Scenic Day trip on Amtrack? Alternaives to driving?

I%26#39;m visiting the Northwest for the first time. I arrive in Portland for a 2 week stay on June 17. I%26#39;m visiting my sister but she%26#39;ll have to work and I plan to take some day trips and perhaps an overnight or two.

I do not like to drive and do not want to rent a car.

It sounds like the Amtrack ride from Portland to Seattle is Scenic. Any opinions or other suggestions? What about a day trip south of Portland?

Also what is the regional bus service like? I%26#39;m thinking about going to the coast for a night.

I like lowkey small inns or B%26amp;Bs. Can you suggest some coastal towns relatively close to Portland? I%26#39;ve heard a little about Seaside.

Scenic Day trip on Amtrack? Alternaives to driving?

Unfortunately, there%26#39;s nothing particularly scenic about the Amtrak ride from Portland to Seattle; nor from Portland to Eugene. In both cases, the destination is the attraction. Seattle, of course, is a major city, with lots to do and see. Eugene is Oregon%26#39;s second largest city, but is basically a university town. If you do decide to take a day trip via Amtrak be sure you book on the Cascades trains, which run several times a day and are usually on time. Don%26#39;t book on the long distance Coast Starlight, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle and can be many hours late. Only the Coast Starlight runs south of Eugene and offers magnificent scenery as it crosses the Cascades (visible in summer, but not in winter darkness).

Scenic Day trip on Amtrack? Alternaives to driving?

Here is some info about buses that go to the coast from Portland. Without a car, Cannon Beach, Astoria or Seaside would be your best choices.

You will need to make your lodging reservations *immediately*!

Some of this information might be dated, I have no idea how old this website is, so call the phone numbers listed:

oregoncitylink.com/cannonbeach/transport.htm

You may also be interested in taking a river cruise. There are a variety of options:

http://www.portlandspirit.com/cruises.php

I wish the trip from Portland to Seattle was scenic. But it%26#39;s not. Plus Amtrak windows subdue what scenery there is.

If you don%26#39;t like to drive, check out bus options. A day drip or even a night stay over in Cannon Beach or Astoria can be a nice outing.

Seaside is nice, but it has seen better times and probably not what you are looking for in coastal towns.

Let us know if you have more questions!

I think Amtrak Portland to Seattle is fairly scenic. You are along the Columbia River much of way from north of Vancouver to Kelso, then along the Cowlitz Riv to about Toledo. Then later beyond Olympia to Tacoma you are along Puget Sound waaters.

Amtrak Sta in downtown Tacoma and downtown Seattle. I think you could have a fun time going Amtrak to Seattle spending the night and heading back next day or maybe 2 days later. And you could go up and back in same day

If you choose to do Amtrak do not plan on the Coast Satarlight northbound. It often runs late.

Afew months ago here we had a traveler who insisted on doing a tour in Gorge. More than one of us tried to convince him to rent a car, but he took the tour and reported back he was very pleased. So you could try that. It was minivan or similar vehicle. not sure of company.

Thanks to you all for your input. You%26#39;ve given me a lot to think about in the next couple days! I fly into Portland on Wednesday. Yippee!

(By the way, I want you to know that I can spell alternative)! Ha!

Happy Trails