Portland, Oregon/Seattle, Washington trip

[Kirby]

One of the gifts I received from my son for Christmas was to take me on a trip this year. I am tickled pink about it! We're tentatively planning a trip to Portland, Oregon/Seattle, Washington in September.

We'll fly into Portland on a Saturday and stay in that general area till Tuesday. Then we will travel to Seattle and stay till Friday, flying home on Saturday.

We plan to attend a Mariners/Texas Ranger game in Seattle on Wednesday or Thursday night. We plan on going to Pike Market and I want to go to the Chihully Glass Museum.

We plan to rent a car in Portland. Should we drive to Seattle or take Amtrak there and back? I've heard that you really don't need a car in Seattle. Is that your opinion?

My son wants to go to Voodoo Donuts in Portland and the Columbia River Gorge to Multinomeh Falls. I'm down with that. Maybe a night or two in Depoe Bay or would Cannon Beach be a better spot for whale watching and tide pool exploring.

Anyone have any favorite places to visit, to eat, to stay that you want to tell me about?

 

[DaretoDis]

Pine State Biscuits in Portland...

 

[sonnyjane]

One of the gifts I received from my son for Christmas was to take me on a trip this year. I am tickled pink about it! We're tentatively planning a trip to Portland, Oregon/Seattle, Washington in September.

We'll fly into Portland on a Saturday and stay in that general area till Tuesday. Then we will travel to Seattle and stay till Friday, flying home on Saturday.

We plan to attend a Mariners/Texas Ranger game in Seattle on Wednesday or Thursday night. We plan on going to Pike Market and I want to go to the Chihully Glass Museum.

We plan to rent a car in Portland. Should we drive to Seattle or take Amtrak there and back? I've heard that you really don't need a car in Seattle. Is that your opinion?

My son wants to go to Voodoo Donuts in Portland and the Columbia River Gorge to Multinomeh Falls. I'm down with that. Maybe a night or two in Depoe Bay or would Cannon Beach be a better spot for whale watching and tide pool exploring.

Anyone have any favorite places to visit, to eat, to stay that you want to tell me about?

If you plan to STAY exclusively in Seattle, you won't need a car here, but if you plan to do literally anything else, I'd highly recommend it.

For whale-watching, I would actually do that in Washington as opposed to Oregon. September is a great month for humpbacks and killer whales up here, and the...ahem... sea conditions are going to be much more friendly to you up here than on the OR coast. That said, in September you'll not be able to whale watch very well from downtown Seattle. Most companies (mine included) run out of areas at minimum two hours from downtown Seattle, which is where the car comes in. You can PM me if you have questions on that front I won't turn this into a whale watching commercial lol.

 

[xlxo]

If you do plan to drive between the cities.... and have some free time...

• check out Mt. St. Helen's!
• the waterfalls East of Portland are kinda cool.
• Leavenworth is neat see a German village in the mountains. Go sample some schweinshaxe.

 

[KarenB]

Pine State Biscuits in Portland...

I am craving that right now!

 

[KarenB]

Skip Voodoo, go to Pips.

 

[bcla]

My favorite spot around Portland is McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale. On my last business trip I didn't have the time to go there, but I did go to their Kennedy School location near Portland Airport.

It's kind of hard to explain, but the McMenamin brothers set up a business where they take over historic properties and renovate them with whimsical artwork and pub style food and beverages. Edgefield is their signature property and their biggest money maker. It was the former Multnomah County Poor Farm. It has been converted to a hotel/restaurant/pub/performance complex. They have a on-site brewery, distillery, hotel, golf, and numerous restaurants.

http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield

A lot of their properties are less ambitious. Some are just neighborhood pubs, and they've set up shop throughout Oregon and Washington.

 

[Diznotyzed]

The Jet Boats on the Willamette River in Portland are fun.

 

[RangerPooh]

We lived on the eastern side of the state so I can't give too much advice, but I have heard that Leavenworth is a wonderful place to visit and regret not going when we lived in the state. Be aware that it is about 2 hours from Seattle, and requires driving over a mountain pass. Depending on the time of the year, there may be snow and chains required.

Personally I would rent a car. It sounds like you want to see some sights, and not all are within walking distance.

I think the thing to do is to make a list of all the possible things that you want to see/do along the I-5 corridor from Portland to Seattle and anything out of the way. Do you want to see Mt. St. Helen's or Mt. Rainer? You mentioned the coast, any particular criteria for coasts? I lived briefly on the WA coast (think Twilight), and was not impressed. That said I grew up with the CA coastline in my backyard.

 

[CynBeth]

We will be in Seattle the end of June along with St. Louis.

 

[sonnyjane]

We will be in Seattle the end of June along with St. Louis.

Same recommendation as to the OP... unless you're staying ONLY in downtown Seattle and plan to walk or use local public transportation, definitely rent a car. In June, you'll want to get out and about and see the western Washington tourist spots outside of Seattle.

 

[Micca]

No disrespect to Portland or Oregon, we used to live there and it's great but I do have an alternate idea. In 2015 DW & I took an Alaska cruise on DCL. We flew to Seattle, took the train to Vancouver, BC, and flew home from Vancouver after the cruise. Seattle and Vancouver were both terrific, I'd do that trip again even without the cruise. In the Seattle area there are tons of wineries and breweries if you like that kind of thing. We also did something called "Underground Seattle" which was a lot of fun. Not to say you won't have a blast in Portland, but this trip is still kind of fresh on my mind.

 

[bcla]

Around Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is spectacular. I think Multnomah Falls is probably the most visited spot there. The Forest Service claims it's the most visited natural area in the PNW.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=30026

Here's a picture:

McMenamin's Edgefield is along the way too.

 

[Kirby]

Pine State Biscuits in Portland...

Those look delicious. I'll have to tell my son about them.

If you plan to STAY exclusively in Seattle, you won't need a car here, but if you plan to do literally anything else, I'd highly recommend it.

For whale-watching, I would actually do that in Washington as opposed to Oregon. September is a great month for humpbacks and killer whales up here, and the...ahem... sea conditions are going to be much more friendly to you up here than on the OR coast. That said, in September you'll not be able to whale watch very well from downtown Seattle. Most companies (mine included) run out of areas at minimum two hours from downtown Seattle, which is where the car comes in. You can PM me if you have questions on that front I won't turn this into a whale watching commercial lol.

We'll definitely talk about this option.

If you do plan to drive between the cities.... and have some free time...

• check out Mt. St. Helen's!
• the waterfalls East of Portland are kinda cool.
• Leavenworth is neat see a German village in the mountains. Go sample some schweinshaxe.

The waterfalls are on our list.

Skip Voodoo, go to Pips.

Always looking for a new place to try. Maybe we'll do both.

My favorite spot around Portland is McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale. On my last business trip I didn't have the time to go there, but I did go to their Kennedy School location near Portland Airport.

It's kind of hard to explain, but the McMenamin brothers set up a business where they take over historic properties and renovate them with whimsical artwork and pub style food and beverages. Edgefield is their signature property and their biggest money maker. It was the former Multnomah County Poor Farm. It has been converted to a hotel/restaurant/pub/performance complex. They have a on-site brewery, distillery, hotel, golf, and numerous restaurants.

http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield

A lot of their properties are less ambitious. Some are just neighborhood pubs, and they've set up shop throughout Oregon and Washington.

I had see an article about McMenamin's. We'll have to check it out.

The Jet Boats on the Willamette River in Portland are fun.

I had seen a boat trip on the Rogue River (I think that's the name) that looked like fun. This would be a lot closer.

We lived on the eastern side of the state so I can't give too much advice, but I have heard that Leavenworth is a wonderful place to visit and regret not going when we lived in the state. Be aware that it is about 2 hours from Seattle, and requires driving over a mountain pass. Depending on the time of the year, there may be snow and chains required.

Personally I would rent a car. It sounds like you want to see some sights, and not all are within walking distance.

I think the thing to do is to make a list of all the possible things that you want to see/do along the I-5 corridor from Portland to Seattle and anything out of the way. Do you want to see Mt. St. Helen's or Mt. Rainer? You mentioned the coast, any particular criteria for coasts? I lived briefly on the WA coast (think Twilight), and was not impressed. That said I grew up with the CA coastline in my backyard.

We're going in September so I don't know what mountain weather will be like then. If we don't go to the Oregon Coast while in Portland, I do want to do a side trip to Mt. Hood if possible.

No disrespect to Portland or Oregon, we used to live there and it's great but I do have an alternate idea. In 2015 DW & I took an Alaska cruise on DCL. We flew to Seattle, took the train to Vancouver, BC, and flew home from Vancouver after the cruise. Seattle and Vancouver were both terrific, I'd do that trip again even without the cruise. In the Seattle area there are tons of wineries and breweries if you like that kind of thing. We also did something called "Underground Seattle" which was a lot of fun. Not to say you won't have a blast in Portland, but this trip is still kind of fresh on my mind.

My husband would like to do an Alaskan cruise so that's out with my son. My brother in law mention the Underground Seattle tour. That is something I think we would like.

Around Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is spectacular. I think Multnomah Falls is probably the most visited spot there. The Forest Service claims it's the most visited natural area in the PNW.

Multnomah Falls is on our list.

Thanks to everyone for your response.

 

[xlxo]

Note... there are Underground variations....

• http://www.undergroundtour.com/
• http://www.undergroundtour.com/underworld/index.html
• http://undergroundtour.com/about/paranormal.html

 

[Dentam]

I would recommend the Japanese Garden in Portland - it is said to be the best outside of Japan and is really beautiful. The Rose Garden next to it is impressive as well. The Oregon Zoo and an arboretum are also in that same area.

I've taken the train from Portland to Seattle and back and it was a nice trip... driving in Seattle can be a pain so the train was a much more relaxing option. I was stressed out when we drove it on a different trip. Portland especially can be a very confusing city to drive around (I lived there for almost three years) especially when you're not from the area. You should do fine with public transportation (the MAX light rail is great and runs to the airport and various parts of the city) or uber to get around there if you don't want to rent a car.

I also did a dinner cruise in Seattle one evening that was really nice - beautiful views of the city lights. Your other plans for your time in Seattle sound great!

 

[ADLFAN]

Your plans sound so fun! We have taken the Amtrack route to and from Portland, and it is great not to have to pay attention to your travel, and it is a bit more scenic than I-5. However, in your case, I would probably want the freedom of my own vehicle so that spontaneous plans are stressfree.

Also, I would hit the easy to travel to Oregon coast, but come up to WA to see our famous Mt. Rainier! It is so beautiful and there are easy trails for exploration, picnic areas, a fantastic photo worthy close up view and more at Paradise, one of the approaches to the huge mountain. It is probably 3 or so hours from Portland and somewhat on the way to Seattle, a little East. Maybe pack a nice picnic lunch? I love it up there and I would take any visiting friends.

Voodoo Doughnuts is awesome! We loved using the MAX lightrail to get around Portland, and there is a route to nearly everywhere in the city. And it was so affordable and easy to use!

Hopefully you get awesome weather, September is usually still perfect and dry! It's a great time to visit!

If you explore the waterfront in Seattle, definitely hit up Ivars, a Seattle classic with a fancy dining room and a walk up take out counter, either experience is awesome! If you are going to Seattle Center for the Chihuly Museum on a clear day, it's worth paying the crazy admission to go up to the top of the Space Needle for the view and pictures.

Homelessness is an issue in both Portland and Seattle, so expect to see some urban camping and perhaps some panhandling.

Have fun planning your escape!

 

[Kirby]

Note... there are Underground variations....

• http://www.undergroundtour.com/
• http://www.undergroundtour.com/underworld/index.html
• http://undergroundtour.com/about/paranormal.html

That's good to know.

I would recommend the Japanese Garden in Portland - it is said to be the best outside of Japan and is really beautiful. The Rose Garden next to it is impressive as well. The Oregon Zoo and an arboretum are also in that same area.

I've taken the train from Portland to Seattle and back and it was a nice trip... driving in Seattle can be a pain so the train was a much more relaxing option. I was stressed out when we drove it on a different trip. Portland especially can be a very confusing city to drive around (I lived there for almost three years) especially when you're not from the area. You should do fine with public transportation (the MAX light rail is great and runs to the airport and various parts of the city) or uber to get around there if you don't want to rent a car.

I also did a dinner cruise in Seattle one evening that was really nice - beautiful views of the city lights. Your other plans for your time in Seattle sound great!

The Japanese Garden would be right up my alley. The zoo too. And a dinner cruise, that would be lovely.

Your plans sound so fun! We have taken the Amtrack route to and from Portland, and it is great not to have to pay attention to your travel, and it is a bit more scenic than I-5. However, in your case, I would probably want the freedom of my own vehicle so that spontaneous plans are stressfree.

Also, I would hit the easy to travel to Oregon coast, but come up to WA to see our famous Mt. Rainier! It is so beautiful and there are easy trails for exploration, picnic areas, a fantastic photo worthy close up view and more at Paradise, one of the approaches to the huge mountain. It is probably 3 or so hours from Portland and somewhat on the way to Seattle, a little East. Maybe pack a nice picnic lunch? I love it up there and I would take any visiting friends.

Voodoo Doughnuts is awesome! We loved using the MAX lightrail to get around Portland, and there is a route to nearly everywhere in the city. And it was so affordable and easy to use!

Hopefully you get awesome weather, September is usually still perfect and dry! It's a great time to visit!

If you explore the waterfront in Seattle, definitely hit up Ivars, a Seattle classic with a fancy dining room and a walk up take out counter, either experience is awesome! If you are going to Seattle Center for the Chihuly Museum on a clear day, it's worth paying the crazy admission to go up to the top of the Space Needle for the view and pictures.

Homelessness is an issue in both Portland and Seattle, so expect to see some urban camping and perhaps some panhandling.

Have fun planning your escape!

I'm having lunch with my son tomorrow. I have so many ideas to tell him. We do want to go to the waterfront so Ivars could definitely be put on our list. Driving instead of riding the train would definitely give us some time to explore between the two cities.

I do have one question for those that have ridden Amtrack between the two cities. I have never ridden Amtrack before, just light rail in various cities. What would we do with our luggage? Check it or keep it with us?

 

[ADLFAN]

That's good to know.


The Japanese Garden would be right up my alley. The zoo too. And a dinner cruise, that would be lovely.


I'm having lunch with my son tomorrow. I have so many ideas to tell him. We do want to go to the waterfront so Ivars could definitely be put on our list. Driving instead of riding the train would definitely give us some time to explore between the two cities.

I do have one question for those that have ridden Amtrack between the two cities. I have never ridden Amtrack before, just light rail in various cities. What would we do with our luggage? Check it or keep it with us?

They check the luggage and load it for you in a somewhat organized fashion!

 

[ImDMous]

I haven't been to Seattle but I've spent a few weeks in Portland here and there.

Definitely second McMenamin's, the Jet Boat, and the Japanese Garden/zoo area.

For breakfast one morning try Stepping Stone Cafe for huge hearty meals, "mancakes" and great coffee.

We've done a road trip to Mt Hood and loved it, lots of farmstands along the way, the river gorge is stunning and the Timberline Lodge is where the exteriors of The Shining were filmed. It's a beautiful place to walk around for a few hours.

The OMSI, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, is a great place, laser show, planetarium, science labs, etc. The theater they have there is incredible.

Goose Hollow and The Pearl districts are great places to roam around for dining and shopping.

And don't forget Powell's Books if your a reader, overwhelming!