On our last few days in Portland we still had several items on our to do list and we thought the best way to get things done was to spend one day driving along the old Columbia River Highway and then the next day we would take the Portland mass transit into the City Center.
The drive from our RV park to the exit just past Multnomah Falls and back meant we would be driving a little more than a 50 mile loop. We drove up Interstate 84 and then back along the Old Columbia River Highway. This drive turned out to be even better than we had hoped as there are several pull outs where you can take short hikes of a mile or less to see the various waterfalls.
Some of the places we stopped to see were Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Gorge, 
Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and lastly the Vista House. Each of these stops gave us a slice of the scenic Columbia River Valley and all its splendor. None of these falls are as grand as Mulnomah Falls but each had their own charm and beauty. And to finished the day we stopped once again at the McMenamin’s Edgefield Poor Farm for the special wheat beer of the day.
Our last day in Portland we took the number 12 bus into the City Center. A normal 20-25 minute drive was a bit over an hour by bus but as retirees we have nothing but time so the extra thirty minutes were worth it to not have to look for parking and deal with the inner city traffic. The main reason we headed into town was to visit Portland State and to walk around the campus. It is a quiet inner city campus that greens up the downtown area.
We caught the tram back north and got off near Voodoo doughnuts so that we could finally try it out. Fancy doughnuts and always crowded but really nothing special other than the quirky ambiance and the unique names and shapes of some of their doughnuts. After having a pretty good (huge) apple fritter we caught the number 8 bus over to Alberta Street as we thought it looked like a fun street to check out. Lots of restaurants and pubs on this block made us believe it is probably a hot spot after dark.
We walked down several blocks and headed north to go to the Concordia Ale House to meet our friends Bret and CeCe and a new friend we made here in Portland, Julie. After sharing some parting stories and beverages it became time to say our goodbyes and catch the next bus back to Fairfield RV Park. We really enjoyed the bus and tram rides to city center!
The next morning we packed everything up and headed towards Portland on Interstate 84 till we merged on Interstate 5 south toward Eugene. The drive was 110 miles down to Riverbend RV Resort where we will stay for the next several days so we can visit Corvallis and Oregon State University as well as catch up with our friends Pam and Vic. Hoping to find a park near Eugene so that from here where we can visit the University of Oregon.
Sounds like you guys are doing a mighty beautiful college tour! I'll be anxious to hear where you decide to enroll. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe loved that drive. So much beauty all around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on Voodoo doughnuts. We couldn't image it was THAT much better than other doughnuts we have had.
Highly recommend Armitage County Park in Eugene. It's where we stay every time we go there. Great spot and perfect for the city. I've got pics on the blog if you need them.
ReplyDeleteNina (wheelingit blog)
Thanks - I was looking at that park today but can only get three days... may book it anyhow...
DeleteUniversity of Oregon is where my son graduated. He loved it.
ReplyDeleteThe campus is considered a botanic garden. If they still offer tours of the campus it would be worth it to take one. There are some unusual (for the location) plants and trees on campus. I always loved visiting my son there.
If you want to boondock, you can always park behind the Valley River Mall along the Willamette River. We haven't done it but some RVers swear by it on their blogs. I believe they allow three nights. You are then within walking distance to the mall and restaurants.
So glad you're enjoying our home state. It is truly lovely.
Susan & Bob
travelbug-susan.blogspot.com
We agree with Nina, Armitage is special.
ReplyDeleteEven for only three days.
Riding the city buses around town can always be a nice entertaining day in itself.
ReplyDeleteTravel safe.
Glad to know the doughnuts were not that great. I will save my calories for beer when in Portland.
ReplyDeleteOur paths just missed you. We left Eugene 3 days ago. Acually we were in Junction City, which is just about 12 miles north of Eugene. We were there for two weeks getting our motorhome serviced and some custom cabinets at Davis Cabinets. Be sure to do the saturday Farmers Market in Eugene. It is hugh!
ReplyDeleteSo great to read all the comments and see more tips of places to stay to help everyone. Glad you got to see the waterfalls and did the loop drive. We loved that area!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Beer and donuts, you have your priorities. In my case it would be mocha frappe and donuts. My mother went to Oregon State and met my father there when the army sent him to take some classes there.
ReplyDelete