First Time Visit July 4-8

We have planned 2 days in Portland and 2 days in Wilamette Valley. Tentative itinerary includes fireworks the 4th; blues festival the 5th; wine tasting and?

First Time Visit July 4-8

If wine tasting is a priority you might look at McMinnville as your base for the second 2 days. Yamhill County has many wineries, excellent restaurants, and is quite scenic.

First Time Visit July 4-8

wine tasting is not a priority; maybe a day at most. we are staying at The LIons Gate Inn, Newberg. Can you suggest a day trip from this area? Hiking or beach?

Hello and welcome! I would not miss spending some time in Cannon Beach and Seaside, about a 90 minute drive from Portland. Have fun! :)

I would suggest that if you decide to visit the coast, don%26#39;t go until Tues the 7th. Everywhere on the north and central coast will be absolutely *jammed* with people for the 4th July weekend :-(

we live at the beach in CA...so maybe we need to spend our time seeing other sights. Any suggestions?

Since the beach is not a high priority, suggest you spend a day touring the Columbia River Gorge (not the 4th), any time after Sunday would be good.

Lots of waterfalls, great short hikes, beautiful scenery.

Also, if you have not been to Mt. St. Helens, it is a %26#39;must see%26#39; IMO. Just try to pick a clear day for the best views of the crater at Johnston Ridge. An easy day trip from Portland.

If you want to stay closer to the Willamette Valley, perhaps a trip to the Oregon Gardens or Silver Falls State Park near Silverton.

Kitters suggestions are all right on.

Silver Falls State Park is wonderful hiking fairly close to Newberg. Mt. St. Helens a world class sight. The gorge beautiful with lots of hikes (stop at Multnomah Falls and buy a guide book in the gift shop.

The holiday is actually the 3rd through the 5th. People are coming home on the 5th so I think venturing out to hike any time after the 4th would be fine.

If you are interested in hiking in the gorge, there is an interpretive center at Multnomah Falls in the lodge. They have free maps, and the volunteers there are pretty knowledgable when it comes to answering questions about hiking in the gorge, and other exploring. I think the same information is available from the volunteers at Vista House as well, but don%26#39;t quote me on that one. I will verify that next time I am up that way, which will be soon.

thanks for all of your great ideas..so for sure we%26#39;re in Portland the 4th and 5th..do you have any great restaurant suggestions..is there a restaurant that would offer good viewing for the 4th fireworks?