Oregon North Coast
 

Hello All,

A friend and I are traveling to Oregon this early May. We do not have definite dates and are looking to be flexible so we can find the perfect AirBnb and go from there. I have had a dream to see Oregon for 30 years to see the coast and Columbia River Gorge. I have just started looking and it seems to me that the Northern coast of Oregon from Tillamook to Cannon has enough easy/moderate hikes to keep us entertained for a week so I'm thinking that now we will skip the Columbia River Gorge. We are into more peaceful nature trails and small town eateries with out a crowd. Will this be a big mistake to miss seeing the Columbia River Gorge? I guess my brief research is showing crowds and closed highways for repair.

Thank you! Michele

Do NOT miss the Gorge in May. In early May crowds will be a non-issue,, the waterfalls will be at their peak flows, the Hood River Valley's orchards will be in blossom, they'll still be skiing on Mount Hood, where Timberline Lodge will be fully accessible...To me, the Gorge in May is one of the Northwest's premier destinations.

By comparison, in my (biased) view, the north coast would come in second place. Cannon Beach (and adjacent Ecola State Park) are very scenic (Cannon Beach a bit twee for my taste) as is wonderful Cape Disappointment on the Washington side of the Columbia's (awesome) mouth. Astoria is historic and pleasant enough, and there are other highlights, like the big Willapa Bay wildlife refuge (also on the Washington side.). But I would not cut short time in the Gorge for any of these sites. In early May you're likely to encounter rainy weather pretty much anywhere, but if you drive 45 minutes east from Hood River to the funky Maryhill Museum (and nearby weird replica of Stonehenge) you'll be in sunny "old west" and sagebrush landscapes. Lots of nearby options from the Gorge.

Thank you so much for your thoughts! Would a day to see the waterfalls be too rushed and would a weekend day be crazy?

im seeing a lot of airbnbs around Cape Arch booked fully in April and available in May. Is there a reason for this? I’m thinking that May would be warmer and less rain and thus a busier time, is this not correct?