Oregon Done Right
In 2008, I ventured my way to Oregon, but mostly staying near the Portland area. I kept saying I would come back and see everything I could, but kept pushing those plans back. Finally, I sat down and spent HOURS and HOURS on planning my 1300 mile venture. Sit down, buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride...
I arrived in Portland and met up with my friend Anne whom I haven't seen since 2008. We met in Forks, WA earlier that year (we are both avid Twilight fans). We've kept in touch and now she has introduced me to VooDoo Doughnuts... oh my! Texas size doughnuts! Also visited the largest bookstore... Powell's! I was also introduced to just how "weird" Portland residents are. The theme is "Keeping Portland weird" and they wear it proudly.
My first day on the rode was a bit of a rainy downer. I swear, every road is scenic and gorgeous. Started in Astoria and headed to Fort Clatsop. Could have lived without this historical moment, but glad I ventured there.
Also the Astoria Column
I then headed to Seaside which would be my destination for the night. I stayed at an amazing Inn right across from the ocean. Sitting on the beach watching the sunset was incredible. Here's the view....
The second day was the most beautiful day weather-wise and the most beautiful part of the coast. I'm sure the weather played a part in my preference.
Devil's Punch Bowl... quite fitting name.
I spent the 3rd night in Florence when the rain started. I had a beautiful balcony room on the Siuslaw River in Florence, OR. If I could do a do-over, not sure if I would stay in this sleepy town, however, there were not many options in all of these small coastal towns.
The next day was a rainy, icky day of very curvy driving. I hear the southern coast is the most beautiful because it's rocky, but I disagree (especially in the rain).
The 4th night was spent at the Southernmost part of Oregon, right outside of northern California in Brookings, OR. I was able to enjoy the gorgeous Redwoods at the Jedediah State Park.
The next day was spent FINDING the Oregon caves. Finally found them and was able to do a little tour in the chilly caves. Definitely cool experience.
I headed to Grants Pass to check in to my B&B before embarking on Hellgate Jetboat tour through Hellgate Canyon. Had a wonderful dinner after the jetboat tour. Needless to say, I was exhausted!
The highlight of my trip was hands down - CRATER LAKE. If you go one place in America, come here. The feeling of breathing in mountain air with snow falling at the end of May... is absolutely amazing!
It was pretty hard to leave this place, but it helped that the entire rim drive was snowed in. Definitely have to come back here during the summer and take a boat ride.
On to Bend... this is a place I could live. Great ski town and found a perfect Northface jacket and paid NO SALES TAX!
Back to Portland... Sad, but ready to see my cousins Kristina and Logan. Had a beautiful 24 hours in Portland seeing the Columbia River Gorge, downtown, and the Vista House. Our hotel was beautifully located by the Bridge of the gods at the Cascade Locks.
I could not have planned this vacation any better... it took over a week afterwards to recover from my adventure-packed vacation. I don't know if I would recommend this agenda to many people, but if you're down for driving and beautiful sights, this is it.
This trip has definitely built my confidence to go forward with my plans for Yellowstone and Glacier. Hopefully it won't take me months to blog that trip, but this trip was unforgettable.
Dream it, believe it, make it happen.
I arrived in Portland and met up with my friend Anne whom I haven't seen since 2008. We met in Forks, WA earlier that year (we are both avid Twilight fans). We've kept in touch and now she has introduced me to VooDoo Doughnuts... oh my! Texas size doughnuts! Also visited the largest bookstore... Powell's! I was also introduced to just how "weird" Portland residents are. The theme is "Keeping Portland weird" and they wear it proudly.
My first day on the rode was a bit of a rainy downer. I swear, every road is scenic and gorgeous. Started in Astoria and headed to Fort Clatsop. Could have lived without this historical moment, but glad I ventured there.
Also the Astoria Column
I then headed to Seaside which would be my destination for the night. I stayed at an amazing Inn right across from the ocean. Sitting on the beach watching the sunset was incredible. Here's the view....
The second day was the most beautiful day weather-wise and the most beautiful part of the coast. I'm sure the weather played a part in my preference.
Devil's Punch Bowl... quite fitting name.
I spent the 3rd night in Florence when the rain started. I had a beautiful balcony room on the Siuslaw River in Florence, OR. If I could do a do-over, not sure if I would stay in this sleepy town, however, there were not many options in all of these small coastal towns.
The next day was a rainy, icky day of very curvy driving. I hear the southern coast is the most beautiful because it's rocky, but I disagree (especially in the rain).
The 4th night was spent at the Southernmost part of Oregon, right outside of northern California in Brookings, OR. I was able to enjoy the gorgeous Redwoods at the Jedediah State Park.
The next day was spent FINDING the Oregon caves. Finally found them and was able to do a little tour in the chilly caves. Definitely cool experience.
I headed to Grants Pass to check in to my B&B before embarking on Hellgate Jetboat tour through Hellgate Canyon. Had a wonderful dinner after the jetboat tour. Needless to say, I was exhausted!
The highlight of my trip was hands down - CRATER LAKE. If you go one place in America, come here. The feeling of breathing in mountain air with snow falling at the end of May... is absolutely amazing!
It was pretty hard to leave this place, but it helped that the entire rim drive was snowed in. Definitely have to come back here during the summer and take a boat ride.
On to Bend... this is a place I could live. Great ski town and found a perfect Northface jacket and paid NO SALES TAX!
Back to Portland... Sad, but ready to see my cousins Kristina and Logan. Had a beautiful 24 hours in Portland seeing the Columbia River Gorge, downtown, and the Vista House. Our hotel was beautifully located by the Bridge of the gods at the Cascade Locks.
I could not have planned this vacation any better... it took over a week afterwards to recover from my adventure-packed vacation. I don't know if I would recommend this agenda to many people, but if you're down for driving and beautiful sights, this is it.
This trip has definitely built my confidence to go forward with my plans for Yellowstone and Glacier. Hopefully it won't take me months to blog that trip, but this trip was unforgettable.
Dream it, believe it, make it happen.
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