Community Forums

smlranger · 02-05-2014, 01:49 PM

I retire on May1

. We want to hit the road as much as we can but I have at least one complication for this year at least. Due to a recent health issue, I will need some follow up diagnostics every three months this year (March, June, Sept, Dec.). However, we want to go back out West again. We've done two separate one month long trips in the past and really saw a lot on those trips. Both of our previous trips were from early Sept thru early October (Black Hills, RMNP, GC, Monument Valley, Texas panhandle, then Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Bryce). This year, we'd like to see Glacier then get to Oregon.

In 2015, hopefully, I will be able to travel for 6 months at a time so will have fewer restrictions.

So, what is optimal time to visit Oregon in terms of weather? We can leave home in early June but must be back by early September.

bdickson · 02-05-2014, 01:57 PM

We spent 5 months volunteering in Oregon last year. I'd say anytime in your June to September window would be good. Seemed like a lot of vacation related services were starting to close down soon after Labor Day.

wackymac · 02-05-2014, 02:07 PM

If you are going to the Oregon coast, take a jacket with you--any time of the year.

450Donn · 02-05-2014, 02:08 PM

Really depends on the region you want to visit. Oregon has 4 distinct regions with vastly different weather in each region. For instance, the best time to visit the coast is September. The valley August/September. The mountains, July/August. Central/eastern June and September. July and August can be really hot in the high desert of Central and eastern Oregon.

smlranger · 02-05-2014, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn

Really depends on the region you want to visit. Oregon has 4 distinct regions with vastly different weather in each region. For instance, the best time to visit the coast is September. The valley August/September. The mountains, July/August. Central/eastern June and September. July and August can be really hot in the high desert of Central and eastern Oregon.

Just looking at the map and thinking of the June - September travel period, I would think from Glacier we would come down thru Washington and get on I-84 over to the Mr. Hood area, then on down along the west coast to Junction City. We have a CC and had planned to get a few things checked at the CC service center. From there, we would head across the state due east back into Idaho and meander toward home.

450Donn · 02-05-2014, 08:37 PM

OK, Lets see, I90 west to Ritzville,WA, 395 south to I82 to I84 west to I205 south to I5 south to Junction City (Eugene). This route is great for getting from point A to point B in a hurry. Not scenic in the least except for Multnomah Falls. From Eugene you absolutely must go up the Mckenzie hwy thru Sisters and Bend. From there again there is not a lot except high desert until you get to Ontario and I84 again east.

no3putt · 02-05-2014, 08:43 PM

We spent last July and August doing WA and OR, weather was great in both states but as someone else noted come 1 Sep some places start to close down for the winter. If you are going to drive 101 along the coast, drive north to south so all the pull outs are on your right so they are easy in and easy out.

bdpreece · 02-05-2014, 08:50 PM

Have lived in Oregon all my life. When working we never planned a camping vacation before the middle of July. If you want to do the coast September is about as good as it gets, plenty of sun, less wind, and the kids are back in school so the campgrounds are not crowded.

FLYING BUTCH · 02-06-2014, 05:56 AM

I also lived there for many years. Couldn't agree more with what has been stated. July 5th through September. No kidding, spend more July 4th inside because of rain than outside, but middle of July no better place. We still go back every year. Pretty pretty, lots to do and great weather. Oh yea no sales tax!!

OLYLEN · 02-06-2014, 08:12 AM

Don't forget as you are close the NW coast of Washington. The Olympia Peninsula, the Strait of Juan De Fuca, Wild life viewing and mountains, Sea shore and several types of beach's from sand to sandstone to large round gravel all on the Pacific coast. Also don't forget Mt Rainer National Park and St Helen's Volcano monument and grat camping area's for all.

LEN

CCFROMFL · 02-21-2014, 04:50 PM

Lived in both Seattle and Portland. It was always said that summer did not begin until the first of July. Wife and I were in the Seattle area in 2012 and weather for us was cold (we are from Florida) morning is the mid 40's but by noon time was very nice. Had a few days of typical drizzle or liquid sunshine. But in all that area of the world is beautiful