Vacation to the PACNW- would like itenerary input

[The_Eric]

My better half and I are planning a 3 week get away to the Oregon and Washington area for next June or July. We plan on driving out, doing a little sight seeing and generally being as carefree as possible. I'd like your input on places to go, see, eat at, things to do, routes to take and/or places to stay- though once in Portland we'll likely stay with her son and his wife. This road trip could take virtually any path going west or coming back east...

So far we don't have much in mind, either going out or coming back. I'd like to make a stop through Colorado Springs to see an old work buddy and once out there, we plan to cruise down 101 to at least Depoe Bay as she has an old friend there. Beyond that we'd like to go back to Multnomah Falls. Also at some time we are going to head to Spokane to see her older brother and his wife. We also plan a day trip on the Pacific Crest Trail and will likely bring our bicycles along.

So lets hear from all the members west of the state of Iowa or those who have made the journey!

 

[John_K]

My wife was disappointed in Multnomah Falls but I thought it was cool!

John

 

[Y_K]

May I suggest:

Drakesbad, CA to Lakeview, OR to
Steens Mountain - Frenchglen, OR

Burns, OR - John Day, OR - Mitchell, OR
Sumpter, OR - Lone Rock, OR - Hardman, OR

Brookings, OR - Stout Grove in North-most tip of Red Woods - this is where thoughts stop, a magic place

Gold Beach, OR - Yachats, OR

If you could get Joseph, OR into this mix, you are golden.

I haven't started with my state - Washington. Firstly, it's akin to New Zealand and Australia tours combo - the worst thing you could do. There is so much to see here..

Get some delicious Colorado peaches on the way back.

Good luck!

[ I threw Drakesbad in the mix for a reason: Mt Lassen NP is the least visited NP in the nation. Clean, pristine, quiet. And Drakesbad is a Midway Point on Pacific Crest Trail. A bucolic setting.]

 

[Inspecktor]

The Astoria Bridge on 101 is pretty cool. My wife has a phobia of green metal bridges (even before the I35 collapse in Minneapolis). Made for an interesting crossing by motorcycle on a windy day.

 

[BRZED]

Don't miss the Royal Gorge Bridge and the Black Canyon of the Gunnisson while passing through Colorado.

What route are you going to take to Portland? Maybe you can fit in Devils Tower, Yellowstone and the Craters of the Moon in Idaho?

Cannon Beach near Astoria is a must-see.

 

[oilboy123]

Mt Rainier is very cool in Washington. Silver Falls State park is nice in Oregon. Crater lake on a nice clear day is spectacular. I went with my parents the second time, and it was totally clouded over that day.

 

[NMBurb02]

Craters of the Moon is pretty good.

Places to eat in Portland: The Fireside, Southland Whiskey Kitchen (the chili is awesome!), Ringside (I've heard it is good but never tried it myself), Santa Fe Taqueria, and any number of breweries in town. There are probably plenty of more places to eat, but those are my favorites or places I plan to eat.

 

[mattwithcats]

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, Santa trains in November and December

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier_Scenic_Railroad

Mount Saint Helens, bring sunflower seeds for the chipmunks if you go to the overlook...

 

[ls1mike]

Don't miss the Olympic Peninsula. Places like the HOH Rain Forest and Crescent Lake.

You can always stop by my place. I will have beer...

 

[slug_bug]

Was in Seattle two years ago. My favorites were:
-Walking some trails around Mt. Rainier. Gorgeous scenery.
-Whitewater rafting the Skykomish River with Alpine Adventures

 

[expat]

Originally Posted By: ls1mike
Don't miss the Olympic Peninsula. Places like the HOH Rain Forest and Crescent Lake.

You can always stop by my place. I will have beer...

+1

Spent a great few days in the area last September. I tried very hard to meet with Mike in Poulsbo (very pretty Scandinavian town) but did not make it there on time (my fault)
Fantastic beaches on the coast and very good campsites.

But check out and book sites and accomodation ahead of time.

Stayed at one place that advertised having COLOR TV that was not so good

 

[The_Eric]

Some pretty darn good input here! Please, keep it coming- I think it's going to be hard to not spend 2 months out there!

Y_K, you're full of ideas.

BRZED- we're not sure of the routes. Whichever sounds the most interesting I suppose.


Mike- If we find ourselves in your neck of the woods, I'd love to sit down and have a beer with you!

 

[Stewart Fan]

Hop on a Wa.State ferry and check out the San Juan Islands.

 

[Inspecktor]

I would also recommend taking a orca tour. They were awesome!

 

[ClarkB]

If you're in Portland for a couple days then spend one day hiking in the Columbia River Gorge. Most of is within an hour's drive of Portland and there are some very cool hikes, usually with a waterfall or two, that are easy and vary in length from a mile to many.

My favorite is Wahclella Falls and Oneota Gorge. Both are easy hikes and each has an amazing waterfall at the end. Oneota Gorge is best done later in the year because you will get wet and the water is cold! If you decide to go save the surprise and don't look up pictures of the hike.

Clark