What's the inside info on the Riverside Inn?

I%26#39;m checking out the Riverside Inn - mostly because of the convenience of getting the Hellgate Jet Boat at their dock - When I look at the reviews, I see two extremes: Either this is the friendliest, cleanest, most customer service oriented hotel in Grant%26#39;s Pass, or it%26#39;s a slipshod, indifferent, disorganized dump. The truth has got to be in between the two extremes and I imagine that it depends a lot on what you consider to be adequate, but I would like to get an unbiased opinion.

We are experienced travelers and have stayed in truly scary hotels in Africa and Mexico. But in the U.S. we expect a clean decent place where we don%26#39;t worry about bed bugs and where we are sure that our reservations will be honored for a room where the plumbing works and the beds are good. Can we get this at the Riverside?

What's the inside info on the Riverside Inn?

HI UtahRoots, we stay at the RI several times a year, twice already this summer and many, many times over the years. We always book under the Entertainment Rate which is $49/night Sun.-Thurs. Our rooms are always clean, well appointed and the staff is very friendly. The past year they have remodeled their Eagle%26#39;s Nest breakfast room which is nice. There is now a complimentary breakfast included with the room. Fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, muffins, juice, etc.

There is an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi and all of the rooms have beautiful views of the Rogue River. I have stayed at very nice 4 star hotels all over and find no complaints about the Riverside Inn. They have made several good improvements to the property over the past couple of years. I noticed last stay that new carpeting was in the upstairs room. ( I think we had 252.)

There are nice Pro Terra amenities in the bathrooms, same as they use at the Yountville Inn in Napa Valley. There is also the River Rock Cafe a few steps away where you can get Starbuck%26#39;s coffee, gifts, etc. We love the strawberry waffles here. You can purchase your Jet Boat tickets at the desk in the gift shop.

I%26#39;ll try to get a review out with some photos I have taken of the Riverside Inn. If you can get in at $59/night, it%26#39;s one of the best values around! Any specific questions, just ask! My brother-in-law has also stayed there with his 3 kids and they enjoyed the place.

Hope this helps! :)

What's the inside info on the Riverside Inn?

Forgot to add that Rafters Bar %26amp; Grill is their restaurant there that has good food. There is also a nice deck to sit out on and take in the views of the bridge and the Rogue. Beds are also fine! :)

I have stayed there a few times, maybe 10, never been disappointed. about half of the time was with others so one or more of us had riverview room where we could gather to watch river

I am not real hard to please and a time or two some may have complained but setting overcomes.

Even if your room is not riverside lounge is.

Easy choice for me Grants Pass Riverside, if leisure travel.

I think UtahRoots has chosen to stay in Gold Beach now. It would be nice and cool there! :)

Grant's Pass to the Coast - Which Route?

We%26#39;re traveling up the northern California (from Humboldt Redwoods park) and Oregon coasts to Portland. From Grant%26#39;s Pass, where we will be for a jet boat trip, we need help with planning the route north. We definitely want to stay along the coast, not inland, so Crater Lake is out for this trip. We have adrenaline junkie teenage boys who don%26#39;t tolerate more than about four hours in a car without stopping for something to make their hearts race.

Should we take I-5 to Hwy 42 and then west to Coos Bay or should we take I-5 up to Hwy 38 and west to Reedsport? I don%26#39;t want to miss anything spectacular on the south coast but I also have to keep in mind that at that point, we will have only five days left on our trip and need to be in Portland within 3 days of leaving Grant%26#39;s Pass. And we want to spend at least one day in the Newport/Yachats section of the coast. Is 101 between Coos Bay and Reedsport a must see? Is there a significant driving time difference between the two routes from Grant%26#39;s Pass to the coast?

Grant's Pass to the Coast - Which Route?

If it is a given you jet boat in Grants Pass not Gold Beach I would head back to coast at Sutherlin on OR-138 then OR-38 to Reedsport.. That is prettier and shorter to Reedsport than OR-42.

You see half the Dunes north from Reedsport to Florence. and in my view the better half. Though I might go out to Winchester Bay and Umpqua LH south a bit from Reedsport. nice views from Umpqua LH of dunes and river

Grant's Pass to the Coast - Which Route?

I was about to make our reservations at Grant%26#39;s Pass...but I%26#39;m willing to listen to another suggestion. Tell me about Gold Beach, specifically about jet boat trips.

Jet boat rides at Gold Beach go up the Rogue River. the shortest takes a half day. The one at Grants Pass goes down river and takes less time, shorter trip.

Personally I much prefer Gold Beach, you start in area with some development, but soon get into mostly just river and forest and wildelife. Netiher trip get into really white water. to do that you need a longer trip from Gold Beach

GP trip to me never really leaves developed areas though riverside vegeatation pretty much hides it for much of trip.

The drive from Crescent City to GP on US-199 is 80 miles and part is slow, maybe 2 hour trip CC to Gold Beach 50 miles. In that sem two hours you can make a couple of stops and get to Gold Beach.

But do not go into Gold beach without reservations, room and boat, mostly room

As usual, phirl is right on the money. If you%26#39;re staying in Grants Pass, Drive I-5 to Sutherlin, then 138-38 to Reedsport.

The Boat Rides themselves from Gold Beach are much more interesting and the river is more beautiful in this area IMO, but it will be as much as 30 degrees warmer in Grants Pass. So, now for the tough decision...................warmth or beauty.

Den

Right now, it%26#39;s 102 degrees in Salt Lake City. I%26#39;ll go for beauty. I%26#39;ve had enough warmth thank you.

O.K., sounds like Gold Beach is the new destination. I%26#39;ve looked at two different jet boat companies. Does anyone have a preference? It%26#39;s the same river either way, so unless one boat company is significantly better, I%26#39;ll just book with whomever has room.

If we do the long 104 mile trip, do we get to any actual white water? We%26#39;ve run the Snake River and the Colorado with our sons so the whitewater would have to be pretty dang good to make the longer trip worth the money...

Speaking of booking rooms... The Tu Tu Tun is out of our price range and they frown on children, even teenagers...maybe especially teenagers...Is the Sun n Sea a good alternative?

How far on Snake did you go. we did lower 3/4s some fair white water, but class 3 at most. I stood at Hells Canyon Dam and siad don%26#39;t think I wnat to get in boat here. Looked pretty rough.

We only got to Agness on Rogue, white water above that. hope someone else can help more. I have bee further up river to Foster Bar on road and it does get more white, but abov there is best I think.

Seemed to me Jerrys was a bit more venturesome, doing spinnies in the river. good for teens, I was glad we were on mail boat

Sand n Sea? Yes, it is nice. Clean, comfortable and walking paths down to the beach. A small indoor pool there, not a resort by any means, just a nice motel. Get the oceanview room there! :)

I have taken the Mailboats for a mothers day ride in their covered boat. Very nice and scenic but might be too tame for your adventure seekers. Now on the other hand I have taken Jerry%26#39;s with my son%26#39;s 6th grade class. Now that was a little wild. They spun us and got the kids pretty wet. When we left GB it was foggy and cool but as we went up river it got sunny and quite hot so by the time we hit Agness the water splashing was quite welcome. But when we returned they asked the kids if they wanted to get wet on the way back and they said YES!!. I told them it was a bad idea, ';Remember the temp when we left Gold Beach?';. Do they listen to an adult that tends to think things through before making rash decisions? Not a chance! There was 30+ soaked and uncontrolably shivering kids saying ';We should have listen to you.'; and 4 semi-dry laughing chaperones. But it was a blast. You get to see wildlife along the banks, beautiful forests, and even some nice fish if anything is running at the time. Many of the fisherman will raise their catch for you to see. We saw deer, black bears, %26amp; Bald Eagles on our trip.

I drive the road between Coos Bay and Reedsport 12+ times a week and there is not much along the highway itself unless you leave the the main highway. There is a couple of pretty sites just before you reach Reedsport. There is Clear Lake on the East side of the highway after you go up the hill from Lakeside which is a very beautiful lake but unfortunately not anywhere to really stop and enjoy it. It%26#39;s breathtaking in the morning when then water is perfectly flat. Then just past Clear Lake is an overlook that looks over the dunes, the Umpqua lighthouse, the Umpqua river mouth and the ocean. Very nice views if it%26#39;s clear.

Have a great trip!

Dreamin, %26lt;%26lt; When we left GB it was foggy and cool but as we went up river it got sunny and quite hot so by the time we hit Agness the water splashing was quite welcome.%26gt;%26gt;

That sounds sooo appealing! :)

I bet it does. It was getting close to 90 here yesterday and is suppose to do the same today. I hope not. The fog got sucked in this morning so that could be good for us and bad inland.

one day on the oregon coast

I will be staying in cannon beach for one full day and evening and then heading to seattle the next day

any recommendations.....

one day on the oregon coast

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g51790-d117451/Cannon鈥?/a>

We like to go to the beach, whether it is warm enough for getting your feet wet or just walking on the sand..we like Mo%26#39;s for a very casual lunch ( we take our dog so we don%26#39;t eat inside that much when in Cannon Beach ) ..

I enjoy walking in and out of the shops and galleries, we like taking a drive along the coast and Ecola State Park..

mistletoe and Mtngrl and phirl and dengay are just a few longtime locals who know a huge amount about Cannon Beach, I hope they look in and can give your some of their good advice. :)

ie tab

please help, so much beaty so little time!

hello, all oregon coast lovers! I haven%26#39;t been in years, I am finally going this Aug and I am excited.

My plan is cannon beach I already have 4 nights booked there, and I started feeling the urge to drive further south to the central coast at least, but I dont know if I can pull it off.

Mon, arrive in cannon beach around 4pm, from van, bc

Tue - spend full day in cannon beach and area

Wed - wanted to drive up coast as far as I could and then driving back to cannon beach to spend the night.

thurs - back to cannon beach to sleep before 7-8 hour drive home.

Fri - drive home

May I please ask for all your help, my question is:

How far could I expect to drive on Wed to central coast and then same day back to cannon beach? AND

which is the first city where I could see the dunes? Do I have to go all the way to florence to see them?

This was just going to be a cannon beach vacation but I am feeling the urge to go further within this time frame.

Thank you all so much for your input, it is going to be very helpful! :)

Thank Bren

please help, so much beaty so little time!

beebee here, sorry I meant to post, so much beauty so little time :)

please help, so much beaty so little time!

I am from Van, bc too, and I just back from the Oregon Coast trip today. We didn%26#39;t want to drive so much, so we spread our trip out to 7 days.

We drove from Cannon Beach to Florence on one of those days -- while making stops for a few hours at Lincoln City, and Newport. But there was a lot to see in between that we didn%26#39;t do. It really depends on whether you want to stop at every viewpoint, stop for food, or explore. If you don%26#39;t make any major stops, you can definitely get down to Florence.

I don%26#39;t recall seeing any of the dunes until arriving in Florence...

About 160 miles from Cannon Beach to Florence along 101, so 320 mile trp there and back, and you probaly should go at least 10 miles south of Florence to see some of the Dunes. That is doable but long day and as other poster said you will miss a lot of good stops.

There are some minor dunes at Sand Lake near Tillamook, but if think you are going to Forence area I would not waste any time there.

If you do that I suggest also you do not do any beach time on way down. since you will probably already done some of that.

I would stop at Depoe Bay, Otter Rock, Yaquina Head lighthouse.

, Seal Rock,

Then southof Yacxhats it rellay gets good Devils Churn Cape Perpetua, Heceta Head LH, Viewpoint at Sea Lion Caves,

Then selected spot on Dunes. South Jetty, Lake Cleawox, Siltcoos beach. I would not go any further south than Dunes Overlook, since you have long trip back.

On way back you can decide if you hae time to visit Neport, Bayfront or Nye Beach, and any of the nice beaches near there.

Hi,

Wow thanks for your help guys, I wrote all your advise down, thats great as its really hard to actually know what a realistic time table for travel would be.

I have been to cannon beach a few times 7 years ago and up the coast once but I totally forget how long it actually took with stops, but I do remember total beauty!!! and I am so exicted about going back.

places like the oregon coast make you believe there is a god, its so beautiful

thanks again,

Brenda

Since you enjoye the Oregon Coast so much, you may want to check into subscriving to the Oregon Coast magazine. Gorgeous photos and interesting articles!

Have a great trip and please report back with us after your travels! :)

Hasnt been to the coast in over 7 years so you tell her to subscribe to your magazine? I am sure this makes sense on some planet

I drove from Florence to Seaside (6 miles north of Cannon Beach) two weeks ago and it took 4.5 hours of straight driving!! The coast route (Hwy 101) is VERY busy right now, so I wouldn%26#39;t advise trying Cannon Beach to Florence then back in one day.

phirl is correct about Sand Lake, but the dunes there do not compare in size or beauty with the ODNRA, which begin south of the Siuslaw River in Florence.

Den

Good post Den. I was wondering how long it would take in busy season.

Agree with Den with that info I wouldn%26#39;t go to ODNRA.

One option to condier for a day is Tillamook County.

Three Capes Road to Pacific City see the dunes at Sand Lake. Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Tillamook Cheese Factory. Tillamook Air Museum. Easy to spend a day there doing something different and not spend all day just driving.

Then come back from BC to central oreg coast when you can stay there.

thank you all so much for your help, I am doing a lot of reseach and I just keep extending my trip!!

On Thusday I am thinking about driving from cannon beach to around depoe bay or newport and staying the night there, now I am just reseaching which camp site to stay at. drive to florence on early friday morning, then drive back the coast and stay the night closer to cannon beach, then head home to van, bc early sat morning.

It still sounds rushed a bit but by driving home sat instead of friday I miss work/ rush hour traffic

Does this sound more doeable? :)

funny thing is this was a last minute planning trip and I didn%26#39;t expect to spend this much money ( i%26#39;m renting a car also) but I know oregon coast is worth it and hubby has never been there.

thanks again all, I better get some shut eye.

Brenda

This link my help your research for a campground:

www.oregonstateparks.org

Since you are renting a car, I assume you will be tent camping????

There%26#39;s not a lot in the Depot Bay area, but there is Beverly Beach, north of Newport and South Beach, just south of the Yaquina River. You might also consider Beachside, between Waldport and Yachats.

Den

back blackheads

driving from seattle to cannon beach, exit over to coast?

Hello, I thought I saw someone else ask this question, but I no longer see it now.

I have been researching driving from seattle to cannon beach( mostly just trying to find the best exit route over to the coast)

and I keep finding two different routes suggested.... If anyone could advise me on the best route of these two you would be a lifesaver! This is my first time driving to cannon beach and pray that I don%26#39;t get lost.

here goes for the two routes I keeping seeing, and I will make it a brief description as I bet most of you know the routes well.

1. map quest suggests: merge onto us - 101 n via exit 104 toward aberdeen and going south past raymond

2. other map suggestions have been to: go down I5 further and take the kelso longview exit, follow the us - 30 to astoria.

I have seen both of these routes suggested; mainly suggesting route 2. to get to astoria and route 1. to get to cannon beach, but you have to go through astoria to get to cannon beach any way.

Any help would be soo appreciated, I am worried about getting lost so thank you all for your help.

Brenda

driving from seattle to cannon beach, exit over to coast?

I would go US-30 from Kelso-Longview. It would be quicker. They are about same distance 101 south through Raymond not real interesting. in my view. US-30 only sort of intersting, but it is better road than 101. -

If you do go toward Aberdeen there is a little cutoff WA-107 from Montesanto. If you go into Aberdeen then it is further than Kelso way.

driving from seattle to cannon beach, exit over to coast?

I%26#39;d do # 1 and that is what my in-laws do all of the time. You take the Aberdeen exit by Olympia and then go through Montesano (you don%26#39;t go as far as Aberdeen- follow the Montesano exits), eventually you%26#39;ll go through small towns such as Raymond, South Bend, Naselle, then to Astoria, and make your way to Cannon Beach. It will take you approximately 4 hours. If you wanted to drive more on the freeway for a longer period of time instead of highways, then do # 2, however it will take a little bit longer. Yes, you go through Astoria, OR either way. Good luck! Your drive will be well worth it and I hope you get great weather too!!! One other thing. When are you planning to go? If you are going this week, do plan 2 because of a huge festival going on this week that you%26#39;d avoid some traffic.

Gold beach to mewport

coming off rogue river at 8pm. I was wondering where to spend the night. It looks like there is not that much to do between GB and Brandon so to say time for next day trip to Yachats I thought I would stay in Brandon for the night.

Any problems?

Gold beach to mewport

Bandon is a beautiful town. Check out The Inn at Face Rock.

Gold beach to mewport

Hi again, Ken,

Gold Beach to Port Orford is one of the more spectacular sections of the coast, but I won%26#39;t go so far as to say you%26#39;d regret missing/shortchanging it. ;-)

I agree with Mistletoe, very nice section GB to Port Orford. I for sure would not drive it after dark for first trip. I suggest you stay in Gold Beach then Florence. Yachats better place to stay, but not at cost of missing much of florence to Waldport section

Bandon is nice strollable town but it will be mostly closed by time you get there after 9PM. You would be better off to visit next morn for an hour or two.

is leaving a full day to drive po to florence good?

what%26#39;s the drive like between florence and newport? is that a good all day trip as well?

Okay Ken, you%26#39;re stretching me here... Maybe phirl or someone else can fill in some of the blanks.

I think the highlight of the drive from Port Orford to Florence would be the Oregon Dunes, which are best seen just a few miles south of Florence. Bandon%26#39;s Old Town is another good stop, and as a golfer, I would be remiss if I didn%26#39;t recommend a stop at Bandon Dunes. You%26#39;ll also have the option of spending a few hours and $$ at the casino in Coos Bay.

The stretch between Florence and Newport, though much shorter, has more coastal views, and more to attract your attention. Highlights in that stretch are Haceta Head Lighthouse, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Aquarium, and Sea Lion Caves. I still think you should work in an overnight at the B%26amp;B in the Haceta Head Lighthouse keeper%26#39;s house.

See, I told ya.... Anyone else?

i looked at light house kinda expensive - have you stayed there? or what have you heard?

If you%26#39;re up to venture off of highway 101, a drive out to Sunset Bay, west of Coos Bay would be worth your trip. You pass through the fishing village of Charleston on your way there, where you will find several good fish and chips resturants. I really like the ';Fisherman%26#39;s Gratto'; right next to the bridge. Sunset Bay is only a few miles down the road from Charleston. This is where you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Oregon. If you continue on another mile you%26#39;ll come to Shore Acres State Park. Here they have a large formal Japanese Garden. The gardens are all that remain of the estate of former timber barron Louis Simpson.

The strech from Coos Bay to Florence is mostly uneventful, but at Winchester Bay, you have another working fish port and some of the best dunes in the entire Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

A 4 mile drive east on highway 38 out of Reeedspot will bring you to Dean Creek Elk Viewing Pasture. Large herds of Rosevelt Elk, the largest of all elk species, live here. I have driven by the pastures 1-3 times per week for 13 years and have seen elk every time.

It is true that the drive from Florence to Newport, while only 50 miles, is full of great scenery and fun things to do. You clould easily burn a day on this stretch. I would still spend the night in Yachats verses Florence and back-track the few miles to start your day%26#39;s adventure, probably at Heceta Head Lighthouse or Sea Lion Caves.

i looked at light house kinda expensive - have you stayed there? or what have you heard?

Do you think that sif i beed to start from GB at 3pm that it is better to stop for the night i PO rather than in Bandon. If i went the next day all the way to yachats. will I have enough time to do brandon,(No Golf), the safari park, your detour an hour of dune buggy lighthouse and,sea lions cave,?

No, never spent the night there, but have looked around inside. Pretty cool, and I%26#39;ve heard the breakfasts are great. The other thing I%26#39;ve heard is that the place is haunted. The intrigue of that possibility is enough for me to want to stay there.

got it, i%26#39;ll do a night in po and then take your advice and stay in yackats doing the deour out of coos bay. thanks,

mistletoe ghosts? yes people who keep staring into that light will see all different kinds of ghosts. perhaps i will see the ghost wisperer there.

has anyone stayed at hacienda lighthouse?

Sauvie Island

We went to Sauvie Island today. I highly recommend it.

This is what I posted on the Insider Pages...........

A very pleasant Portland area destination is Sauvie%26#39;s Island, managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This is a prime hiking and fishing and birdwatching location. Over 150,000 ,migratory birds and geese visit each fall and spring. Cranes and swans as well as beavers and red foxes live on the island. Picnicking and hiking are wonderful ways to explore the island. The beaches are open to the public. There are two markets on the island where you can buy foods, you can also get your produce from the farms and there are pick your own flower farms as well.

.........................

It is very easy to get to from downtown Portland, as long as you don%26#39;t get lost as easily as we do.

But it is only 10 miles from downtown so even with getting lost, we got there quickly..and easily.

It is lovely. For as far as the eye can see, farms and fields full of flowers, trees, cattle, horses and wildlife areas ... We stopped at every farm stand that was open, we bought produce, a huge watermelon for 50 cents a pound, and I got a handmade Market Basket for my forays into the Farmers Mkts here in town..it cost about half what they do in town :)

I really recommend this as a day or half day trip..you can go fishing, you can go to the beach , you can bring your bikes, it is flat so biking is easy.

Just use a lot of sunblock :)

Sauvie Island

Scarlett,

I couldn%26#39;t agree with you more. Having just moved to Portland a couple of months ago, my wife and I were anxious to explore our new home. Having a 10 month old baby limits some of the options available. So on the advice of a neighbor we sent to Sauvie Island. We were really blown away. It was stunningly beautiful and very serene. We stopped at a number of farms and bought the most delicious rasberries we have ever eaten. We only saw one other couple on our hike in one of the parks. It was perfect.

One of the things we love most about Portland is that you can drive a few miles out of the city and be in the most peaceful farming/natural scenery around.

We can%26#39;t wait until August when the peaches will be in season. mmm....

Stephen

Sauvie Island

Ahh! I am glad to hear someone else likes it too :)

We are newbies also, having moved here last August. There was one large group of people on bicycles, I think ( if I were to ride a bike) that it would be a great place to ride bikes then picnic. Our neighbor takes his dogs there, goes to the beach, and picnics there..we will probably go back out in the fall..

Thanks for the report Scarlett. As nice as it is, one might be tempted to never set foot outside the Pearl, so it%26#39;s good to see you expanding your Portland horizons. Where to next?

And you must be an urbanite too, Lucero. I like the word ';serene'; as a descriptor of Sauvie Island. It fits. Except around Halloween, when I%26#39;d swear everyone in the entire city goes there in search of the perfect pumpkin. Too bad you have to travel so far though. ;-) For many of us suburbanites, scenery like that at Sauvie Island is practically literally out our back door. Yes, this is a nice place to live. Welcome to Portland.

Speaking of pumpkins...the kids in my daughter%26#39;s driver%26#39;s ed class are trying to tell her that pumpkins are not sold in grocery stores here, that you have to go to a pumpkin patch to get one...either they are pulling her leg or these kids need to go to the store more often. I really cannot believe Safeway is not making a buck on pumpkins in the fall!

They were in the stores that we have here in town.

I think you are right, the kids need to go shopping for groceries more lol..

Maybe it%26#39;s just a fun way for the local kids to mess with the new kid. She takes it all in stride.

I do appreciate all the info that you and Mtngrl have supplied - I feel almost like I have two new friends! Now, where should I get my hair cut? lol

LOL, Mtngrl will know that...

We have to meet one day for lunch, somewhere..you will be safe, we are really harmless lol...

Yes we should! I belong to another group crazies who left TA due to troll attacks and formed a private chat room and some of us have started meeting in person. There are quite a few from the PNW so I am due to meet a gal soon.

We may have bumped into each other at the store by now anyway!

Scarlett, pumpkins were in downtown stores because you don%26#39;t have a pumpkin patch nearby! ;-) But a lot of folks around here do make as big a deal about picking the perfect pumpkin as they do about finding the perfect Christma.... (ooohhh, can I say that?) tree, lol. If you head out Scholl%26#39;s Ferry or along Roy Rogers, Chicogirl, you%26#39;ll find corn mazes, hay rides, farmers markets, and other attractions trying to lure you to a particular pumpkin patch. Or, you can pick one from the pile in front of Safeway. ;-)

Well, this year I will be buying my pumpkins at the Farmers Market, just to be contrary :)

What about this trip

I am traveling at the end of September with my girlfriend to Portland for a week for my cousins wedding. I already booked the flight, car and rooms. I was wondering what everyone thought and suggested things to do and what I can expect for the weather. Here is the trips itinerary. Just need to fill in some fun things.

Day one and at the airport and pickup the rental car.

Night 1: Red Lion Astoria

Day two drive down the coast stopping along the way to see and do things.

Night 2: Inn at Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City

Day 3 drive through wine country and maybe stop to tour and taste some wine

Night 3: Mcmenimans Edgefield, Troutdale

Day 4 drive up the gorge and sight see waterfalls

Night 4 Comfort Suites, Hood River

Day 5 seenic route around Mt Hood, maybe stoping at the timberland lodge.

Night 5: downtown Portland

Day 6: Open till wedding at 4:30pm

Day 7 Fly Home

What about this trip

I love this trip! It%26#39;s everything I would do if i were 28 years old. Fortunately for both of us, I%26#39;m 30. So let%26#39;s tweak it a little bit:

Night 1: Red Lion Astoria

Great choice! It%26#39;s the best deal in Astoria because every room has a view of the marina/bridge. Since you%26#39;re getting there late from the PDX airport, be sure to stop at the Safeway and buy some beer with a twist-off cap. I suggest Henry%26#39;s because it%26#39;s brewed in Oregon. Drink the beer, then write secret notes. Put said secret notes into the empty bottles and throw them back into the river. You never know what will come back to you. If you get bored that night, go to Annie%26#39;s. That redhead girl with the high forehead is shy at first, but give her a couple drinks and she%26#39;ll be okay. Red Lion has movies for $8.99.

Night 2: Inn at Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City

Ask for a room on the south side of the building, because the further south you are, the better the view at this place. Of course you%26#39;ll eat at Pelical Pub. Don%26#39;t order anything that requires skill to cook. Stick with the burger, and ckeck to make sure the bun isn%26#39;t moldy.

Night 3: Mcmenimans Edgefield, Troutdale

No self-respecting Portlander ever goes here. So good luck with that.

Night 4 Comfort Suites, Hood River

If you go to choiceprivileges dot com and sign up for their stupid credit card, you can stay here for free. Otherwise, you%26#39;re in for a world of hurt if you actually pay for this place. The best part of Hood River is staying within walking distance of downtown, and that means losing your shirt at Oak Street Hotel or Hood River Hotel. It%26#39;s totally worth staying in town because if you find that Chinese place on 3rd then you%26#39;ve got it made.

Night 5: downtown Portland

Cheap: 6th Street Days Inn. Cool: Hotel Deluxe. Best: Bid $70 on a 4* on priceline. Portlandy: Hawthorne Hostel.

Day 6: Open till wedding at 4:30pm

Depending on where the wedding is, I%26#39;d take some time to check out downtown.

What about this trip

Hmmm, I a little suprised at the comment about the edgefield. Appartently people either love this place or hate it. The good thing is it%26#39;s only for one night so we can move on if its bad. Yea, I am starting to realize that staying at the hood river hotel would have been a better choice then comfort suites. I messed that one up. I forgot to mention that were staying at the portland Marriott City Center for two nights. What is a must see to do in portland, would it be the japenesse chinese gardens. We are in our late 30%26#39;s early 40%26#39;s if that matters.

Hey Oregone, whats with the Edgefield? We stayed there a few years ago and loved it. Granted, it is not a luxury hotel, but I love the uniqueness of it.

I second the vote for Pelican Pub %26amp; Brewery in Lincoln City. They won awards for ';Brewer of the Year'; and ';Best Small Brewpub'; at the 2005 Great American Beer Festival. Great beers that win tons of awrds and a gorgeous location, too.

I also question the negativity against Edgefield. I%26#39;ve been out there a number of times and always enjoy walking the grounds, dining on the patio, playing a round of golf on the pub course, and always grabbing a drink at the Little Red Shed. OHTravelGuy, you will enjoy your stay there immensely.

At the end of September, the Japanese Gardens will be stunning. Brilliant colors on all the foliage - definitely make a visit there. You should check out the adjacent Rose Test Garden, too, though by then the roses will have passed their prime. The view is still pretty spectacular.

Brian

Hi

Of the two, I would pick the Japanese Gardens..so very beautiful. If you are really pinched for time, the Chinese Gardens are right in town, on NW Flanders ( in Chinatown) ..

The Pittock Mansion is also a pretty spot with good views.

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i966-Gardens_in鈥?/a>

Are you set on where you want to eat?

Oregone, you might be 30 but you don%26#39;t sound a day over 28 :)

weather in oregon usually pretty good late sept. but no guarantees.

Curious why you picked Astoria. It is a river city some distance to the beach, However it is very historic if you like history. Lewis %26amp; Clark sites, Fort Steven, Astor Column

Day 2 you should check out Cannon Beach. very strollable town with some nice shops and a good beach. Suggest you drive three capes road to Pacific City. nice lighthouse along way. and some rugged coast.

Day 3. How do you plan to go to wine country? If direct from Pacific City you could have a short day. not a lot to see along OR-22 OR-18 or 99W. OR-22 is really crooked. 2 or 3 wineries won%26#39;t take much time. I suggest you consider driving south maybe to Newport to see some of that coast if you get an early start

Day 4. Drive old highway all the way from Troutdale since you have all day, Be sure to stop at Womans Forum. It is not obvious stop from road. Most of key waterfall stops are pretty obvious, but one that is not is Bridal Veil. Short hike down to see falls and worth it. you really can%26#39;t see it well any other way. Oneonta Gorge another not really obvious good stop. Bonneville Dam worth a visit. see the sturgeon in the fish ponds at hatchery and the fish ladder from underground. I enjoy getting off I-84 at Eagle Creek. I like to old bridge there. you caneither walk a ways up eagle Creek or along th trail on old highway. across Tooth Rock think I have filled your day.

Day 5. Do drive up to Timberline. and through Government Camp

HI there and welcome to the Forums! You will love Astoria. There is lots to do there. You may want to consider the Maritime Museum, a ride on the riverfront trolley, a climb up to the Astor Column and the Flavel House. If you are in Astoria on a Sunday, check out the Sunday market. I have a review posted on the Astoria forum with pics.

Sounds like a great time, please report back after your travels! :)

You guys are giving me some great ideas. Thanks for all your suggestions so far.

Astoria? I really not a huge history buff but I do enjoy it. I thought it sounded neat with all the boats and the river where the Columbia meets the Pacific Ocean; definitely want to check out the Column and some of the Lewis and Clark sites. When I asked my Girl Friend what she wanted to do when we went to Portland, she suggested all the outdoors stuff and unique stuff we can%26#39;t do here in Ohio. So this was kind of my goal.

Like the idea of Cannon Beach, and taking the three capes scenic route. Will eat and drink at the Pelican Pub for dinner.

If I drive down to Newport would I be able to squeeze in a trip to the Aquarium and then drive up through wine country from there. 2 - 3 wineries would be fine for me since I will be driving, not like I was on a tour, but would like to see and experience this. What routes would we take from Newport through wine country?

It sounds like there is a lot to see driving up the Historic River Gorge Hwy. I wonder if there would be time to squeeze in a half day raft trip either in the afternoon on Day 4 or in the morning on Day 5. Would it be too cold this time a year to do this? I imagine this might be a cold thing even in the summer. If we do the morning trip would we still have time to see the Timberline lodge and drive around the Mount Hood Area? Do most agree that Hood River Hotel would be a better hotel for that unique experience? I am thinking of changing that.

We will have luxury, I hope when we get to the Portland Marriott City Center. The wedding reception is at the Oba in the Pearl District.

www.oldoregon.com and www.cannon-beach.net are a couple of informative websites for you. :)

History buff or not, one of the coolest thing about the Column is that you can sail balsa wood airplanes from the top. :-) But like phirl, I%26#39;m not sure that%26#39;s enough of a reason to spend a night in Astoria.

In my opinion, the best place to view the mouth of the Columbia is from the interpretive center of Cape Disappointment State Park, near Ilwaco, WA. It%26#39;s 15-20 miles from Astoria. Lots of Lewis %26amp; Clark and maritime history there too. Not to mention a couple lighthouses. You might want to head up there just to say you drove the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

But if history is not so much your thing, I think you%26#39;d end up regretting not spending more of your time on the coast. Things like the riverfront trolley, Flavel House, and the Sunday market pale in comparison to exploring tidepools around Haystack Rock or taking the walk around the headland in Ecola State Park, just outside of Cannon Beach.

flatron lcd monitor

The Astoria Sunday Market is Up and Running!

The Sunday Market opened on Mother%26#39;s Day and will run until October each Sunday from 10-3. The market runs along 12th street and features some great local produce, flowers and arts and crafts. We love the Kettle Korn and the salmon pate here. Bon Jovi usually has wine tasting and local artists have their photography and paintings for sale. This is great fun and a nice way to spend an afternoon in Astoria. :)

The Astoria Sunday Market is Up and Running!

How nice:) When will you be here visiting next so that you can go to it?

The Astoria Sunday Market is Up and Running!

I should have let you know, the Portland Farmer%26#39;s Market is up and running, as well as Beaverton%26#39;s. Lake Oswego%26#39;s will start up again this Saturday. Maybe you will get to visit one of these during a visit here. They really are nice!

I was just coming to post this.

They had a record number of people this Sunday.

I just drove thru, but am glad to see it organized a bit better so thru traffic can get by. It was the same number of vendors if I remember this AM%26#39;s broadcast correctly, but a record number of visitors, could have been this awsome weather we are having.

Boy if anyone wants to come to the coast without a ton of crowds, now is the time for sure. Supposed to be like this a few more days at least I didn%26#39;t check the extended forcast.

Rivergallery, just what we were discussing tonight. We have had a stressful couple of days and we are hoping for some good news tomorrow then taking off to the Coast would be a great unwinding time.

I see from our forecast that tomorrow will be in the 60s then rain.

Portland is still hot and sunny.. :)

www.astoriasundaymarket.org is the website for those wanting more info or for those visiting Astoria on a cruise stop this summer. :)

Scarlett--That forecast keeps changing! Wish it would make up its mind:D I am hoping for clear weather as DH will be climbing, and I am hoping to hit the LO Farmer%26#39;s Market on Sat. morning before the sports begin. Last year I found some marionberry chocolate covered hazlenuts there that were really good. The lady that makes them is out of Newberg, and she does all sorts of glazed nuts, etc.

Mtngrl, Please, buy me some of them too!

I love shopping at all of these Farmers Markets..we had a lovely conversation recently with one of the chefs here in Portland while I dithered over some produce :)

Scarlett--I finally found some sugar snap peas today to plant, but am holding off on the tomato plants til I can get to the PFM to get ones like I had last year. The tomato plants on steroids, lol! Seriously, it was like a Jack and the Giant Beanstalk, except it was a tomato plant. I am itching to get there and buy it!

';Last year I found some marionberry chocolate covered hazlenuts there that were really good. ';

OH MY YUMMY

If you see her again grab a business card and give us her website or business name!

Thanks for all the help - Need more :-)

I have received a huge amount of invaluable advice with my flurry of posts over the last few days. I think I%26#39;m narrowing down our west coast itinerary.

Currently, the plan is to divide the Oregon coast into three segments, stay in three places for two days each and explore the coast from the three towns.

First, in Gold Beach for the jet boat ride. Next, Yachats because it sounds a little more scenic than Newport but is close enough to Newport that we can visit the aquarium. Then Portland because we have friends in that area who we will be visiting.

We saw Cannon Beach and Seaside last year, so I%26#39;m thinking we won%26#39;t try to go up the coast that far this year.

Does the plan seem reasonable? Personally, I think I need to just move to the Oregon coast, but it%26#39;ll have to wait until retirement :-) In the meantime, I%26#39;ll just have to keep coming back. Am I O.K. with this plan, understanding that it%26#39;s impossible to see everything in one trip?

Thanks for all the help - Need more :-)

Sounds really nice to me. While in Newport, check out historic Nye Beach. Depoe Bay is also scenic, some touristy shops there and a great place to get some Tillamook ice cream.

Around Lincoln City, check out Gleneden Beach. A poster here has a beach home there and loves the area. There is the Salishan Lodge %26amp; Spa you may want to check out, we had a nice lunch there.

In Lincoln City, the Blackfish Cafe is very good. Don%26#39;t miss the Cape Foulweather Lookout and Gift Shop. The most beautiful views from there, a great place to take photos.

Have a wonderful time and please report back with us after your travels. :)

Thanks for all the help - Need more :-)

Sounds good!

The jet boat ride should be sooo fun!

I think you are doing it reasonably, when you can%26#39;t see everything, you have to pick what you most want to see and this sounds like a really good taste of Coast/City.

Have a great time...it is cooling down :)

I think that sounds like a great plan. The jet boat rides in Gold Beach are not to be missed! The south coast and the central coast are both different (rugged in the south v. lots of wide beaches in the central part) and both worth an exploration!

While in Newport be sure to check out the waterfront along Bay Street. Great place to watch the boats coming and going and the best place to see the sea lions (skip the Sea Lion Caves in Florence area! It%26#39;s not worth it in my opinion). There are all sorts of shops along the waterfront ranging from junky tourist places to arts and crafts to art galleries.

If you%26#39;re interested in lighthouses, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is nearby and there are some great photo opps looking back at the bridge and the bay. You can also tour the lighthouse.

Have fun the Oregon coast is an amazing place!

Tahiti

I think your plan is solid.

Den

Sigh of relief :-)

I%26#39;m glad I have your ';go aheads'; for the plan and thanks again for the suggestions you added. I%26#39;ll probably check in again once or twice for specific advice on hotels etc. I can%26#39;t believe I ever planned a trip without TA before...

I hope, if you come to Utah, I%26#39;ll be able to do for you what you%26#39;ve done to help me.

I like that. you post a question, respond to our responses then tell us your plan and it is clear you made some adjustments.

I do not like those who post a question and never respond. I now wait for seconed post from OP before I respond much.

Yes, I appreciate that also! :)

phirl, I know what you mean. And then there are the posters who never ever respond to the posters when directly questioned. They have a word for it on other forums.. Trolls. They just make up names in order to post questions so they can answer themselves..

By the way I think that is a great plan. Cause you gathered info and decided what fit you best. and I think you had enough info to make good choices.

Good idea to not return to north coast this time.

Sure you will enjoy your time here

I am going to anxious to hear what you think after you do trip.

and where are you staying PDX to SLC??

Phirl- We%26#39;ve decided on Baker City. I also don%26#39;t like it when people don%26#39;t respond. Sometimes you know you%26#39;ve given them the info they need and there%26#39;s no reason to respond, but when you ask a question or go out of your way to find info and they don%26#39;t respond it makes me frustrated. I%26#39;ll post a report when I get back - something I also appreciate from others.

back blackheads

Quick question about Rogue River Boats

Hi all, we are planning on doing Jerry%26#39;s Rogue River Jet Boats in early August... husband, me and DD age 7. We are really excited about it and understand we will be getting very wet. What%26#39;s the best way to dress for something like this? We are doing the 80 mile trip at 2:15pm and are stopping for dinner. We don%26#39;t mind being wet but I%26#39;m just looking for any recommendations on how others stayed comfortable. Also, how is the food and can anyone offer details about the dining options. Thanks so much!!

Quick question about Rogue River Boats

The trip up probably won%26#39;t be a big issue because you will going up the valley to Agness and it will probably be quite a bit hotter and drier than Gold Beach so you will dry fairly quickly. But on the way back down will be the opposite, you will be going to cooler weather on the coast with higher humidity. You may want to get some of those cheap ponchos for the trip back because even if the driver doesn%26#39;t get crazy like he does on the way up you will probably still get splashed some. It%26#39;s been nice up the coast here and it looks like Gold Beach has been about the same in the high 70%26#39;s low 80%26#39;s but there is always the chance of fog rolling in especially if it%26#39;s hot in the valley and the last couple of miles it could cool down to the 60%26#39;s real fast. The trip I went on with my sons 6th grade class it did just that and the kids had the driver get crazy on the way back down and alot of them regreted it. You may want to pack a coat in something waterproof. It doesn%26#39;t take much of a temp drop along with a little water and alot of wind to chill you down fast.

As for the dining, if you don%26#39;t go into it expecting much you won%26#39;t be disappointed. As far as I know they offer two places to eat one being Cougar Lane and the other I don%26#39;t remember but I%26#39;ve never heard rave reviews from either. The two trips I%26#39;ve taken up there, one was with Mail Boats and it was a catered Mother%26#39;s day trip and the trip with the 6th grade class we packed our own lunches so I don%26#39;t really know how good the meals are.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip.

Quick question about Rogue River Boats

As for the wetness factor, I%26#39;d like to add the following advice: It totally depends on which pilot you get.

I spend a week of every summer at my friend%26#39;s place just short ot Lobster Creek on the Rogue, and our third favorite thing to do is to hang out on the bank in our kayaks. When we hear those jet boats coming downstream, we do our best to get in their way. Some of the pilots play it safe and just steer around us, but some of them (It doesn%26#39;t matter if it%26#39;s Jerry%26#39;s or Mail Boat) have fun with us and take the opportunity to make the tourist crowd happy by pulling a few 360s and making us flip over in their wake.

I guess the moral of the story is as such: Some of them will make you wet, and some of them won%26#39;t. If you have to wear a raincoat, then you%26#39;re missing part of the fun.

Isn%26#39;t that right, Jenny Siebenaler?

oregone,You have such an ability to show us Portland in different ways :o)

Thank you for the laughs ~

You will be wet - if you%26#39;re in the front few rows make that VERY wet. Make sure to bring lots of heavy-duty sunblock, and a windbreaker (a waterproof one is much preferred). You won%26#39;t need the windbreaker until it gets late, but you%26#39;ll sure be happy you have it. You%26#39;ll be going really fast, and when you%26#39;re wet and the hot sun isn%26#39;t shining on you...

Wear polypro quick-drying clothes and shoes you don%26#39;t mind getting wet. Wear a hat for sun protection, but make sure it has a tie, or it will fly off. Wear a swimsuit so you don%26#39;t have soggy drawers. Make sure you bring either a waterproof camera, or a dry bag.

You%26#39;ll have a blast!

River Cruise

I%26#39;ve been looking at the Portland Spirit River Cruises. Thinking about planning Dad%26#39;s 90th BD for an afternoon luncheon cruise.

There is one that cruises the Willamette, doesn%26#39;t look that exciting but I%26#39;ve never been, so if you have I would love to hear about it.

One that cruises the Columbia .. longer drive but may be worth the scenery.

Not expecting food to be great -- just something different to do for Dad.

Anyone have any feedback on their experiences with either?? Any other suggestions???

River Cruise

Did the Willamette one eons ago. Don%26#39;t remember a whole lot, but it was fun.

My mom and some other family members did the Columbia one last summer and enjoyed it. Like you said, something different.

Sorry I don%26#39;t have more details to really help you decide. I think the Columbia would be a more scenic trip though.

River Cruise

Hi PT!

We have not taken any of the cruises but the Spirit here on the river looks uncomfortable to me. We were there for some fireworks etc a couple of times and every time I see people on the boat, they are sort of crowded on and the seating does not look great, it looks like too many people in a small space ( which all gives me the horrors on a boat!)

And as you say, it really doesn%26#39;t look that exciting. :)

We have done two on Willamette. One down river to Swan Island. One up river to Oregon City. I quite enjoyed the one up river. I was surprised how much new stuff we saw. You get a view along riverbank you can%26#39;t get anyway but from river. Some very nice homes. Some parklike lands. Waverly golf course.

Swan Island ok but not even close which one I enjoyed most. Though my grandkids may have liked Swan Island better cause they saw some big ships.

Have not done Columbia trip but would wonder if you would see much new Then I do not know how far it goes. If you get beyond Troutdale could be interesting. Marine Drive goes right along river for many miles

We did do ride in Columbia at Cascade Locks. would not do that again. Just kind of putzed around in river never got very far from Cascade Locks as i recall. Thank goodness we were with friends. so made trip worth it for that.. That was sternwheeler.

Crowded? Hmm that does not sound good. we were considering doing that when grandkids come again in two weeks. website says seat not guaranteed if you don%26#39;t have the meal. and we had planned passenger only.

Maybe we will do something else

Hi ptraveler! Good to see you posting again!

My brother-in-law used to captain the Portland Spirit, so I%26#39;ve done the Willamette cruise a couple times, but on his advice, steered clear of the meals. I%26#39;ve heard them described as similar to what you might expect on the ';rubber chicken banquet circuit';. Whatever that means(?). ;-) Anyway, the cruise is okay, but I don%26#39;t think of it as anything special.

Same sort of deal, but aren%26#39;t there also dinner train rides in the area? I don%26#39;t know why, but that has more appeal to me. Or, if he%26#39;s a baseball fan, how about taking the train to Seattle for a Mariner%26#39;s game, then returning in the same day. The way the M%26#39;s are playing these days, I%26#39;m sure tickets wouldn%26#39;t be a problem. :-)

Thanks for your input everyone. Just the information I was looking for. Right now I%26#39;m leaning away from the river cruise.

This morning I checked out one and two day cruises from Seattle to Vancouver on Celebrity and Holland America... extremely reasonable... just haven%26#39;t decided yet with so many people involved it may not be manageable.

Difficult because I want him to enjoy and for it to be special but it%26#39;s hard to please at that age and he has a lot of difficulty hearing. Not a baseball fan, but thanks Mistletoe, good idea if he was.

We may just end up with a banquet at home -- but been there and done that :(

If you guys think of anything -- please let me know -- I may not be seeing the forest through the trees. ~~

So you were checking out cruises, huh? Hmmm....... My wife and I took a trip north a few weeks ago that included an overnight in Victoria. From our hotel on the harbor there we observed a non-stop parade of float planes carrying passengers to and from Seattle. Hmmm...... How big is your party, ptraveler? Tea at the Empress might not be dad%26#39;s thing, but maybe Butchart Gardens(?).

I think Mistletoe%26#39;s idea would be fun. We did a float plane tour around Victoria a couple months ago and those planes are really interesting! You could drive to Seattle, take Kenmore Air up, do the gardens, etc and either stay a night or so, or take the plane back the same day.

How many people, PT?

The two day cruise sounds better, more relaxed and he can take it all in eaiser..what a good daughter you are :)

Lol -- I was in Victoria last week!!! Problem is -- there%26#39;s NO WAY you%26#39;er going to get ME on a float plane!!!!

I looked at the cruises for the Northwest -- one day, two or three day --the two or three day leaves you off at the other end. The one day leaves Seattle to Vancouver overnight. Then you change ships in the morning (lol like planes) for the next night and go back to Seattle. Might be fun. Part of the family lives in Marysville so Seattle is convenient

check it out at cruisesonly.com -- the Northwest or local cruises

There%26#39;s nine of us so far, may wind up with 15 and I don%26#39;t know if the others can swing the cruise, even though it%26#39;s reasonable. So, I just told Mr. PT about it and we may save it for another time.

Now I%26#39;m thinking maybe just the passenger portion of the Spirit cruise and having a nice dinner in Portland -- do I have to dig up the lengthy dining in Portland thread (hee hee).

How is Paley%26#39;s recently?? Haven%26#39;t been there yet. Dad might like the old house and it might be quieter so he can hear better. The bistro type restaurants get too loud for his hearing aid and it bothers him to distraction, so I%26#39;ll be looking for something quieter with no echo and loud talking and clanging from the kitchen. Help!!!!

Thanks guys for helping me out here. :) %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

Help desperately needed

Some years ago I visited Bandon and enjoyed a dinner at a wonderful restaurant. Since I can%26#39;t remember the name of it, I%26#39;ve been having difficulties tracking it down. What I do remember is that it was situated very close to the sea, had you eating on the second floor (a narrow stair leading up to it), displayed black-and-white Helmut Newton photographs (I think) and had the menu written on a black board. The food was inspired by mediterranean cuisine and the place has a real genuine atmosphere. Nearby there was a cafe (which also had you eating on the second floor) where you could have a lovely traditional breakfast.

If somebody knows this place, please tell me the name of it! I%26#39;d be terribly grateful.

Malin

Help desperately needed

www.bandon.com/webfront/merchants/?catid=3

If you click on the names, there are photos of the insides of the restaurants..maybe this will help. :)

Help desperately needed

the answer is ';High Dock Bistro';

favorite shampoo hair conditioner

Oregon Dunes

We are coming up the Oregon Coast in August from Eureka and were wondering what is the best place to rent ATV%26#39;s for the oregon dunes. We want a place that has good ATV%26#39;s and far as equipment that won%26#39;t breakdown and the safestest area. Thanks, Jodie

Oregon Dunes

This doesn%26#39;t quite answer your question, but I think you%26#39;ll have more fun if you hire an experienced driver for the dunes. Especially if you%26#39;ve not driven them before. Good drivers will give you a ride better than you%26#39;ll find at almost any theme park anywhere. And you don%26#39;t have to worry (too much) about safe.

We%26#39;ve had good luck with the place about 5 miles south of Florence. Can%26#39;t remember the name, but if you get to the place with the miniature golf, you%26#39;ve gone a couple miles and one place too far. Have fun.

Oregon Dunes

mistletoe is referring to Sand Dunes Frontier. There is also Sandland Adventures, 1 mile south of Florence.

If you are intent on renting ATV%26#39;s and riding yourself, either of these establisments is fine. There is also one in Reedsport (Bee Rentals I think???) and one in Winchester Bay. The Chamber of Commerce should be able to help with phone numbers, etc.

The dunes near Wichester Bay are quite challenging....very high and steep, and thus quite dangerous. I would not recommend riding alone unless you are a very experienced rider. Even then, it can be quite eventfull if you are not careful. The dunes near Florence are somewhat less challenging and more interesting IMHO. There is more vegitation and more varied terrain.

Sand Dunes Frontier and Sandland Adventures also offer various dunebugy rides from large busses to 4-seater rails.

Den

Thanks for the info. I rode dirt bikes my whole life. I do realize that ATV are different then motorcycles but me and my husband have experience. Our 16 year old daughter has no experience so we would want the smallest and safest dunes. I have been on dunes before in Pismo Beach and they have alot of dunes that just drop off and are very dangerous. Jodie

Dengay.....

What is more fun.....riding the large ';bus'; or the 4-seater??

Thanks!

JodieG,

While incredibly beautiful, razorbacks, some with 100 foot drops are not uncommon at the Umpqua Dunes from April though August (when the north winds are blowing). Even though far fewer people use these dunes verses Florence and North Bend (Horsefall), there are far more serious accidents at Umpqua.

Rocketcity,

No question the 4 or 6 seaters. The bus rides are great for sightseeing and are designed for all ages. On a buggy ride, the good guides will ask if you want mild or wild, and they will deliver. Whne my middle son worked the dunes, he used to make more in tips driving buggies than he did in wages becuase he gave the guests what they asked for (novell concept, huh?).

If it were me, I would go to Sand Dunes Frontier and take a buggy ride.

Den

JodieG,

QUALIFIER: I have no affiliation with any of the business mentioned in my previous posts......

That being said, I re-read your post, and as it relates to equipment, I do know that Torex Rentals (Sand Dunes Frontier) upgrades their equipment annually. I know this b/c the owner buys their ATV passes from my offfice. She has told me that they maintain an inventory of about 25 quads and they buy 10-14 new each year.

Den

Lots of good info above. I%26#39;m not up on the equipment upkeep since I have been in the rental biz for about 16 years but I drive by alot of them from Reedsport south all the time. There is several places in Winchester Bay with rentals but I think most of those places have older equip. The Bee rentals in Reedsport in pretty new but I%26#39;m not sure that their machines are name brand (like Polaris, Yamaha, so on). Plus they are in town and have to transport there machines to Winchester Bay to ride. The ones in Winchester Bay do too but not as far. There is Spinreel rentals in Lakeside about 10 minutes south where I used to work. They used to have rebuilt and rebuilt and rebuilt Honda Odysseys which were nice for the roll cage but not always reliable. They went to Polaris%26#39; with the new owners and I think they now have a unit that looks similar to the old Odysseys also now. Honestly I couldn%26#39;t tell about the quality of the equipment anymore. Farther south to Hauser there is a few more and most of them use Polaris%26#39;.

As for safe areas, Florence is probably a better bet. It hasn%26#39;t been hit quite as bad from the dunner boom as the areas from Winchester Bay south to North Bend. This section is a zoo this time of year. On holiday weekends it%26#39;s not uncommon to here the ambulance leave the hospital five or six times a day with an occational medevac chopper thrown in. As for the saftey of the sand itself I really don%26#39;t see any difference all up and down the coast. Drifts may be higher in one place than another but a 10ft. drift will get you just as bad as 50 footer and are harder to see. You will be going down a dune that looks smooth all the way down then the world drops out from under you. If you want to drive yourself and are not familiar with sand dunes I suggest a rental place that has caged units like the old Odysseys. We had very few inguries with those types of units. A majority of the injuries come from the quad type units. Either being hit or landed on top of. Like I said Spinreel in Lakeside I belive rents them and there is a very new place in Hauser near North Bend that I think has them also which I think they are built by themselves. They took over an old Myrtle Wood factory and turned it into an duner RV park and rental shop. I can%26#39;t remember the name right now. They just opened a few months ago so the equip should be fresh. I%26#39;m not much help with the Florence area since I don%26#39;t get up that way as much anymore.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions let me know.

Wow, dreaminofmaui...you are a wonderful source of information!! :)

Dreaminofmaui,

Did you work for Jim Neifert at Spinreel or the owner b4 him??? I ask b/c I used to work w/ Jim and know him quite well. I noticed his business was for sale several months ago.

Den

Mauai

Good post. I have been on dunes a few times and there are a lot of dumb people there.

I grew up near Dunes and have been on them many times as walker

I worked for Forest Service, first time I ever rode on Dunes was on FS trip. in fat tired passenger vehicle, not dune buggie Our driver was very experienced, but we came to several places I said to myself I hope you are not planning to go down this one, but we did.

fter that trip there was no way I would take any thing down those high dunes myself and think my adult kids have been convinced of same. Good for grandkids. we have rented quads 2 or 3 times but rode the low dunes

Attn Sillybilly or Imagist

We are headed to Sunriver this weekend. Our plans have changed a bit and DD and I are going earlier than the rest of the extended family. Right now we have Sunday afternoon/evening free. Is there anything going on in town that day, maybe around Drake Park or something? Also, any suggestions of casual places for dinner. DD is 15, so keep that in mind, lol! We don%26#39;t care for fast food, and usually hit Deschutes, but thought maybe there was something else we were missing that would fit the bill.

Attn Sillybilly or Imagist

mtngrl:

My wife %26amp; I just spent a long weekend in Bend last week. On Sunday night, we had a really excellent dinner at Bluefish Bistro. It%26#39;s on Franklin, just about a block from Drake park. Seemed pretty casual %26amp; family appropriate, though I%26#39;d say reservations would be highly recommended.

For really casual, we had dinner one night at Pizza Mondo (811 NW Wall). Very good pizza, calzones looked good, too.

Had very good lunches at Merenda and at Vino Mercato, though I don%26#39;t think either is quite as casual as you%26#39;re looking for.

Hope you have a great trip.

Brian

Attn Sillybilly or Imagist

Thanks Brian:) I was actually thinking about you a few days ago wondering where you were, lol! Somewhere I read that Bluefish Bistro was closed on Sundays, but you were there right? Yes, Merenda is higher end than what I want for that first night. After driving for nearly 4 hours, with the suv loaded down and all the bikes, casual is good:)

Yes, Bluefish was definitely open on Sunday (at least it was on the 2nd - possibly summer hours or open because of 4th of July weekend?). We sat at the table for 2 just to the right of the front entry, lots of people coming and going. Also quite a few walk-ins were turned away due to not having those reservations. Nice service, too. I had the halibut, which was quite good. My wife had a risotto with seared scallops that was absolutely stunning.

We did the pizza place on friday night right after we pulled into town and got our bearings. They%26#39;re open til 10 - good food %26amp; very relaxed. Nice after you%26#39;ve just made the long drive.

Thanks for thinking of me. Sorry I haven%26#39;t been posting as much on TA of late...it%26#39;s good saying hi to y%26#39;all. I%26#39;m still around... ;-)

B

I will give them a call, thanks! We are looking forward to getting there and having some time before the other dozen or so family members arrive. How was your weekend there?

Oh, Bend was awesome. Gorgeous weather, good times. I%26#39;ve posted most of the places we ate already. Another good place we found (twice in fact) is a tiny chocolate store around the corner from Merenda, but I can%26#39;t think of the name. It%26#39;s next door to Astro Lounge; owner is a very guy -try the hazelnut chocolates imported from Belgium!

We stayed at Mt. Bachelor Village in a pretty nice Suite...the package included two tickets to the Fiona Apple/Damien Rice concert at the Amphitheater. Great concert, spectacular sunset while lounging on the lawn.

On Saturday I took the brewery tour at Descutes. Interesting facility plus LOTS of free beer in the tasting room (soda for the under-21%26#39;s). Tours on the hour from 12-4 on Saturdays. My wife spent an hour at a spa called Oasis (pedicure), said it was ok but better facilities/services in Portland...oh well.

Also strolled through Drake Park, watching dogs splash around and kids feeding ducks %26amp; geese. Just a really wonderful visit.

The last night we visited St Francis School for a movie (';MI-3';). Just another cool McMenamin%26#39;s, similar to Kennedy School in a lot of ways, lots of people having a good time inside and on the patio.

Hope your trip is as good as ours was!

B

Oh that sounds like a lot of fun! My DD will definitely want to hit the chocolate store:) I will let the guys know about the brewery tour. I always use the Sunriver Spa, so haven%26#39;t tried any out in town. If you go again and your wife wants to try that one, let me know. I have my favorite therapists there andhelp with that, if needed. My dad has been to the St. Francis School, but we haven%26#39;t...yet, lol! We will be there for just over a week, but the time always flies.

Hi there! We just had Summerfest this past weekend, so there is nothing planned for downtown Sunday - the big happening right now is the Sagebrush Classic, but that one has an entry fee of $200, so probably not what you%26#39;re looking for! Lots of people are taking rafts down the Deschutes on these gorgeous warm days and they have a free bus that picks you up at the end in Drake Park and hauls you back to the Old Mill District to start over again. There was a drowning this weekend demonstrating that it is very important to appreciate the strong current and obey the signs, but it would be a fun activity for a teenager and there are places that rent floatation equipment. Dinner on Sunday - you might try Marz - A Planetary Bistro on Minnesota between Wall %26amp; Bond downtown. Small and can be noisy but the food is really good and the prices are very reasonable. Away from downtown on the west side is Baldy%26#39;s BarBQue on SW Century Drive. They serve up some really good BBQ that has won lots of awards. McMenamins Old St Francis School on Bond St is like other McMenamins food-wise but it%26#39;s a great option with a teen and its a fun place. They have done a beautiful restoration. SHould be a gorgeous weekend for you weather wise

Thanks Imagist:) We are doing a rafting trip later in the week with all the family, so will hold off for that. I did hear about the drowning...very sad. I appreciate all the help! Maybe tonight I can sit down and look at all these places and decide.

If your family will be here on a Thursday, then you might be interested in Munch %26amp; Music - it%26#39;s free. National and regional music, food booths, arts and crafts vendors etc. from 5:30pm-8:30pm in Drake Park.

Thanks! Yes, we will be there...we are there for over a week. We enjoy the music in the village at Sunriver in the evenings, but I like the Drake Park area a lot too. Our rafting trip is Thursday afternoon, so that might be perfect to head over to the park after the trip.

Quick question about Rogue River Boats

Hi all, we are planning on doing Jerry%26#39;s Rogue River Jet Boats in early August... husband, me and DD age 7. We are really excited about it and understand we will be getting very wet. What%26#39;s the best way to dress for something like this? We are doing the 80 mile trip at 2:15pm and are stopping for dinner. We don%26#39;t mind being wet but I%26#39;m just looking for any recommendations on how others stayed comfortable. Also, how is the food and can anyone offer details about the dining options. Thanks so much!!

Quick question about Rogue River Boats

If wet bothers you, bring a towel. and wear clothes that do not take forever to dry. Very wet a bit of exageratation. i

Quick question about Rogue River Boats

If you are near the bow, you may get pretty wet as it will sometimes plow, or dig into the water. Otherwise I wouldn%26#39;t worry too much. We wore flip-flops, a swim suit and cotton t-shirts and brought a spare t-shirt in a small zip-lock bag that we ended up not needing.

Den

Hi there! We have done the Hellgate Excursions many times. Only the Quick n Scenic, tho. I have heard from friends who have done the dinner trip that the food is good. Comfort-type food and iced tea and lemonade are served.

We go in the morning, and a nice lightweight jacket was good to wear and you may want to bring a hat. The guide will crack jokes and make the ride really fun. The 360 spins are great fun, when the weather is hot, it%26#39;s a fun way to cool off. Hellgate has a photographer at the Rogue River bridge, you can purchase a photo souvenir of your ride after your boat ride. Have fun! :)

Thanks for the tips...DH has a friend from the area who told him we%26#39;d get really wet so I was picturing a thorough soaking! So it%26#39;s not very cold then?? We are stifling in heat in Southern California right now and we can%26#39;t wait to cool off up north!

We did the 80 mile trip with Jerry%26#39;s last year, but it was the lunch trip, so it left earlier in the morning. It%26#39;s cool in the mornings, so we took took light jackets, but Jerry%26#39;s provided blankets for those who wanted or needed something to stay warm and dry. That shouldn%26#39;t be a problem with a 2:15 departure. Chances are you%26#39;ll want to get wet. So, I agree with phirl and Den; wear something that will dry quickly. I think our driver was good enough that, no matter we were in the boat, he could have gotten us soaked if he%26#39;d wanted.

I%26#39;m guessing you%26#39;ll be given the same three dining options we were given for lunch. Based on conversations we had with others on our boat, the difference between the options is mostly in what they offer. In terms of quality, I%26#39;d guess they are pretty much the same. And let me put it this way; the meal is not the reason to take the trip. ;-)

Oh, and about escaping the San Diego heat? Don%26#39;t count on it! I live in the Portland area, and couldn%26#39;t believe it the other day when the thermometer on my car registered 110. Ugh! It%26#39;s cooled down to about 90 today though. ;-)

Nelliebell - We%26#39;re going to be there early August also. So don%26#39;t worry about the temperature. We have somehow offended the water gods :-) and everywhere we go on vacation it rains. Look for rain and cooler temps the first week of August and think of us :-)

';The curse'; doesn%26#39;t work for us, unfortunately, when we%26#39;re home in Salt Lake. It%26#39;s been 100-104 degrees for 10 days here also. Just hearing people talk about jackets makes me want to go get in the car and head for Oregon... But so far we have been fortunate in that there are no power outages and I can keep my house comfortable.

back blackheads

best place to stay between Lincoln city and Seaside?

I will be traveling for 4 days in the end of July and want to stay on the ocean-or right near in a cute little laid back town with lots of art shops, great beaches for walking, maybe a winery close-by. I drove the the area once but couldn%26#39;t stop. I will have a car and flying in to Portland. A very clean hotel is required. Don%26#39;t need a pool. All suggestions are appreciated. I really can%26#39;t find much on Expedia for these littlle coastal towns. Thanks.

best place to stay between Lincoln city and Seaside?

You should consider the Manzanita, Nehalem %26amp; Wheeler area. Manzanita is on the coast and has a nice beach %26amp; art shops and it qualifies as cute. Close to Wheeler is the Nehalem Bay winery (the coast isn%26#39;t really the place to be looking for wineries, but there is this one and it is fun to visit). The Old Wheeler Hotel is fantastic, but Wheeler is on Nehalem Bay, so about 3 miles from the coast. In Manzanita, the Inn at Manzanita might be what you%26#39;re looking for, or there are a couple of B%26amp; Bs and some less expensive motels.

best place to stay between Lincoln city and Seaside?

I agree w/ Manzanita. The Nehalem Bay Winery is on Hwy 53 about 1 mile off of Hwy 101 between Nehalem and Wheeler (4 miles+/- from Manzanita).

Den

You should realize that a lot of other people are attracted by the same qualities you describe, so almost by default the town will likely be crowded too. Besides Manzanita, the two that came to my mind are Cannon Beach and Yachats.

Cannon Beach matches your criteria in every respect except for a nearby winery (will a couple wine shops do?). And it will almost certainly be crowded. Not knowing your budget, or if an ocean view is required, I%26#39;d suggest the Cannon Beach Hotel: oregoncoastlodgings.com/cannon_beach_hotels/鈥?/a> Cannon Beach is about a 90 minute drive from Portland.

Yachats is further down the coast, and a longer drive. It%26#39;s smaller than Cannon Beach, and not quite as ';cute';, but still has most of what you%26#39;re looking for. Plus, it%26#39;s in the middle of a particularly spectacular stretch of coastline. We stayed at the Overleaf Lodge there last summer. It was nice then, and has since completed a remodel, so I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;s nicer now: http://www.overleaflodge.com/.

Where ever you decide to stay, you should be making reservations now. Hopefully you can still find a place that will work for you. Enjoy your stay here!

Imagist and mistletoe,

Now I%26#39;m excited! Both properties you recommend-The Old Wheeler and the Overleaf look wonderful and the prices are affordable. I especially like the views from Overleaf and the setting of that hotel. I like the idea of staying a bit further from Cannon Beach and the crowds if possible. I will go into the tourist towns during the stay there to shop but would rather stay in a quaint and quiet location at night. If these choices don%26#39;t have the availabiltiy I need-is there anything special in Waldport, Lincoln city, Newport , or Tillamook either of you are particularly fond of? I guess I prefer beach front or big ocean views. Bays are good, too. Thanks for your help.

I don%26#39;t know much about Waldport, but Lincoln City and Newport are both quite a bit bigger than the other towns we%26#39;re recommending. Between the two, Newport is hands-down the better choice. It may not be your style, but Sylvia Beach Hotel is a good choice for a stay there: http://www.sylviabeachhotel.com/.

Tillamook is a dairy farming town several miles off the coast, and not at all what you say you%26#39;re looking for.

In Nehalem is the Nehalem River Inn. They have outstanding food here. There are several nice antique shops that we enjoy browsing through in Nehalem. I%26#39;m not a huge fan of the wines at their winery there, but it%26#39;s fun to taste them and the owner is a lot of fun to chat with!

Manzanita is also one of our favorite little beach towns and is less touristy than CB or Seaside. Enjoy your trip! :)

www.nehalemriverinn.com is the website. Now I want to go here for another great meal! :)

I seem to be drawn to this idea of being down south by Yachats. The beaches look incredible. The Sylvia Inn sounds really great though their photos are sadly lacking. I am intriqued. still. My friend and I are both writers so that could be really an interesting place for us to try. Anything in Depoe Bay worth recommending/ Thanks so much for everyone%26#39;s input. I%26#39;m going to nail this down in a few days and will let you know what ends up working out with dates.

Just to comment further on Overleaf.... You%26#39;re right, it%26#39;s a different kind of coastline than you see further north, narrower and more rugged, but still with nice pockets of sand beach. The narrower beach means the hotels are located much closer to the waves. I was awakened more than once, thinking they would be crashing through our patio door.

And Sylvia Beach.... Again you%26#39;re right, it%26#39;s not everyone%26#39;s cup of tea. It%26#39;s been several years since we stayed there, so they may have since done something about some of the furnishing that appeared a little tired and worn (but in a good book sort of way, really). This is a place with character. The on-site restaurant, Table of Contents, is surprisingly good, and affords an opportunity to chat with other guests. But, beware the Poe room. ;-)

Mistletoe,

Thanks for the recommend on the Overleaf Lodge. This place is fantastic! The rooms are new and clean, the service is great, free breakfast is really a nice meal, and the location is spectacular. I wanted to get away and relax but find we are very busy. There is so much to see and do and it%26#39;s so beautiful here on the grounds and in the area. I%26#39;m very happy. Thanks.

Favorite campgrounds central and north coast

We are planning a trip to the north and central coast (we live in the Portland area (Tigard)) and need opinions of the best campgrounds. We will be tent camping and need showers, otherwise a quiet smaller place is fine.

Favorite campgrounds central and north coast

Chico, when?? If before school starts in Sept you may have trouble getting into some state parks unless you reserve soon

Favorite campgrounds central and north coast

phirl is correct. Check out www.oregonstateparks.org for availability or call 1-800-452-5687.

May favs from north to south for tent camping:

Oswald West-There%26#39;s none better on the Coast even w/o showers!!

Cape Lookout- Great beach and fabulous oceanfront forest.

Beachside-RIGHT ON THE BEACH!! Be carefull not to rent or reserve a site that backs up to Hwy 101.

Carl G Wasburne-Across the hwy from a great beach. Very quiet and in a great coastal forest.

J.M. Honeyman- One of the jewels of the Oregon State Park system. A very large campground (nearly 400 camps sites) but the scenery and variety of things to do make up for it. Cleawox Lake is not to be missed.

Den

We spent the afternoon at Short Sands Beach yesterday, amazing scenery. (OWSP) You may also want to check out Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton. It%26#39;s also very pretty with paved walking trails, the wreck of the Peter Iredale at the beach and Coffenbury Lake which is a nice picnic lake.

You still be close to Astoria ( wejust returned from the Sunday Market, it%26#39;s great fun) and Cannon Beach is just a short drive away from Fort Stevens State Park.

Any further questions about the coast, just ask! We have been here all summer, lovingthe coastal living here in Seaside! :)

Thank you all. I noticed when I looked online that there seemed to be lots of availabilty in August...but maybe I better not chance it. I got confused about Oswald West, thought it was one of the crowded ones. It looks like a good spot to park ourselves for a few days. We camped at Honeymon years ago - wonderful park - I can%26#39;t agree more with the review above!

Also, unless I am reading it incorrectly, when you reserve thru the park website, which is really Reserveamerica, it states that you are not reserving a specific site, that it will be assigned when you arrive. Is that correct?

It%26#39;s been MANY years since I camped on the coast, so I can%26#39;t answer your question about how reservations work. I just wanted to chime in agreement with the recommendation for Oswald West. Note that it doesn%26#39;t have showers though.

Also, I think I remember from one of Dennis%26#39;s posts in another thread a while back that they don%26#39;t take reservations there. He recommended showing up around 10:00am, and if it%26#39;s full, just hanging around waiting for someone to leave.

If no showers is a problem, I%26#39;d pick Cape Lookout as the north coast back-up. Fort Stevens is nice, but it%26#39;s mostly RV%26#39;ers, and it%26#39;s so huge it doesn%26#39;t feel much like a camping experience.

When were at Short Sands on Sunday, there were over 300 people on the beach, the most crowded I have ever seen an Oregon beach at one time.

Fort Stevens is very nice as I mentioned before. Can you get availability there? Our friends camped there a couple of years ago and loved the facilities there. :)

Chicogirl,

You can request a specific site through ReserveAmerica. Oregon is one of the few states that allow this. Your best bet however, is to call Reservations NW (RNW) at the number mentioned earier. The operators are specifically trained to answer your questions and determine the best available campsite for your needs.

As an alternative, if you care to, look online at campground maps and pick a few sites at each park that you might be interested in and I can make a recommendation. This offer is only good for state parks along the coast!

Mistletoe is correct about Oswald West...no showers; no resys, but it%26#39;s still a can%26#39;t miss IMHO. Trust me, I worked at and later managed the park for 22 years.

Den

Den thank you for all the advise. We are fortunate to have someone with your experience to rely on. I don%26#39;t think Fort Stevens would be ';our cup of tea'; but I sure do like my morning shower....I guess I can manage without it! I will keep looking and planning and will be back with specifics when we make some decisions.

I agree chicogirl, daily showers are nice. Have a great time wherever you decide on, the entire Oregon Coast is very, very pretty. :)

Chicogirl,

I just remembered that, while it was some 13 years ago, when I was the manager there, we used to honor a paid camping receipt from Os West for a free shower at Nehalem Bay. You might check with Nehalem Bay (503) 368-5943 to see if this is still the case. In the worst case, it will cost $2/pp at Nehalem Bay for a shower.

Den

networking

Off to college

I am getting my daughter settled in Pacific University. While I am in Oregeon, I need to get her liscence, plate and insurance valid for the state. I will also need to buy the things she will need for the dorm.

While I am there, I would like to see the sights in Portland, maybe drink some wine.

Where should I stay?

Thanks in advance to the experts.

Respect

Off to college

Actually Forest Grove is almost between the attractions of Portland and the best of Oregon%26#39;s wine country, so it wouldn%26#39;t be a bad place to stay. And for a slice of Oregon, McMenamin%26#39;s Grand Lodge would be the place.

But obviously, you%26#39;d have a lot more options for everything if you stayed in Portland. It%26#39;s only 25 miles from Forest Grove, but depending on traffic, that can be anywhere from 40 minutes to who-knows-how-long in driving time.

For wine drinking, just head south on hwy 47 from Forest Grove towards Yamhill and Carlton, and you%26#39;ll find more choices than you can deal with. Let us know if you%26#39;d like specific recommendations. I%26#39;m almost positive you%26#39;ll get an unsolicited one for Scott Paul. ;-)

Off to college

Hi

I moved here to Portland, from Jax last year :)

They require written tests for getting your drivers license here..:( but car inspections are a breeze and license too. We went to Lake Oswego for our license.

Do you know where to shop for the dorm things?

Do you want to stay IN Portland?

Here are my lists ( I am feeling lazy so will let you just read those ) :)

These are good hotels in downtown Portland, close to the streetcar and many of the great restaurants in town..Portland is definitely a good place to find some good food and wine :)

Hotels:

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i892-Sleeping_i鈥?/a>

Eats:

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i1397-Portland_鈥?/a>

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i1398-Portland_鈥?/a>

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i1394-Portland_鈥?/a>

http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i1395

Portland_Eats_Downtown.html

Hope this helps :)

Hey, LO has a DMV? Easier than Sherwood?

Chicogirl--LO does have an office. Our friends in LO come to the Sherwood one though...they say it is easier. Not sure exactly what they mean by that...maybe fewer people? Or maybe the driving test? They mentioned this about a year ago and I didn%26#39;t think to ask them the details. Sherwoods DMV is a real hit or miss as far as being busy. The worst, which I suspect is with most, is from about 3pm onward.

Hey mistletoe,

Thanks. I can%26#39;t believe I got Oregon spelled so sadly, my apologies. The lodge in Forest Grove looks great. Any good thrift or second hand stores to recommend for a dorm room make over? Is there a good place for linens and home goods--any outlet or bulk stores?

I%26#39;ll take those wine country recommendations too.

Peace

The lodge was booked :(

What would be your second choice?

Realized I forgot an important item regarding the DMV. The DEQ is basically across the street from the Sherwood DMV. Makes it MUCH easier to get it all done! Plus, for a renewal, you can get your tabs on the spot at the DEQ without ever dealing with the DMV. There are not many DEQ stations around, so just go to the Sherwood one and do it all closeby instead of driving all over for the same thing.

Yeah, we drove all over the place..out to Beaverton to get the inspection, to LO for the plates and at least here in town we were able to take the drivers test.

There are second hand stores all over Portland, NW and NE...don%26#39;t know any names though, see them but don%26#39;t go to them :) But you will be able to find them, I am sure.

There are a few GoodWill stores on Burnside.

Thanks for the DMV, DEQ information. I%26#39;ll find Sherwood. Is Northrup Station a good location?

The Inn@Northrup Station..yes, a great location!