I'm planing a vacation in oregon.Would like to spend some time on the coast,Columbia river gorge,Crater lake,jet boating and the dunes.Looking for rental homes in each area.Wondering where on the coast is most scenic to stay.Would also like to hike coast.What is the best part of Columbia river gorge(recommended hikes?).Also has anyone done any fishing they can recommend.Appreciate any info

I highly recommend you use the search function above to search for "Oregon" because your general question has been asked here before. People have posted recommendations here numerous times in the past - lots of great info that I'm sure you will find useful.

I always recommend people pick up an AAA Oregon Coast tour map.

Andrew

http://www.traveloregon.com/
http://www.oregonlive.com/special/ninestates/
Hi ya Jim, check out these 2 sites first.
How much time here?
I'd say 2 -3 weeks for all your sports stuff.
The coast is generally divided into North, Central, and South Coasts, with the South Coast being the most spectacular(my opinion) and also the most sparsely populated.
CL is about 75 miles from the Rogue Valley,(Ashland to Grants Pass)
http://www.southernoregon.org

and lots of folks center there activities there, as you can be to the coast or CL in 2 hours or so + enjoy all the RV has to offer.
There's always windsurfing in Hood River too.
Just a start.....

Hi, my husband had a nice salmon fishing trip this summer with Tiki Charters out of Astoria. Don't forget your Dramamine! ***kim***

In the Columbia River Gorge we like to stay in Hood River.

There are so many choices on the coast. The stretch between Florence and Newport is great (stay in Newport or Yachats), and the area around Cannon Beach is about as beautiful as the coast gets.

Thanks Andrew. I'm a new user of fodors.I did what you recommended and have found lots of info.Maybe after digesting some of this I'll have some more specific questions

BBGBOY thanks for the web sites very helpful.
We have two weeks to see as much as possible(don't mind busy vacations)

Hey kimamom went on tiki web site and got all the info I need.Thanks Got my dramamine ready

happytrails been doing some research in that area and like what I see.
thanks

Jiminpa,

From Hood River there is a drive known as the "Fruit Loop" which (on a clear day) offers great views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.

When we stay in Hood River, we also like to drive on the Oregon side to the bidge that connects to Maryhill on the Washington side. We cross the bridge and return to Hood River on WA Route 14--the views are amazing.

At Maryhill there is an intriguing musuem and a wineery.

Two weeks will be really pushing it with all these places. You mention rental homes. This will be tough for a few areas. Rental homes on the coast during summer, many times have minimum stays which can be as little as 4 nights. In the gorge, there are very few rental homes, and usually those are quite a ways out.

For hiking, give us an idea of distance and elevation. There are tons of great trails, but I hate to recommend any without knowing what you have in mind.

The bridge that gets you over to Maryhill is at Biggs, OR. That is about 100 miles from Portland. Once you get out of Hood River, it isn't all that exciting along I-84, IMO.

Difference of opinion is what forum is about.

We like the drive from Hood River to Biggs because most of it is actually along the river, whereas for much of drive from Portland to Hood River there is a railroad track or other obstruction between the highway and the Columbia River.

In any event, the drive from Maryhill to Hood River on the Washington side is spectacular.

Happy Trails to You

So Hood River is a good place to stay and explore the gorge? I'm seaching for a house now.Found a couple possibilities. How far is say Bridal Veil falls from Hood River.

hey mms I know 2 weeks is not enough time. I just started collecting info for my trip. I'm sure I'll have to rethink what I'll be able to do.As far as hiking I don't do overnight hike.Don't mind hiking all day if the views are worth it.If it helps I have hiked Yosemite,Zion,Bryce,New Hampshire,Maine.

Yes, Hood River would be a good place to park yourself. It is about 30 or so miles from Bridal Veil Falls.

Ok, you will be fine then The walk to the top of Multnomah Falls is only 1.1 mile and 700 ft gain. Paved path most of the way. Yes, it gets busy, but it is a nice walk after you have done some real hiking in the area. If you want, instead of coming right back down do the Wahkeena loop off of this.

Another hike we enjoy is Triple Falls. Horsetail and Ponytail Falls are along the way, so it is great for waterfalls.

Larch Mountain and Eagle Creek are good trails if you are looking for something more substantial.

I ordered some hiking books so I'll look up those hikes Thanks

Has anyone drivin from Hood River or Portland to Crater lake? How long did it take?

Hood River to Portland is about an hour. Portland to Crater Lake, 4.5 - 5 more, so plan on up to 6 hours if driving straight through.