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12/26/2009 01:13:22 PM · #1 |
Hello all...
I have to go to Seattle for three days at the end of January. I am tacking on three days in Oregon to the trip. Anyone have any advice on where it is possible to drive and what is possible to see in January? I've seen quite a bit of Washington in my previous trips but have only spent a total of 5 minutes in Oregon, so that is why my focus is there. I have read previous forum threads on places to go but they all occurred during the summer. How cold does it get in Oregon? Is Cannon Beach really cold? I'm thinking some roads through the mountains will be closed so that will limit where I can go (I saw Achoo's picture of Crater Lake in May).
Any input greatly appreciated! My interests are wide open - ghost towns, quaint towns, forests, beaches, historical markers, quirky man-made things... |
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12/26/2009 01:19:55 PM · #2 |
Canon Beach is always good for a DPC friendly shot.
There are lots of waterfalls throughout the state.
Oh, and  DrAchoo,  Zoomdak, and Charliebaker you can go see them. Tell them I said it was OK. ;-) |
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12/26/2009 01:29:24 PM · #3 |
Portland is fun. Pearl District, Old Town. Both will give you a taste of food, beer, fine dining, fast food, brew pubs, shopping, street life.
Three Sisters, Mt. Bachelor in Bend is beautiful, Mt. Hood closer to Portland both have skiing, shopping, food, and millions of places to take pictures.
The coast- Astoria, Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Beachcomber delight, eat crabs, clam chowder, shop,
I lived there 25 year before moving to Az.
Cold yes. Rain, ice, snow you can have it all.....or maybe moderate weather.
Just Google any of these areas and you'll find plenty of info, maps and lists of places to see and things to do. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. |
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12/26/2009 02:06:48 PM · #4 |
Contact David Robinson, aka Charliebaker, for SURE: he and his wife are wonderful people, and they live in Cannon Beach only half a mile from this location:
I'm sure they'd love to hook up with you, though I guess it's not my place to say... In any event, be SURE to check out the Oregon Coast, it's not to be missed; and Cannon Beach is the best of it, or at least the best of the easily accessible portion of it.
And talk to Doc Sneezy, he can give you lots of places-to-go ideas.
R. |
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12/26/2009 02:32:20 PM · #5 |
We didn't get to Cannon, but Posthumous and I loved doing the Three Capes Loop during a winter trip to Portland. It's a little further south on the coast. Also enjoyed the hokey Tillamook Cheese Factory nearby.
  
Message edited by author 2009-12-26 14:32:41. |
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12/26/2009 03:56:35 PM · #6 |
As mentioned already by the other DPCers, got to see the coast, Cannon Beach is the most popular. You can do a loop and see Astoria (Astoria Column, historic water front), Seaside, Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock). Farther south on the coast Hwy you can go to Garibaldi (fishing fleet)/Tillamook (yes, the Tillamook Cheese Factory). Only concern in late January is possible ice conditions in the coast range (dept of trans may require drivers to carry chains/traction tires).
Scenic Columbia River Gorge for Multnomah Falls (accessible off the the main freeway I-84) and the other Falls and Vista House at Crown point (accessible on the Old Columbia River Scenic Hwy) to the east of Portland. Just a bit farther east is Bonneville Lock and Dam. You'll want to dress warmly for both the coast and gorge; the winds can be very cold.
To the south (SE of Salem, OR) there's Silver Falls State park (1.5 from PDX), plenty of Falls there too.
As Justine mentioned, if you like the urban environment in PDX, the Pearl District (NW side), NW 23rd, Hawthorne Dist in the SE side.
The coast trip will take a full day, the Gorge will probably take most of the day. Hard to pack all the sights in three days... |
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12/26/2009 04:45:00 PM · #7 |
Wow! thank you all so much. After reading all the suggestions and comparing distances in google maps, I think I have decided on the following:
Sunday - Seattle to Astoria (anyone recommend a hotel?)
Monday - Astoria to Tillamook including the Three Capes Loop(any suggested hotels?)
Tuesday - Tillamook to SEATAC (our plane takes off at 11PM so we will have plenty of time) stopping in Old Town Portland for lunch/wandering
While I would love to the mountains and the gorge, I'm afraid there just won't be enough time. Good news is that it will require me to return. I'm going to pray for moderate weather for this trip as I HATE cold and snow, but if we get snowed in, I'm not sure there could be a better location. :)
I had done some research before posting, but I'm one of those, "OOOH, that's pretty! Oooohhh, we have to go there!" etc. people so that, in the end, I drive 16 hours a day and need a vacation from my vacation. I'm glad I asked here as it gives me a reality check. :) |
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12/26/2009 05:08:20 PM · #8 |
For Astoria, maybe Hotel Elliott. I think its a historic hotel.
I'm sure googling astoria and tillamook for motels, all the chain motels should be fine.
ETA: For Astoria, a motel on the waterfront would be nice, then you can spend time walking the historic waterfront and downtown.
Message edited by author 2009-12-26 17:11:07. |
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12/26/2009 05:39:15 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by The_Tourist:
For Astoria, maybe Hotel Elliott. I think its a historic hotel.
I'm sure googling astoria and tillamook for motels, all the chain motels should be fine.
ETA: For Astoria, a motel on the waterfront would be nice, then you can spend time walking the historic waterfront and downtown. |
I stayed in the Hotel Elliott in May, and it was awesome and most certainly historic. We stayed during the week, so got their non-weekend price which wasn't too bad. The room was tiny, but they packed every bit of luxury into it that they could including fancy robes and heated bathroom tile floor. Their slogan is "Wonderful Beds". It's even engraved into the tile floor in the elevator. The staff was, eh... They basically checked us in and gave us our key. If you're in the area though don't stay anywhere else. The chain motels lack character and are so drab!
I also second the warning of driving too far on the coast during January. It could be nice, but it could be downright windy, icy, and just plain nasty.
Edit to add: Portland ain't too friendly in January either.
January 2007
Message edited by author 2009-12-26 17:42:12. |
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12/26/2009 07:45:41 PM · #10 |
When in Astoria, make sure to check out the Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens State Park.
Also, when at Cannon Beach, make sure to check out Ecola State Park which is one beach to the north. Indian Beach, located within, is one of my favorite Oregon Beaches.
Message edited by author 2009-12-26 19:45:58. |
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12/26/2009 07:59:51 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by dahkota:
While I would love to the mountains and the gorge, I'm afraid there just won't be enough time. Good news is that it will require me to return. I'm going to pray for moderate weather for this trip as I HATE cold and snow, but if we get snowed in, I'm not sure there could be a better location. :)
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If your in Portland....the Gorge is only about 30 minutes, east. Don't know if that is cutting it to close for you. As for cold and snow....well, I think you probably should expect cold and rain....I can almost guarantee the cold part (and probably the rain too). Oregon is TERRIFIC in the summer and fall....if you get a chance to come back here, that would be the best time. |
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12/26/2009 08:07:23 PM · #12 |
There is a great "resort" on the Nehalem river and you can sleep on a houseboat on the river or rent a house on the river bank - they have bald eagles and beautiful scenery. Ripple Run Resort
Have a lot of fun!!
Edited to add my two favorite houses at the resort are the Heron House (huge deck) and the Finley House.
Message edited by author 2009-12-26 20:08:27. |
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12/26/2009 09:22:41 PM · #13 |
I've lived in Oregon for 30 years, the coast is nice, but you need to come back for the rest of the state! As the doc pointed out, Ft. Stevens should be on your list. The only place in the US mainland to be fired on in WWII nearby, Historic abandoned army base/barracks and the end of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at fort clatsop.
You will freeze... But this is also the time of year to catch the humpback whale migrations, so bring the loooong lens.
And whilst at the Cheese Factory, be sure to get some cheese curds, the best you'll ever have. |
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