Road trip Il to Oregon

[D Baker]

Hello

I am thinking of taking a trip to Oregon, Via my 03 and Bigfoot camper. I was looking at northern Oregon and would like to make it to the coast. I like to fish, hike,site see and just R&R. I told my wife this won't be just a fishin trip . I have been as far west as Yellow Stone and I know what there is to do along the way to that point. But I am looking for some thoughts for the rest of the trip. I will only have 2 weeks and will do the trip some time in June. I have been to Alaska twice (stayed 2 weeks each time) and rented a motor home when I got there. The worst time I ever had ( just trying to keep it for myself). So I am looking for something like Alaska but in the lower 48. Is this possible?

Thank you in advance for your comments

Don

 

[smartineau]

You won't find anything like Alaska in Oregon.



But for fishing, it depends on when you are out west, you may catch a salmon run. If not there is always sturgeon fishing on the Columbia, or bottom fishing off the coast.



The Oregon coast is beautiful!



Depending on which route you are going southern OR, Crater Lake is a nice to see as is The Oregon Caves. If you go northern OR The Columbia River Gorge, and cross over into WA and go see MT St Helens.



steve

 

[paccool]

Go to the St Helens visitor center and then up the canyon to some of the overlooks.



Then, if you have time, there is the brewery in Tumwater Washington and then up 101 to the Olympic Pennensula. The west side of the pennensula is pretty country. Back down the coast to Astoria.



There is more stuff to see and do than you will have time for!



Anyway, have a real good time and be safe. Enjoy the scenery, catch some fish.

 

[JDanford]

Oregon

I married a Baker; must be a relative! You rich? Seriously, Oregon's a beautiful place. Take it from a transplanted Minnesotan. If you go the Northern route, through Boise on I-84, stop off in Baker City & see the BLM Oregon Trail Interpretive Center; it's about a 2-hour self-guided tour looking at lots of the pioneer's diaries & journals, old photos; really worth seeing. Lots of Baker's came out this way in covered wagons, so probably some of your folks! While you're there, some of the best crappie & bass fishing in the state is in the Snake River impoundments, Brownlie, Oxbow & Hells Canyon reservoir's, all on the Idaho border; plus it's breathtaking scenery. Lots of good trout streams in the northeastern part of the State, as well. Then, you could either veer down toward the center of the state, over around Bend, & see some more nice country; big mountains with snow on them still in June; or, as the others have said, pass through the Columbia River gorge & then over through Portland and on to the coast. Lots of campgrounds all up and down the coast, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding nice places to stay, and quite reasonable. Have a nice trip!

 

[Prairie Dog]

I agree with everyone here. Oregon is a beautifully place for camping, especially the coast. Also there are some nice campgrounds in or near the Indian reservations that are close to several natural hot springs. And of course my own state of Washington has every kind of environment , from dessert to rain forest and from the thickly forested mountains with great streams and lakes to the coast with it's clean sandy beaches, you wouldn't be disappointed.

 

[Photoman]

I live in Hillsboro, Oregon, which is about a little over an hour to the coast. We have a 28' fifth wheel and have been rv'ing around the state for many years. Yes, I am a fisherman. Oregon is glorious in the summer and you will find fish somewhere. A couple of suggestions. Oregon has three different climate zones. The coastal area is usually about 10-15 degrees cooler at anytime and you can get fog or low clouds even during the summer-but fairly pleasant nevertheless. The least amount of tourists and the best fishing is probably on the Southern Oregon Coast (please don't flame me Oregonians, this is just an opinion) There are fewer people and lots of good bass lakes and trout streams. You can (if the Salmon season is open that week-changes frequently) also charter a space on a party boat for Salmon or bottom fish. Our favorite areas are near Florence, Oregon and Brookings. On the north coast, we normally stay at Bayshore RV Park which overlooks a scenic (small) bay called Netarts Bay. Just south of Tillamook, Oregon. You can ocean perch fish from the shore. If you get serious about Netarts p. m. me and I will e-mail you with my hot spot. In central Oregon, our absolute favorite lake is Big Lava lake outside Bend, Oregon. Nice RV Park and boat rentals. Trout average 12" and up. Great bird watching. Keep in mind that this is a high lakes area (elevation 3-4k) and it can get chilly at night, even in June. Lots of high lakes in this area to fish. The lakes are on what is called the Century Drive. Lots to do in Bend. Desert museum, lava caves, golf courses galore. Best of luck with your trip. Feel free to e-mail with additional questions. Actually, I am leaving for Netarts tommorrow-hopefully the ocean perch are biting-fish tacos, yum yum. Regards

 

[DIESELMAN]

PDog - I am stopping in Washington on my way to Alaska in June, where's a good spot to camp, 32' RV, near the coast, to throw a crab trap in the water for a crab boil?

 

[Bob Wagner]

you guys passin through need to look us up.



we have friendly get togethers and plenty of BS and Oysters



http://www.nwbombers.com





take a look

 

[Sparky10]

I am located in La Pine, Oregon, which is about 20 miles south of Bend in Central Oregon. Great place to live and visit. If you get bored here then you are a very boring person! Tons to things to see and do here. Lava Cave, High Desert Museum, Mount Bachelor, Crater Lake, and for sure drive the Cascades Lakes Highway for some great camping and fishing spots.



The wife and I are also planning on a trip this June all around the state. We are heading to the southern coast first around Brookings and working our way up the coast to Astoria and then follow the Columbia to Pendleton, LaGrande then back home.



Might see you along the way!!



Take Care, Scott

 

[paccool]

Scott, I passed through your area last week on my way home from Montana (business trip). I'll be back up that way soon, I'll try to contact you , maybe we can have a cup of coffee or something.

 

[Sparky10]

Paccool,



You bet stop by. If it's during the work day stop at the Fire Station in town. I'll be there! Always ready for a cup of coffee if some else is buying!



Any other time of the day or weekend, stop there too and the on duty crew will know how to contact me.



Scott

 

[merryman]

On the other hand;

I live on the Oregon Coast now (Lived in Medford for 30 some years), and when I get the chance I go to Eastern Oregon.

I love the high desert----places like Steens Mts, The trout creek Mts.

and untill a big fire messed it up pretty good, my favorite place was Winter Ridge, but the the far north east corner is hard to beat; to me its all better than the coast--excluding all cities with a population greater than a couple hundred. I like visiting the folks at WagonTire Oregon, population last time I was there was 2.



Vaughn

 

[paccool]

Sounds good Scott. Isn't LaPine where that new truck stop and cafe is at? (or close to it)



Stan

 

[Sparky10]

Stan,



It's close to there. When you get into town turn West on 1st St. at the Taco Bell & go to the stop sign, turn left and the Fire Station as right there on the left side.



First cup is on you!



Scott

 

[dewdo]

If you are going to make it to Astoriam OR then you should go across the bridge to Ilwaco, WA which is a short drive. Fort Canby State Park is a great place to stay and is located on the beach (short walking distance anyway) You can stop in the Ilwaco port area and buy crab right off the crab boats or fresh salmon, ling cod, halibut, oysters, clams etc. and take it back to camp to cook. Stop and pick up a bottle of chardonay as well and you will have a meal fit for a king.



You can also go out on one of the many charter boats operating out of Ilwaco for salmon, bottom fish or sturgeon.



In Oregon stopping in at Seaside, OR is a must, but finding a parking spot will be the biggest challenge. The Oregon coast is by far the most beautiful while the Washington coast is the most rugged. Up the road a couple of miles is the longest beach in the US. Aptly named "Long Beach. " Lots of touristy things there as well. Similar to Seaside.





Have fun.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[bballard]

Oregon/Wash. Trip

Been following this thread as my wife and I are planning an extended trip to the area this summer. I have to get her out of Texas when it gets hot. Came up there last year for the first time for both of us, and just barely scratched the surface. Hopefully won't have to contend with fires and smoke this time. We'll be towing a 32' New Vision 5th wheel with a 2001 silver 2500 (in case my sig. doesn't show up) along with an unconcealed weapon - German Shepherd named Logan. Maybe we will meet up with some of you along the way. Bob

 

[Sparky10]

I'll be cruising the Oregon coastline from the south northward and then along the Columbia River heading west the last two weeks of June. Starting out on the 15th of June. White 2500 4x4 pulling a 30 ft. Tahoe 5'er. If any of you all are out traveling that way this summer say "Hi" and let's share a campfire.



See you then, Scott