You tried the Black Walnut Inn ?
www.blackwalnut-inn.com

Not as elegant, but probably available for one night, is the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville. The McMenamin brothers turn assorted old buildings into brewpubs, hotels, etc. Funky but very Oregon. http://www.hoteloregon.com/index.php
Since you're going south of Cannon Beach on 101, be sure to head back to the coast at Tillamook to see the 3 Capes Scenic Loop; it has gorgeous views and lots of people miss it. You reconnect with 101 near Pacific City.

Kal, you are good!. Anyway, my DH loved Fort Catsup (sorry I couldn't resist!), but the kids and I found it boring. We were more into Tillamook, and McMinnville for me. I have an ex there, he he he. Also, I really like Newport and Florence: my Idol loving brother is there now. I guess those spots are too far down the coast for globehopper.

Geez.... where have I been??? I didn't know Kal was back!!! \/ And, boy did you nail this one, Kal! ;-)

Now, where were we globehopper? Without getting off US 101, you won't see any of the coastline between Astoria and Cannon Beach, and the best of it is really in Ecola St. Park and Cannon Beach anyway.

I like mms's suggestion to spend the night in wine country on the return from the coast, but suggest you consider returning via hwy 6 from Tillamook. That might give you a little time to drive another scenic part of the coast, the Three Capes Scenic Loop.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Author: Kal
Date: 04/10/2008, 08:27 pm
Unlike other people, I only need one name to sound like an idiot.

Nobody would argue with that

Tillamook has a great air museum, as does McMinnville if you are into that. You can also take a whale watching tour out of Depoe Bay, just 20 miles or so south of the hwy 18 entrance. So much to see! If you do go through the Three Arches scenic loop, stop in Pacific City. It's a great little town and the Pelican Brewery is great. Have fun.

Alohaaa one and all...even Faina.

Yeah..it's great to be back from my year long self imposed banning (which I strongly urge some posters to try)...and to see that some things never change! >-

I tried one month banning. Enough for me

If you end up doing some driving around Tillamook, I HIGHLY recommend a tiny little beach just north of Oceanside - I've heard that the locals call it "100 Stair Beach" because you have to go down a bajillion stairs to get to it. It's not well-marked - on your way from Oceanside toward Cape Mears, look for a small fenced-in municipal-looking generator or tank of some kind. (It's about a mile or two from Oceanside, as you're heading down a hill.) Pull over, cross the street, and look for the stairs. Try to go at low-ish tide - lots of great agates and green jasper to find, not to mention wonderful tidepools at the far end. LOTS of fun!

Also, I second the mention of any of the McMenamins hotels - they're very Oregon: quirky, casual, and fun.

The wineries will be lovely that time of year. Do you have any in mind to make sure to hit?

Thanks for great info.

Thanks, everyone! I am still reading, but a quick trip to Boston and now work is getting in the way of trip planning. Art5805, I just made a reservation at Hotel Oregon, it looks good and funky!
I have been hearing great things about Mount Hood area and hikes in that area. Any suggestions for that area? We'll get back to wines soon.

here is a great hike in the Columbia River Gorge

http://www.oregon.com/hiking/eaglecreek.cfm

Yes, the Eagle Creek trail is great. I like Oneonta Gorge too: http://www.oregon.com/hiking/oneonta_gorge.cfm. My main reason for posting though, is to top this for mms, who I'm sure can give lots of information on hiking around Mt. Hood.

Methinks you might have to add another day or two to your trip, globehopper. ;-)

globehopper..watch out.
They were all really nice to us too , when we were planning our visit to Portland a few Septembers ago.

Next thing you know, you are moving there!!

Just a warning ... it could happen to you

I have used the forums to plan trips to Austria, Spain, Rome, Sonoma, Florida and starting on Chile, but you Portland advisors are great, fast, clearly know your stuff and set us straight! DH and I are catching the enthusiasm! I wish that we could stay longer, but have to count the vacation days closely.(that's why I'm "hopper") Maybe we'll just have to move.

Thanks beachbum

globehopper--What are you looking for in terms of hikes...mileage, elevation gain? There are SO many great hikes in this area! The hard part will be narrowing it down.

Hey miamitusow,
Don't tell about that beach! We used to call it Short Beach, because the creek that spills onto the beach is Short Creek. I counted 126, or maybe 129, steps, plus assorted uphill rocks, last week. For those of you who must find it, it is a great beach.

Scarlett, that's what I am afraid of ;-).

I've lived in the Portland area most of my life, but haven't heard of 100-stop beach until now. How secluded is it? I'm asking because on another board, there's a poster inquiring about taking nude photos during a visit to the Oregon coast.

It's not that secluded! Most days there are people there, plus some houses on Radar Road overlook the beach. (Also, brrrr.) Short Creek is the water source for Oceanside; that's why there is a fenced-off area and tank by the road.