Community Forums

henboy · 08-22-2014, 11:14 PM

We will be traveling from Georgia to Yellowstone NP, Teton NP, Glacier NP, then west to Port Angeles, Wa (Victoria, BC), south to Seaside Beach and Lincoln City, OR.

Our plans are about complete thru Lincoln City, Oregon.

Instead of heading south to Crater Lake from Lincoln City, and down thru N. California, should we consider looping back east to see the Columbia River Gorge, then go south thru Bend and on to Crater Lake??

The loop would add about 120 miles, 2 hours drive time, plus sight- seeing time, and a night (probably in Bend rather than near Crater Lake).

Thanks in advance!!

DallasOregon · 08-22-2014, 11:23 PM

Yes.

henboy · 08-22-2014, 11:34 PM

Sorry, I did not finish my thought...

DW wonders if missing the Oregon coast south of Lincoln City is a smart trade-off for the Columbia River Gorge/Bend route.

DallasOregon · 08-22-2014, 11:38 PM

I thought of at already. I think it is. If you do go to the gorge, go to Vista House, and Multnomah Falls. Take the old highway from the Vista house to the falls. It is nice, after reading about it at VH.

DallasOregon · 08-22-2014, 11:41 PM

I just went a week ago. Here are my pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=c2ff57a4c1

DAN L · 08-23-2014, 01:10 AM

We free boondocked 3 nights at an indian casino at the intersection of 97 & 62, 35 mi. e. of crater lake. We made day trips to cr lk in Our toad.
The casino has good security, good food, and low priced fuel.

FLYING BUTCH · 08-23-2014, 07:54 AM

Both areas of Oregon are beautiful. For me I would trade the coast for the george though. It really is something to see. Hit the places mentioned above. If ya can try to go to the coast also. Not that far away. Been here two months and no better weather (in the summer only) than Oregon.

Enjoy and safe travels

MaverickBBD · 08-23-2014, 05:31 PM

You will get a "taste" of the Oregon coast from Lincoln City north. You could take 'the gorge' either 84 or 14. You could also head north and take 2 or 20 across and 97 down to 90. I see you are going to do the Oly Peninsula so it wouldn't be out of the way to take the ferry from Pt. Townsend and pick up 20 all the way over.

jbprac · 08-24-2014, 12:05 AM

Both the gorge and the coast are great. This time of year I would take the coast for weather, and because it gets more beautiful as you go South. You can easily go East from the coast and go to Crater Lake from about anywhere on the coast, but don't wait too long. It starts snowing early up there. I am on the central Oregon coast.

henboy · 08-24-2014, 12:16 PM

1. Best route to see the Gorge: 14 Washington side, or 84 in Oregon?

2. Heading south to Bend: 35 out of Hood River or 197 out of The Dalles?

Thanks!!

DallasOregon · 08-24-2014, 07:26 PM

I would say 84. Bend, not sure.

lymanlouis · 08-24-2014, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henboy

1. Best route to see the Gorge: 14 Washington side, or 84 in Oregon?

2. Heading south to Bend: 35 out of Hood River or 197 out of The Dalles?

Thanks!!

1. Both are great. 84's the Interstate with all that implies: traffic, limited access, wide shoulders, higher speeds. Highlight is the Multnomah Falls stop (caution for the center lane exit). Hwy 14 is 2-laned, winding, and easily manageable in an RV. I used to run semi-trucks on both sides of the river and both are great. One of my favorite drives is east on 14, cross at Cascade Locks (Bridge of the Gods) and then back west on 84.

2. Not as familiar with these routes. I've done both but not recently. My recollection of Hwy 35 is it's very mountainous with narrow lanes and few pullouts. Maybe someone with more recent experience can comment.

It's a tossup on the coast versus the gorge. Both are spectacular.

no3putt · 08-24-2014, 08:38 PM

Did WA and OR last summer, Brookings is a nice stop, nice state park there. In the Creater Lake Area we stayed at Collier Memorial State Park, nice park, full hookups and about a hour away from Creater Lake. If staying in OR state parks, reserve early for spaces on the coast. We wentdown the coast all the way to redwoods and then back up on 97 towards Bend.

Highway 4x4 · 08-24-2014, 10:34 PM

I did Oregon this summer as that is where OutdoorsRV and all Northwood products are made. If you are headed that way stay at Ft Stevens on the mouth of the Columbia river. From there day trip to Cannon Beach and Seaside. Lots of Lewis and Clark stuff around there. Then just head east on the Columbia. Go through Pendelton, then be sure to see Sisters, great RV resort there. In the Crater Lk area, Stewarts Lost lake or something like that is State Campground. If you have to choose between Nor Cal and Oregon, its Oregon every time. JMHO, Coast beats gorge and Lincoln City is not my favorite. BTW, watch the wind in the gorge.