Hello,
My friend and myself are going to be going from Salem to the Columbia River Gorge and then to the Coast through the Forest Grove area (I have famil there). Is there anything that is free or inexpensive to do in these areas? We already plan on going to the cheese factory in Tillamook and the Sea Lion caves and we're interested in the sand dunes, and of course waterfalls. Is there anything else you would suggest?

Hello,

I am from Oregon originally and last summer we took a trip down the coast. We drove from Portland down to the Coos Bay area. Here is a link to my trip report...http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...e=Rael8l&fid=1

I would recommend driving to Bandon from Coos Bay. I'm not sure if I wrote that at the time. Bandon is fun for a day with little shops and nice beaches. The sand dunes between Florence and North Bend/Coos Bay are all nice.

A lot of the sight seeing in Oregon is nature so aside from our food and whatever shopping we did the trip was pretty low cost. Be sure to go to Saturday Market while you are in Portland and check out NW 23rd Street for cute little shops and coffee shops. Driving to Mt. Hood is also nice. The Timberline Lodge is nice for lunch but you could easily skip the meal and tour the lodge.

That link didn't work. Here you go.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34532931

I would second the Portland Saturday Market if you are there on a Saturday. The Japanese gardens are nice as well. After living in Portland for awhile one of my favorite things to do is go to Pioneer Square and grab a Latte and a bench and watch people. Pioneer Square also has some good shopping if you inclined.
IMO Sea Lion Caves isn't worth the money as you can see sea lions many other places for free. I would however stop in at the Newport Aquarium. It is a nice stop. Both Florence and Newport have great wharf areas for shopping and strolling. As said before taveling in Oregon (outside Portland) is for nature. As you take 101 down the coast you will have many places to stop and check out. Lighthouses, trails,beaches and beautiful cliff overlooks are very plentiful. If you get more specific questions let us know! Have fun!

The Saturday Market is also open on Sunday. I agree, it is a fun place to go.

In Salem, there is Deepwood Mansion, Bush Park, and Mission Mill Museum. Outside of Salem is Silver Falls State Park, which is beautiful and has lots of different waterfalls.

In Portland there is Forest Park, which you can hike in and go up to Pittock Mansion. Park near the Zoo and start the hike near the Vietnam Memorial. There are also the rose gardens, the Japanese Gardens and the Chinese Gardens. All are very nice.

Near Silverton east of Salem is the ORegon Gardens - worth a stop, especially for spring flowers! http://www.oregongarden.org/

Sea Lion Caves is pretty touristy and not worth the price imho. It's a cave where the sea lions go to lounge and defecate, so the smell is horrible! But if you've never seen a sea lion it might be cool. A better place to see them is at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, or you can usually see them free if you walk along the waterfront in Newport. Just listen for their barking!

Lots and lots of nice waterfalls along the gorge, take the old highway if you can, I don't remember the number.