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Old 12-15-2015, 04:15 PM
 
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What I would suggest is going from Portland to Astoria via Hwy 30 along the Columbia River.
Then drive all the way down the coast to the Redwoods in Northern California. Bring a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars in the Redwoods. On a clear night, it's magical.
From there, take Hwy 199 back into Oregon and make a side trip to The Oregon Caves. After that get back on Hwy 199 going north and head over to Crater Lake.
From there I would go northeast to The Crooked River Gorge via Hwy 97.
At this point, if going to Eugene and Corvallis is a must, then turn back and go through Sisters Oregon and on to Eugene via Hwy 126. After Eugene you can head up to Corvallis and then to Portland.
However, if you can skip Eugene and Corvallis, I would go from the Crooked River Gorge up to Mt Hood and enjoy a night at Timberline Lodge. After that go around the east side of Mt Hood via Hwy 35 and head north to I-84. Then you can go down the Columbia River Gorge back into Portland.

This would be a LOT of driving but you would see the very best of Oregon. My wife and I have done this trip a few times. Once many years ago on a Honda Rebel 250 in just 3 days. Our backsides were sore but it was an amazing ride!
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Old 12-17-2015, 06:56 AM
McJ McJ started this thread
 
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This trip is part scenic vacation - part city scouting. I'm looking to make a move in the future so I wanted to pop into a couple small college towns to see what I thought.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell Plotts View Post
What put Eugene & Corvallis on your list?
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Old 12-17-2015, 06:58 AM
McJ McJ started this thread
 
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Thanks darnselfly! I've added this to my list. I'm now thinking I need to extend my stay. So much to see


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Originally Posted by darnselfly View Post
If you do go through Bend and have time, Smith Rocks State Park is About 40 minutes north and is spectacular. Makes a nice contrast to some of the other scenery along your route.
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Old 12-17-2015, 04:37 PM
 
Location: Portland, Oregon
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If you are considering college towns you definitely should extend your visit and take a look at Newberg (George Fox University) and McMinnville (Linfield College) as well. They are on the outskirts of Portland Metro.
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Old 12-18-2015, 02:30 AM
 
Location: Mountains of Oregon
17,635 posts, read 22,643,465 times
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Originally Posted by McJ View Post
I'm looking to take a 5 day road trip in Oregon in July. We will be flying in and out of Portland. We want to see the coast, Eugene, Crater Lake, Bend and Corvallis. What is the best route to take? Also, is there an area that I'm missing that I should add?
Thanks!
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Old 12-24-2015, 06:21 PM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell Plotts View Post
If you are considering college towns you definitely should extend your visit and take a look at Newberg (George Fox University) and McMinnville (Linfield College) as well. They are on the outskirts of Portland Metro.
Definitely add these towns to your list,^^^ but... I would chose to enjoy the north Oregon Coast and forego the south / mid coast. (unless you plan to live there). You can loop through the Northern OR college towns and add Forest Grove, OR (Pacific U) and head to Cannon Beach then south to Newport and head into Monmouth and Corvallis (if you so desire).

This list is missing colleges in Bend, The Dalles, and Roseburg, OR (likely others). Do add them to your quest!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...e_towns#Oregon


The route to Crater Lake using 138 (Roseburg to Diamond Lake) is very nice and scenic. Lots of good places for camping (future trips).


Do you have access to VA medical? If so, Roseburg is a good option for a retirement location.

On your way back to PDX from Bend / Crater Lake, head to The Dalles, and you can see the very worthwhile Columbia Gorge.

Nice museum in The Dalles (Lewis and Clark + Columbia River history), then Hood River (has satellite CGCC campus) and a lot of brew pubs / coffee. Don't miss the visitor's center / fish ladders and hatchery / gardens at Bonneville Dam, and then take the Scenic Highway on into Troutdale with spectacular vistas. (Multnomah Falls has a very nice restaurant).

https://www.google.com/search?q=colu...IVBJMNCh0Trw6Q
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