At the conclusion of Carl’s backpacking trip, Lori flew to Portland and they visited many of the popular sites in Oregon. Unfortunately, wildfires prevented them from hitting Crater Lake National Park.
August 18, 2024 – John, Kathy and I went to the airport. They were heading home to Green Bay on the same plane that Lori was arriving on. Lori arrived on schedule at noon, got her bags, rented a car and headed for Salt Creek Cider House in Dallas, OR (not The Dalles). Stopped at Outback Steakhouse on the way. The ciders at Salt Creek were almost all apple based (a disappointment) and were not real good. We each had a flight of 4 ciders (4 ounces each) while we played Qwirkle on the patio overlooking a pond. We are staying at a Home2Suites in Salem, OR.
August 19, 2024 – Left the hotel at 10:30 and headed to the State Capitol building. It is under construction so no tour and not much to see – we need to come again. Walked the downtown area (so-so) and went to a park across a bridge next to a globe of the world. Headed for 2 Town Cider House in Corvalis but stopped at Walmart to get a USBC to USBC cord. The ciders at 2 Town were excellent – we each got a flight and played cribbage and Hive. We are staying at Comfort Suites in Eugene, OR and had dinner at Plank Town Brewing Company in Springfield, OR.
August 20, 2024 Another slow start to the day. Left the hotel at 9:50 to head to a seafood place for lunch (1:45 hour drive). Along the way we called Tillamook Creamery and surprise, surprise, we were able to snag a cheese making / tasting tour at 2:15. We scrapped the lunch plans and headed directly to Tillamook (another 1.5 hours away). The tour was very interesting. Saw how cheese was made and then got to watch the production line to packaging the cheese for sale. Had dinner at The Fisher Peddler, a little hole in the wall on an old pier. Lori had crab. We are staying at the Tillamook Inn in Tillamook, OR, an older hotel that is being remodeled. However, only $100 per night.
August 21, 2024 Drove to Haystack Rock. Fortunately it was still low tide so we got to see the different sea creatures in the tidal pools. Very windy, so we only walked for a short distance. Drove by Mt Hood which was in the clouds. Did a 2.3 mile hike to Tamanawas Falls, near Mt Hood. Turned around early so we could make it for wine tasting at Marchesi Vineyards. Expensive wine, tasted good but only had one glass and one game of Cribbage. Staying in a Holiday Inn Express in Hood River, OR.
August 22, 2024 We are up early today because we are hiking the Eagle Creek trail to Tunnel Falls. Google says it is 5.6 miles from trailhead to falls – so 11.2 miles round trip. I turned on Strava to track our mileage. We got to 5.6 miles, no falls, got to 6.6 miles, no falls, and finally at 7.3 miles we found the falls! This ended up being Lori’s biggest hiking day. Minor issues with our feet but overall an excellent day. Temps in the low 70’s and overcast. Headed to our motel for the night in Cascade Locks. Unfortunately, the reservation was for the previous night.! Since we still had energy and didn’t need to stay in Cascade Locks, we found a hotel in Troutdale, OR – better hotel – same price. The hotel hot tub was not too, too hot, so we were able to stay in it for 40 minutes to soak our tired muscles while our laundry finished. The desk clerk recommended a restaurant, Bumper Grill and Bar, which was nearby. Excellent food and service. We are staying at Comfort Inn, Troutdale, OR.
August 23, 2024 Departed the hotel at 9:00 heading for Multnomah Falls. Arrived 9:40 and had no issues with parking. Walked to the bridge and then started to the top – decided not worth the effort so we headed down and then a .5 mile hike to Wahkeena Falls. Then drove the historic Columbia River Highway. Didn’t stop at Horsetail Falls, but saw it. Did the short walk to Bridalveil Falls before stopping at Crown Point Vista House overlook. En route to our hotel near the airport we stopped at the Columbia Gorge Outlet mall and Dairy Queen. Spent time in the hot tub at the motel before going to dinner at Park Stone Wood Kitchen and playing a game of cribbage. First day with rain – about an hour while we were in the motel. Staying at Country Inn and Suites, Portland Airport.
August 24, 2024 Took the hotel shuttle to the airport and then the train to old downtown Portland and the Downtown Portland Saturday market. The train was excellent and easy to use. The farmers market was huge. The only downside was all the homeless, in general not a problem but a few were scary. Had a late lunch at a Moroccan restaurant, Kasbah Moroccan Cafe. Train to airport, then airport shuttle and hang out in room.
