Visiting family in Oregon this July with wife/kids. Fly into Portland, and meeting other family on the central coast for a few days after being on our own some. Looking for recommendations on what we can see in the state over the course of 1-2 days. Probably arrive late morning Thurs, and need to be on the road to the coast by Fri evening or maybe early Sat morning.
Primary focus are waterfalls and other scenic areas (photography). Hikes need to be on the shorter side and not overly strenuous due to time constraints and kids.
-Not interested in Portland/urban attractions.
-Columbia River Gorge area is definitely on the list, but any specific advice/trails appreciated.
-Worth trying to get down to Crater Lake NP given the time constraints? Are there quick worthy stops between the Portland area or Crater Lake to central coast? Just seems remote and we don't necessarily want to spend all our time in the car for one destination.
-Mt. Hood area? Or Bend? Skied at both many times in my childhood, but never anything else.
-Sites near Yachats (central coast)? Family we're meeting know and live in the area, but will still listen to any tips especially for the in/out.
Good area(s) to stay for 1-2 nights as a base of operations? One concern I have is I am reading about a lot of car break-ins at the trailheads. So, if possible may want to base out of a hotel some where we can offload our luggage. I guess if any sites are within a paywall (such as a National or State park that has monitored/paid entry), it wouldn't be as big of a concern.
Thanks!
Primary focus are waterfalls and other scenic areas (photography). Hikes need to be on the shorter side and not overly strenuous due to time constraints and kids.
-Not interested in Portland/urban attractions.
-Columbia River Gorge area is definitely on the list, but any specific advice/trails appreciated.
-Worth trying to get down to Crater Lake NP given the time constraints? Are there quick worthy stops between the Portland area or Crater Lake to central coast? Just seems remote and we don't necessarily want to spend all our time in the car for one destination.
-Mt. Hood area? Or Bend? Skied at both many times in my childhood, but never anything else.
-Sites near Yachats (central coast)? Family we're meeting know and live in the area, but will still listen to any tips especially for the in/out.
Good area(s) to stay for 1-2 nights as a base of operations? One concern I have is I am reading about a lot of car break-ins at the trailheads. So, if possible may want to base out of a hotel some where we can offload our luggage. I guess if any sites are within a paywall (such as a National or State park that has monitored/paid entry), it wouldn't be as big of a concern.
Thanks!