Taking Oregon trip what are the best places to visit?

Question

Im from Oregon. And Imy fiancee and I are panning a trip there from Illinois on Amtrak. He has lived in the midwest all his life and has never seen the ocean or mountains. In you opinion what are some of the best scenic and most beautifull spots to take him to? I personally love Heceta Head Lighthouse beach, and Cannon beach was always a favorite of mine. We would like to go to the beach,fish,maybe see some waterfalls ect.. Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

Tour the 101. I just got back from there. We drove the coast from Gold Coast down to California.

Bring a jacket and hat. It is cold!

Answer 2

go from Chicago to Spokane, Wa. [not much out of the way] then down the Columbia River to Portland. I came up the river in winter....should be just as good in summer, on Amtrak

Answer 3

So most likely, you will be coming down the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side in the train as you approach Portland in the morning.  You'll see the Columbia Gorge (river and cliffs, maybe waterfalls) in the morning light from the train.  I'll assume you will rent a car once you arrive in Portland and will have lots of time to drive the state.

Seeing that he has never seen real mountains or the ocean, doesn't narrow the options much for the great state of Oregon.  On the train, you will traverse the Rocky Mountains with some fairly amazing views, so lets focus on the Coast.

Driving 101 is certainly the most complete option for the "never-seen-the-ocean" set, but your time could be better optimized.  Seeing that you would not hesitate to go as far south as Heceta Head is a good sign.  Of course the southern end of the Oregon Coast is much more scenic than the northern end, but to a coastal newbie the northern coast will still take his breath away.  Go to Ecola State Park and Indian Beach.  Go to Cape Perpetua.  Go to Oregon Dunes.

If you want a stretch goal, go to Gold Beach and take the Rogue River jet boat full-day ride 62 miles up river to Paradise Lodge and back.  You should especially do this if you plan to go as far as Crater Lake.

Answer 4

Crater Lake, Mt. Bachelor, 3 sisters mountains, Mt. Hood, The Dalles, Hood River, The Oregon Vortex, Anthony Lakes recreational area, (Sumpter, Oregon), Baker City on the Oregon Trail, Oregon City....the end of the oregon trail,  Oregon Trail interpretive center at Baker City, Strawberry Wilderness area,  The underground Chinese Tunnels in Pendleton Oregon,  The Indian Interpretive Center at Pendleton Oregon, geez there is a lot of stuff there.  I live in Spokane, Washington, but I am always going to Eastern Oregon.   Let's see, then there is the Eagle Cap Wilderness at Enterprise, Oregon.  Tramway to the top during the summer.  Magnificent lake there too.

Answer 5

The Columbia Gorge and Bridal Veil Falls are breathtaking and near Portalnd.

Answer 6

I love Multnomah falls.  Another really fun thing to do is to take the jetboats on a 2 and a half hour trip down the river.  You go to Oregon City to the small falls.  Very fun and beautiful.  Portland City Grill is a fabulous restaurant you have to take him to.  If on a budget go for happy hour.  They have the best food for so cheap, totally gourmet and you're on the 30th floor and see all the mountains and the river.  Just gorgeous.  Tip for happy hour.  Starts at 4:30.  Get there by 3:45 to get a table.  :-)

Answer 7

crater lake

Answer 8

Hard to beat the Oregon Coast in the summer.  Start from the North and go South.  Forts, lighthouse, beaches, aquarium and a lot more to see.