Northwest Tour

[hopz]

Susie and I are preparing for a Northwest tour and look-about. (No, its not a relocation thing- its a "go see what's there" trip)

Will be with friends in Sandpoint, ID late next week and spend several days there. Then head southwest to Columbia river gorge and then points South and West. We want to do the Oregon coast southward... probably all the way to California. Likely follow the river over to Portland then the coast. (What is a worthy path from Portland over?)

 

This is where we could benefit from some local knowledge.

 

Anyone with recommendations on must-see, must do things headed to Portland area then to the coast and south... Would love to hear your favorites. Roads... restaurants... and especially lodging, in smaller, less expensive but accommodating/interesting/clean locations.

 

Thanks in advance hope to repay the trip info favor some time. Unfortunately this is an auto trip, not a bike trip....

 

 

[johnlt]

I did the Washington, Oregon and northern California coast 2 years ago. From Portland, take 30 to Astoria where you hit 101. 101 goes all the way down through Oregon and California right on the coast. A couple things to keep in mind. In the summer time, there will be a million RVs with few passing opportunities so manage your expactations and just move along at their pace and enjoy the views. Second thing is that all along the coast, the morning hours can be foggy or at least overcast which can impact the quality of the views. Sometime the fog/overcast doesn't clear to noontime. Lastly, I did it in late July and used my Gerbings in the morning every day even though 50 miles east it may be 100 degrees but the coastline is always chilly in the morning. Enjoy

[richs]

Piggy backing on to johnlt, I was just through Portland, and 30 to Astoria. In Astoria, eat lunch at this place:

 

http://www.bowpicker.com/

 

Most excellent fish & chips, worth the wait!

[Kitsap]

Agree with the prior two posts, don't be rushed and enjoy the scenery.

 

Check out the Astoria Tower for great views.

 

Cannon Beach is fun to stroll with a very good pizza joint. Haystack Rock just down the road has nice tidal pools to explore at low tide,

 

Seaside is kind of funky to stroll about with a great kite shop if you're into dual line kite flying.

 

Tillamook has The Ice Cream and an aviation museum in the old blimp hangar south of town.

 

 

[JR356]

I like the Washington side of the Gorge,WA 14,less traffic and less getting blown around by traffic,even in a car.

Look for the kite boarders near Hood River/White Salmon,quite a site to see them ripping across the river and catching big air!

Cross over before Multnomah Falls,Crown Point and make sure to stop and see those sites along the old Columbia Hwy,if you have never been there.

 

JR356

[TracyMurphy]

One other thing to watch for besides RV’s are bicycle riders.

[Kitsap]

One other thing to watch for besides RV’s are bicycle riders.

 

True, some of those long distance tourers can be quite shapely and attention grabbing.