We are planning to do a loop in Oregon that includes the gorge, Bend, Crater Lake and the coast in that order. This itinerary has us driving up the coast rather than down the coast. Is it preferable to drive down the coast to be on the ocean side of the road? We could easily reverse the itinerary and finish with the gorge instead of starting with it. My original thought was that it would be nice to end with the coast and that was why I did it that way but I am wondering if the reverse would be preferable?

In my opinion, if you have a choice you should drive south along the beach on 101. All of the scenic outlooks, state parks, etc will be on your right.

I would definitely drive down the coast. You are going to be stopping so often as every pullout affords a postcard view and it is much easier to be on the ocean side. We started at Cannon Beach (be sure to visit Ecola State Park) and drove south on two trips and can't wait to go again. Reversing your route will leave the gorge with it's gorgeous waterfalls as a nice wrapup of your trip.

For reasons already given, it's best driving the coast north to south. You'd rather not have to cross a lane of traffic in and out of all those scenic stops. But regardless of what you decide, I suggest making reservations soon, especially for any north and central coast stops. Crater Lake, too. Hope you're not planning to stay in the Lodge!!

I debated staying in the lodge as the reversal had a room open but the cost makes me still go for Mazuma. Why did you say that about the lodge -- is it because it is difficult to get reservations or the cost or is it not very nice?

I am a little disappointed as the change makes me have to change the place I wanted to stay in Jacksonville -- other nice places are available -- just a little more expensive. I had a great deal but will pony up. My choice in Bend is not a problem either.

Places I am planning on staying are Portland's White House; Shaw's Oceanfront bed and breakfast in Arch Cape; The Overleaf in Yachats; Pacific Reef in Gold Beach; Jacksonville Inn or Touvelle House in Jacksonville; Crater Lake Mazuma Lodge; Cabin Creek in Bend and Clarion by the airport in Portland. How are my choices?

Thanks

I didn't think you'd be able to get reservations in the Lodge at this late date. If you can, snag 'em. I chose Mazama Village over the Lodge a few years ago, and learned that I should have ponied up the extra dollars. Especially if you can get a Lake view room. But, it's not just proximity to the Lake; aside from a small grocery/deli, there are few visitor services around Mazama Village.

I like that you've picked places that are off most visitors' radar. The only ones I've stayed in are Mazama Village Motor Inn, and Overleaf Lodge (GREAT choice!). But, I'm familiar with the White House, Shaw's Oceanfront, and Cabin Creek. Hope you don't mind a little driving. Particularly, from Shaw's and Cabin Creek. Arch Cape is a wonderful, quiet, residential community, but the nearest restaurants and shopping are in Cannon Beach, 5+ miles away. Same is true of Cabin Creek, though it's not quite as far into Bend. There are options within walking distance of White House, including access to public transit systems.

Best place to stay near Gold Beach is Tu Tu Tun, but that's expensive (though worth it), and a long way from town. I don't remember seeing the Pacific Reef specifically, but the places fronting the beach in town look pretty similar. So, you should be fine. I've never spent a night in Jacksonville, but would probably pick Jacksonville Inn for its location. And, I remember thinking that it looked like an interesting place to stay.

What's to be said of an airport hotel? There are several good choices at PDX, the Clarion amongst them. It's far enough away from the airport that I expect it would be more quiet than a place like the Sheraton. And if you're desperately hungry, there's a Shari's restaurant nearby.

Where we live the closest grocery store is 4 miles -- and that's only recently. It used to be 10 miles but civilization is coming. So to drive 5 miles for dinner doesn't really bother us. I looked at Cannon Beach -- still looking -- but it always seems a mixed bag on reviews for the places I can afford -- read under $200. I like walking and would be good with walking to restaurants but the lodging is difficult for me. Shaws will be $200 with tax but at least we will get a breakfast and we are on the ocean. I may look again to see if the lodge is available the night we need it and switch if ht really is better -- it is just one night. Portland's White House takes the b&b gift certificates and I have several of those from when we were going to use them and never die. ?Tu Tu Tun I did look at but could not justify the price -- it would be over $300 a night. Pacific Reef rooms are 150 or so. Big difference in cost and probably quality but . . .

Thank you much for your input! If you have somewhere in Cannon Beach for us to consider -- let me know.

Of the off-the-beach places I've stayed in at Cannon Beach, Cannon Beach Hotel is probably my favorite: cute, charming, lots of character. But, no A/C, which you might want/need. You'd feel shoe-horned into a basic room there, but I think a "Classic" room also fits your budget. Wondering if you checked Lands End. It's on the beach in the center of town, and might have a couple rooms in your budget.

None of that is to try and dissuade you from Shaw's. I've spent many summer weeks in Arch Cape, and love it. Just know that you'll be relatively isolated there.

I am an air conditioning person, if possible. In Africa it wasn't but I would like it here. That said, I had not checked Lands End but did call and they are fully booked. Most places appear to not have air conditioning. Those that do are very expensive.

Do you know Shaw's -- is it a nice place?

Yes, most places on the coast don't have A/C because it's a fairly rare day when opening the windows won't flush out any heat or stuffiness.

I haven't been at the south end of Arch Cape in a few years, and in fact didn't know of a "B&B" there until your mention of it. So no, I don't know Shaw's, specifically. Most of the homes on that section of beach were built in the '50s - '70s. From the website, I gather that Shaw's has an up or downstairs apartment, which is where you'd be staying. And apparently you'd be the only guests. Not your typical B&B, I'm thinking. How many nights are you in the area?

You are right -- not a typical b&B. But there aren't any in Cannon Beach except for Stephanies which is just cost prohibitive to me.

We are there 2 nights -- some places wanted a minimum of 3 but I thought I would prefer Yachats for a 3 night stay -- looked to be more I wanted to do around there.

The pros are the people seem nice, we get a full breakfast, we have air and we are on the ocean. I believe it is built side by side -- like a duplex. Oh and we get two toilets!!!The con seems to be that we are not in the middle bof things and need to drive for dinner etc.

I don't mind quiet and would like to enjoy the beach -- so I see that as a plus. We are used to driving so that does not bother us. It would be nice to be able to walk around the town. I did see a place -- the sea breeze -- but have not found a lot of feedback on it either and they have not been in when I called.

When I read reviews on places in Cannon Beach, even the ones that people think are pretty good. have comments about being warm and noise. So I haven't found anything where I have been able to say -- I really want to stay there. I have looked at Argaunata and Ecola and Cannon Beach Motel and just not -- hard to explain -- just nothing has wowed me including this place. And I would have preferred to spend less but that does not seem possible in that area.

I do have a tendency to have a difficult time sleeping if I am warm -- so I do prefer having air conditioning.

I considered Seaside as it had other places but the feedback was to not stay there. And then there is the Old Wheeler Hotel. That looked nice to me but the location I wondered about -- would that be a better choice?

Thanks

I see you also posted a question about Old Wheeler Hotel on TA, and got some great feedback from Den, who really knows his stuff.

My take... If you didn't already have oceanfront lodgings booked elsewhere, I'd say stick with Shaw's or splurge on a nice place in Cannon Beach. But, even with a splurge, you won't find a better setting than at Overleaf, so Old Wheeler Hotel might be fine. Understand though that you'll be driving 15-25 miles for the sightseeing/activities I expect you'll want to do. And, I don't know how far it is from Wheeler to the nearest beach. Cute little town, though.