Oregon itinerary help needed
 

The trip I planned for last September got put off until this year and I would love any suggestions regarding the itinerary I've put together after reading two year's worth of posts on this site.

Fly NY to Portland on Tues, 9/6 and stay 5 nights to include day trips to Mt. St. Helens and Silver Falls State Park and the wine area.

Sunday 9/11 drive to the coast and stay 2 nights at Cannon Beach and two nights at Yachats.

On Thursday, 9/15 we would drive down the southern coast. Could we continue on that day over to the Jacksonville/Ashland area and stay about 3 nights or do we need to stay one night in the southern area of the coast such as at Gold Beach? I'm trying to avoid too many short hotel stays but I didn't know whether driving all the way to the Jacksonville area would be too long.

We have a reservation for one night, Sunday 9/18, at Crater Lake Lodge.

Monday 9/19 we would drive to the Bend area and stay for 3 nights.

Thursday 9/22 we would head up to the Hood River area staying somewhere for one night.

Friday 9/23 we would see the Columbia River Gorge ending up at a hotel convenient for the Portland airport and fly home on Saturday 9/24.

We like to travel leisurely and not rush and my husband likes time to take his photos.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's less than 5 hours drive from Yachats to Jacksonville.
If you don't like the motel in Yachats, continue down the coast to Winchester Bay or Coos Bay.
Along Rt 38 east of Reedsport, there is a great opportunity to take pictures of Roosevelt Elk at 2 viewing areas. Use the long lens. I'm glad you get a night at the Crater Lake Lodge. When leaving Crater Lake, use the north entrance to Rt. 138. The pointy mountain you see looking north is Mt. Thielsen, known as the lightning rod of the Cascades.
Bend is a great choice for 3 nights. Be sure to visit the High Desert Museum and the Lavalands Visitor Center south of town. You might want to check the lodging at Sunriver instead of Downtown Bend.
Take Rt. 26 out of Madras and then take the Hood highway (35) from Government Camp to Hood River. The top of Mt. Hood is the highest point in Oregon.
Several hotels along Sandy Blvd. have shuttles to the airport so you may be able to turn in the rental car the night before flying out.
Enjoy your great trip to Oregon. I hope it doesn't rain too much while you are here.

Looks like a well planned trip. Weather should be good as September is one of our better months. I agree, Sunriver would be a good place to stay just south of Bend a few minutes. We go there several times a year. You might look at staying in Troutdale at the McMenamins Edgefield for your last night. McMenamins are unique properties around OR and WA. The brothers take historic buildings and turn them into hotels/restaurants and each one retains a lot of the historical flavor. The Edgefield is a fun place to stay, and is close to the airport for the next morning.

you're a theatre lover and you're not coming to Shakespeare?
For shame. :(
http://www.osfashland.org/?gclid=CNe...FQwFbAodN0kjCw

Yes, right before Crater Lake we'll be in Ashland and I will check what is being performed. I would love to go see theater there. Years ago I remember reading a J.A. Jance mystery which took place at the Ashland Festival and I've never forgotten that.