Planning Oregon vacation, need advice.
 

I got great help planning a Washington Cascade Loop trip, and now I'm in love with the PNW and want to go back, leaving either Sept 6 or Sept 20. (It being scorchingly hot here in Austin may be nudging me). We mostly like scenic drives (loved the mtns and leaves turning) and are walkers not hikers. I'd like to go for 7 or 8 nights. I've been reviewing past posts and am thinking Columbia Gorge, Cannon Beach, Portland and Mt. St. Helens. My problem always seems to come with pacing. How does this itinerary look--

Fly in Portland on a weekday, drive to Gorge. Husband likes idea of Edgefield Lodge, is this a lunch stop on trip, or worth an overnight?
Night 1 and 2 - Gorge hotel (1 or 2 nights?)
Night 3 and 4 - Cannon beach? ( how long would it take to drive from Hood River to Cannon Beach?)
Night 5 - McMinville - (drive through Tillamook on way to McMinnville, husband wants to see Spruce Goose, I'll taste wine)
Night 6 - 8 - Portland with Mt. St. Helen's day trip?

The the coast worth 2 nights no matter what the season/weather? I've never been much of a beach person, but we only did the inland "stuff" while in WA last year.

That would be "Is the coast..."

Cannon Beach is defintely worth two nights! September is usually a great time- less crowded than august, but just as nice weather. And there's great places to walk (or shop, if you like) at CB.

Gorge is probably worth only one night.Since you're seeing Helens, you may want to stay in Portland at least one more night- lots to do.

Itinerary seems fine, otherwise- time between HR and the coast greatly depends on the Portland traffic. You can get stuck/lost in Portland for hours. CB is a bit more than an hour from Portland, (I think) if that helps. Either way, the trip should take less than a half day.

Multonomah falls is pretty, and a great place for walkers.

I like your itinerary--it's not too rushed.

Edgefield Inn is interestng, but IMO it is more of a lunch stop than an over night.

Two nights in Hood River won't be too many if you arrive late in the day. Do the "Fruit Loop" for great views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Also drive on the Oregon side to the place where you cross to Maryhill. In Maryhill there is a good museum there and next door there is a winery.

Return to Hood River on WA Rt 2--the views are spectacular.

The drive from Hood River to Cannon Beach takes about three hours.

Ask for advice about how to get from McMinniville to Portland without sitting in a traffic jam (like we did a few weeks ago).

The town of McMinniville is pleaant. If you like Edgefield Inn, you will also like McMenamins Hotel Oregon. Take the elevator to the roof garden.

The Edgefield is definately worth an overnight but then I wouldnt stay overnight in Hood River too -
The Edgefield has a lot going on -
there is a winery, brew pub, movie theatre, and frequent live entertainment. Last time I stayed there they also had a barbecue going with sticks of fresh salmon being barbecued- yum. The artwork is enough to keep you occupied for a couple of hours and there is a great outdoor patio. Very fun place to stay

If you like hiking check into the Eagle Creek area- several nice waterfalls to hike to .

I agree, the Edgefield is definitely worthy of a stay for a night. Since you are more walkers than hikers, you can easily do the Gorge in a day. Depending on what time you fly in, you could just drive out to the Edgefield, relax there for the evening, and stay there, then in the morning continue on on the old scenic highway through the gorge. Stop at the Portland Women's Forum (yes, odd name but amazing views), Vista House, several falls along the way, and then finally Multnomah Falls. You can walk to the very top of the falls, it is just over 1 mile, and not difficult at all, or walk to the little bridge. That is where most people stop. We have had a nice Sunday Brunch there as well, but off the top of my head I don't know if they have it or breakfast every day. You could check their website.

Then continue on the scenic highway til it meets back up with I-84, and head towards Hood River. From there I would continue down HWY 35 along the back side of Mt. Hood til it catches up with HWY 26 (go west). You could stay at Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood that next night, if that interests you, or just head back to Portland via HWY 26.

Mt. St. Helens is a great day trip from here, and definitely stop at some of the visitors centers along the way. Especially Johnston Ridge, and see the short movie there.

Cannon Beach is a great town, we went for a few days just last week. There is Ecola State Park which is beautiful, and then Haystack Rock. Galleries and boutiques in town, very relaxed feel to it all. I would definitely stay 2 nights at the coast.

Hmmm. Lots to think about. Is it recommended to earmark time to drive to Mt. Hood (rather than just skirt around it on the hwy)? If so, it seems like that would be a long day, leaving from Hood River, going to Mt. Hood, then driving all the way to Cannon Beach. But that would probably be the longest driving day.

Was the traffic you encountered from Portland to McMinnville or McMinnville to Portland? Or does it back up both ways.

Any hotel recommendations appreciated - not sure on where to stay at the Gorge or CB. Looking at the well-liked 5th Ave Suites in Portland and maybe Hotel Oregon in McMinnville. I like comfy beds - is it just me, or do the beds look un-comfy on the McMenamins website? Maybe I just have PTSD from sleeping on antique beds ( and antique mattresses) at my great aunt's.

You've allotted 2 nights to Columbia Gorge, and mms's suggeston is a very good one: first night at athe Edgefield, then drive the gorge, stopping at the recommended places, and on to Hood River and Highway 35, up to Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge---a beautiful historic lodge high on the mountain. From there, continue to Hwy. 26 and take that back through Portland to Cannon Beach. The part through Gresham and Sandy can be slow on weekends.

HWY 99, which is the main road that goes North/South throuhg our wine country, does get backed up both directions.

The 5th Avenue Suites in Portland is very nice. Even though I live here, we have stayed there several times. Beautiful hotel, right in the heart of downtown, nice restaurant adjacent (Red Star Tavern), very comfortable.

It has been a few years since I have stayed overnight at the Edgefield, but it was comfortable, not bad at all.

If you are looking for more plush style accommodations in the McMinnville area, two places that are highly recommended are the Black Walnut Inn and the Youngberg Hill B&B. I have not stayed at either since I live just a bit up the road from the area, but their reputations are excellent.

Thanks for all the responses so far. I like the idea of a slow start, with the first night at Edgefield, then maybe second night at Timberline Lodge.

I've read about the "Fruit Loop road" - but not specifics on which road this is. If I saw the WA ag/orchard country last year, is this worth the diversion?

I believe the "fruit loop" is up Highwy 35 above Hood River, as you are considering anyway. You can just drive straight through if you don't care to stop at the fruit stands. The area is incredibly beautiful---we just drove through there last Sunday on our back from Bend. It's very different from the Washington fruit country, and much more scenic. From several points along Hwy. 35, you have a full view of Mt. Hood in front of you, and an equally stunning view of Mt. Adams 180 degrees away.

That makes sense. Sounds beautiful!
Does anyone have a recommendation for a Cannon Beach hotel? I think Stephanie Inn may be out of my price range...

We like Schooner's Cove for its wonderful ocean views and convenient location to shops, restaurants, etc.

Re: McMinnville to Portland via Highway 99W: it's a scenic route (you can take Highway 18 as a bypass to skip Lafayette) but does sometimes get congested - not always; I've driven it many times but usually not at rush hour so I've never had a problem.

I like McMinnville, but you can bypass it to/from the coast via Highway 22 through the north part of Salem and then up I-5. It's about the same travel time with no traffic, maybe slightly better via I-5/Salem if 99W is backed up. Highway 22 is also a very scenic highway, but I-5 is dull. If I'm not going to stop in McMinnville, I'm more likely to take 22.

The Edgefield is terrific, a unique, Oregon place, although it's not a "must stay overnight" place by any means. More of a great place to relax after a long day of traveling. Staying overnight there would be fun, though.

Andrew

Our favorite spot in Cannon Beach is the Surfsand Resort. It is owned by the same group as the Stephanie Inn, but more of a relaxed atmosphere and the prices are less. We were there just last week, and still highly recommend it. The oceanfront building was gutted and remodeled, but the other buildings will be remodeled starting in September. So if you decide on this hotel, be sure to opt for the oceanfront building. It is right on the water, looks out to Haystack Rock, and is a easy walk to the main downtown area.

Lots of good advice here already, so I'll just answer the McMinnville to Portland route question.

Instead of 99W, head north from McMinnville on hwy 47 towards Carlton, where you can stop at any of several places to taste. Personal faves are Cuneo, Carlton Winemaker's Studio, and the Tasting Room in the old train station. From there, head east, where you eventually run into hwy 240 towards Newberg. If you're not lost, get onto N. Valley Road, also heading east, from which you'll have a bunch of other good tasting options. Personal fave: Adelsheim. Whether you find N. Valley Road, or stay on 240, you'll end up in Newberg, where you catch 219 over Chehalem Mt. towards Scholl's, and then Progress. Some good scenery here, not to mention a possible stop at Ponzi, one of Oregon's pioneering wineries. From Progress, catch 217 which junctions into hwy 26 into Portland.

Actually, it might take a lot longer than sitting in traffic on 99W. But you'll have a lot more fun. :-)

Oh.... and I second mms's SurfSand recommendation. It's been our family favorite for years. But if budget is still an issue, consider one of these places: http://www.oregoncoastlodgings.com/c...els/index.html. Even though you might not have a view, I think you'd particularly like either Cannon Beach Hotel or Courtyard.

Yeah, Beachbum, I didn't mention Highway 47 because I don't think it saves you any time. I think Highway 22/I-5 might save time if there's bad traffic on 99W.

Andrew

Thanks for the recommendations in Cannon Beach and route planning for the wine country. Thanks Beachbum for the winery picks and personalized mapquesting!

If anyone has a recommendation for accomodations in the wine area - doesn't have to be McMinnville - that'd be great. I'm looking at Hotel Oregon - think the Black Walnut may be a bit pricier than I'd planned.

OR -- do you think I can go from Cannon Beach down the coast, over to the Spruce Goose and then through the wine area, and just push on to Portland for night 5?

Not sure, but I think the quickest way to McMinnville from Cannon Beach would be via hwy 26 east to hwy 47, then south to McMinnville; probably about a two hour drive. So sure, if you leave early enough - say 8:00am - you'll have a couple hours to see the Spruce Goose, have a full afternoon in wine country, and still make an early dinner res in Portland. Most wineries open 11:00am - noon, and close 4:00pm - 4:30pm.

Thanks beachbum. I'd assume the route 101 down coast from CB to 22 to 18 to McMinnville would be prettier (but longer). I think we'll go ahead and stay the night in the wine country area. So, assuming we now have the day, which route is would you choose? (btw, this is looking to be Saturday, Sept 9) The inland route from CB would take me through some wine areas on the way to McMinnville - yes?

And friends, I've got to get a better map. This free AAA job doesn't have any of your great little back roads delineated on it. Get what you pay for, I guess. (Wait....I pay for that membership!)

I have a ocean view - 3rd floor reservation at the SurfSand now! Wowsa. Gotta save up my milk money between now and then...

Oh, and Edgefield booked on that first night - (I'm now looking at arriving Sept 5. Some no-name singer "Bonnie Raitt" playing that night... ; )

Great! SurfSand is very nice! you can sort of fall out of the room onto the beach ( but don't do it from the 3rd floor ) lol...
We had lunch at the Oregon Hotel and looked around, it is very old fashioned, some people were leaving, a big family, old and young and they were all very happy, complimenting someone from the hotel :)
Lucky you! Bonnie Rait!

You are going to love both the Surfsand and Edgefield! Beachbums directions are the fastest, but yes, if you head towards Salem and then up it is pretty. One winery to stop at if you take the 22 route is Amity, just north of Salem.

Oh, I think I wrote that wrong. The Edgefield is "booked-up" so we don't have a reservation. I'm okay with this, overall. Not a big BR fan, and I can get farther down the road on the first night.

Now I'm thinking one night at a Gorge property and 1 night at a lodge near Mt. Hood.

If you've got the day, you'd enjoy the route down the coast to hwys 22 and 18 best (even though there are wineries towards the end of the inland route ;-)). On the trip down 101, maybe stop at Oswald West State Park and take the short hike into Short Sands Beach. It's pretty cool.

Many also recommend a stop at Tillamook Cheese Factory, but I say only if you like cheese or ice cream. Blue Heron, almost next door, would be better. They've got wine there too!

And Three Capes Loop starts just outside of Tillamook. Some great scenery along this route, and since you've got the time..... It dumps you back into 101 about where you'd get onto 22, I think.

One other thought; if your husband is into aviation, there an old blimp hangar or two in Tillmook he might get a kick out of touring.

You've all been so giving with your time and advice. Thanks.

Who doesn't like cheese and ice cream? Milkfat rules! ; ) But seriously, I had read in a guidebook that the Blue Heron is maybe more adult-friendly.

Quick OR wine country questions....do most smaller places seem to expect you to buy a bottle after tasting? I felt kinda "nicely pressured" at the smaller Cascade WA wineries to purchase after a free tasting was poured. After a few bottles, I had to call it quits, because I didn't want to ship home. Do most OR places charge a nominal fee to taste?

Many of the wineries do remove the guilt of not buying by charging a tasting fee, usually $5, sometimes $10. Then they credit that back if you do buy. But there are those that still allow you to taste for "free". But as you say, those are sorta like sitting through a time-share pitch in exchange for a reduced rate vacation package. No pressure... right!!

Sformby- Most of the small OR/WA wineries let you taste for free. Of course they "expect" you to buy- that's how they make a profit! The trick is (from observation of my mother) either refuse to feel guilty, or buy the cheapest bottle offered and drink it w/ whoever you're travelling with. It's like the time share thing- or trying on a bunch of clothes or makeup, especially at a small boutique. Guilt works, and they know it! Best choice- don't feel pressured, DO be considerate and cut off after your first few tastes, ESPECIALLY if you KNOW you won't be buying anything.

Enjoy!

Okay, things are coming together for the trip. I'm still stumped on where to stay for two nights near the Gorge - could be WA side or OR side. Or one night at the Gorge and one night near Mt. Hood. Any suggestions really appreciated.

How about the Best Western?
http://bestwestern.worldexecutive.co...els/38130.html

I 'had' to stay at the Columbia Gorge Hotel, but frankly we thought it was over-priced for what it was. Glad to hear you're not missing the Evergreen Aviation Museum. Also, there is an outlet mall in Troutdale that I enjoyed.

Havent stayed here but looks great
check it out

http://www.innofthewhitesalmon.com/

Here is another place in the Gorge I have not stayed but have heard great reports about-
http://www.bonnevilleresort.com/lodging.htm

Thanks for the suggestions. Was the train noise a problem at the Best Western Cascade Locks. Several people on tripadvisor complained that the train runs right under the rooms.

If you're going through Tillamook, I would recommend stopping at the cheese factory. Especially if it's around lunch time. They have great food and it's fun to see how the cheese is made. The ice cream is also very very good. I loved seeing the Spruce Goose. I have been there 2 times already. It is very interesting. Good choices for sights.

I don't know about the train noise at the Best Western since we didn't stay there... and actually, train noise would be a positive for me.

Staying in the gorge, I'd pick the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA.

By the way, Washington Hwy 14 along the Columbia River is much more scenic than I-84 in OR (although both are quite scenic). I'd opt to take Wash. 14 eastbound, and I-84 on the way back for the most scenic drive.

Thanks to everyone who has weighed with great advice! I'm back to planning this trip after a short break. The problem is, the more trip reports I read, the more places I want to see! I'm now pushing it to the end of September, rather than the day after labor day. I'm really wanting to see mountain scenery. I was wondering if it is desirable to work in some time in central Oregon, and if so, should my coast stay be further south (rather than Cannon Beach)

Old idea:
Night 1 - Gorge - Edgefield or Cascade Locks
Night 2 - near Mt. Hood
Night 3, 4 - Cannon Beach
Night 5 - McMinnville
Night 6,7,8 - Portland with day trip to Mt. St. Helens

My new idea:
Night 1 - Gorge - Hood River
Night 2 - Bend or Sisters?
Nights 3,4 - Newport or Yachats or Florence (need route to coast from Bend)
Night 5 - McMinnville
Night 6,7,8 - Portland with day trip to Mt. St. Helens

Opinions?

Hm....I'd say "no" on Central OR, but I live so close by that it's not really a "destination" to me. Portland and the coast (esp. the coast) are the real draws of OR.

Newport/yachats/florence are all great, I love Haystack Rock (CB) though and when I was growing up I spent summers at CB, so I'm nostalgic about the area. So, I can't give unbiased advice, really.

First plan is prettier with less driving time, I think...but if you have an urge to see central OR, go for it! (And you'll be able to see more rather than drive through more with the first plan, but if you'd rather drive through than the second is better)

Have a great time!

Hmm. Throw in an extra night and you could see Crater Lake, which is certainly one of the scenic highlights of the Pacific Northwest! :-)

I would probably take an extra night on the coast instead of spending a night in McMinnville, which I like but probably isn't the elegant small town experience tourists would love. McMinnville is only 90 minutes from Newport, an easy stop on the way back to Portland, so if you spent your 2nd coast night in Newport, it's easy to spend much of your day in wine country near McMinnville before finally hitting Portland (unless you are planning to drink a loooooot of wine!).

Just one final note: September is usually one of Oregon's best weather months, but by coming at the end of the month you are flirting with the beginning of the rainy season. It could rain pretty much whenever you are here (who can really predict the weather???), but I think your chances of rain increase the later in the month you go.

Andrew

Sisters, OR is indeed very beautiful, but sadly they are surrounded by severe forest fires at this moment in time! Several subdivisions have been evacuated. Progress is being made towards getting under control, but
renewl from these events is years.
cannon beach is worth 2 nights. B-4
you rule out Stephanie inn inquire about their "Get acquainted special"
which used to be a nice discount. With the nightly complementary wine & cheese
time, exceptional wines not the cheap stuff and an incredible brunch, atmosphere and location, location location they are worth the splurge in my book. Would respectfully disagree with I-14 in Wash vs old Scenic hwy
in Oregon which is simply incredible.
Old hiway in oregon wins hands down. leave I-84 at Bridel Veil, for a magical journey beside numerous Falls
and view points. Stop at Multnomah Falls (old hiway goes right beside lodge vs a hike from I-84 parking lot)for appropriate meal in The Falls room, or even just an Iced tea
or other refreshment on the patio looking up st falls!
I've stayed at both Skamania & Timberline, both are great, but would give edge to Timberline along with doing the full Old hiway and Mt Hood loop! Sept fabulous in Oregon, have a lovely time! Regards, L.O.
Edgefield looks great and hear nothing but good things so you are on right trail!