Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

PacNW in July with teenagers

Search

PacNW in July with teenagers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 08:00 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PacNW in July with teenagers

Help with trip planning! We used to live in the Seattle area many moons ago and are going back this summer to visit some friends and vacation. I have a general idea of what we're doing - but would love some input since it's been 15+ years since we were last there.
*
Days 1-3 or 4 Seattle area - visiting friends - will do some sights and show the kids Pike's Place etc. Since visiting local friends - we don't need a lot of suggestions unless people have some 'don't miss' ideas
*
Weekend - drive down to Cannon Beach for 2 nights. Suggestions on reasonable accommodations on the beach that would have a kitchenette and a couple of bedrooms? Besides hanging out on the beach - any other suggestions of keeping the teenagers occupied?
*
We have two full days (or we could make it three if we need to) before heading back to Seattle to catch our flight. My daughter would like to visit Rhodes College in Portland - at least a drive by - and then I would like to see the Columbia River Gorge. I've never done a lot in Portland, and never saw the Gorge - so could use some suggestions

Thanks very much!
blueslipper is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 08:02 AM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One more thing - I've been shopping around for rental vans and can't find any good deals. I've checked Kayak, Hertz Gold Club....everything is $600-$700 minimum.
blueslipper is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 08:21 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"Rhodes College in Portland"

???

Do you mean Reed? Or Lewis and Clark? Both are well regarded small schools with nice campuses in Portland.
julia1 is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 08:50 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The only problem I see is trying to find a place in Cannon Beach in July for a reasonable price CB is expensive in the summer, and almost all places have a 2-3 night minimum stay. That said, our family loves the Surfsand Resort. It is right on the water, near Haystack Rock, and a short walk to the heart of downtown. Another place we like is Schooner's Cove, which is also right on the water but pretty much right by downtown. With a family, both of these places are good fits, but of course are not cheap by any means. Also, CB books far in advance for the summer months, so I would get on that asap.

Things our teens like to do there include renting the 3 wheel recumbant bikes for on the beach. Lots of fun! You can race up and down the beach on those. Kites of course. Surfsand has a volleyball net for your use if you stay there, and it is all set up. There is also a place to do horseback riding on the beach. Ecola State Park on the north edge of town is always a big hit.

The gorge is beautiful and if you like to hike at all, a must. Multnomah Falls is the usual draw, but a few other must see spots along the old scenic highway include the Portland Woman's Forum (odd name, amazing views) and Crown Point Vista House. You will find other spots too of course.

On your way down from Seattle you might include a detour for Mt St Helens. If you do that, definitely stop at Johnston Ridge Observatory and see the short film. It is a highlight and the teens will like it too.
Fodorite018 is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 11:25 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oops - Reed indeed. Rhodes is in TN - another one my daughter is look at!
blueslipper is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 11:27 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
mms - thanks for the tips on CB - I'll start investigating!
With regard to the gorge - are there many places to stay around there or should we make it a day trip from Portland?
blueslipper is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 11:46 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The gorge is an easy day trip from Portland. Most places in the gorge are either basic motels or more romantic places. That said, there is one exception and it is a place that I really love. McMenamins Edgefield, and it is in Troutdale, so pretty much the start of the gorge. It is a fun place and so unique. It used to be the county poor farm years ago, but the McMenamin brothers turned it into a thriving, unique hotel of sorts. It is hard to explain, but it is a hotel, spa, has a winery, brewery, outdoor concerts, etc. They do book up far in advance as well, so if this is a place that you are interested in, I would book asap as well.
Fodorite018 is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 11:50 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
> should we make it a day trip from Portland?

Make it a LONG day trip from Portland. You'll be stopping at so many views like this
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/6/47...iver_Vista.jpg
that you'll be amazed at how much beauty can be so close to a large city.
PaulRabe is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ashishahuja23
United States
7
Jun 24th, 2018 01:57 PM
razzledazzle
United States
12
Jun 15th, 2017 10:52 PM
lana704
United States
9
Jul 15th, 2013 06:38 AM
nrusinak
United States
15
Jan 30th, 2009 07:44 AM
madhooder
United States
8
Mar 24th, 2008 11:29 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -