jennanddustin

My husband and I are going to Oregon (flying to Portland) in a few weeks. We'll arrive early Friday afternoon and be there until the following Saturday morning. The trip is not only for a vacation, but we are planning on relocating and the Pacific northwest, in general, is a place we are thinking about living. We'd love any recommendations on an itinerary and places to stay (mid-range, we are looking to spend over $200 for only a couple splurge nights). We're renting a car and don't mind longer drives, but so far, the only thing besides airfare that we have booked is our Tuesday night at Columbia Gorge Hotel. We'd like to probably stay in 2-3 other hotels/B&Bs while we're out there.

We'd like to:
- See the coast (including Astoria & Cannon Beach)
- Spend a couple days at Crater Lake
- Eugene, Salem & Bend - stop there and, at the very least, have a meal
- Visit Multnomah Falls

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks ~jenn

jlm0610

I grew up in Oregon and it is a beautiful state! If you have time while you're in Portland, I would recommend visiting the rose gardens, which are beautiful, and Pioneer Square, which is always interesting. I'm actually from the Southern part of Oregon, Rogue River, but my sister lived for several years in Astoria and I went to college my first year in Eugene.

Astoria is a great little town with a lot of character. Seaside has the boardwalk and all of the fun and games you would expect from a touristy town, so if you're looking for a little of that kind of thing, it's definitely worth the 20 minute drive from Astoria.

As far as Eugene, if you can plan it so that you are traveling through on a weekend, the Saturday Market is a lot of fun and you run across all kinds of things, people, entertainment.

If you're going to be as far South as Crater Lake and have a bit of time, I would recommend visiting Jacksonville, a historic town with a lot of quaint shops and restaurants, and Ashland, which has a beautiful park (Lithia) and the Shakespeare Festival. You can take a tour of the theaters without seeing a play, which I have enjoyed each time I've done it, even though I'm not a huge theater person.

If you have other questions, definitely ask!

Shar

Skamania Lodge is beautiful. It is in Washington east of the Bonneville dam.(also a nice stop) It is a Beautiful lodge setting looking out over the Columbia River. On Friday they have a seafood buffet that is wonderful. $28.00 and worth every piece of crab and shrimp you can eat. There are lots of salads, fish dishes, and meat dishes and save room for the desert buffet - wow it is so good. Was there just a few weeks ago. Need to make reservations though. It is a lovely ride over there. If you are visiting Multnomah falls just keep driving east and cross the Columbia on the Bridge of the Gods and head East and you will see signs for the Skamania Lodge (Hope I am spelling it correctly) Also while driving to the fall, you can taste some great wine in the Hood River area and they are free - unlike here in California where we have to pay for tasting now.

Downtown Portland has some great hotels "5th Avenue Suites" is one and they have a nice restuarant in the hotel too.

Oregon Beaches: Cannon Beach: Stephanie Inn ; St. Bernards B&B south of Cannon Beach -Ginger Room is lovely
Gold Beach" - TuTu'Tun Lodge one of the coast's finest resorts but reservation are a MUST

Jacsonville is a lovely little town not too far from Ashland.

kimamom

Shar has given a nice list. St. Bernards is in Arch Cape, a castle-like B&B that sounds very nice. You will love the Columbia Gorge Hotel, very grand and elegant property.

If you decided to stay in Astoria, the Cannery Pier Hotel is now up and operating, located right on the water. The Hotel Elliott is also very nice, in downtown Astoria.

If you decide to stay in Ashland, I think you would enjoy the Ashland Springs Hotel there. A meal at the Peerlees is always nice. (We dined there twice this summer and it's always good.) We enjoy dining out on their back patio.

Enjoy your trip and have fun! ***kim***

waggis

You're in for a treat....Oregon has so much to offer - it is an awesome state. From the wild coast to the rich Willamette Valley to snow-covered mountains, High Desert and beyond....wine country, waterfalls and mountain lakes galore. I'm from Switzerland but I was some impressed!!

Portland: We stayed at the Heron House B&B, which is within your budget. It is located on historic Nob Hill in easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. We stayed in both suites on the third floor. Rate: $185 ea. "Mahina" with wonderful views and "Manu" which is a very spacious retreat.
www.heronhouse.com
First and last night we stayed at an airport motel.

Bend: The Riverhouse Resort on the Deschutes River $82 to $152. Ask for a room on the river & not too close to the restaurant.
www.riverhouse.com

I agree with the other posters on the beautiful Columbia Gorge Hotel,
and Skamania Lodge. Both have very good restaurants.

We also liked the Timberline Lodge. Here, at 6000 feet, you can sit in the hot tub and watch the skiers. We were there end of August and the best part of September, about the same time as your planned trip. Food at the lodge was very good....and great hikes.

We drove to Crater Lake from Bend and back the same day. Had lunch at the lodge.

From Eugene along the McKenzie River to Bend you have amazing views of heavily forested mountains up to the lava beds of the high desert and snowcapped peaks as a backdrop.

If you're a gardener, you will LOVE the nurseries....and the fabulous Marionberries.

We stayed in B&Bs on the McKenzie River and Lincoln City. (I used a book on B & Bs from the library.) Motels and resorts at the coast, Eugene and east of Bend.

I know you'll have a great trip because we certainly did. ENJOY !

Scarlett

Hi
We took our first trip out to Portland last Sept..10 days of sunshine and beautiful weather...so much good food and so much to see!
We stayed at the 5th Avenue Suites.
We also went with the idea of moving if we really liked it.
As best as I can remember, these are the highlights of that trip:
the Japanese Gardens
the Pearl District for shopping and eating, as well as NW 23rd Ave
Walking along the Riverfront Park
Just getting around town by streetcar.
The Sunday Market ( on Sat & Sun)
The Portland Art Museum
We took the Historic Highway trip to see the waterfalls, only about 30 min from downtown and an amazing place!
Cannon Beach..just loved it, can't wait to go back.
A friend took us for a drive one day and we went to Open Houses, that was fun, made me want to move right away!
We came back to Portland in July to househunt and we moved here about 10 days ago.
Good luck, enjoy the trip and time spent here and I hope you find something you like.
Scarlett

waggis

Jenn, Correction: we didn't stay in Lincoln City. It was West Linn at the Swift Shore Chalet. Nancy Duke served us the most delicious breakfast on her sunny deck, overlooking her lovely garden.
Swift Shore Chalet, P.O. Box 494, 1190 Swift Shore Circle, West Linn, OR 97068 (503) 650-3853.
This B&B is located in a nice residential area, a half mile from I 205. We paid $70 for two (it was some time ago).

From there we went to Canby to visit the Swan Island Dahlia Show, usually held the first or second weekend of September. They feature more than 250 varieties on 43 acres. If you miss that event, you can still stroll through the blooming fields, Monday through Friday from 9 am to dusk. Call (503) 266-7711 for further information. They are located at 995 NW Twenty-second Ave. near Canby, a few miles west of the downtown area. It is a feast for the eyes and well worth the trip, time permitting.

At that time of year you will also come across delicious local fruit and produce vendors; cheeses at Tillamook off Highway 101. Bon voyage et bon appétit!