Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Portland to Pendleton – A great road trip!

The two P-towns of Oregon are so different but also have much in common. They both take pride in being unique maybe even weird but both have strong identities and are Oregon. The 209 mile trip will amaze and delight those who love a road trip. You can do it in 3 ½  hours or 3 weeks depending on your level of interest in stopping along the way! Of course we recommend several trips choosing different stops along the way. Below I have listed just a few of our favorite stops, please feel free to share with us your own as we know there are many jewels along the way.


1.      Troutdale – Known for inexpensive gas prices and great outlet mall shopping. We think the true jewel is its historic downtown. http://traveloregon.com/see-do/attractions/shopping/historic-downtown-troutdale/

2.       Multnomah Falls - At 620 feet, only three falls in the nation are higher, and none are more beautiful. You can make this as big an adventure as you like be just viewing it from the bottom to hiking to the top. (Tip: the exits for the fall can be tricky keep your eyes on the signs.) http://traveloregon.com/see-do/attractions/outdoors-nature/multnomah-falls/ 



3.       Cascade Locks – Our personal favorite is Marine Park.  A great place to stop and just enjoy the history of the Columbia River. http://traveloregon.com/cities-regions/mt-hood-the-gorge/cascade-locks/

4.       Hood River – One of our favorite cities in Oregon with its windsurfer vibe, adorable downtown shops, Full Sail Brewery and best of all the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel. http://traveloregon.com/cities-regions/mt-hood-the-gorge/hood-river/

5.       The Dalles – Yes it is not Dalles but The Dalles. My newest favorite is Nichols Art Glass http://www.nicholsartglass.com/ but The Dalles offers a lot of history and has joined Pendleton as one of the top True Western Towns of the U.S. http://traveloregon.com/cities-regions/mt-hood-the-gorge/the-dalles/

6.       Big Horn Sheep in the Columbia River Gorge- Although we have caught site of them at different times of the day morning and early evening give the best opportunities to view these beauties, living in the rugged terrain as the Columbia River Gorge changes from Forest to High Desert. Have a passenger start watching just after Rufus all the way to Arlington my personal hotspot has been around milepost 129. If you decide to stop along the Highway please be careful. Here is a beautiful winter video http://vimeo.com/2694894 and some great photos  on Flickr  http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndomer73/2942839419/in/photostream/

7.       Arlington – Home of Doc Severinsen for those of you that remember the great Trumpet man and band leader of the tonight show http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Severinsen. Highlights, great city sponsored Park and rest area (hey rest stops are important!) and the gateway to the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway which is a day trip in itself! http://traveloregon.com/trip-ideas/scenic-byways/blue-mountains-scenic-byway/.

8.       Boardman – This is where you can truly get a feel for the Eastern Oregon Columbia River! Enjoy it from the Marina Park or the River Lodge & Grill. The River Lodge is a great place to stay or just stop and have a meal in their dining room where the river view is the art and the food is delicious. http://traveloregon.com/cities-regions/eastern-oregon/boardman/listing/ As you leave Boardman don’t miss the Poplar Tree Farm, this is Oregon sustainability at its finest. There are some amazing photos on flickr http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=boardman%2C%20oregon%20Poplar%20tree%20farm

9.       Echo – This town epitomizes the small rural towns in Eastern Oregon that are not only surviving but thriving due to the determination of the residents that love it. http://www.echo-oregon.com/index-3.html With just 30 minutes left until you arrive in Pendleton Echo makes a great choice to soak up some local charm while picking up some great wine at Sno Road Winery http://piercyfamilyvineyards.com

10.   Pendleton- Enjoy the view as you drop down into the Valley that is the home of Pendleton with the Blue Mountains as a backdrop, the only better view is coming in from the east down Cabbage Hill and seeing the view shared by the Pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Welcome to the 2011 Top True Western Town! www.travelpendleton.com  Enjoy your stay!