paulj
Seattle
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Joined: 06/11/2007
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Oregon DOT tripcheck does not list any road closures around the Bend area due to fire.
The drive up 97 to the Columbia is a larger part of the trip than the drive west to Portland. The scenery, of course, is quite different.
While people have talked about the campground and sights around Maryhill on the Washington side, keep in mind the the US97 bridge is closed for construction. So to see those you have to detour either east or west.
In general the bluffs above the river are higher and steeper on the Oregon side. I84 runs close to the river below those. That means you have to crane your neck and look up to see the nearby ones - all the time paying attention to freeway traffic. From the Washington side you get a wider view, but from a two lane highway. Unless you make an effort to get off the freeway, you'll be in Portland before you have taken in the sights.
But if you have time, and can stay at campgrounds along the way there are a number of side trips you could take in the toad. Hwy 35 south from Hood River takes you up to Mt Hood. The Hood River area is also orchard country. There's an old scenic road that runs high on the bluffs, getting you closer to the many waterfalls.
On the Washington side there sights like Beacon Rock, and Cape Horn. I also like driving north on paved forest service roads to the east side of Mt St Helens - though access to the monument may still be closed. Further east in Washington is Mt Adams. I like the dry canyon country drives in Klicitat county as far east as Goldendale.
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Don and Eileen
Here, there, and everywhere (formerly MA)
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Joined: 09/28/2003
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We're staying at Diamond Lake tonight (thanks to suggestions here). Here for the next day or 2. We're geatful for all your suggestions - are planning to stay in the Bend area before going to the gorge. Any campground favorites in Bend? As always, Thanks.
Don and Eileen
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Litch
Truckee, CA
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Joined: 07/02/2002
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Don and Eileen wrote:We're staying at Diamond Lake tonight (thanks to suggestions here). Here for the next day or 2. We're geatful for all your suggestions - are planning to stay in the Bend area before going to the gorge. Any campground favorites in Bend? As always, Thanks.
In Bend there is Crown Villa, which is a very high end RV Resort, and Tumalo State Park which has hook ups and is typical of the Oregon State Parks, by that I mean very nice. In Sisters, Mountain Shadows RV park, but day trips to Sisters from the Bend area is easy. The drive I suggested in an earlier post about 242 from Sisters really is a great trip and well worth it, but only in the toad.
2006 Chevy HD LBZ Duramax/Allison
2006 Holiday Rambler Savoy 30sks
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paulj
Seattle
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Google Maps has street view images along both sides of the Columbia Gorge, extending as far east of US97/Maryhill. And south along 197/97 almost to Madras.
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Don and Eileen
Here, there, and everywhere (formerly MA)
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Thanks again, everyone... We're leaving Crater Lake tomorrow. The weather has caused some disappointment with not being able to fully enjoy the color of the lake, but we're glad we came.
We're heading to Tumalo State Park tomorrow -- thank you all, again, for your Bend/Sisters suggestions. We're looking forward to some time there.
Donn -- we appreciate the campground recommendations. We are, in fact, heading down the coast. Now, an important question. Do you remember the name of the chowder place you mentioned (near Winchester Bay)?
:-)
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TahoeBob85
SoCal
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Wife & I spent 2 weeks along the Gorge this July. Prefer OR side but can cross over to WA to explore. We loved the town of Hood River & stayed at a beautiful state park near there called Mamaloose. If you continue East toward Idaho, don't miss Farewell Bend near OR /ID border.
Bob & Judy
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Don and Eileen wrote:Thanks again, everyone... We're leaving Crater Lake tomorrow. The weather has caused some disappointment with not being able to fully enjoy the color of the lake, but we're glad we came.
We're heading to Tumalo State Park tomorrow -- thank you all, again, for your Bend/Sisters suggestions. We're looking forward to some time there.
Donn -- we appreciate the campground recommendations. We are, in fact, heading down the coast. Now, an important question. Do you remember the name of the chowder place you mentioned (near Winchester Bay)?
:-)
Sorry, I don't it has been several years since I was last there. But, if you camp at Winchester Bay RV park, right on the water, if you drive around the boat basin and go to the north end of the basin there is a string of charter places and one dinky restaurant near the shore end.
Donn
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Lauren
Sahuarita, AZ (or on the road!)
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Last time we were there was 2007 and, yes, there is only one place out there amongst the slips, parking, etc. We have stayed at the RV park there 3 times and love it.
Lauren - DW Barbara - "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 with TrailAir
2006 Chev 3500 3LT Ext Cab 4x4 360HP Dmax 6 Spd Allie
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Don and Eileen
Here, there, and everywhere (formerly MA)
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Okay, so here's the HOT question. As New Englanders we're partial to the creamy chowder as opposed to Manhattan-style (tomato based broth.) So, how does Oregon do it?
This could open up another whole string!
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frmAloha
Oregon
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Joined: 04/05/2007
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Clam chowder in the northwest is milk-based. Enjoy!
the 3Dees
Dad, Daughter and Dog
All retired w/
2000 31' SurfSide Class A
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