In mid-September I'll have 5 days solo, flying into Portland, and then 2 days with an adult son. I've been to Portland so this trip, I want hiking, some scenic kayaking, and good wineries. He's more interested in some action but will do some scenic and historical stuff, so I need suggestions for wineries with great offerings for my solo portion of the trip, and then the Gorge / Astoria / Seaside / Newport areas with him? Is that 2 much for 2 days? Fort Clapsop for history? Also, hotels or B&B's in that coastal area where we can get 2 rooms or a suite at a reasonable cost - perhaps $150 a night?

The Gorge is 30 - 60 minutes east of Portland, whereas Astoria is 2 hours west. And Newport is 3+ hours south of Astoria, and about 2.5 from Portland. Too much for 2 days. So, I'd suggest 1/2 day in the Gorge, then head straight to the coast for the night (or 2). Seaside or Cannon Beach would make the most sense - you'd both probably prefer the latter.

As for your solo days, 2 days in wine country should be enough. Spend one in/around Carlton, and the other in the Newberg-Dundee area. For wineries, I'd include Bergstrom, Adelsheim, Penner-Ash, Scott Paul, Carlton Winemaker's Studio, and Cana's Feast in the Carlton day. Then, maybe Rex Hill, Argyle, Domaine Drouhin, De Ponte, and Archery Summit on the other day.

For hiking, I'd point you to back to the Gorge or Mt. Hood. Not sure about the kayaking. I know it's done on several rivers around Portland, but don't know if they qualify as scenic. The Clackamas would be nice, but there's whitewater involved.

Don't know if this helps any....

If you can squeeze in an hour or two in Astoria, the Maritime Museum is well worth a visit. They have a socko Coast Guard exhibit.

Fort Clatsop would be nice, Fort Stevens State Park is also not to miss, check out the Wreck of the Peter Iredale there. Some great walking/biking trails here, also. There are several B&B's in Astoria. Rose River Inn, Britta's Inn, Clementine's, you may also want to check out the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria, right on the river. There is an indoor pool here, also.

In Seaside, check out the Rivertide Suites, go to the Yummy Wine Bar for wine tasting and great food. Any further questions on the northern coast, feel free to ask! ***kim***

Thank you all - these are great tips and will give me a lot to investigate. If wineries are busy with harvest in mid / late September, will they offer tastings during the week, do you know?

Yes, you can still taste. We were there last October picking Pinot Noir grapes in Dundee and North Plains. We tasted at Archery Summit and Domaine Drouhin, both of these places offer some excellent Pinot Noir in nice settings, at DD there is a patio area out in the back with sweeping views of the vineyards and surrounding area. Enjoy! ***kim***

Depends some on the day of the week, Kathryn. Larger wineries generally open daily for tasting, but many of the smaller ones are closed early in the week.