Traveling to Washington/Oregon this summer - what CAN'T MISS places shoud I put on my itinerary?

Question

Flying into Portland. Have relatives in Seattle we want to visit and also going to an event to attend in Eugene.

We love natural scenic beauty and historical culture sites.

I know about Mt St Helens, Ranier, Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge -- Can't see everything but what should we absolutely not miss?

Answer 1

My wife and I vacationed there last summer. We flew into Seatlle and drove across Rainier down to Yakima to Maryville on the Columbia River. We spent two nights at the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River before heading to Portland, Tillamook, and back to Seattle. I also spent a summer in Hood River in 1993.

You can't go to the CRG without hiking up the Multnomah Falls trail, but don't stop there. Most people get to the top, take a few photos, and scramble back down the trail. Take the time to hike at least part of the trails at the top of the falls. It is usually not very crowded and the natural beauty is amazing.

If you are into it, I would check out Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. It is a fairly scenic drive with a number of trails and parks on the side of the road. Most of the trails were closed last summer due to wildfires, but I seem to recall them being very nice and a good place for a picnic back in the day. The lodge itself is beautiful and has a rich history.

If you are interested in camping or an afternoon hike, I highly recommend Lost Lake. It is a gorgeous lake with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood (when the clouds aren't in the way). The hike around the lake is easy and the water is crystal clear. You should still be able to rent paddleboats or canoes if you want to experience the lake.

Sounds like you have a pretty good list already. You might want to check on Mt. Rainier's access before you go. I have some friends that live there and they told us that winter flooding had washed out a number of roads leading into the park. Mt. Hood also had some flooding that washed out a section of Hwy. 35 last October. I'm not sure if the road is open yet. This could limit you access from the Gorge.

If I had it to do over, I would have spent more time hiking or just sitting and less time driving. We missed Crater Lake because of all the other driving. There are very few place you can visit in that area that aren't beautiful. The problem is being able to slow down long enough to enjoy it.

Answer 2

Levanworth,Wa.
The scenery and buying salmon from the local Indian kids in the RV park.The Natives are the only one's allowed by law to fish the salmon out of the river there.
Very tasty.

Answer 3

I'm going to be staying here in a couple weeks:

http://www.hecetalighthouse.com/