I am still in the planning stages of a July trip to Oregon. We want to explore the gorge, hood river area, mt. st. helens, and hike etc. in that area. We will probably allocate 3 nights before we head to Bandon or Crater lake (not sure which order yet--any suggestions?) In researching lodging, I think its down to these two. Which would be more easily accessible to day drives and exploring? Has anyone been to both? Which is nicer?

Apples and bananas. Timberline is older, more in the nature of a national park lodge (although it isn't) - but while it's in a beautiful spot I wouldn't describe it as conveniently located for exploring the Gorge or Mt. St. Helens etc.

Skamania is much more recent and (IMO) a bit lacking on the soul front; rather golfy and corporate meeting-y, but I think arguably better located in terms of access to the wider region.

I'm biased; I respect Timberline's vintage and style but not its location and the fact that if you want to eat someplace else it's a serious schlep, or that its prices are pretty high for what you get. By the same token I think Skamania is overpriced and trying hard to be something it's not.

My solution, and it's not everyone's for sure, is McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale. Close to but not in the Gorge, easy access to the freeways for Mt St Helens or Portland, but still definitely "away from it all" in terms of country setting; food and entertainment options that run a little to the funky but not bad at all, and full of whimsey. Cheaper than the other two but far from cheap-feeling. Like I say, not everyone's taste, but you might get a real kick out of it. www.mcmenamins.com

Gardyloo's comments are, as always, spot on.

I personally would love to stay at the Timberline, because it is a lovely old handcrafted place, and I like being up in the mountians for hiking. But it is not for everyone, and since you mentioned Mt. St. Helens, etc. the location is not good for that.

Skamania is well-located and good at self-promotion. I don't know anyone who has every stayed there. I do have friends who absolutely love the Columbia Gorge Hotel:
http://www.columbiagorgehotel.com/
even though it is overpriced (and reputedly haunted).

I think it comes down to location, location, location for what you want to do. The town of Hood River is very pleasant and makes a nice base for your activities. The Best Western there is not bad. So depending on what you want for lodging, you could pick between there, McManamin's, and Columbia Gorge. Maybe do one of your hikes up near Timberline and have dinner there afterwards, or just walk around and admire the place.

Thanks enzian. I've stayed at Skamania a couple of times for - ta da - corporate retreats and conferences, and to be blunt I'm glad somebody else was picking up the tab.

Agree re Hood River, and in fact the BW is quite an okay place.

Another option, but at the opposite end of the fancy scale, is the Flying L ranch near White Salmon - http://www.mt-adams.com/ Quite comfortable and a bit of a dying breed as far as accommodations go.

If you are making a loop from Portland, head east to the Gorge, south to Crater Lake, Hit Ashland, over to the Redwoods, up to Bandon, and back to Portland.

Timberline is a wonderful historic timber building that you must visit; however, the rooms are small and it is not suitable as a base for seeing the gorge.

Skamania Lodge has been around for about ten years and has had varioius incarnations. The last time I was there it was catering to corporate get-aways. Some rooms fact the river, but it is seat back from the river by about a mile.

When we visit the gorge, we like to stay in Hood River.

I agree with the others. Another option for lodging right in the gorge would be Bridal Veil Lodge. It is right on the old scenic highway shortly before Multnomah Falls.

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I will definitely check out McMenamins and Bridal Veil Lodge--I don't want to get too rustic. Also appreciate the itinerary suggested. Timberline really appealed to me--love that old Natl Lodge feel but hate to drive -- I might also check out the Columbia Gorge Hotel.

The Columbia Gorge Hotel is awesome. The grounds are gorgeous and the lobby area is very nice. The Farm Country Breakfasts are amazing here. Far from rustic, we loved our stay here! ***kim***

Thanks for your comment, Kimamom--i will definitely look into this lodging. Is the location good for exploring the entire area? Don't want anything that we will have to drive 1/2 hr. before we get on a highway.

It's between the freeway and the river, so probably less than 5 minutes from the freeway (I-84).