If I could predict when harvest would be, I’d be a rich man 😉 In all seriousness though, harvest typically happens sometime between September and October every year. The weather in spring and summer will have a huge impact on how the grapes ripen. Harvest time can also be one of the best times of…
To be honest, there really isn’t a BAD time to visit the Columbia Gorge. There are a few months in the winter, when ice can be an issue, but even then the waterfalls are beautiful when they are half frozen over. For wildflowers, the best time to visit is generally in late April through June….
The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park encompasses several sites along the Lower Columbia River in both Oregon and Washington. Just south of Astoria is Fort Clatsop, featuring a visitor center and a full-size re-creation of the explorer’s fort built to endure the winter of 1806. There are several other sites you may find interesting…
Great question! The McKenzie River Trail is one that is near and dear to my heart. I like to think of the trail as 3 different sections. The upper portion begins at Clear Lake. You can hike around the lake which is very beautiful (or rent row boats by the hour). The trail continues on…
Bend, Oregon–let’s see, I think if I recall correctly, they have a brewery there. Kidding. Bend has gone insane. There are currently have, depending on how you count, around 18 breweries in Central Oregon, and ten or so in Bend proper. The difficulty is not finding breweries, it’s choosing which ones to go to. The…
There are several options for hiking in the Newport area. For a great beach walk, you can walk from Beverly Beach State Park south to Otter Rock where a stairway leads you to the fascinating Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area.  There’s also the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, located in the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. This is…
For rafting near Portland with a six year old I’d suggest the Deschutes River near Maupin. It’s a great introduction to rafting and flows all summer long!
Thanks for the question! Â I will give you a basic breakdown of the state’s adventure offerings and once you decide where in Oregon you would like to visit I can narrow down the options and give you some more detail. Â Also, the time of year changes what is available. The Coast – The Oregon Coast…
Oakridge (50 miles east of I-5 near Eugene) has hundreds of miles of trails. Â You can camp at Salmon Creek Campground and ride from your campsite about 50 feet onto the Salmon Creek trail. Â For some of the more challenging and thrilling trails in the area you’ll need a shuttle to various trailheads which are…
My top choice would be Cape Lookout State Park southwest of Tillamook for the best camping experience. The campground is right next to the beach and there are several miles of hiking trails including one to the end of the cape through old-growth Sitka Spruce rainforest. Bikes are not allowed on State Park trails, so…
You can make a great loop between Portland and John Day. The most exciting route will be to take Highway 26 all the way. It will take you over Mt Hood into central Oregon and through The Painted Hills. Total driving time is about 5 hours. For a return trip, I recommend heading north through…
King Estate and Left Coast Cellars are on the list. You should also check with Willamette Valley Vineyards as I believe they serve lunch regularly if not dinner as well. In Dundee you’ll find both Red Hills Market (just upstairs is Domaine Trouvere) which is a definite favorite. Also in Dundee is the Dundee Bistro,…
Thanks for the question!  I biked the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway in 2011 (read my blog from the ride) and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. I rode in the opposite direction you’re planning, finishing the ride at Champoeg State Park.  Champoeg State Park offers RV spaces that you can reserve online….
ODFW has a lot of good info- http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/razorclams/index.asp Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4D2ERtTdo Sometimes you will see those “shows” on their own, especially right at low tide. I like to stomp my feet as I walk in about a ten foot circle and then walk back over my tracks and look for shows. As the…
Thanks for the question! One person’s definition of “moderate” can vary greatly than the next person’s. I would say that a good number of the trails in Oregon are moderate. I would recommend rideoregonride.com as a resource and also look for local bike groups in the areas where you want to ride. A lot of…
North Oregon Coast: For special occasions, it’s hard to beat the experience at Cannon Beach’s Stephanie Inn. This is more of a country inn, not a traditional bed & breakfast home, but it is an exceptional splurge with a great restaurant and fine wines too. You’ll find the best wine list in town at the…
There are so very many things! I recommend you request the most current copy of the Travel Oregon Visitor’s Guide, which will serve you for this trip and many others since it covers the whole state, region by region from local travel experts. As a frequent traveler on I-84 between Portland and Pendleton, I wish…
Mt. Pisgah in Eugene is a great place to take dogs and go hiking. For an easier hike, look for the arboretum trails. If the weather is right there are some creeks in the parking area that a dog could play in. Tryon Creek Trail near Portland is dog-friendly and just friendly, in general. Wahclella…
Any part of the coast you visit will offer great options for enjoying fresh, local oysters served in many preparations, from raw to pan-fried or in stews. Here are some of my personal favorites and popular spots all along the coast. On the North Oregon Coast, Bridgewater Bistro in Astoria prides themselves on featuring the…
Pendleton is a great place to get a sense of the Native American, pioneer and cowboy history of Oregon. This guide will give you an overview of the history-related activities. Not to be missed are the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and The Umatilla County Historical Museum. The town is most renowned for the annual Pendleton Roundup Rodeo….
