Portland:
Gateway to Mount Hood, Columbia River Country and
the Oregon Coast
by
Jerry W. Bird
I
fell inlove with Portland, Oregon at first sight,
which wasn't hard because I was pumped up with
excitement for weeks before we left North Vancouver
in my grandfather's Buick. As a normal 12-year old,
Jantzen Beach, a popular amusement near the river,
blew me away completely. Sad to say, it is no
longer a public place. The city's laid back
lifestyle and local amenities were another lure,
the swimming pools were far ahead of anything in
Canada at the time. We were hosted by a house full
of relatives; American cousins by the dozens, and
with some attractive, though slightly older girls
included -I thought I was in heaven. For a while I
begged my folks to move there, but to no avail.
Many
years later, we spent a New Years holiday in the
area, and one of the things that impressed me was
how easy and inexpensive it was to get from
downtown to distant points via the light rail
transit system. Simple but efficient. Click for
full
size
version of map. Last time I visited
Portland, we arrived via Horizon Air from
Vancouver, BC, as guests of Oregon Tourism on a
media "fam" trip hosted by Susan Bladholm. What we
experienced during 5 days in a nine passenger van,
was a capsule of what you should do in a week or
more. We headed straight east to the Columbia River
Gorge, a wonder of the world, where we stayed at
the charming Lodge, with roses and chocolates on
the pillow of my curtained four poster bed. The
sprawling riverside grounds reminded me of an
English country scene along the Thames.
Next
morning at breakfast, our waitress recited a poem
about Columbia Falls, as she trickled the syrup
down on our pancakes from a jug held high above her
head. This idyllic spot on the Columbia River is
one of the most popular wind sailing locations in
the west. More recently, organizers have launched
some exciting river cruises along the Columbia from
Portland. Heading for Mount Hood, our next stop of
note was Timberline, a mountain village built by
order of President Roosevelt as a make work project
in the 1930s depression era. Like most things in
Oregon, it was a class attraction.
Back in
Portland, Susan chose the Benson Hotel as our
accommodation of record, and a wise choice it was.
I will be proud to recommend the Benson to any of
my clients. Powell's bookstore is a main downtown
attraction. You can't begin to imagine its size and
variety of titles available. Another great thing
about Portland besides its many micro breweries,
great gardens and clean streets, is as I said, the
light rail rapid transit system, which takes you
far into the country side with the greatest of
ease.
On the way
to the rugged Oregon Coast, we passed through Wine
Country and stopped for a pleasant stay and tasting
at Tilamook Creek Winery. After 7 years, they still
send me mail, which proves how they value potential
tourism contacts. One of these days it will pay off
for them in spades, as we expand our Travel Club
program. We enjoyed two days on the coast at Cannon
Beach, with its great scenery, laid back atmosphere
and super seafood. I would love to relive the
entire trip all over again, only in slow motion
this time." Editor
Muguette
Goufrani
on food and wine
We
salute Portland's James Beard, "Father of American
Cooking." One of
Portland's favorite sons makes gastronomic
history.
Basic
details from the Portland
CVB
The major air hub for the Portland area and
southwest Washington is the Portland International
Airport, located next to the Columbia River in
northeast Portland. The airport is currently
undergoing expansion. All major air carriers
serving the northwest connect here. For nearby
accommodations, check East Portland and PDX Airport
Lodging.
The views of the Cascade
mountains to the east are fabulous, most notably
Mount Hood which provides year round recreational
activities from Skiing to hiking. The city is
divided by the Willamette River and provides many
opportunities for water activities.
Portland boasts a mild
climate with summer temperatures rarely over 80
degrees and winter temperatures rarely below 40
degree. Spring comes early and fall comes late, and
the gentle rains keep the area clean and
lush.
Accommodations in Portland
are generally divided into three areas: Central
Portland Lodging, North Portland Lodging and East
Portland and PDX Airport Lodging. Visitors and
residents alike can enjoy dining at Portland Dining
Establishments and shopping at the many Portland
Area Retail Shopping.
Enjoy
personal walking tours in
Eugene, Oregon, USA through:
Old cemeteries, complete
with ghost stories!
Historic neighborhoods of
Western Pioneers.
University of Oregon
campus
Backpack trips for women
and/or men
Step-on guide for covered
bridges tour
Guided mountain hikes or
walks through old-growth forests.
Visit our web site
http://www.walk-with-me.com/tours/tours.htm
Tyler
Burgess
Walk With Me
795 Willamette St., #305
Eugene, OR 97401, (541) 684-4951
.....More
airport Information and tourism
contacts.
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