Oregon Road Trip - Recap and Video

Oh how I love a good road trip.  Loading up your car with snacks and the dog, and all the outdoor gear you need to play.  There is something about following a map and listening to an audiobook as you watch the landscape change behind you.  You guys know I love a good road trip as it is typically an inexpensive way to travel.  As someone once told me, it's almost a shame to fly, missing over all those gems and backcountry road in between Here and There.  If you have spent any time driving across this beautiful country, you can understand that statement and just how true it is.   

I am an advocate for adventure travel, especially if it involves four wheels and an open road.  You can take your car sitting in the driveway and pitch a tent or find a hotel along the way.  Or for extreme ease, you can wrap your vehicle and hotel into one perfect package with a locally rented  RV or Camper Van, taking the "where to stay" and "pet-friendly" logistics out of the equation. 

This Oregon Road Trip was a good one and I was amazed just how quickly the landscape changes here in the "Beaver State".  I didn't see any beavers but I can say Oregon was full of waterfalls and hipsters and famous movie sets.  

It was a beautiful trip, making our way across Idaho, up north through the "Plains area" to see follow the Columbia River, serving as the border between Washington and Oregon.  We then followed the River, past some amazing landscapes that was quintessential Northwest, waterfalls, everything green and rainy.  We drove by "Hipster Village" aka Portland, and crossed into Washington before finally landing in Astoria, Movieland.  We then made our way down the coast, which was historic and iconic, beautiful and diverse.  We stopped our trip down the coast at the Oregon Dunes area, where you felt like you were in the Sahara.  We then cut across to Eugene where we followed a beautiful river, covered bridges, and a landscape that reminded you of Vermont. We then followed the McKenzie to Bend past some beautiful peaks.  After Bend, the drive got a little more boring as we crossed the state into Idaho.  A few stops in Idaho and we were back in Salt Lake City.  

If you missed the previous posts all about the trip, you can find them all here.  

A perfect Oregon Road Trip itinerary if you ask me. 

Day 1:  Columbia River
Day 1:  Columbia River Highway Waterfalls
Day 1:  Vista House at Crown Point
Day 1:  Astoria, Oregon
Day 2:  Ecola State Park
Day 2:  Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Day 2:  Three Capes Scenic Drive
Day 3:  Newport Oregon
Day 3:  Oregon Dunes
Day 3:  Ninkasi and Ikes 
Day 3:  McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Day 4:  Southern Idaho Stops

And you can also find my fun recap video below 
(my favorite part about these trips, reliving them through these little clips!)

McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (Eugene to Bend)

After eating far too much Broasted Chicken, we were well on our way to Bend, Oregon.  We were so excited to see the McKenzie was after everyone at Ninkasi kept talking about how beautiful the drive was.  By the time we left Ike's following the McKenzie (its a gorgeous river!) into the Willamette, we realized they were right and we were so glad we took their advice to take the McKenzie River - Santiam Pass Scenic Byway to Bend. 

The Willamette National Forest is a gorgeous place between Eugene and Bend Oregon, and one that I had never heard of until this trip. Home to the McKenzie River, beautiful waterfalls, the Pacific Crest Trail, and views of amazing peaks. I hate to sound corny but this section of the trip, this forest was like out of a dream. The green lush forest contrasted with the burned sections, the roaring McKenzie, crazy waterfalls, and the sun setting over the peaks. One of my most memorable scenic drives to date (and you all know there have been a few...). 

McKenzie River and Willamette National Forest

We followed 126 to the town of Sisters, passing Sahalie and Koosah waterfalls, the Hoodoo Ski area, the McKenzie Pass, the trailhead for the Pacific Crest Scenic Trail through burned sections of the forest, and Mt Washington overlook, with amazing views of Mt. Washington (7,794'), Black Butte (6,436'), and the three sisters (North, Middle and South Sister) at around 10,000'. 

Ninkasi and Ikes - Eugene to Bend Oregon

Today's post is all about chicken and beer.  

And yes, we are still talking Oregon. 

There is something so sad about driving away from the coast.  Maybe its me and my obsession with the water, and sadness when I know I won't see it again for a while.  Leaving the dunes, the rest of the journey was east, making our way across the state to the Idaho border before crossing into Utah.  We had a few stops planned between the dunes, and where we were spending the night Sunday, Bend.  But I have to admit, this was the least planned section of the trip.  It was just kind of "return home through cool towns and wing it".  Thankfully the drive across Oregon was gorgeous and one of our favorites, softening the blow of being land locked once again. 

It was just about an hour from Florence Oregon at the coast to Eugene where we had planned to stop in Eugene to see (and drink) our way around Ninkasi Brewing Company, a micro brewery right in Eugene.  At first, driving through Eugene it just seemed like just another town with megaplexes, stores and gas stations. But then we hit the neighborhood of Whiteaker home to breweries like Ninkasi and were suddenly introduced to the charm of Eugene. 

Ninkasi Brewery 

Ninkasi spanned several buildings, with interconnected catwalks in this trendy little food truck packed neighborhood.  The microbrewery Ninkasi is named after the Sumerian Goddess of Beer an was founded in 2003.  Their first beer the brewery produced was their still popular Total Domination IPA. 

We headed to the tasting room which had an awesome bar area, but even better, an amazing courtyard where you could drink and sample beers (dogs allowed!).  Oregon was killing it in the everything dog friendly front.  The courtyard had plenty of tables, chairs, a fire bit, shade, sun, and there was even a food truck parked outside the brewery.  Beer, sunshine, dogs and food trucks- the recipe for a good Sunday.

Beer Sampler at Ninkasi Brewery 

Day 3: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Driving down Highway 101 from Newport to Yachats

After spending a sunny Sunday morning in Newport Oregon, we were over the bridge and leaving the fishing town of Newport behind.  We decided to stop in Yachats (adorable town, pronounced Yah-Hots) for lunch at Luna's Sea Fish House.  There was plenty of outdoor seating, a live band setting up, and best of all, the outdoor area was dog friendly.  We peered at the seafood filled and interesting menu, with specialities like the "Slumgullion", a big bowl of clam chowder jazzed up with white cheeses and bay shrimp,  baked with garlic bread.

Day 3: Highway 101 to Newport, Oregon

After leaving Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City behind in the last of the sunset Saturday evening, we continued south in hopes of finding a dog friendly hotel in the Newport Oregon area.  I wanted to get a little farther south, as I had a BIG day planned for Sunday (a reoccurring theme here on Katie Wanders).  My strategy thus far for hotels and lodging has been all Motel 6's because they are all dog friendly at a reasonable price without any extra dog fees. And I figured this was the "off season" so it wouldn't be a problem finding places.

It was also a part of my strategy not to book anything ahead of time because my schedule was aggressive, and I wanted to leave a little leeway in how far we had to travel each day, not stressing over making it to a hotel reservation.  Well this plan slightly backfired when we were trying to find a dog friendly hotel room on Saturday night.  Most hotels were sold out, or sold out of dog friendly rooms.  The ones that were available were outrageously expensive or didn't allow dogs.  After some long days of traveling and hiking, while we had our camping gear just in case, we wanted a bed and a shower.  

Finally we found a no frills place in Depoe Bay that was probably close to being condemned (or should have been), but nonetheless, offered a bed, a shower, and allowed black labrahounds.  It was so old and rundown that I could not even figure out how to lock the door as it hadn't been replaced since the 1940's.  It was only a place to rest and recharge and in the morning, we were up bright and early ready to explore Newport, Oregon. 

Devils Punch Bowl State Park

On our way to Newport, we stopped at "Devils Punch Bowl State Park" five miles south of Depoe Bay, one of Oregon's MANY state parks.  I do have to note that the State Parks of Oregon are very different than most.  They are just tiny tiny little areas along the coast that mostly serve as a quick stop or destination.. but there are SO many (roughly 361).  They aren't like Utah or Connecticut's State Parks which are few but large in size.  This area marks a "bowl" where waves violently crash, waves spraying and clashing in this bowl, hence the name.  Here you can walk the small path, picnic on the grass, and stretch your legs before continuing down 101. 

Day 2: Three Cape Scenic Drive- Driving and hiking Cape Meares, Lookout and Kiwanda

The Three Capes Scenic Route is a fun little tour through some of Northern Oregon's beautiful capes. It is an approximately 40 mile drive starting at Cape Meares before continuing on to Cape Lookout and finally, Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City.  

Three Capes Scenic Route Map - noting the correct route to take and the closed route above. 

Because we were started our coastal drive from the northern most coastal point in Oregon, Astoria, we started the Three Capes Scenic Drive from the northern end.  The Katie Plan was to drive down from Astoria and then cut across from Tillamook over to Cape Meares.  We would stop to take a few pictures and take in the views before making our way down the coast to Cape Lookout where we planned to hike.  After some hiking and meeting Thatcher' brother, we would finally reach Cape Kiwanda just in time to drink a beer at Pelican Brewery and watch the sun set over (the other) Haystack Rock. 

Day 2: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, Oregon

Oh Cannon Beach.  You beautiful thing you.  

Cannon Beach was a last minute add on for the trip, and a chance to skirt around the beaches of the Pacific Northwest.  Originally, I was going to cut right across from Portland straight to the coast and start in Tillamook.  After talking with Tyler, long term resident of Oregon and surfer of the coast, he recommended we start a little further North to see the beautiful (and popular) sights of Astoria and Cannon Beach.  I am so glad we added on this little "excursion" as it brought me to this beautiful spot, Cannon Beach. 

Day 2: Ecola State Park, Oregon

Views from Ecola State Park

After spending the night in charming Astoria, I was so excited to hit the road and sink my toes into the sand bordering the Pacific Ocean.  Remember, New England Native living in Utah, missing the ocean something fierce.  Our next stop after Astoria was to stop at Ecola State Park for some amazing views down the coastline and of Cannon Beach. We drove the 45 minutes from Astoria to Ecola State Park via Route 101, our first journey down the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.  A park I had never heard of until some thorough "OR ROAD TRIP RESEARCH", but man am I glad I stopped at Ecola. 

Day 1: Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is a quiet coastal town at the mouth of the 1,200 mile Columbia River with a whole lot of character.  At first glance, the town has a charm to it, but was generally a little run down, a foggy memory of its historic past.  This town is home to famous movies like the Goonies and Kindergarten Cop, with a thick history dating back to Lewis and Clark.  And then there is the unpopular seasonal visitor, the California Sea Lion. 

Day 1: Vista House at Crown Point

Our last stop along Waterfall Drive was a beautiful spot I had heard about perched above the Columbia River.  More of a scenic overview than an "activity spot" if you will.  The Vista House was built in 1917 as a stopping point for tourists along the Historic Columbia River Highway and through the gorge. The house is run by a non-profit group in partnership with the state park program. 

Day 1: Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls of the Historic Columbia River Highway

Our first official stop of the trip was to hike and stop along Waterfall Drive.  Now waterfall drive isn't a real thing, but it's the pseudo name we made for the beautiful drive along Historic Columbia River Highway (a scenic byway - Route 30 in Oregon).  You could easily spend a few days driving down this 70 mile scenic drive, hiking and exploring all of these trails, parks, and viewpoints along the way (and I would have lovvved to).  However, we were on a tight schedule so we had to improvise.  A hike, a few stops, and lot of fun exploring this area (I had never even heard of until this trip!). 

Historic Columbia River Highway Map

Our "Waterfall Drive Waypoints" were:

--a Hike at Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls and Oneonta Falls,

 --stopping to view Multnomah Falls,

 --a stop at Guy W. Talbot State Park to see Latourell Falls, 

Day 1: Oregon Road Trip: Columbia River

I have to admit.  I have fallen in love with the idea of the Pacific Northwest.  I spent some time in Northern California, as well as Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.  I have to also admit, that many moons ago, I planned a trip to visit friends in Seattle for Thatcher's birthday as a way to lure him to the Pacific Northwest (specifically Seattle).  I was smitten with the idea of living by the Puget Sound, with the Pacific at my door step and a whole new range of adventure.

Somehow I landed in Utah, and I have to admit, it all worked out.

After visiting a few gorgeous spots on the Pacific Coast (especially northern CA and Seattle) the Oregon Coast gained top ranking on my "must see" list while living out West.  I had visited Portland, Oregon which wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but I knew the coast would be something right up my alley (read ocean, sea lions and seafood). 

Total Road Trip Map and Miles