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Oregon & Idaho
Yahoo Message Number: 47776
Oregon and Idaho are two states we've never spent a lot of time in, so are thinking of heading that way next summer [2005].  Probably not with Big Red, thinking of taking the train, Empire Builder, to Portland, then "bumming" in a rental car.  Anyone have ideas of things to do, places to see or stay?  Three boys, ages 16 - 21, probably.  We like to hike, but this wouldn't be a camping trip.
Thanks.

PS-and nothing about tire extenders, Finish First, solar panels, dual batteries, Pro-Fill, fake leather seats, CD changers or GPS in this message!

John & Cheryl 1989 22' RL Big Red
Re: Oregon & Idaho
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47780
Quote
Oregon and Idaho are two states we've never spent a lot of time in, so are thinking of heading that way next summer [2005].  Probably not with Big Red, thinking of taking the train, Empire Builder, to Portland, then "bumming" in a rental car.  Anyone have ideas of things to do, places to see or stay?  Three boys, ages 16 - 21, probably.  We like to hike, but this wouldn't be a camping trip.
Thanks.
Near Portland, the typical things would be:
1. A trip around Mt. Hood.  US26 from Portland, up to see Timberline  Lodge, down to Hood River then back along I-80, looking at the  Columbia Gorge.  Typically a one day trip, but wonderful opportunities  for hiking so it could be much longer.  There are river cruise trips  at Cascade Locks(?).  Accomodations west of Mt. Hood and at cities in  the gorge.

2. A trip to the beach.  Seaside a typical resort town.  Cannon Beach,  more refined.  The area around Pacific City nice area with off shore  rocks.  Lincoln city another resort town.  Newport a nicer resort town  with the aquarium.  Or north to Astoria.  Old port town. Then to  Longbeach on the WA shore.  Good accomodations all along this route,  take as long as you like.  There are some hiking opportunities in the  state parks and along the beaches.

3. A trip to Mt. St. Helens. Up I-5 then east to the mountain.  A  humbling view of what a small volcano can to to its surroundings.
 Typically a one day trip.  Accomodations along I-5.

4. Look at Portland itself.  It can't decide if it is the smallest of  the big cities or the biggest small town on the coast.  Has very well  preserved old buildings and lots of history.  Go to the Pittock  Mansion to see most of Portland at a glance as well as five volcanos  (if the weather is clear).  Ride the Max train through the tunnel to  the west side.  See the Pioneer Courthouse Square in the middle of  down town. Walk along the east side esplanade and go to OMSI.  Take a  harbor tour (on a boat).  etc.  Accomodations everywhere.

5. Your boys are a bit young, but perhaps go south to the Willamette
 Valley to see the place and tour the winerys.  Lots of very good places.  Accomodations everywhere.
 These are just what comes to mind off the top of the head.  There are many more places/things to do, especially as one is willing (as you apparently are) to travel further from Portland.

Enjoy.

Linley
Re: Oregon & Idaho
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47787
Quote
Oregon and Idaho are two states we've never spent a lot of time
in,

Quote
Anyone have ideas of things to do, places to see or stay?  Three boys, ages 16 - 21, probably.  We like to hike, but this wouldn't be a camping trip.
Thanks.
At Tillamook on the coast there is the cheese factory  AND a air museum housed in an old WWII blimp hanger.  I had a hard time getting my husband out of it.

If you want some quiet time find the Grotto in Portland.  We aren't catholic but it made me slow down and enjoy some inner time.

If you make it over to Idaho, the Couer d'Alene area and north to Sand Point have endless places to wander in the woods.  And waive to my cousin as you go through Rathdrum on the way to Sand Point.

Kathy Emanon the 30' IB
Re: Oregon & Idaho
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47801
Quote
Oregon and Idaho are two states we've never spent a lot of time in, so are thinking of heading that way next summer [2005].
Astoria is an outstanding place to visit.  Fort Clatsop, where Lewis & Clark wintered over in 1805-6 has been rebuilt and there are interpretive exhibits of the Corps of Discovery (on their 200th anniversary, no less).

Astoria has a maritime museum on the Columbia River.  As I recall, there are lots of scenic and interesting sites up the river.
John
Re: Oregon & Idaho
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47953
In McMinnville Oregon, highly recommend the Evergreen Aviation Museum. They have the Spruce Goose and lots of other aircraft on display. We were there today on our trip north to the Seattle/Port Orchard area . Check out the web site at http://www.sprucegoose.org/

Sylvia H.
'96 30 IB "The DogHouse" Currently in Troutdale OR