roadtrip :: oregon :: part 1

If you live in Oregon or visit often, we are jealous...and you know so much more about it than we do.  :) Here are just a few of my impressions...mainly...I love Oregon. so. much. 

We saw big cities, small towns, miles of forests, lava fields, deserts, canyons, waterfalls, mighty rivers, rushing streams + the endless ocean. And we only drove 700 miles total. There was another surprise around every bend in the road + we were amazed multiple times per day. No exaggeration. In case anyone cares to follow along...here's what we did.

Day 1 :: We flew into Portland, took the train downtown + walked to our hotel near the legendary Powell's bookstore. We ate some amazing Thai food (at Thai Peacock), took in some inspiring street style, browsed some independent shops, thrifted + spent plenty of time book browsing. We had some incredible shave ice for dinner + bought some groceries for the next few days at Whole Foods.

Day 2 :: We took a Lyft to Roamerica, where we picked up our van + were on our way along the Columbia River Gorge. We stopped at Multnomah Falls + picked up some farm-fresh blueberries + peaches in Hood River. Mount Hood came into view + a number of other peaks line the drive down to Trillium Lake. We hiked around the lake + then continued on into the desert where we saw wild horses rolling in a stream. Deep in the river filled canyon at Cove Palisades, we spent the night. Huge boulders speckled our campsite + the girls climbed up onto them + right up into the trees. The sunset against the canyon walls was spectacular. The stars that night made me teary for all that we normally miss. Truly amazing.

Day 3 :: We set out for Bend. On the way, we stopped at a another scenic canyon that just drops out of the desert + also the spectacular Smith Rock. Next time, I would definitely spend some time hiking around at Smith Rock. Instead the girls scaled this climbing rock.  :) We stopped for tasty tacos (at Spork) + headed into town to browse the shops + bookstores. A big rain + hail storm told us it was time to head to our campsite in Sisters for dinner.

Day 4 :: We woke up to rain + two fawns + a doe running past our campsite. We'd planned to hike to a waterfall + swimming hole, but the rain told us to move on. We grabbed a bite at a gluten-free bakery (Angelina's) (gotta catch those when you can) + walked around Sisters during a break in the rain. Then we headed for the ocean. The scenic route took us up McKenzie Pass, past lava fields + Dee Wright Observatory. There were miles + miles of dense, mossy forest. We stopped for lunch alongside a river + found wild blackberries growing outside the van door.   

We continued on to Eugene, where we stopped to do a little thrifting, eat a little ice-cream + do a little grocery shopping. Then we pushed on + caught our first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. We pulled into Beachside State Recreation Site (probably my favorite camping spot) + spent the evening on the beach...taking in our first sunset over the ocean.

I'm going to break this post into two parts...so a little more tomorrow.  :)

Love,
​Jane