- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Oregon Coast - July or October?
Posted on 2/3/25 at 9:15 pm
Posted on 2/3/25 at 9:15 pm
Hey everyone, looking for recommendations on when we should plan our trip to the Oregon coast! Right now we’re looking at arriving around July 11th or October 1st. Also a possibility that we could come in early June, but would prefer July or October, unless yall say different.
I understand that July provides us with a better chance of sunny days and less rain, but it obviously comes with a much higher price tag. Is the extra cost worth it, or is the weather in early October or June decent enough that we should roll the dice? If so, should we do June or October?
We’re a family of 4, two young kids. Never been to the Oregon coast before (or PNW for that matter). Tentatively looking at staying 2 nights in Cannon Beach, 2 nights in Newport, 2 nights in Florence, 4 nights in Bend and a few nights in Portland. Open to any suggestions, or must do’s for our itinerary - particularly things for the kiddos.
Thanks in advance for the tips - we’re very excited for this trip. Very jealous of y’all who live in Oregon, or nearby. Appears to be such a beautiful area!
I understand that July provides us with a better chance of sunny days and less rain, but it obviously comes with a much higher price tag. Is the extra cost worth it, or is the weather in early October or June decent enough that we should roll the dice? If so, should we do June or October?
We’re a family of 4, two young kids. Never been to the Oregon coast before (or PNW for that matter). Tentatively looking at staying 2 nights in Cannon Beach, 2 nights in Newport, 2 nights in Florence, 4 nights in Bend and a few nights in Portland. Open to any suggestions, or must do’s for our itinerary - particularly things for the kiddos.
Thanks in advance for the tips - we’re very excited for this trip. Very jealous of y’all who live in Oregon, or nearby. Appears to be such a beautiful area!
Posted on 2/3/25 at 9:46 pm to TheJunction
I fell in love with Oregon. I recommend trying bro spend a night at Crater lake. It’s worth shaving off a day or so from the coast to see it. I’ll try to organize my thoughts, but I’d love to retire there politics not withstanding.
Never Ben to bend, but all along the coast. Crater Lake, Mt Hood is beautiful with the Timberline lodge being memorable. Portland is cool. It’s sad to see what it’s become with the homeless encampments everywhere including all along the interstate
Never Ben to bend, but all along the coast. Crater Lake, Mt Hood is beautiful with the Timberline lodge being memorable. Portland is cool. It’s sad to see what it’s become with the homeless encampments everywhere including all along the interstate
Posted on 2/3/25 at 9:57 pm to RaginCajunz
Great to hear, would love to have your recommendations. We’re really excited, just the little bit of research I’ve done on the coast and Bend seems pretty awesome. Everything I see it’s “yep, want to do that” haha. Going to be tough to narrow the trip down so that we’re not running around to crazy.
Is Portland worth staying in, or should we stay on the outskirts? Haven’t fleshed out the Portland part of the trip yet, but I do know we want to do the Columbia River Gorge and my wife wants to do a day trip to the wine country — that’s why I’m saying Portland because that seems sort of in the middle, but definately up in the air.
We might have to reconsider Crater Lake - it keeps getting recommended. We have it off right now just because of how far the drive is - we’re already driving a lot and that seems like a good place to cut back some.
Is Portland worth staying in, or should we stay on the outskirts? Haven’t fleshed out the Portland part of the trip yet, but I do know we want to do the Columbia River Gorge and my wife wants to do a day trip to the wine country — that’s why I’m saying Portland because that seems sort of in the middle, but definately up in the air.
We might have to reconsider Crater Lake - it keeps getting recommended. We have it off right now just because of how far the drive is - we’re already driving a lot and that seems like a good place to cut back some.
This post was edited on 2/3/25 at 9:58 pm
Posted on 2/3/25 at 10:03 pm to TheJunction
We spent one night in Lake Oswego this past summer passing through. The suburbs mostly seem fine. LO is a pretty nice burb. Theres a good zoo and Japanese Garden. Lots of good food but my wife has low city tolerance and Portland has the sketchy big city trappings in spades. We just hit a few stores and got food passing through this past trip.
Astoria is a nice town. The goonies stuff and the tower was cool. I’ll try to piece a little recap together. Been three times now. The past two trips included going up through WA state as well
Astoria is a nice town. The goonies stuff and the tower was cool. I’ll try to piece a little recap together. Been three times now. The past two trips included going up through WA state as well
Posted on 2/4/25 at 7:21 am to TheJunction
the drive from bend to crater lake is beautiful and it takes you past newberry volcano which is a must stop. 2 nites in bend and 2 nites at crater lake is plenty. If anything I’d skip bend if we go back there again, but do not skip crater lake.
our trip was Eugene to bend to crater lake then on to Idaho. We came in to ORE from the gorge amphitheater in WA along the Columbia River which is also amazing. No wrong answers
our trip was Eugene to bend to crater lake then on to Idaho. We came in to ORE from the gorge amphitheater in WA along the Columbia River which is also amazing. No wrong answers
Posted on 2/4/25 at 7:36 am to TheJunction
I go every year to SW Oregon (North Bend/Coos Bay) to visit a friend, and it's amazingly beautiful. I've never been up the coast past Newport, really, but it's all incredible. July will be better weather, but October is actually a little more representative of Oregon weather.
Highly recommend Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay (about 10 miles north of Newport), and the Newport aquarium was interesting. They have sea lion rafts by the waterfront in Newport as well. I'd never seen sea lions before, and it was impressive. Those frickers are as loud as air horns and are huge.
Bandon is a cute little town and has world class golf if you're into that. Feel free to message me if you have questions.
Tidal Raves
Newport Aquarium
Bandon Dunes
Sea Lion Caves - Florence
Luna Sea Fish House

Highly recommend Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay (about 10 miles north of Newport), and the Newport aquarium was interesting. They have sea lion rafts by the waterfront in Newport as well. I'd never seen sea lions before, and it was impressive. Those frickers are as loud as air horns and are huge.
Bandon is a cute little town and has world class golf if you're into that. Feel free to message me if you have questions.
Tidal Raves
Newport Aquarium
Bandon Dunes
Sea Lion Caves - Florence
Luna Sea Fish House




Posted on 2/4/25 at 7:49 am to TheJunction
I'm actually looking to take a similar trip in late July - also with two young children.
My plan was fly into PDX, stay about two days in Portland or around Oswego (haven't decided this yet), then head out to coast.
I was planning on staying in Cannon Beach the rest of the time and making that the base, probably driving up to Astoria and Cape Disappointment. Likely 2 days Portland, 3-4 on the coast, 5-6 days total.
Thought about adding Bend or Crater Lake but think I'd rather devote a separate trip for that.
My plan was fly into PDX, stay about two days in Portland or around Oswego (haven't decided this yet), then head out to coast.
I was planning on staying in Cannon Beach the rest of the time and making that the base, probably driving up to Astoria and Cape Disappointment. Likely 2 days Portland, 3-4 on the coast, 5-6 days total.
Thought about adding Bend or Crater Lake but think I'd rather devote a separate trip for that.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 8:52 am to TheJunction
I have family in Oregon and go visit occasionally. So much to see and do. Might not be exactly what you asked for but here's my take:
Go to the Bend area and stay at Sun River Resort! This place has it all. Biking. Golf. Hiking trails. Tubing and Kayaking in season. Indoor pool. Rental homes are in the area and you can check them out on sites like VRBO or AirBNB. We rented a small house in the resort and it was perfect for the week.
Beautiful part of the state. Bend is amazing with all it's shops, restaurants, bars. Numerous hiking trails in the area. Tubing and kayaking in season. About 1 1/2 hours from Crater Lake, a MUST SEE!
Yachats would be a great coastal town to base in. Lots of bars, restaurants, hiking, tidal pools in the area.
Selected Photos Of Bend/Crater Lake Area
Other Oregon Pictures
Go to the Bend area and stay at Sun River Resort! This place has it all. Biking. Golf. Hiking trails. Tubing and Kayaking in season. Indoor pool. Rental homes are in the area and you can check them out on sites like VRBO or AirBNB. We rented a small house in the resort and it was perfect for the week.
Beautiful part of the state. Bend is amazing with all it's shops, restaurants, bars. Numerous hiking trails in the area. Tubing and kayaking in season. About 1 1/2 hours from Crater Lake, a MUST SEE!
Yachats would be a great coastal town to base in. Lots of bars, restaurants, hiking, tidal pools in the area.
Selected Photos Of Bend/Crater Lake Area
Other Oregon Pictures
This post was edited on 2/4/25 at 8:59 am
Posted on 2/4/25 at 9:02 am to TheJunction
I lived in W Oregon for 4 years. The rain has usually started by Oct and on the open coast that means high winds. Some people don't mind that and enjoy the lack of crowds. On the coast the Newport area has more to see and is more prosperous. Oregon State and NOAA have ocean research facilities there with visitor centers. Coos Bay is also interesting. South of Newport there isn't as much tourist money flowing in from Portland boosting the local economies. Logging and commercial fishing were the backbones of the coastal towns, and both industries have withered over last 50 years.
Whatever season you go in, the Pacific Ocean is cold. Beach weather is usually sweater or heavy-coat weather.
Portland has a great Museum of Science & Industry as well as a nice zoo. You can also book day cruises on the river. Weather in Oct could be an issue if you go as far into the mountains as far as Bend. Snow is only a slight possibility then, but the spectacular snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascades will most likely be hidden in rain clouds. I moved to Oregon in September and saw my 1st volcano in May!
Whatever season you go in, the Pacific Ocean is cold. Beach weather is usually sweater or heavy-coat weather.
Portland has a great Museum of Science & Industry as well as a nice zoo. You can also book day cruises on the river. Weather in Oct could be an issue if you go as far into the mountains as far as Bend. Snow is only a slight possibility then, but the spectacular snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascades will most likely be hidden in rain clouds. I moved to Oregon in September and saw my 1st volcano in May!
Posted on 2/4/25 at 12:10 pm to Tree_Fall
quote:
Tree_Fall
quote:
The rain has usually started by Oct
By rain - is it washout rain where you're stuck inside all day, or more of a dreary, on and off rain, where you can still get outside and do things but you might get a little wet? We don't mind the intermittent rain, but definitely don't want to do what we can to avoid the washouts. If the chances of a washout are much higher in October (or June) vs. July than we'll go in July, but if it's just a higher chance of intermittent rain than we'll probably do October (or June)
If we have the choice between flying in the first of October, or say the 5th of June, which would you pick?
quote:
but the spectacular snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascades will most likely be hidden in rain clouds. I moved to Oregon in September and saw my 1st volcano in May!
This a negative for sure.I know a lot of it just comes down to luck though, we could go in July and it rains half the trip, or we could go in October and its sunny all week.
This post was edited on 2/4/25 at 12:30 pm
Posted on 2/4/25 at 12:29 pm to shspanthers
quote:
shspanthers
Beautiful pictures - thanks for sharing! Really appreciate the recommendations. Will take a look at each.
quote:
cgrand
Thank you - I've read about newberry and we'd love to see that as well. Definitely rethinking our stance on Crater Lake.
quote:
metallica81788
Awesome - sounds like we'll just miss each other if we stick with our original plan (early-mid July). We've talked about shortening it up some and doing something similar. Our plan has a lot of driving for the kiddos.
quote:
Nole Man
Really appreciate all of your pictures and suggestions! How long would you stay in Bend? We were thinking 3-4 nights.
This post was edited on 2/4/25 at 12:36 pm
Posted on 2/4/25 at 12:56 pm to TheJunction
Fall weather is amazing but you just never know about the rain. The rain has been pushing further and further into later October these last 3 years though.
If I’m gambling I’m doing October. Just as much chance for rain in June but with a higher price tag. If it works out in October it’ll be beautiful.
quote:
or is the weather in early October or June decent enough that we should roll the dice? If so, should we do June or October?
If I’m gambling I’m doing October. Just as much chance for rain in June but with a higher price tag. If it works out in October it’ll be beautiful.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 1:08 pm to Tree_Fall
quote:
Weather in Oct could be an issue if you go as far into the mountains as far as Bend. Snow is only a slight possibility then, but the spectacular snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascades will most likely be hidden in rain clouds. I moved to Oregon in September and saw my 1st volcano in May!
The high desert only gets 12” of rain a year roughly and over 300 sunshine days. I think you’ve been unlucky.
The rain does dump on the mountains but in my experience seeing the mountains is not an issue. I’ve done it a lot so obviously my chances are higher but just saying.
Especially if you drive 26 over Hood and south on 97 to Bend. That is the most scenic drive and has you on the dry side of the cascades where your view west is much clearer.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 1:11 pm to TheJunction
If you want to go to Bend, I would suggest a route going to Hood River in the Gorge. It's about an hour and a half east of Portland. A stop at Multnomah Falls is super easy on the way. The view of Mt Hood from the Washington side of the Columbia is surreal.
If you stay the night, you can set your kids up to paddleboard or windsurf in the Columbia River. That would be a fun activity to do in Hood River. If you like breweries, pFriem is right on a waterfront park with a nice playground, and a great restaurant. Spectacular views. Enjoyable, even if you don't drink beer.
From Hood River, you can drive straight south, and make sure to stop and take pictures in Coves Palisades State Park and Smith Rock. Both great photo opportunities.
You can do it all in a day, if you skip wind surfing. Lunch in Hood River, and you can be in Bend before dark, even with stops at Cove Palisades and Smith Rock. You might enjoy staying the night in Hood River or at Timberline Lodge, and getting to Bend the following day.
Bend is great - a great hangout in the evening is a brewery called Crux Fermentation Project. If you know, you know. Great place to watch the sunset. Has a full service restaurant inside and a great open are with corn hole, adirondack chairs, food trucks, and live music. Fun and family friendly, even if you don't drink beer. I also recommend rafting down the Deschutes. Rafting is the wrong word. Floating is the right word. This is not an adrenaline rush trip. It is a relaxing float through the center of Bend with gorgeous scenery.
From Bend, you can stop at Crater Lake on the way to the ocean. I don't know that I would spend two nights there, because there is so much to see, elsewhere.
Florence and Newport are only about an hour apart. That's a lot of time dedicated to that area of the state. As someone mentioned, Astoria is a fun town, but it is just 30 minutes north of Cannon Beach, so you can go there on the side. If you go from Crater Lake to the ocean, the Oregon National Dunes are south of Florence. You can do some hiking there or rent a dune buggy. Also, the town of of Pacific City has a brewery that has the best view of any restaurant in Oregon, with the possible exception of Crater Lake at that time of year. It's truly spectacular and worth driving a little out of the way - good food, and it's on the beach, too.
One more stop for the kids - the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook. Best ice cream in the world. Super fresh.
So my reccommendation is to go East from Portland to Hood River on the Columbia River Gorge. Hang a right and go south to Bend, with stops in Coves Palisades and Smith Rock on the way to Bend.
From Bend, go south to Crater Lake - but only if the weather is good, which it should be in July. From Crater Lake, swing west and go to the ocean. Bandon, Coos Bay, and North Bend are in that area. Head up the coast to Florence, Yachats, Newport, Pacific City, Tillamook, Cannon Beach, and Astoria. Cannon Beach is only about 90 minutes from Portland.
You can choose where you want to spend the time, but I can assure you, you will pass through little towns that you'll just want to explore.
If you stay the night, you can set your kids up to paddleboard or windsurf in the Columbia River. That would be a fun activity to do in Hood River. If you like breweries, pFriem is right on a waterfront park with a nice playground, and a great restaurant. Spectacular views. Enjoyable, even if you don't drink beer.
From Hood River, you can drive straight south, and make sure to stop and take pictures in Coves Palisades State Park and Smith Rock. Both great photo opportunities.
You can do it all in a day, if you skip wind surfing. Lunch in Hood River, and you can be in Bend before dark, even with stops at Cove Palisades and Smith Rock. You might enjoy staying the night in Hood River or at Timberline Lodge, and getting to Bend the following day.
Bend is great - a great hangout in the evening is a brewery called Crux Fermentation Project. If you know, you know. Great place to watch the sunset. Has a full service restaurant inside and a great open are with corn hole, adirondack chairs, food trucks, and live music. Fun and family friendly, even if you don't drink beer. I also recommend rafting down the Deschutes. Rafting is the wrong word. Floating is the right word. This is not an adrenaline rush trip. It is a relaxing float through the center of Bend with gorgeous scenery.
From Bend, you can stop at Crater Lake on the way to the ocean. I don't know that I would spend two nights there, because there is so much to see, elsewhere.
Florence and Newport are only about an hour apart. That's a lot of time dedicated to that area of the state. As someone mentioned, Astoria is a fun town, but it is just 30 minutes north of Cannon Beach, so you can go there on the side. If you go from Crater Lake to the ocean, the Oregon National Dunes are south of Florence. You can do some hiking there or rent a dune buggy. Also, the town of of Pacific City has a brewery that has the best view of any restaurant in Oregon, with the possible exception of Crater Lake at that time of year. It's truly spectacular and worth driving a little out of the way - good food, and it's on the beach, too.
One more stop for the kids - the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook. Best ice cream in the world. Super fresh.
So my reccommendation is to go East from Portland to Hood River on the Columbia River Gorge. Hang a right and go south to Bend, with stops in Coves Palisades and Smith Rock on the way to Bend.
From Bend, go south to Crater Lake - but only if the weather is good, which it should be in July. From Crater Lake, swing west and go to the ocean. Bandon, Coos Bay, and North Bend are in that area. Head up the coast to Florence, Yachats, Newport, Pacific City, Tillamook, Cannon Beach, and Astoria. Cannon Beach is only about 90 minutes from Portland.
You can choose where you want to spend the time, but I can assure you, you will pass through little towns that you'll just want to explore.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 1:15 pm to TheJunction
I love the hight desert. I might add spending a day at the Lava Beds NP in Northern CA if the kids are old enough to go in the lava tube "caves". Very small crowds and pretty awesome, like a different planet.
Also, personally I would spend days in Arcata/Eureka/Trinidad and do Redwoods NP, instead of all the time in Bend. Fern canyon and the elk herd are a must. Good beaches for them too.
You could leave the CA coast and do the Lava Beds NP and stay in Suprise Valley California (not necessarily the same day). There is a hot spring hotel near Cedarville. This would get your high desert time in as well.
Brass Rail for Basque food in Alturas.
Also, personally I would spend days in Arcata/Eureka/Trinidad and do Redwoods NP, instead of all the time in Bend. Fern canyon and the elk herd are a must. Good beaches for them too.
You could leave the CA coast and do the Lava Beds NP and stay in Suprise Valley California (not necessarily the same day). There is a hot spring hotel near Cedarville. This would get your high desert time in as well.
Brass Rail for Basque food in Alturas.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 1:51 pm to TheJunction
There's a great fish restaurant in downtown Astoria that I think about daily almost 3 years after eating it.
South Bay Wild
The Astoria Column was cool.
South Bay Wild
The Astoria Column was cool.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 2:41 pm to TheJunction
quote:
TheJunction
If Bend becomes part of the trip don’t come in October.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 2:42 pm to TheJunction
I live in Bend.
Go in July. Forest fires are the name of the game in Summer.
There are less fires in July than October around these parts.
Go in July. Forest fires are the name of the game in Summer.
There are less fires in July than October around these parts.
Posted on 2/4/25 at 2:45 pm to TheJunction
quote:
Really appreciate all of your pictures and suggestions! How long would you stay in Bend? We were thinking 3-4 nights.
I think that's a good number. Keep in mind a drive to Crater Lake, which you must do, would take up the entire day minimum. I could easily see spending a week to 10 days in the area!
Posted on 2/4/25 at 4:44 pm to TheJunction
Like much of the PNW, western Oregon has a rainy fall and spring with moderate temperatures at lower elevations. Drizzle is more common than heavy rain. The locals waterproof their shoes...it can be a seasonal ritual.
My personal preference would be June travel. The Portland Rose Test Garden should be best then.
A couple of other suggestions. 1- look into Beaverton as a close-to-Portland place to stay. It's in a wine area and closer to the coast. 2- Also consider Eugene (EUG) as a place to fly in out of.
My personal preference would be June travel. The Portland Rose Test Garden should be best then.
A couple of other suggestions. 1- look into Beaverton as a close-to-Portland place to stay. It's in a wine area and closer to the coast. 2- Also consider Eugene (EUG) as a place to fly in out of.
Popular
Back to top
