A question for those of you on the west coast......

[Wyo Travel Mom]

My DD is attending college in Wyoming now with intentions of going to Washington to attend medical school. She has never been on the west coast and I would love to take her on a trip to Portland, Seattle and surrounding areas. With airline tickets reasonable right now we have talked about doing this over the summer. We would probably go as far south as the Redwoods. Although I would love to go to DL, its probably not going to happen this trip.
Any advice on places not to be missed?? Keep in mind my DD has this "thing" about trying to figure out where she would like to be when she starts her career. I believe with her already being on the west coast when she finishes school....she will want to stay there. She loves the big city life but wants to live in a smaller town nearby. I just thought it would be fun to show her the coast since she has never been. Any great suggestions on where to go, what towns to explore, etc.????

 

[Judy from Boise]

Sounds like you would go to Cresent city to explore the redwoods. You could head up to Oregon. Crater lake is a beautifull sight. Coos bay and Newport are both fun coastal towns. Of course the Columbia Gorge area of Washington is beautifull too.

 

[tammyh-oregon]

If you like cheese don't forget to stop at either
Bandon, Oregon or the tillamook cheese factory. Both are on the coast. and the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge is prettier than the Washington. (I have to stick up for my state, you know.) If you have the time this trip or when your daughter is living here, you should visit the Mt St. Helens area. The visitors centers are very interesting. Haven't done much sightseeing in Portland other than the Malls when we visit (over 3 hours away) but depending on the time of year the zoo and the rose garden are suppose to be very pretty. And as Judy said Crater Lake is very nice.

 

[tink2dw]

Portland is the Main BIG city in Oregon. We are Drier than Seatle. And have a deverse amount of career chooses. Portland is a mix of small nieghborhood on the east side and on the west it is new afflient suburbs

Salem is our capital city,and the home of the state prision. It has an older look than Portland.

Eugene is the bigger of the College Towns

Our Coast starts in the north with Astoria,a community full of history.

As you drive south,you pass thru several small towns till you get to Sea Side,they have the smallish Seal and aquarium and a Prominade with sae side type shops,curio shops,candy stores, beach wear shops.

just a little south is the artsy community of Cannon Beach. With all sorts of shops selling western art,Indian art, beach art, kites,weaving, and numorous Resterants in the 3 and 4 star range.

Thurther south are the more cliff type beachs. till you reach Tillamook which is sea level and below.

All beachs in Oregon are public beachs and from Astoria to Brandon there are state parks nestled in the pine tree's along the shore.

 

[Wyo Travel Mom]

Thank you everyone for your great tips!!!!