Question Oregon in May?

[Neal]

I'm working my way from AZ back to WA and instead of going through ID I'm hanging a left at Salt Lake and planning to spend a few weeks in OR. I'll have to eventually route up through Hood River near The Dalles and then up to Yakima. I'm deciding whether to spend some time in Salt Lake or beat feet west to spend more time in OR. It will be the late April time frame through mid May.

Any suggestions on what to see in OR during this time frame? Crater Lake is closed until June I believe so that's out. I either route Klamath and north or head west to the coast. I'm open to suggestions on getting the best OR experience during this timeframe.

 

[J&JD]

I'm working my way from AZ back to WA and instead of going through ID I'm hanging a left at Salt Lake and planning to spend a few weeks in OR. I'll have to eventually route up through Hood River near The Dalles and then up to Yakima. I'm deciding whether to spend some time in Salt Lake or beat feet west to spend more time in OR. It will be the late April time frame through mid May.

Any suggestions on what to see in OR during this time frame? Crater Lake is closed until June I believe so that's out. I either route Klamath and north or head west to the coast. I'm open to suggestions on getting the best OR experience during this timeframe.

You will hit some rain in Oregon, but the coast will be rugged, and beautiful. On the coast, Elli would love Seaperch Rv in Yachats. It is dead on the ocean with a dog friendly beach. There are beautiful natural areas to explore nearby. Newport is nearby, and there is Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort. If you can get a spot where you can see the lighthouse, it is special. One of our fav seafood restaurant is there, Local Ocean. The Sea Lion Caves might be of interest to you in this area. If planning works in travel, Casey’s Rv Park in Westfir, off of HWY 58 is just a beautiful stop, right on a fork of the Willamette. If you want green,forest, and gorgeous rushing water, you can do no better. Other towns we love on the coast, are Florence, and Cannon Beach. In mid Oregon, the Bend/ Sisters area is nice. In Bend, stay at Crown Villa. In Sisters, a cute little western town, stay at Sister’s Garden Rv Park. Judy D

 

[Retired]

Is Diamond lake also closed?

You cant pump your own gas, you can buy most illegal drugs and Oregon is home to Henrys.

I like it around Dexter Lake. I was there about 15 years ago, standing in the parking lot of the Dexter Lake Club, made famous in Animal House. It was closed, but the building and sign were still there.

 

[skychs]

Crater Lake Lodge may be closed for the winter but the roads may be open for you to visit. I have driven through the area twice during the winter when the lodge was closed. On a clear day the winter landscaping against the blue ski is amazing.

 

[RKins]

If you're into knives, Oregon/Portland has a ton of small mom and pop knife producers plus the Leatherman factory/store is there.

 

[BGMAC]

I'm working my way from AZ back to WA and instead of going through ID I'm hanging a left at Salt Lake and planning to spend a few weeks in OR. I'll have to eventually route up through Hood River near The Dalles and then up to Yakima. I'm deciding whether to spend some time in Salt Lake or beat feet west to spend more time in OR. It will be the late April time frame through mid May.

Any suggestions on what to see in OR during this time frame? Crater Lake is closed until June I believe so that's out. I either route Klamath and north or head west to the coast. I'm open to suggestions on getting the best OR experience during this timeframe.

Neal,
When you say you are turning left at Salt Lake, Does that mean you are taking I80 across or are you going up using I84?

 

[Neal]

Neal,
When you say you are turning left at Salt Lake, Does that mean you are taking I80 across or are you going up using I84?

Yes, planning on west bound I-80 instead of going up through ID again.

 

[BGMAC]

Yes, planning on west bound I-80 instead of going up through ID again.

Is this something your looking at? It is going through Klamath Falls, Grants Pass and on to the coast. The coast has many lighthouses and coastline communities with little shops and restaurants. You will also find whale watching (if in season) and other things. The little jog you see just below Tillimook is where the town of McMinnville is located and the Evergreen And Space museum. Great Museum if you like aviation. Actually an engine is there that I worked on when I was in the Air Force.

Tillamook has the Tillamook Cheese Factory with all kinds of cheeses. Great place too. They too have an Aircraft Museum at the airport with WWII history and how Oregon was the only place that was bombed in the war.

Anyway, I traveled a good bit there in my 10 years working with ODOT.

If you have a particular route I can find stuff pretty quick. I still have connections there? BTW: Tons of wineries.

 

[Neal]

Thanks @BGMAC. I think this is the plan and heading over the coast sounds great. Pricey but it's worth it as I'll likely not be back in this area for quite some time so I better take it in now. Thanks Judy (@J&JD) as well, I looked as several of the CG's you mentioned and look great as well. Plan is shaping up. I'll probably have 3-4 weeks in OR as I don't think I'm spending much time in Provo then Salt Lake after Bryce Canyon. I'm not a fan of getting anywhere near Portland so I'll figure a way around that.

 

[J&JD]

@Neal ,
If you are going near Tillamook, take a look at Netarts Bay Garden rv. We stayed overlooking the bay. Nice, clean, quiet park. They also own Sisters Garden rv in Sisters Oregon.

 

[Neal]

@Neal ,
If you are going near Tillamook, take a look at Netarts Bay Garden rv. We stayed overlooking the bay. Nice, clean, quiet park. They also own Sisters Garden rv in Sisters Oregon.

I've made no other plans other than a broad route. I'll refine soon and start making reservations. I like some of the forested options you provided and also the coastal ones. I love seafood so I'm excited to get there for some good eats. Looking forward to it.

 

[Retired]

If time allows spend a day or two in Bandon. Sleepy coastal town with a rock-n candy factory., also Sunset Bay State Park and a 15min drive to the Botanical Gardens at Coos Head

 

[murphysranch]

I loved the airplane museum. And any of the places along the coast. Pick up some local crab, smoked salmon and the like.
Tillamook Creamery was closed for a couple of years ago - they completely redid it all.
Deschutes beer factory in Bend. Golfing anywhere in Bend but esp in Sunriver. Visit the Lava Lands there.
Beer flights in Hood River.
Come see us and let Eli play with one of my cattle dogs. Too bad the Shakespeare festival won't be open.

 

[J&JD]

I've made no other plans other than a broad route. I'll refine soon and start making reservations. I like some of the forested options you provided and also the coastal ones. I love seafood so I'm excited to get there for some good eats. Looking forward to it.try t

I've made no other plans other than a broad route. I'll refine soon and start making reservations. I like some of the forested options you provided and also the coastal ones. I love seafood so I'm excited to get there for some good eats. Looking forward to it.

Oregon is popular with rvers. I would make reservations asap. If you are staying at Seaperch, see if you can get a spot with an ocean view. Judy D

 

[Neal]

Thanks ALL, I'm booked up and ready to depart Casa Grande tomorrow. Was a challenge getting into a few of the CG's as we're all experiencing. Great tips, much appreciated.

 

[Neal]

Looks like I have one additional week so I don't have to be in Yakima until the end of May. Any suggestions after Netarts (stop west of Portland)? Should I go further north on the west coast of OR?

 

[J&JD]

Looks like I have one additional week so I don't have to be in Yakima until the end of May. Any suggestions after Netarts (stop west of Portland)? Should I go further north on the west coast of OR?

We like Cannon Beach. It is a really pretty beach town. We stay at Cannon Beach Rv Resort. A bit further north is Astoria. There is a wonderful museum there, Columbia River Maritime . On our last visit, we stayed at Lewis and Clark Golf and Rv, back by the golf course. Right outside of the resort is the best fish and chips shack ever! I do not remember the name, but it is right there. There are several rv parks, and lots of good seafood spots. The fort is worth a visit too. The drive along the Columbia is lovely. The Or. coast is slow driving, but very scenic. Judy D

 

[J&JD]

We like Cannon Beach. It is a really pretty beach town. We stay at Cannon Beach Rv Resort. A bit further north is Astoria. There is a wonderful museum there, Columbia River Maritime . On our last visit, we stayed at Lewis and Clark Golf and Rv, back by the golf course. Right outside of the resort is the best fish and chips shack ever! I do not remember the name, but it is right there. There are several rv parks, and lots of good seafood spots. The fort is worth a visit too. The drive along the Columbia is lovely. The Or. coast is slow driving, but very scenic. Judy D

I have some other hints. If you are in Astoria, take your toad for a drive on the Columbia Gorge, and stop at Multnomah Falls, pretty. If you like smoked fish, stop at Josephson’s Smokehouse, and stock up. Judy

 

[Neal]

I'm for it all including finding good wineries.