We are planning to drive from Mendocino to Portland in February. Has anyone done that drive? How long does it take up the coast? And is there an interesting place to stay in the Willamette Valley? Thanks for any help and advice.

Well, if you're from a beautiful spot like Mendocino, you won't be very impressed with the Willamette Valley! As for driving up the Coast, I may be wrong but I don't think there are a lot of wineries on the Oregon Coast. You could drive up the Coast to Lincoln City, then turn inland on the highway to Portland which takes you through wine country.

I haven't stayed there but the Youngberg Hill Inn might be nice. The Evergreen Aviation Museum, in McMinnville also, is worth a visit.

Most Oregon vineyards are found in the Willamette Valley between Eugene & Salem, then out in the Tualatin Valley west of Portland. There are, of course, exceptions, but these are the two prime growing regions in the state.

As for driving the coast, I would conservatively give 8-10 hours because 101 is not a straight path and goes through small towns and backs away from the coastline where rugged terrain prevents the road from following it. There are four usual routes from US 101 to I-5. You can drive all the way north to Astoria and cut over to Portland on US 30, get off a bit further south at Tillamook to take Hwy 26 (through to western Portland suburbs), hop off at Lincoln City for Hwy 18 (through to southwestern Portland suburbs), or take Hwy. 20 from Newport (through to Albany).

All of these drives cut across the beautiful and rugged coastal range. Where you decide to part from 101 will depend on when you have tired of the coast and wish to hop over to the Valley. There are several smaller state highways that can get you up to Portland (such as through McMinnville) without requiring you to take the tedious I-5.

Hi Nan,

We are heading back to the Willamette Valley for our second trip this year. It is fantastic! I will try to top my post for you but check out http://www.yamhillwine.com/index.htm

Also I highly recommend the Youngberg b&b. You can check out their site on the Yamhill site.

Wendy

Nan, my post is called Willamette Valley Wine Country