I'm off in the morning for a week in the Portland OR area. I want to see the Spruce Goose but my hosts aren't outdoorsy so they probably don't know what I should see to satisfy my outdoor curiosities. What do you locals recommend I see while in the area?

East on I84 to the US30 secnic route. You'll also go past Multnomah Falls, gotta stop. If you have the time, make a day trip to Tillamook and the cheese factory. US26 west to Hwy6 to Tillamook. Follows the Wilson River a good way's. From there go north on US101 to Astoria and back to Portland on US30. Maybe a trip to the Mt Hood ski lodge. I'm 61 and the last time I was there I was about 4, I need to go up again. I'll think some more on it.

almost forgot. Take US26 east to the east side of Sandy to Clamity Jane's. Any kinda of hamburger you can think of. Spruce Goose is over in McMinville.

A lot of rain......

Mostly tree huggers........

I made my first visit to Portland in August, and I heartily endorse Don's recommendation to see the falls about an hour's drive up the Columbia River.

Portland is the world's microbrew capital, if you're into beers. McMennimen's (sp?) has multiple locations and their fish and chips (halibut) that I had was fantastic. There are about 1000 other microbreweries to visit, it seems.

I contacted Leupold about a factory tour, but they don't offer it.

I'd also second Don's reccomendation.

When I have business visitors I tell them to take the "Historic Columbia River Hwy" to Multnomah Falls. Then take I84 E to Hood river. Take Hwy 35 S to 26 W. Then up to Timberline Lodge (pretty cool place built in the depression). Then back down 26 to Portland. (you'll go by the burger place on this leg).

Nice big loop that has some amazing vistas.

This takes the better part of the day.

If you go see the Spruce goose, you'll be on your way to the coast. If you keep going past Mcminville, you'll end up in Lincoln City on the coast, then up the coast to Tillimook (Hwy 101). You can then visit the creamery (I highly reccomend the Smoked White Sharp Cheddar, can't get it anywhere else, so stock up). You can then either head back to Portland alond Hwy 6, or go up along US 101 to either Cannon Beach or on to Astoria. At either town you can work your way back over the Coast range to Portland.

Another big loop.

Enjoy your stay and be sure to try a couple of brewries (Bridge Port and/or Black Lab) as well as McMinnamins.

-Steve

quote:

Originally posted by bearcat:
Mostly tree huggers........

Not all of them... just way too many of them...

Yea, I know, I have a Sister that lives in the Portland area. I tell her that I feel sorry for her all the time . Being a Non Western Oregonian along with you I'm sure you share my frustation of being "ran" by 2-3 counties in the loony lib sector.

Befor you come back aroung Hwy35 check to see if it's open again. It's been closed for quite awhile for some reason.

There is a wildlife refuge near Jewell (sp?) west of the Portland areasuresure and east of Astoria. A herd of Roosevelt elk winter there. May be too late in the year to see them now i'm not sure, but some of those bulls are fantastic .

Go to the Zoo!! It's on the light rail route from downtown and (I think) is at the top of the hill between Portland and Beaverton.

It's a great zoo with lots of excellent exibits

Go see Nike town and be like Mike. Also OMSI (Oregon museum of science and industry)is very interesting for kids if you are taking any along. Lots of great microbrews as someone else stated. Maybe the Trailblazers are playing in town. I know alot of these are indoors not outdoors. Have fun.

The Danner factory / outlet.

If you have some time run up the gorge and look for Big Horn on the south side. I'm having a brain fart as to the name but you can't miss the rimrock.

Do a micro-brew tour.

Danner
Leupold
Columbia cruise on the steernwheeler
Always stop by the Dancin Bear for a steak

head about an hour north and check out Mt. St. Helens. If you are into fishing, you may be able to book a guide for some steelhead.

Silverfalls state park, just outside of salem.

there are about 10 really good water falls in a 7mile loop. or a smaller 5 mile loop you can see most of them. its great this time of year lots of water.

Wine tours in the Williamette Valley are a must do as well. Drive out 99W or down 47. If you want more Info send me a note I'd be happy to talk on the phone or email more.

If you take the loop through Tillamook to Astoria,
Hike down to Short Sands Beach at Oswald West State Park, (about 30 miles north of Tillamook) About 7 miles North of there drive into Ecola State Park Go all the way to Indian Beach, These are two of the truely magic places on this earth.

stop in and see the big sitka spruce off of Highway 26 just outside of seaside.

Eat at camp 18 on highway 26, 18 miles from the coast best for dinner.

Downtown portland go to one of the Jakes for happy hour 4-6.

City grill is a great place for late night drinks and a great view of the city.

Thanks guys!
I got your messages when I got to Portland. I couldn't have seen everything suggested. I could have filled several weeks of vacation. But, I did see enough of the city and environs to wish I lived there. I also stumbled on an old army buddy in Seattle and the wife and I met them for dinner.
A good time was had by all.