tacran
Posted : 4/27/2012 2:25:00 PM
Jewlieee
Looks like it is too early to hit Crater Lake or the northern NP's. They have a lot of roads closed due to snow and snow melt.
The main road at Crater Lake (Rim Drive, I think?) sometimes isn't accessible by car until June or July because of snow. Another option for some walking/hiking with impressive scenery is Silver Falls State Park in Silverton. It's a lot closer to Portland than Crater Lake, and it's got hiking areas of various types -- short, long, easy, harder. Beautiful water falls to see. And, the town of Silverton is a neat little town, with some nice galleries and eateries, as well as the Oregon Garden (if you're into that kind of thing).
Definitely visit the shore (or "coast," as Oregonians say). Great vistas you can see from a car or on foot. From Portland, you can go west straight to one of our favorite spots, Cannon Beach. Ecola State Park has breath-taking views. We think that part of the coast is nicer than some of the towns further south (like Lincoln City), although there's lots of whale watching in Depoe Bay.
If you can't get away very long from Portland, the Japanese and Chinese Gardens are right in town, and both are beautiful. It's too early for the roses, but the city view from the Rose Garden is great, too. And if you like bookstores, you must visit Powell's Books. It's the largest independent bookstore in the country (if not the world!) -- it's an entire city block. So big, they have a MAP for customers to use when browsing. New & used books -- but even if you're not shopping, it's an experience just milling around. I love it!!
You'll have a great time -- just bring good walking shoes and lots of layers (especially something that's good for wind and/or rain). No fancy attire needed. Fleece is a staple fabric in Oregon!