Pacific Northwest Food and Wine
Sep 7th, 2016, 03:05 PM
#23
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Yes, absolutely take a drive along the coast! Much depends on how much time you have. If you are limited, you could go out to Cannon Beach on 26 then south on 101 to Tillamook and then cut back over on 6 that will eventually meet up with 26, so basically a loop. That is a nice day trip. You can also get to the Willamette Valley from there but not going all the way back to Portland, but rather cut down to the WV through Banks/Forest Grove/Hillsboro. Or like I said, if you have time, then go to Lincoln City and then over and directly to Mac.
Sep 7th, 2016, 05:13 PM
#26
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That's the first time I have seen this tiny town mentioned on a travel forum! It is tiny, and nothing wrong with it, just that it is a bit from most places most visitors want to go to. Not too far out of the way, but just off the beaten path a bit. Hood River is the usual suspect, and then if people want a bit further, then White Salmon, but Husum is a few miles past there. Like I said, nothing wrong with it, just different.
Sep 8th, 2016, 07:54 AM
#29
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Husum? That's the first time I've seen that town mentioned in over 55 years of living in Oregon! 
Depends on your plans for the area, but it's a bit out of the way as a base for exploring/touring the most popular section of the Columbia River gorge, the heart of which is about 30 miles west of Hood River: http://tinyurl.com/hzsrcs9.
If you have lots of time, I might suggest heading south from Hood River to Bend, then west to the central or south coast before heading north into the Willamette Valley. Otherwise I agree with mms that Cannon Beach (maybe Manzanita) would be a good coastal base. And since the best north coast scenery is between Cannon Beach and Tillamook (about 40 miles), you'd be fine with parking yourselves in one spot and touring from there. Either way, when you move on to wine country, I also agree with mms's suggestion of taking hwy 6 inland from Tillamook, then turning south on hwy 47.
Depends on your plans for the area, but it's a bit out of the way as a base for exploring/touring the most popular section of the Columbia River gorge, the heart of which is about 30 miles west of Hood River: http://tinyurl.com/hzsrcs9.If you have lots of time, I might suggest heading south from Hood River to Bend, then west to the central or south coast before heading north into the Willamette Valley. Otherwise I agree with mms that Cannon Beach (maybe Manzanita) would be a good coastal base. And since the best north coast scenery is between Cannon Beach and Tillamook (about 40 miles), you'd be fine with parking yourselves in one spot and touring from there. Either way, when you move on to wine country, I also agree with mms's suggestion of taking hwy 6 inland from Tillamook, then turning south on hwy 47.
Sep 8th, 2016, 10:02 AM
#31
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Melnq8
You've given me such detailed advice on NZ and Ouray area that I have to add a few comments her.
We've visited WA/OR many times and have only touched the surface. Usually hiking trips, but our last one focused more on WA wineries. Started in Woodinville, which we didn't like at all, as far east as Prosser. LOTS of wineries between Yakima and Prosser and quite layed back. The reason we didn't go as far as Walla Walla has to do with our location. I kept reading that WW reminded people of a quaint New England town with white clapboard houses whereas Yakima area was dry, rocky and deserty. Being from NJ, we wanted to see the area that was different from home. Since you're from CO perhaps WW fits your bill better.
Suggest you drive east from Portland along the Columbia and stop at several of the waterfalls, however, by doing this, you won't make the time that you would on the interstate. After visiting WA wineries, you could head south to see Bend. We've been to the area several times and prefer to stay in the tiny community of Camp Sherman. You can do a day trip to Bend and many hiking areas there. If you do decide to go as far south as Bend, let me know and I can tell you of some of our favorite hikes near there.
Rt 20 goes through beautiful country as it heads west. Lots of waterfalls all over that part of OR. As others have said, we always need to get our bit of coastal fix in too. Many great places, but we like Manzanita. Quiet town but close enough to visit Cannon Beach without the crowds.
Can't say too much about visiting the Willamette Valley, but easy to hit on your way back to Portland.
Personally, I would allow 2 weeks if you have the time. There is SO much to do and discover in the area.
You've given me such detailed advice on NZ and Ouray area that I have to add a few comments her.
We've visited WA/OR many times and have only touched the surface. Usually hiking trips, but our last one focused more on WA wineries. Started in Woodinville, which we didn't like at all, as far east as Prosser. LOTS of wineries between Yakima and Prosser and quite layed back. The reason we didn't go as far as Walla Walla has to do with our location. I kept reading that WW reminded people of a quaint New England town with white clapboard houses whereas Yakima area was dry, rocky and deserty. Being from NJ, we wanted to see the area that was different from home. Since you're from CO perhaps WW fits your bill better.
Suggest you drive east from Portland along the Columbia and stop at several of the waterfalls, however, by doing this, you won't make the time that you would on the interstate. After visiting WA wineries, you could head south to see Bend. We've been to the area several times and prefer to stay in the tiny community of Camp Sherman. You can do a day trip to Bend and many hiking areas there. If you do decide to go as far south as Bend, let me know and I can tell you of some of our favorite hikes near there.
Rt 20 goes through beautiful country as it heads west. Lots of waterfalls all over that part of OR. As others have said, we always need to get our bit of coastal fix in too. Many great places, but we like Manzanita. Quiet town but close enough to visit Cannon Beach without the crowds.
Can't say too much about visiting the Willamette Valley, but easy to hit on your way back to Portland.
Personally, I would allow 2 weeks if you have the time. There is SO much to do and discover in the area.
Sep 8th, 2016, 02:01 PM
#32
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Clousie- WW chamber of commerce would be disgustingly pleased to hear that description. I'm fairly sure that is their marketing goal, unfortunately. WW is sort of that way in the sense that it's one of the older, prosperous towns in the area- but you should come out this way some time for the rolling wheat fields around it
Sep 8th, 2016, 06:18 PM
#34
Okay, looking at car rentals which are unsurprisingly very expensive at the airport, due to taxes, etc.
So, looking at off airport locations - I understand light rail (Max or is it Trimet?) serves the airport and downtown.
Does anyone happen to know which car rental location is near a light rail stop?
Looks like my options are (so far anyway):
445 S. Pine Street
330 SW Washington Ave
310 SW Lincoln Street
132 NW Broadway
So, looking at off airport locations - I understand light rail (Max or is it Trimet?) serves the airport and downtown.
Does anyone happen to know which car rental location is near a light rail stop?
Looks like my options are (so far anyway):
445 S. Pine Street
330 SW Washington Ave
310 SW Lincoln Street
132 NW Broadway
Sep 9th, 2016, 07:46 AM
#37
Fantastic, thank you FaceInTheCrowd. I was waffling between 12 and 14 nights, and figured, what the heck, we're slow travellers, so more time is always better.
Got a surprisingly good rate on airfare too.
Got a surprisingly good rate on airfare too.
Sep 9th, 2016, 12:42 PM
#38
I'm trying to come up with an itinerary that makes logistical sense, but it's giving me a serious head cramp. NZ travel itineraries seem easy by comparison!
We arrive into Portland at 10 am Thursday Oct 6, and plan to take the Max into downtown to pick up the car. I've estimated that we'll reach the car rental place by 11:30-noon (allowing time to collect luggage, get our bearings, find light rail, etc).
Given daylight hours and our unfamiliarity with the roads and possible stops en route, is it reasonable to drive as far as Dayton that day? I have my eye on the Weinhard Hotel (wine-hard, how appropriate!)
As the Willamette Valley is closer to Portland, I'm thinking it makes sense to end there because 1) our flight leaves from Portland around 6 pm on Oct 20 so a shorter drive to the airport and 2) Timing - we could avoid staying there during a weekend - I assume that due to its proximity to Portland it gets quite busy on weekends (?)
I think I need some wine.
We arrive into Portland at 10 am Thursday Oct 6, and plan to take the Max into downtown to pick up the car. I've estimated that we'll reach the car rental place by 11:30-noon (allowing time to collect luggage, get our bearings, find light rail, etc).
Given daylight hours and our unfamiliarity with the roads and possible stops en route, is it reasonable to drive as far as Dayton that day? I have my eye on the Weinhard Hotel (wine-hard, how appropriate!)
As the Willamette Valley is closer to Portland, I'm thinking it makes sense to end there because 1) our flight leaves from Portland around 6 pm on Oct 20 so a shorter drive to the airport and 2) Timing - we could avoid staying there during a weekend - I assume that due to its proximity to Portland it gets quite busy on weekends (?)
I think I need some wine.
Sep 9th, 2016, 01:17 PM
#39
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Yes you can easily get to Dayton on your arrival day. From downtown Portland it is about an hour to Dayton. Do NOT take 99 when you see the first sign though!!! Get off at the second Wilsonville exit which is #183 and head to the right and take Wilsonville Rd into Newberg and join up with 99 there. After you check in to your hotel, head over to Seufert Winery for a tasting
Sep 9th, 2016, 01:59 PM
#40
Given daylight hours and our unfamiliarity with the roads and possible stops en route, is it reasonable to drive as far as Dayton that day? I have my eye on the Weinhard Hotel (wine-hard, how appropriate!)
Yes you can easily get to Dayton on your arrival day. From downtown Portland it is about an hour to Dayton.
I think there's some confusion. The Dayton with the Weinhard Hotel is Dayton WA, out in the Palouse. Dayton OR is in Yamhill County, nearby other vineyards or wineries, but has no Weinhard Hotel.
Yes, you can make Dayton during daylight but it will be a good 5 hours from downtown Portland, so earlier is better. Can't you pick up the car at PDX? It would save a lot of time.
The Weinhard is pretty nice but definitely an old building. We stayed there with friends some years ago and our friend (who's a bit of a woo-woo person anyway) swore their room was haunted.
Have dinner at the Patit Creek Restaurant just outside town; it's arguably the best restaurant (well, one of the best) in eastern Washington.
Yes you can easily get to Dayton on your arrival day. From downtown Portland it is about an hour to Dayton.
I think there's some confusion. The Dayton with the Weinhard Hotel is Dayton WA, out in the Palouse. Dayton OR is in Yamhill County, nearby other vineyards or wineries, but has no Weinhard Hotel.
Yes, you can make Dayton during daylight but it will be a good 5 hours from downtown Portland, so earlier is better. Can't you pick up the car at PDX? It would save a lot of time.
The Weinhard is pretty nice but definitely an old building. We stayed there with friends some years ago and our friend (who's a bit of a woo-woo person anyway) swore their room was haunted.
Have dinner at the Patit Creek Restaurant just outside town; it's arguably the best restaurant (well, one of the best) in eastern Washington.
