My DH and I are traveling to Portland for the first time in September. I took notes on much advice in this forum and have a tentative itinerary. Could those who know this area advise if this is reasonable in the time and distances between points of interest?

Day 0 -Arrive in Portland late evening, stay near airport or downtown.
Day 1 - Drive along Hwy 30 to the coast, check out Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, stay at Arch Cape House one night.
Day 2 - Return to Portland via Hwy 26, check out the city, stay at Hotel Monaco.
Day 3 - Day trip to Columbia River Gorge, return to Portland.
Day 4 - Visit wineries in Williamette Valley, return to Portland
Day 5 -fly home

Once I have the basics in place, I can plan dining, wineries, etc! Thanks for your comments and advice.

September is a beautiful time here. It definitely looks like you have done your homework too The only real adjustment I can think of is to hit the wineries on your way back from the coast. You could stay a night around McMinnville or Dundee and then head into Portland in the morning. That would save a bit of backtracking. On your first evening, definitely stay in downtown. It is not that far from the aiport, but much better atmosphere.

Yup, looks good, except I'm not sure why you're taking hwy 30 to the coast. Hwy 26 is a much shorter route to Cannon Beach. Or, are you wanting to see some of Astoria?

Wow, what fast replies! I love it. My thought for Hwy 30 was to see more of the coastline, as I've heard that the Oregon coast is a must-see and different than other parts of the US. Okay, so drive Hwy 26 to Cannon Beach and Arch Cape? mms, would you then recommend heading south on 101, go east on Hwy 18 towards McMinnville?

Beachbum caught something I missed. I would agree with taking hwy 26 instead of 30. Astoria is not on the coast, but rather the river. And yes, head down 101 and then take 18 then up to 99w. It is scenic and you won't be backtracking at all.

Okay, so drive Hwy 26 to Cannon Beach and Arch Cape? mms, would you then recommend heading south on 101, go east on Hwy 18 towards McMinnville?

Absolutely, this is the way we did it all the time..views and scenery of all sorts most of the drive..You are gonna Love Arch Cape

On a map it appears that OR 30 gives lots of river views, but it doesn't. Beachbum has snatched you out of the clutches of potential disappointment.

Sound like 30 is not as scenic as it may seem on the maps. So I guess the only reason to go that route is seeing Astoria. So is Astoria worth it?

Or is taking 26 going straight to Cannon Beach the better route. I know it's shorter, which is nice.

Astoria is one of the oldest settlements in the NW--Lewis and Clark camped there in 1805.

It has an excellent maritime museum; old buildings, including a wonderfully restored Victorian house; and a bridge that crosses the Columbia River to Washington State.

If you like river towns, you will probably like Astoria.

...tick tick tick....

Yes, Astoria is very much worth seeing, especially if you're into history! We have a second home in Astoria which we purchased over twenty years ago, long before it became a major tourist destination, wow have changes this place has been through over the years. There is much to do/see, the Maritime Museum, the Flavel House, the Heritage Museum, the riverfront trolley, Pier 39 and Fort Clatsop are all places that are fun to visit and explore. oldoregondotcom is a nice website to acquaint you with the area, let me know if you would like dining recs, we have several favorites, we were just in the area for awhile last month! ***kim***

LOLLLLLLLL

This is TOO funny!!

=D> =D> =D>

OMG Kal you are good!

Astoria has the history part going, but calling it a "major tourist destination" is about as far from the truth as can be, IMO.

"major " is in the eye of the beholder or some such nonsense..
It has a history ( it was a thriving cannery town but then declined ) but so do many many towns in Oregon and along the Coast with the added treat of actually being on the Pacific Ocean Coast..which means amazing views from every stop along 101..small charming Beach towns, forest on one side, ocean on the other..
If you live in Oregon or Washington and have unlimited time to see all the towns, is one thing... but if you are visiting..well, some might consider it a waste of time.

globehopper- it is such a lovely area, you will fall in love!

Don't know if you've stayed at the Hotel Monaco before, but I have and it is the cutest, quaintest and loveliest hotel! And, as with all Kimpton hotels, the service was excellent!

Have fun!

Paula

>< Cha CHING!!!!!

Who had "7 mins" in the pool?

Kal...are you posting under two names now...fess up. >

That was too funny!

Unlike other people, I only need one name to sound like an idiot.

Sarge56, we haven't stayed at a Kimpton hotel before, but have now booked our reservation and really looking forward to our trip. I still need to get a place in Willamette Valley area, which may be a bit tougher. It looks like some of the often-mentioned inns require 2 night minimum. Thanks for the help!