Tips for Oregon road trip?

[ksheffield]

I'm reaching escape velocity next week for a road trip through Oregon — going up through Klamath, Crater Lake, Bend, Hood River, Portland, Astoria and then down the Oregon coast into the Humboldt area.

Unfortunately I'll be a lone wolf on most of this trip, but would love to have some fun at the Oregon Dunes. My rig isn't armored for anything technical, and I'm still lacking some essential tools to get myself out of a jam, so I won't hit a trail unless I'm with more people, but I figured the dunes would be a great place explore.

Any tips on tire pressures for sand, or road side emergency contacts?

Or, any fun places, eateries, juke joints, honky tonks and what to check out along the way?

I do have a college buddy with Cascade Cruisers up there, so I'll tapping him as well, but I thought I'd throw this one out all my new friends.

Thanks for the help,

Keith

 

[emtee]

Keith,

The Creamery in Klamath Falls is good eatin'; Crater Lake is a must-see, although I'm not sure the rim drive is open at this time of year.

The dunes should be pretty firm with all this rain we're getting, and I usually run 10-15psi with my 40 and get decent traction. Ideally, you'll have a way to air yerself back up. Make sure you get an OHV permit and have a flag for your rig as well.

The coast is always a good run; good weather is a bonus, then you can go with the top off. Oh, wait.

I haven't gotten a recent version of the CAC list, but there are a few of us scattered up and down the state if you need emergency assistance.

Sounds like a good time!

 

[steande]

Keith,
I totally agree with Mike (& I think he is one of my H.S. classmates?). Crater Lake is a must see and the rin IS closed. I was there three weeks ago and only two of the access roads are open. It is still worth the trip to see the lodge and the views. Have a safe, fun trip and welcome to Oregon.

Steve

 

[emtee]

Keith,

I think I've got an old copy of the CAC hanging around somewhere...if I can find it, I'll see if I can scan it off to you...

 

[emtee]

Keith,
<snip>... (& I think he is one of my H.S. classmates?)...<snip>

Steve

Steve,

K.U., class of '85; go Pelicans! [insert Dr. Evil voice:] riiiight...

You'll have to give me another hint as to who you are; I've had a lot to drink since then...

 

[RredFJ40]

I'll second the Creamery here in Kfalls....
If you need a hand while you're here give me a holler - PM me if you want a number.

Check out McMenamin's Edgefield while you are in Portland, or just about any McMenamins in the Valley.

 

[ksheffield]

Is it out of line to call McMenamins Oregon's Starbucks of brewpubs? Hit up the Bagdad in February visiting friends in the Hawthorne district. Pint and a slice while catching The Departed. Had lunch at one of the Beaverton locales before that, and then that time catching up with a newspaper buddy in Roseburg on my way up for the STP. What a great concept, why didn't I think of it?

Thanks for the PM offer. Probably do that before I hit the road. Work calls for now.

 

[theside00]

the deschutes brewery and mcmenamins in bend is a good one also.

 

[PortFJ62]

If your a fan of BAR B Q you have to try Russle ST. BAR B Q. Great food. My wife and I eat there a bunch. Near downtown Port. Off of MLK BLVD. I think. They have a website to. If you like doughnuts go downtown and try Voodoo doughnuts. Best in Port. 3rd st.I believe off of burnside.

 

[steande]

Hey Mike,
Yep, KUHS class of '85. We also did some elemetary school together at SH. We were all wodering if you and Swan were going to make-it to the reunion a couple of years ago. Got me now?

 

[emtee]

Hey Mike,
Yep, KUHS class of '85. We also did some elemetary school together at SH. We were all wodering if you and Swan were going to make-it to the reunion a couple of years ago. Got me now?

Steve,

I remember a Steve from SH and KU; dad was a doctor, but can't place the last name. That you?

Never made it to any of the reunions; life gets in the way. Haven't seen Rick in forever!

(We're gonna get popped by the thread hijack police... )

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

When in Newport, oregon be sure to stop by the Rogue Brewery's Public House, and the Marine Sciences Center (where Kieko used to live.)

Be sure to wear another brand of microbrew beer t-shirt when going to the Rogue Public House - you have a good chance of getting a free Rogue t-shirt!

Have a great trip!

Alan

 

[emtee]

Hi All:

When in Newport, oregon be sure to stop by the Rogue Brewery's Public House, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium (http://www.aquarium.org/) (where Kieko used to live.)

Be sure to wear another brand of microbrew beer t-shirt when going to the Rogue Public House - you have a good chance of getting a free Rogue t-shirt!

Have a great trip!

Alan

Fixed it for ya . Forgot about the brewery; yum! I never got a T-shirt, tho. I'll have to try your tactic!

Might as well hit Mo's down the street for some awesome clam chowder and home-baked bread while you're at it...

 

[BlueHZT60]

Oregon RT: Crater Lake - heavy snow yesterday. Umpqua Hot Springs - Look at Tokatee Res. on the map, just past Diamond Lake on Hwy 58 - - MUST See/Soak, if you're into that.

You're probably going up 395? Watch the cops south of Susanville. Lakeview has a gieser. Lakeview-K Falls is a pretty drive. If on I-5, the two mexican restaurants in Dorris are very good (reportedly).

Bend: Deschutes Brewery, McMinimams Pub. Drive out China Hat Road - south end of town and go caving. Lots of snow on Bachelor -ski-powder? Tumalo Falls - 10 miles west of Bend.

Bend-Hood River: Take 197 through Maupin. Madras = Great mexican food on one-way-north, in town - either one. Great sandwiches at at Ahern's deli across from McD's/Subway on north end of town. Turn left-upstream on the Deschutes in Maupin, and go for a bit of sight-seeing. The apple/pear/plum trees may be in bloom when dropping in on The Dalles. Hood River Hotel Downtown is always pretty good. Great funky bumper sticker store in HR somewhere. If you have time, cross over to Washington and drive downstream, crossing back on Bridge-of-the-Gods. Be careful on the Coast - it is a pain to find camping places, especially after dark.

SLT-Bend = 8 hours+-
Bend-Hood River = 2.5 hours+-

Bob

 

[Campfire]

Trying to plan a trip up there and explore some old routes. Check out Oregon Off Highway Vehicle Assc.
It looks like lots of back roads to wander...

 

[RredFJ40]

While you are in Astoria, take the trip over the bridge to the Washington side and hit Long Beach, WA. Easy driving on the beach, hit up Kelly's Deli- right next to the ever funky Marsh's Free Museum, Home of Jake the Alligator Man. When you stop in at Kelly's tell them Joel sent you, my Uncle or Cousin might give you a discount (probably not, but it would be worth a try

 

[D'Animal]

Samoa cook house in Eureka, CA.
Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, CA.

 

[esh]

Trying to plan a trip up there and explore some old routes. Check out Oregon Off Highway Vehicle Assc.
It looks like lots of back roads to wander...

The eastern N-S route 5 is outstanding. They do a great job at making you feel alone. Many good camp sites and things to explore. I haven't done the E-W route 4 yet but have done most of route 3. I would skip the northern part of route 3, like from Hwy 58 north or Wickiup Res north.

You could also just head out on your own with some maps. Pretty much Central Oregon on East is open. Get to Steens Mtn. if you can.