On the Oregon Coast your best bet for art, beach, and eating well is probably Cannon Beach on the North Coast, or Newport on the Central Coast. I’m also partial to Astoria (where I live part-time) for everything you listed, except it’s about 10 miles inland from the beaches, on the south bank of the…
The two events that come to mind are my two favorite events that hit the Willamette Valley in early September. I know you said you were visiting Oregon this summer, however, if you are able to extend your trip, it would be totally worth it! First of all, Albany holds an event each year called,…
I’d recommend you stick to the south and central coast, then, if you only have two or three days. I’d think you could enjoy the scenic Highway 42, from Ashland west to Bandon, then north on Highway, 101. If I had three days, two nights, I would probably spend the first night in Florence, see the…
You’re in luck, as Oregon’s north coast has plenty of places to stay at the beach. You’ll find lots of rentals and hotels and lovely beaches in Pacific City, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Astoria (though Astoria is actually about a 10 miles inland, it’s the closes to Washington – right across the…
There are several routes you could take to Astoria from Portland. If you take Highway 30, there aren’t too many tourist destinations, but there are a few viewpoints over the Columbia River. Highway 26 is another option, and along that route you’ll find various viewpoints and parks that are worth visiting, also places like Camp…
I’m not sure how far into Oregon you were planning on driving, but if you’re looking for atmosphere in the southern part of the state, Ashland is the town for you. Surrounded by mountains (Cascades and Siskiyous), its vibe is about as European as you’ll find almost anywhere in Oregon. Just off Interstate 5 and…
There’s one place that stands above all the other nationwide for viewing bald eagles. That’s the Klamath Basin region of Southern Oregon. While late winter is the prime time to see them, you stand a good chance during other times of the year. Here is a great story in the Mail Tribune about viewing bald…
I love your question because I have never considered “gold prospecting” but how fun that would be. I found this awesome site about Oregon Gold for you to check out! It looks like so much family fun so if you go, please let us know how it goes! Also checked this site out gold panning…
If it were me, I would definitely try South Beach State Park, just south of the bridge in Newport. It has both yurts and tent camping, an educational program and pretty easy access to the beach. It is also next to a paved path that will take you down the jetty and under the bridge…
Hello! I am not going to make any claims about “better” because I truly love this entire state, but Central Oregon is a great destination! Bend offers incredible recreation, great microbrews, fine and casual dining, shopping, resorts, hiking, biking, boating, golf, a great natural and cultural history museum, swimming, etc etc! We are just over…
Newport or Garibaldi are probably your best bet, of course always check conditions and tides forcast before heading out (and fishing regulations). At Newport check out staying at South Beach and in Garibaldi at Barview County Park. Here are a few links for crossing the bar.
Good news!!! Most of the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge are very accessible. Many are visible from the highway, or a short walk on a paved trail. A few that immediately come to mind besides the most famous, Multnomah Falls, are Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, and the beautiful tunnel at Oneonta Gorge. Vista House on…
During the July 4th weekend there’s the Waterfront Blues Festival and the Oregon Zoo hosts several summer concerts. Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts concerts and events featuring live music (e.g. Cinco de Mayo, Festa Italiana) throughout the year. Once you’re here you can also find information on live music events at the websites of the Portland…
Since you’ll be right downtown, you should definitely explore the city – there are lots of parks, shops, and restaurants worth checking out. The Willamette Week and Portland Mercury newspapers will have entertainment listings. Also check out my blog for more ideas!
There are quite a few municipal pools in Portland. The outdoor ones are only open during the summer. And here’s a discussion on a local blog about “Portland Swimming Holes.” With regards to other activities, there are plenty! When you visit check out some local blogs to find community events.
If I were you… I’d head to the coast on the Greyhound Bus because there is something there I think you’d love to do! Sand Boarding! I haven’t been duning but my husband and son have and they had a blast! Florence is the best place to go sand duning and so I hope you…
As you may know, the trip from Boise to Portland is roughly a 7-hour car ride, direct. But I have a different idea for you that will take you a bit longer, but what sights and scenery you will see! First, you may want to plan a few hours in downtown Boise. It has come…
The end of March and first half of April are best for cherry blossoms in Portland.
There are a few opportunities for fishing the last week of April on the Oregon coast. Sea perch start to move into the bays, the coastal lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and there are a few winter steelhead around but it is the end of…
If you’re doing the Prehistoric Gardens and the wildlife park, you would probably like the Sea Lion Caves, between Florence and Yachats on Highway 101. And, if you’re looking for unusual sights on Highway 101 as you head north, look for: Otter Crest Loop, between Newport and Depoe Bay Boiler Bay — especially at really…
