia.

Then follow the (historic, relatively scenic) north bank or the river back toward Portland, but shoot through the city and head east to Hood River or even beyond. The odds are good (not certain by any means, but... good) that by mid- or late March things will be progressing into spring in the Hood River Valley, and it's almost certain that the weather will be drier, and probably warmer, than it is on the coast. You can visit the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, which ought to be full of water (almost scary sometimes) or continue east to Maryhill for a visit to Maryhill Museum (opens March 15) and to the weird copy of Stonehenge set on the clifftops overlooking the river. The road up to Timberline Lodge (an hour from Hood River) will probably be open to cars without chains (check first, obviously) and they'll still be skiing; if the kids are interested in snowboarding or skiing, there's rental gear available. Or take a longer day trip (a couple of hours each way from Hood River) to Pendleton for a visit to the woolen mill and real "old west" scenery, or, about the same amount of time, head south to Smith Rock State Park, where the weather will (probably) be sunny and the scenery amazing.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2e5ff5fac6.jpg

Map showing various locations, not intended as a route plan - https://goo.gl/maps/GS9t6z7MAuD2

We did similar spending two nights in Cannon Beach (Hallmark) then three in Yachats (Fireside) a few years back. Yachats is beautiful (and loved the Fireside), but pretty small and quiet so Newport or maybe Florence might be a better choice with kids. Even if you don’t stay in Yachats you should walk the coastal trail (actually paved path) there. It was windy/rainy for much of our stay, but we still had a great time. Unlike most of our trips revolving around day long hikes this coast trip lends itself to multiple stops and short hikes. We had rain gear and rarely spent more than 30 – 60 minutes at a stretch outside then if we got wet had a chance to warm up in the car prior to the next stop. Consider renting ATV’s in the Dunes south of Florence, we got a bit wet there but still had a blast.

I am a huge fan of Newport for Spring Break with kids for precisely Gardyloo's reason, being trapped in a motel room with kids.

Newport gives you so many non-beach and non-hike options if the weather isn't your friend.

• The Newport Aquarium is as good or better than many in the US. The shark tank alone is awesome but the rest is still really, really cool.
• The Mark Hatfield Center might appear to be a second aquarium, but it's different. Most interesting to me were the cool displays about ocean wave energy.
• Newport's downtown is a working port, and often there are sea lions hanging out on the docks.
• Heceta Head lighthouse is a good stop and fun to climb the stairs to the top.
• Whale watching from nearby Depot Bay, where the whale watching center is both dry inside and has binoculars to look through.
• There are also some shops, candy stores etc if you're interested.

The straight shot to Newport from Portland is down I-5 to Corvallis and then west on Highway 20.

For the rest of your trip, if it were me, I would split by driving to the beach for half, then going West on 20 all the way through Sisters and on to Redmond. Then down to Bend. Go back north up through Hood River and see the Gorge if you have not already.

One more wild card: Do you ski, or are you interested? Or interested in tubing? Both Mount Bachelor near Bend and Mount Hood near Portland would be options. The big question we always run up against, is if you don't like driving in the snow, maybe not a good option.

Thank you for the suggestions.... I will print and take with me.

We survived Scotlands downpours so I'm assuming it couldn't be worse then that. The kids actually enjoy a little bit of downtime since we are usually pretty active . We have the gear. I will however take your suggestion and see if there is any interest from the family. Your ideas look amazing so thank you. I'll be doing some research.

Thank you....I'll be sure to stop there.

great options.... thank you. I'll be sure to hit all that you mentioned. We don't really ski so that wouldn't be a option for us. So if we do the coast...you would suggest 3 days in Newport and 2 in Cannon?

Yes, I would do 2 in CB and 3 in Newport. That said, most places in CB require 2-3 night minimums so that might drive either your choice for lodging or to spend 3 nights in CB. If that is the case, don't worry, 3 nights is not too much there. I would make reservations in both areas asap since the coast is a VERY popular place for spring break, especially CB.

Yes, that would be my suggestion if you're doing two beach towns.

In Cannon, Ecola State Park has a great trail.

After Cannon, you could also stop on the way down in Tillamook at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour and a sample.

In Lincoln City, I think there's still a glassblowing studio where you can make your own Christmas ornament or other small item.

For efficiency, the ride home I would suggest is Highway 20 east to Corvallis, then follow your nav to link up with I-5 North back to Portland.

However, if you are an airplane fan--or a waterpark fan, I should mention that in McMinnville, they have an airplane museum that is really one of the best anywhere. And next door there is a swim pool where you can climb to the top stairs and then slide down a waterslide that comes out of a full jet plane. It's pretty cool. The negative is that you would have a longer drive back to Portland that way...back up 101 to Highway 18 and then to McMinnville. If this is on a weekend day, I wouldn't do it because the winery traffic plus locals returning from the beach would be a nightmare.

https://www.evergreenmuseum.org/

https://wingsandwaveswaterpark.com/

If you are ever stuck in Portland on a rainy day just head for Powells World of Books (on Burnside). Imagine a city block on 3 floors full of books. They will ship to your home so you don't have to carry the books home in your suitcase.
Two blocks south of Powells is Ken & Zukes Jewish Deli which is among my favorites. Ken & Zukes have opened a new location at the PDX airport as well.

Tom, the OP mentioned they've already done Portland. So possibly they've visited Powell's.

But it is a good question, what time are you coming back to Portland and do you need new suggestions?

Not sure what time you fly home--if it's early you might want to stay right by the airport. But if you have the time, either the Kennedy School or Edgefield would be fun places to stay for your final night.

https://www.mcmenamins.com/