Oregon Coast - Willamette Valley - Columbia River - Bend - Crater Lake, July 12-23, 2021
The Skinny
Monday, July 12
Coastal Oregon
Astoria, Oregon: Columbia River Maritime Museum
Cannon Beach, 30 minutes away, for 2 nights at The Stephanie Inn
Dinner at the Wayfarer Restaurant
Tuesday, July 13
Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge
Oswald State Park for Short Sand Beach (Shorty) and the Cape Falcon Hike
Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook - 6 miles
Lunch at Ecola Seafood Restaurant
Ecola State Park for the 3.5 mile Clatsop Loop
Campfire on the beach with chairs, blankets
Wednesday, July 14
North Willamette Valley, Yamhill County. About a two hr drive on the fast route
McMinnville, Dundee
First stop was Stoller Vinyards - Classic image of rolling vineyards with a contemporary tasting room structure on premise
Lunch was at The Allison Hotel in Newberg
Red Hill Market
Argyle
Furioso
Boutique vineyard Dusky Goose
Columbia River Gorge - no easy way to get there from the Willamette. 2.5 hrs later, arrived Cascade Locks village/Bridge of the Gods to cross into Washington and Stevenson, WA, to Skamania Lodge.
Thursday, July 15
A&J Market in Stevenson for picnic sandwiches made at the Deli
Multnomah Falls - gorgeous hike .1 - 7+ mile hike depending on your wants
Beacon Rock State Park
Hood River - Dinner at Celilo
Friday, July 16
Central Oregon
Beacon Rock - 3 mile hike
Mt. Hood and the Timberline Lodge for lunch
Bend - 2.5 hrs from Mt. Hood - Oxford Hotel
Pre-dinner drink at San Simon cocktail bar
Dinner at Zydeco
Vacay Part 2 - Backroads Hiking/Biking Trip - Bend to Crater Lake
Saturday, July 17 - Backroads Crater Lake Multi-Sport - “Day 1”
Biked to Tumalo - food truck park called The Bite for lunch
900 Wall Restaurant for dinner
Sunday, July 18 - “Day 2”
Smith Rock State Park to hike, about 30 minutes from Bend - Misery Ridge Trail 3.5 miles; Mesa Verde Hike along the river - 6 miles
(Deschutes Brewery tour)
Tube the Deschutes River
Dinner option - The Drake
Crux Brewery - live music, grass lawn, food trucks, etc
Deschutes Brewery Public House (separate from the Brewery) for casual dinner
Monday, July 19 - “Day 3”
Bike ride to Mt. Batchelor
Sunriver Resort - two nights
Dinner in Carson’s, the main lodge dining room
Tuesday, July 20 - “Day 4”
Hiking Day - in the Deschutes National Forest on the River Trail beside the Deschutes River - Benhem Falls, Lava Island Falls, and Dillon Falls, Lava Fields National Monument/park - 6 miles
Sun River Village to South Bend Bistro for dinner
Wednesday, July 21 - “Day 5“
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake Lodge for one night
Dinner in the Lodge
Thursday, July 22 - “Day 6” Final day
Garfield Hike - 3.5 miles
Pronghorn Resort for one night
Dinner at the resort
Friday, July 23 - back to reality>Greenville, Pitt County, NC
The Meat on the Bones
Monday, July 12 - Oregon Coast
Arrived Astoria, Oregon around 1pm PST and 6 adults piled into a Dodge Durango SUV….looked like circus clowns crammed in, but alas, can’t be picky during Covid. Off to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which explores the history and aspects of the fascinating and treacherous Columbia River Bar. A must if in the area. Then off to Cannon Beach, 30 minutes away, for 2 nights.
The Oregon Coast is breathtaking (and slightly puzzling at the same time to us warm water Gulf Stream Atlantic Ocean folks as the water is very cold and not very swimmable without wet suits, not to mention that the air high in July was 65 degrees - but that doesn’t stop the west coasters.) We cruised the charming little town that resembles New England coastal towns with gray shingled cottages, before checking into The Stephanie Inn, perched on the beach and just south of the awesome and famed Haystack rock formation. Though it was high tide, a quick walk to the Haystack was in order before dinner.
With little option for dinner on Monday and Tuesday nights when few restaurants are open and those that are clearly have a dislike of “large groups” in the nicer establishments including The Stephanie Inn dining room, we felt fortunate to have a 6:30 reservation at Wayfarer, which also happened to work better with our east coast body clock. And fortunate we were as it was a total delight. Loved our waiter Eric, who had all the scoop around town, divine fresh Dungeness crab cocktail and “very dry, very cold” martinis, all while watching an active game of pickleball on the porch improvised court at the house right next door to the restaurant. In bed while it was still light at 9:00pm.
Tuesday, July 13
Up and at’em early (east coast jet lag) awaiting breakfast to begin at 7:30and then to Oswald State Park for Short Sand Beach (Shorty) and the Cape Falcon Hike. Ferns, moss, and pines create a lush backdrop for a beautiful and not hard 6 mile round trip with killer views overlooking the coastline. 10 out of 10. Quick overlook just south at Neahkahnie Mountain, the highest point on the Oregon Coast, before going back to have lunch in Cannon Beach.
Significantly more crowded than the previously evening, it’s clear that Cannon Beach is a day tripper’s haven. Ecola Seafood was calling our name for the PNW version of fried seafood. Order at the counter and get your red checked paper lined basket of fried clams, oysters, scallops, crab cakes, etc. (Take note, that Razor Clams are not what you east coasters might expect….the meat is a large slab the size of a fish filet.) A Buoy Beer washed it down and after cruising town, some headed back and some went to Ecola State Park for the Clatsop Loop. An hour through the woods with some coastal views, its a good leg stretcher, but the beach is the best part of that hike.
As noted, Mondays and Tuesdays are a problem for diners as noted and “large groups” which apparently means over 4 people. Harumph. A Covid thing, but thinking it is just “de rigeur.” After we checked out every option, none of which appealed esp after our lunch fried fest, we beat the system with an in-room dinner party and a make-shift bar set up in the kitchenette. More than perfect. And afterwards, the Inn will set up a fire on the beach for you complete with chairs, blankets, s’mores if desired, and apres dinner drinks. The beach fires are a THING, with fires dotting the sand up and down the beach like a string of lights. Totally enchanting and felt very Pacific Northwestern. EXCELLENT DAY.
Wednesday, July 14 - North Willamette Valley and Columbia Rover Gorge
Quick walk on the beach before Durango departure for the North Willamette Valley, Yamhill County. About a two hourdrive on the fast route rather than heading down the coast through Tillamook and the dairy factory and the Three Capes Loop, a scenic loop, which if you had time, would be worth considering.
Lunch was at The Allison Hotel in Newberg, so we went south to McMinnville to check it out, then north through Dundee. Similar to France, each area is divided into AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) to designate their region, soil, and all that wine stuff. First stop was Stoller Vinyards, which is a home run. Classic image of rolling vineyards with a contemporary tasting room structure on premise. Reservations are needed for the full-on tasting which takes about an hr. We opted for the drop-in version of just buying a glass, a quick brief from the wine-tender, and sitting outside in the Adirondack chairs. Very fun under the 80 degree, perfectly blue sky.
Lunchtime on to The Allison, which is a lovely, contemporary hotel subtly nestled just outside of Newberry. Reminiscent of a larger Umstead Hotel in Raleigh, it was tranquil and sophisticated. We sampled their vineyard Austin Knoll Pinot Noir (wind, water, and fire options for density ICYI.)
Stopped by Red Hill Market as we repeatedly were told to do that….it was fine. Mainly go if you need to get a casual or to go lunch. Cruised through Argyle, which seemed closed and too urban, then Furioso, which was short staffed, so we departed and landed right next door at the boutique vineyard Dusky Goose, which produces very limited amounts per vintage and primarily only sells to club members. Lovely setting with vineyards right up to the small, but modern tasting room. Very fun day and as the wine tasting yawns started taking over, we were done with wine.
Off to the Columbia River Gorge, except not really as there is no easy way to get there from the Willamette. Trying to avoid Portland traffic, it was an endless series of neighborhoods, turn after turn, until finally 2.5 hrs later, we arrived on I-84 to FAB views of the massive Columbia River. At Cascade Locks village (we didn’t have time to see this or the Bonneville Dam tour, but regret it and would have if we had more time) and Bridge of the Gods to cross into Washington and Stevenson, WA, home of the Skamania Lodge.
With not many options throughout the Gorge other than a few Best Westerns (which between are much nicer in the West than we Easterners may think,) the Skamania is a large wooden lodge geared to conventions and families, that has something for everyone….golf, fitness trail, ropes course, playgrounds, indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, spa, and fantastic views of the Columbia River. Not cheap and not expensive, it has pretty wooden detail and attractive art. There are ALL types of people here and the rooms, while quite fine, def have been ridden hard through constant use. The large dining room has great views and TBH, the food is surprisingly very good with quick service. The outdoor area is alluring with a constant fire pit and lots of Adirondack chair groupings to take in the view.
However, after a day of sophisticated wine tasting and an arduous drive in Durango close quarters followed by a not intimate meal, we did pine slightly for the Stephanie. To bed again while it’s still light outside.
Tips: If you have time in McMinnville, check out the Evergreen Aviation Museum, home to Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose airplane and much more.
Also if you go to South Willamette, Silver Falls State Park is supposed be fab.
Note: The Willamette Valley is bordered by the Cascades to the east, the coastal range to the west with Oregon State in Corvallis and Univ of Oregon in Eugene all in the Valley.
Fun fact: The groves of trees with very clean ground underneath every tree, are hazelnut trees, one of the largest producing area for hazelnuts. It’s clean around the trunks because harvesting consists of literally vacuuming up the nuts underneath the tree after they have fallen.
Thursday, July 15
A new day! Awoke early as per and after a quick trip to the A&J Market in Stevenson to get sandwiches made at the Deli (highly recommend and the Skamania did not off the option of having picnic lunches made - though they sold them in the gift shop and may have in the golf shop.) Delightful breakfast (not included), we met at 8:30 to beat the crowds at the Multnomah Falls parking lot. (Note: check ahead because supposedly as of July 20, a reservation was to be required to hike.) This hike can be .1 to 10 miles+ depending on what your want as the trails are all very interconnected and very well marked.
Totally gorgeous hike…steep hike for the first mile up beside the Multnomah Falls to see every aspect before going on through the beautiful, lush woods and beside the stream to 6 more falls before finally descending back to the parking lot. Overall, this hike specifically is about 6 miles.
Since we had planned to picnic, we drove over to Beacon Rock State Park back in Washington to a lovely picnic area, not beside but a close walk to the Columbia River. Perfect. Decided to save the actual Beacon Rock hike for the next morning, so back to clean up and go to the town of Hood River.
En route by the more scenic Hwy 14 on the Washington side and just a few miles up river, the sails came into view as windsurfers, kite boarders, and a variety of other water board sports literally covered the river all the way and crescendoed into the mecca of water sports, Hood River. The Gorge channels the wind and thus the area is famed for its perfect conditions for sail water sports and it was mesmerizing to behold. The entire Hood RIver waterfront is dedicated to a park for watching, launching, playing, and enjoying the craft breweries along the park. Oregon does not have an open container law….right in there with legalized cannabis.
We cruised the attractive town which is uphill from the riverfront and then had the best dinner of the trip at Celilo. Highly recommend. Back to Skamania by 1-84 on the Oregon side. An 11 out of 10!
Tip: Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway (Hwy 30) if possible
Friday, July 16 - Central Oregon
Some exercise and Beacon Rock beckoned us before Durango time. A 3 mile round trip was just perfect for a good hr of a heart thumping steep climb, but fab views of the River and surrounding 360 degrees.
Then off to Bend via Mt. Hood and the Timberline Lodge. Spectacular views of Mt. Hood throughout the hr drive and arrived to a bustling mountain of hikers, tourists and mostly skiers. Quite different from a previous visit which was in September when the slopes close for the month. The Lodge was very active which sort of took away from its remarkable history. Artisan craft and artwork ARE the Lodge and worth a stop. The Cascade dining room is lovely, but left a lot to be desired this go round. Lunch time? It was still ski season vs. Sept when the slopes close for a month? Covid? Anyway, the buffet lunch did not deliver and was marginal at best. Maybe go into Government Camp next time for lunch which is supposed to be cute.
Onward to Bend which is another 2.5 hrs from Mt. Hood and it DOES deliver. Hugely attractive, with the softly flowing and small Deschutes River running right through it, there are shops, breweries, parks, and much more. We opted to stay at the Oxford Hotel right in town as that is where we were to meet our Backroads trip the next day, but options abound - Double Tree right near the Oxford, the former St. Francis School (a McMenamins property that is a regional chain that refurbishes eclectic spaces into unique hotels, restaurants, music venues, and breweries) and plenty of chain options by the (very attractive) Old Mill mall area (don’t be put off by “mall,”) a 15 minute walk from town and right by the river.
Dinner was at Zydeco, which was delicious and a sleek atmosphere, but they are def feeling the Covid service pinch. The best part though was a pre-dinner drink at San Simon cocktail bar in an alley directly across from The Oxford. Fab drinks, great staff, very funny, tongue in cheek environment inside and out. A must.
Saturday, July 17
Backroads Crater Lake Multi-Sport - “Day 1”
HBD Ann!
Our Durango time had come to an end and parting was um, bittersweet? And now to the non-thinking part of the vacay.
An aside, Backroads is a great option for many as all the work is done for you. Young, enthusiastic leaders and support staff, great hotels, wide range of strenuousness for the day’s activities with an option to skip or get a “bump” (stop or get a lift if tired) when needed, delicious food for lunches and snacks all along the route, finished up with cold drinks, hard and soft. Another aside, when we first planned out trip, we considered making the trip private with as minimal number of people required, both for fun and with Covid unknowns. However, BR was testing a new program called a Rendezvous Trip, which is a “private” trip within the larger trip for an extra fee that seemed to be about 20% more of the stated price. The Rendezvous Group has their own van and designated support leader throughout the trip and can amend the planned activities pretty much as desired within logistical reason. It’s the way to go IMO.
Standard Backroads beginning when you meet the crew and other guests, suited up to ride (or hike) and vanned to the departure destination in Bend. Meet, safety, trip details, the day’s “Route Rap,” adjust bikes, Wahoo GPS instructions, etc. We loved our leaders, Brian Dunn and Andrew Obilia, who were very experienced with the BR organization as well as our support crew for that week (leaders and support alternate throughout the season) Kelly and Faith White, who were fantastic. All 4 were completely charming and confident in their work. Faith was our designated Rendezvous person and what a winner she is.
Once the logistics are covered, you’re off, this day to the city of Tumalo and back through the National Forest for a 37 mile ride that was admittedly hard and hot, particularly in the afternoon when the hills were steep and long and the sun is intense. The highlight was lunch at a food truck park called The Bite. Oh, and a long downhill into Bend.
Fortunately, we missed the very unusual and horrid major heat wave the PNW had been having earlier (114 degrees in Portland two weeks before) but it was still hot. Take note, there is no humidity, which is a delight and can even feel almost chilly in the shade, but direct sunlight is strong and hot. Also, note that nights drop 30+ degrees into the 50’s when the sun goes down.
After the ride, guests not already staying at the Oxford could check in and then we reconvened for a wine and beer gathering before going to dinner as organized by Backroads to 900 Wall, a two-story buzzy and busy restaurant several blocks from the hotel. As a sixsome and Rendezvous trip, we sat together, while others split up in tables of 4-6. The food was good, but service was stretched to the max, and thus, a too long dinner.
Sunday, July 18 - “Day 2”
“Hard time:” 9 am. Hiking today at Smith Rock State Park, about 30 minutes from Bend. A gorgeous conglomeration of jagged rock formations left by glaciers forms this stark and exposed, but spectacular area with the Crooked River running around and through it like a moat. Famed for rock climbing, with plenty in action to watch, we stuck to hiking with numerous options for all types. Various lengths and difficulty, we chose the short, but fairly hard Misery Ridge Trail, while others preferred the Mesa Verde Hike along the river. Misery Ridge is worth the straight up climb around Monkey Face outcropping up and over the ridge and down the other side, which may give some with a heights trepidation some pause, but def doable for most.
Down to the covered picnic area to be greeted with a stupendous lunch spread of various salads, curry chicken salad, cheeses and fruits and a marionberry pie. (It’s an Oregon thing…a genetically bred combo of berries…)
The afternoon activity was a tour of the famed Deschutes Brewery, but after seeing the tubers floating the River, we had to be part of that. This is a MAJOR attraction in Bend and being the weekend, the water was PACKED with tubers, kayaks, SUP boards, relaxation stations, and even a inflatable mattress doing their thing, drinking beer, smoking pot, vaping, you name it, all in the name of being part of the cooling fun. Note to self: book your tube through Tumalo Outfitters well in advance or you’ll end up like us getting tubes from another outfitter that we had to haul from their location to the put-in. This was beyond comical trying to fit all of us and six huge inflated tubes into the BR van….but we did and it was TOTALLY worth it. The people watching, the cool water, the laughs, the SCENE, is hilarious. There is one 50 foot section of class 2 manmade rapids which is fun and not dangerous. Highly recommend. Fortunately we had trusty Faith to meet and haul us back, but otherwise, it’s another reason to use Tumalo as they run shuttles back to their locale.
As per BR usual, there is generally a night on your own (and btw, alcohol is always on your own.) Tonight was that night. Our original plans were to have dinner at The Drake, but after 7 nights of sit down dinners, we punted in favor of Crux Brewery, the highly recommended place to be on Sunday night by the 20-somethings. We went to scope it out and it was all they said with live music, grass lawn, food trucks, etc, but not for us as there was only one food truck in operation (Note: it was a food truck arm of El Sancho, a favorite taco spot just outside of town) and limited table options as most know to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. While our other crew couldn’t resist one more Paloma at San Simon, we meet them and then struggled to find another casual option that didn’t have a long wait. Landed at the Deschutes Brewery Public House (separate from the Brewery) and was greeted with an hour wait. We beat the system by ordering takeout and sitting at their Covid outside picnic tables. It was right for the moment, but maybe the Drake looked better in the evening’s wake.
Other casual restaurant tips: The Lot food truck lot; Podskie food truck lot; Bend Brewing
Monday, July 19 - “Day 3”
Hard time: 8:30, bags outside room by 7:15.
Another sunny and deep blue Oregon sky. And the Bootleg Wild Fire remains out of control, but the fire and smoke is staying south so far.
A big day riding to Mt. Batchelor and then on into Sunriver, our new home for the next two nights. Options of 32, 37 or 47 miles AND always with the outstretched left fist always in play, the BR universal sign for “I’m bailing.” The route follows the Cascades Lakes Scenic Drive and is NOT easy as it is a long uphill slog for 20 miles. The Bump was welcomed, but you are encouraged to ride the last 6 miles if possible as the awesome site of Mt. Batchelor is motivating inspiration.
The summertime does not dull activity on the popular and undeveloped ski mountain with zip lines, mtn biking and hiking trails. We took a pre-ordered bagged lunch and rode the chair lift to an observation area that had phenomenal 360 degree views of Broken Mountain, the North, Middle, False Summit and South Sisters, Mt. Jefferson and beautiful lake terrain below. At 8000+ feet, it was a bit chilly, but nothing a light overtop couldn’t tame. Really, really beautiful and worth the effort (with a bump!)
Now, the good part. What goes up must come down and 27 miles of downhill or flat was a welcomed relief. Cruised into Sunriver riding beside the Upper Deschutes River in time for a cold beer, snacks, and check-in to our rooms around 4:00. A huge property, there are all sorts of accommodations including private homes along with activities galore esp with families in mind. Four golf courses, huge new family water park, village, 40+ miles of biking trails, bocce, tennis, pickleball, you name it, it is the Homestead western style. The rooms are very nice, large and each with a porch overlooking the golf course. Some ventured to the pool, but deemed it Disneyland and not relaxing.
Dinner was separate tables in Carson’s, the main lodge dining room, which was excellent.
Tuesday, July 20 - “Day 4”
Hiking Day, but read that, rest day, after yesterday and before tomorrow! A 6 mile flat hike in the Deschutes National Forest on the River Trail beside the Deschutes River. Quite lovely, but also quite dusty and somewhat busy with mtn bikers, but still a treat to see the what seems normally lazy river become quite active with 3 waterfalls along the way that are class 5 rapids - Benhem Falls, Lava Island Falls, and Dillon Falls were all gorgeous. It was also nice to be most under tree canopy from the sun. At Dillon Falls, a delightful lunch spread awaited and then finishing up at Aspen Meadows for whitewater rafting with Sun Country Outfitters out of Bend.
The rafting is perfect as it is only about an hour but covers pretty scenery along the Lava Fields National Monument/park, three class 3 rapids that were exhilarating but not scary, smaller class 2 rapids and flat water too. A good way to end and not too long. The snacks and beers awaited also as per and then a 35 minute drive back to Sunriver where we met for drinks in The Tavern before walking into the Sunriver Village to South Bend Bistro for dinner. This was two large tables which made for a bit of a cluster, though the food was good.
Wednesday, July 21 - “Day 5“
The day of our true purpose…Crater Lake. 8:00 “hard time” to drive the 2 hours to Crater Lake National Park. Entering at Mazama Village, you lose your breath upon first glimpse of the Lake about 6 miles in. Pictures and words cannot describe its glory and blue waters which exceeded already high expectations. We arrived at the Crater Lake Lodge, a 1980’s built replica of the 1915 original, it is gorgeous with the dark shingles and green roof outside and the wooden arts and crafts interior, tree bark columns and accents and huge stone fireplaces inside, all perched along the crater’s rim.
The park is a haven for hiking with numerous trails and the road that runs along with entire rim loop. The lake is the caldera of collapsed Mt. Mazama volcano that blew its top 7700 years ago. The lake is pure snow melt and rain with no other water feeds filling up a 2000 foot deep hole that is 4.5 miles x 6 miles wide. A jagged assortment of peaks, the weather was beautiful and clear (phew) to see the aqua marine water close to shore give way to the deepest blue before purple on ROY G BIV spectrum.
Our leaders didn’t mince words that this would be a tough pull as they highlighted the 33 mile circumference ride route or the partial ride 17 miles to lunch break. Seventeen miles was enticing as the second half is not as scenic, plus with an elevation climb of over 4000 feet, 17 is “just fine.”
Good call. The traffic dissipated after leaving the Lodge area, but was still an awareness factor on the non-bike lane, non-shoulder two lane rim road that often teeters on the lip of the lake far below to the right and the cliff of the mountain to the left. This wasn’t the problem though as the hills were just plain tough exacerbated by an altitude of 7500+ feet. Fortunately, there were plenty of downhills, the temperature was a delightful 65, and there were loads of overlooks for breaks. Yet, while the overlooks were welcomed for rest, our purpose for stopping at everyone was that you just could not get enough views of such awesome beauty.
The picnic lunch was delicious as usual situated just below Mt. Scott. Then, though not on the schedule, the Cleetwood Trail beckoned and we convinced the leaders to take us for the short but steep hike to at least feel the magical waters. And feel we did, as several jumped in the very cold waters (which had warmed to about the low 60’s) and one brave soul joined the young in jumping off a tall rock outcropping. Super refreshing combined with bragging rights. But you did have to ride back in the packed van 10 slow miles in wet biking shorts, which provides empathy for the toddler with a wet diaper.
A final gathering cocktail party on the incredibly gorgeous hotel porch followed by dinner in the pretty dining room. Alas, Covid and federal requirements reduced the normally grand dining experience with a marginal buffet, but it was still delight as the views make-up for the food.
Tip: Though the views are desirable to be on the lake side, the parking lot rooms this night were better as the rooms were hot and stuffy, esp on the 3rd floor. Not air conditioned of course, the halls and common rooms were even chilly with cross ventilation, but the rooms were flat out hot. I would seriously consider deep ping with your room door ajar, but if possible, the parking lot rooms would be fine because part of the deal with these historic and gorgeous Park hotels is that the rooms are more than basic and you don’t care to spend time in them anyway.
#2: The Cleetwood Trail is also home to the marina which has boat shuttles to amend from Wizard Island. Alas, this year, it was not an option due to Covid.
Thursday, July 22 - “Day 6” - Final Day
It ain’t over til it’s over and an early morning hike helped prolong the trip and put off reality and good-byes. The Garfield Trail starting right at the Lodge wakes you up with a strenuous 1.7 mile up to the top of Mt. Garfield, named for President Garfield’s nephew, the Secretary of the Interior at the time the park was being developed. Spectacular views all along the way, with a few spots giving pause if you think too hard about either ledge, culminating in a feeling of being on top of the world once at the top. Great way to get the heart pumping, for some in more ways than one.
One final picnic right on the Rim Trail overlook near the hotel and no finer way to end a glorious trip and place.
Back to Bend, which meant, darn, another night in paradise, as travel back East would be difficult that late in the day. Ever exploring, we opted to try the Pronghorn Resort, 25 minutes in the desert outside of Bend, but still in Deschutes County and 25 minutes from the Redmond airport. A lovely, western style gated community, Pronghorn also features a newish and very nice western contemporary lodge complete with adult and family pools, activities, and two golf courses, for members and guests. Oddly quiet, especially as compared to Sunriver, it suited out taste perfectly with a great way to power down, regroup, yet still be in vacay mode. Food was great.
Friday, July 23
So, maybe its time to go home…or is it?
102 miles biked; 33 miles hiked = 135 miles
Final tip: what to pack: Other than exercise needs, layers, casual night options with sleeves and light wrap; bathing suit, laundry detergent as it is very dusty on the trails.
Oregonized chaos
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