Bob, LOL I shall never forget that booboo!!!

Ok here is the final leg of our trip! Leave Seattle, drive to Cannon beach stay 2 nights(Surfsand)...3 nights in Portland...final leg of trip to SeaTac overnight there. How is that? Whew,,,,this was a tough trip to plan(too much to do)!

Good call on Cannon Beach and the SurfSand, Judy. My and mms's families have stayed there bunches of times; love it. Only place better might be Stephanie Inn, but that's a matter of perspective. And SurfSand's location is hands down better!

Judy--Your trip is sounding really good As far as coming from Victoria down to Portland, there really isn't any reason to stop and stay anywhere along the way. We have done this, with kids even, lol! I have stayed at the Monaco here in Portland several times, and then the Heathman once. I much prefer the Monaco. They usually have the same deals (breakfast and parking) by booking directly with the hotel. The Heathman isn't awful by any means, but the Monaco has much larger rooms and isn't as pretentious. As beachbum says, you will love the Surfsand!

Love the plan!

SurfSand in CB would be my first choice.
The Inn at Arch Cape my second.

www.innatarchcape.com

Did you call the Monaco? We always got better prices when we spoke directly to the desk.

Glad everyone likes my plan! This is my DH's birthday week and that is why I am splurging on EXTRA nice places. The Heathman is 199$ per night with free parking and a continental bkfst...can not beat that!!!! The Monaco was sold out of this special offer. I also like the fact you can pick your type of mattress at the Heathman...what a hoot! Bob, it PIQUED my interest!!!! LOL On the day returning to SEATAC, we will stop at Mt St Helens and Ft Vancouver finally staying at La Quinta near the airport....had to save money somewhere ;-). This going to be a dynamite trip!!!! Can not wait! Sunburn yes, we plan on doing hikes along the gorge. Will wait to see what's what and what the weather is like.

Here is a great hike in the Gorge- have done it several times

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

Thank you so much Sunburn, it looks lke a fabulous hike...I love to hike, and I bookmarked that page! How about any at Cannon Beach? Any special restaurant for DH's birthday dinner...not too dressy, we are not bringing too dressy clothes, would rather bring good hiking gear;-).

What book are you talking about when you are saying take the Clipper to Victoria

The Victoria Clipper
www.clippervacations.com

Did you find a good place to eat in Cannon Beach? I am looking for a relaxed, local seafood restaurant.

Also, anyone want to weigh in on a casual, local restaurant in Portland that serves local food?

My itinerary is:
2 nights Mt. Rainier
3 nights Columbia River gorge
1 night Portland
2 nights Cannon Beach
3 nights Olympic NP
1 night Seattle

Jim--There are loads of good places in Portland. Southpark Seafood Grill, Higgins, Fenouil are just a few. Overall Portland is very casual, so don't worry. For Cannon Beach try the Wayfarer. Good seafood there, and views right out to Haystack Rock.

Jim - Gower Street Bistro in Cannon Beach too.
www.gowerstreetbistro.com

Hi mms....

Adding to mms' list in Portland:

Wildwood www.wildwoodrestaurant.com
Everett Street Bistro www.everettstreetbistro.com
Piazza Italia www.piazzaportland.com
Mothers www.mothersbistro.com
Silk http://www.silkbyphovan.com/silk.php?page=about