Columbia River Gorge

Two days seems long for the gorge unless you are a wind or kite surfer. Don’t short your time between the Gorge and Crater Lake, many great stuff like Bend, Sisters, Newberry Crater (DO NOT MISS THIS!, it’s National Park worthy), etc.

Hood River would be the best place to stay. Start on the Oregon side from Portland and visit Crown Point and the chain of waterfalls heading east. Across the Bridge of the Gods on the Washington side is Beacon Rock, an 848 ft. tall monolith along the river. Multiple good breweries in both Cascade Locks and Hood River.

Hood River is really youre only option and its a good one. If you want to stay on the Washington side then Society Hotel Bingen is a good option. Maryhill is a good winery on the Washington side too but it's a little further east. I'd just stay in Hood River though

Newberry Crater:

View from Paulina Peak of the twin crater lakes. Three Sisters in the distance:



View of the obsidian flow towering over forest:




Paulina Falls:

thank you. we are currently planning on two nights in the gorge area followed by one night in Klamath falls (to see crater lake) then three nights in the coast. Would you suggest only doing one night in the gorge area? and then adding another night near crater lake ?

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two nights in the gorge area followed by one night in Klamath falls

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From the Gorge to Klamath Falls is a loooong way. 5 hours easily. You might think of doing Bend instead of Klamath unless you have a reason to go.

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Would you suggest only doing one night in the gorge area?

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That would probably depend on what time you arrived there. Are you spending any time in Seattle or Portland prior? Or are you just heading down straight from SEATAC as soon as the plane lands?

You can do the highlights of the gorge in one day but that doesn't work if you get there at 5 pm.

Thank you. Current plan is below. Would appreciate any feedback.

Day 1 - Land in Seattle at 10 AM - Drive to Ashford. Spend that afternoon hiking and stay at an AIRBNB. Next day hike, head back to Seattle after lunch

Day 2-3 - Seattle - Dinner, museums, Pike market, Sailing cruise. Head to Port Angeles on Day 4

Day 4 - Overnight in Port Angeles Olympic Park, see Hurricane Ridge, Etc

Day 5 - More Olympic - Hue rain forest, beaches, overnight in Forks.

Day 6 - Morning in Olympic then head towards Columbia Gorge Check out part of the gorge area as time allows. Overnight in Hood River

Day 7-8 - More Gorge area stuff and hikes. Head towards Bend/Kalamata Falls. either do two nights in bend or the falls...open to suggestions.

Day 9-11 - Oregon Coast/Pacific Beach - Dory fishing two days in Pacific City

Day 12 - Back to seattle to fly out the next morning.


I know its a lot of driving but we are a road trip family. Daughter really wants to see seattle and sons primary request was crater lake and fishing. I am easy and just like seeing new places (and brewpubs). Bonus for any recommendations for restaurants or must sees in any of these areas.

Thank you for any recommendations.

OK, that's a little rushed - doable maybe but rushed, especially if you plan on hiking. My suggestion would be to omit Olympic, spend more time at Ranier and go counterclockwise around Oregon.

My suggestion:

1. Seattle
2. Seattle
3. Mt. Ranier - explore paradise area, overnight Ashford
4. Mt. Ranier - explore sunrise area, overnight Ashford
5. Northern Oregon Coast - Seaside, Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, overnight Pacific city
6. Central Oregon Coast - fishing, overnight Pacific City
7. Central Oregon Coast - drive down coast, overnight ???
8. Southern Oregon Coast, overnight Crescent City
9. Redwoods at Jebediah Smith or Redwoods NP, overnight Crescent City
10. Crater Lake NP, overnight Bend
11. Bend area activities, overnight Bend
12. Smith Rock Park, Mt. Hood, Columbia Gorge, overnight Vancouver
13. Fly home