Hey, bbgboy, there you go thinking outside the box. Somebody is bound to complain.

Hey everyone!

Thanks for all the additional advice!

Let's see...

We're still working on the last day in Portland. We called 5th and they, in fact, have no rooms (on a Monday night)! Checked with Vintage Plaza and they have a couple of rooms but we're still cogitating. May call 5th back each day for a few more days to see if anything opens up.

happytrails - I know it'll be a long drive on 1 day but we're actually looking forward to seeing CL. We've done a lot worse driving-wise in 1 day. This shouldn't be too bad for us. We *are* going to drive down to Florence from Cannon Beach, and then cut over on state roads 126/58/97. We've been called crazy before.

LoveItaly (I'll remember you when we get around to THAT trip!) - thanks for the tutorial on Fodors. I didn't know about the clicking-your-name thing. Very handy.

Scarlett - thanks!

mms - Yes, the boat tours are over. Maybe on the next trip.

Moonstone--Glad things are coming together for you. Looking forward to hearing about it all!

I don't think you're crazy, I think you don't know that the drive to Crater Lake isn't just time consuming, it is also tedious.

In contrast, one of the most satisfying days we had this summer was spent doing something of which we never tire--exploring the area between Cannon Beach and Cape Perpetua.

This year, for the first time, we also had a good time on a tour out of Newport to view Gray Whales.

The hangup is that 2nd day in Cannon Beach-if they could get closer on the 2nd night, say Yachats to Bandon, it'd be rollin'.
None the less, I would for sure go I 5 to 62, given the time deal.
It's about 3 hours, Eugene to Medford, another 2 hours to get to CL.

Is 58 to 97 to CL *that* bad to drive. My map program shows that it's 140 miles from Eugene to the Lodge that way. Surely that's a lot less than 5 hours?

I guess we'll find out!

Please do not worry about the drive, it is not bad at all Have a great trip!

bbqboys route is different, so that is why the time difference. For the route you are planning, figure around 3 1/2 hours. HWY 58 is not bad, a bit windey here and there, but then once you get onto 97 it is straight and super easy.

I'm watching this thread (and other Oregon threads) anticipating such a trip next year so...I have a question about access to CL. How is the drive (marked scenic on my road maps) between CL and I-5 via Route #138? Driving conditions? Time? Scenery? Do it or don't do it? We can play around the time factor if it is a worthy drive.

correction...we can PLAN not PLAY around the time factor...sigh!

I get the impression that Happytrails is just not a CL fan. I'D make the drive. It's all just personal preference.

No, I think Crater Lake is one of the great places in the NW, which is best enjoyed with a room in the lodge overlooking the lake.

In my opinion, the lake requires at least one two nights and one full day to enjoy properly.

Moonstone is forfeiting a truly great day on the coast for a lot of driving and too little time to properly investigate the destination.

I had no idea it was that much closer by taking 58/97. Cool!
Since I live in the Rogue Valley I've never taken that way home from the Northern Reaches. Maybe I should.
I was mainly thinking the 4 lane aspect of I-5, I guess.

Wanted to let y'all know we had a GREAT trip! Thanks for all your help!

Some of the highlights, no particular order:

Canon Beach - loved the area, loved the stay.

Stephanie Inn - 5 stars!!! If you've stayed somewhere else (anywhere!) that was even close to Stephanie in... well... everything, I'd love to know it!

Wayfarer Inn for dinner - went twice.. loved it both times.

Elephant's Deli in Portland - great lunch place & close to Japanese Gardens which was another 5-star stop... even in cloudy, drizzly weather!

Crater Lake - defintely worth a visit, although 1 day was enough for us. Hike down to the lake - it's worth it for the differing views. Lodge w/ lake view was very nice. The bed and pillows were awful!! Bring your own pillow! The dining room was really wonderful for both dinner and breakfast... some of the best food on the trip, believe it or not.

Bend - overal, didn't really like it. Having the condo at Bachelor Mt. was definitely the way to go, though. We were able to kick back and relax for a couple of days. Excursion to Sisters was more appealing to us.

Typhoon in Portland - great dinner! Loved it. Especially convenient as we stayed at Vintage Plaza, also very nice.

Gorge - great views! Unfortunately, the road was closed about 3 miles in and it was late and we didn't have the time to go around.

Many more small things about the trip we liked. Oregon is a great place. We will defintely go back to Cannon Beach and Stephanie Inn!!

Ya'll be well!