Driving to Portland--good places to see & stay?

We are road-tripping to Portland this summer! We want to break the trip up, and stop once on the way up, and perhaps a different place on the way back. It doesn't have to be half way there. We may want to get more miles behind us on the first day so we arrive fresher at my brother's. I'm traveling with six year old kids--so kid friendly activities/places would be great! Portland bound

Ashland, of course, is a great place to enjoy the theater. Further up into Oregon, we love to stop at the Village Green Resort and Gardens in Cottage Grove (not as expensive as it sounds). There are vast, beautifully landscaped gardens which my grandkids loved exploring and running around in. There's even a labyrinth! Check it out at http://www.villagegreenresortandgardens.com/ And consider visiting the drive-through Wildlife Safari in Winston OR. The kids were fascinated.

Your best option would be to return to the Bay Area by traveling down the coast route, Highway 101. The Oregon coast is amazingly awesome: gorgeous beaches and state parks, the Prehistoric Gardens (somewhat accurate life-size replicas of dinosaurs in a rain forest setting), the Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and the fabulous Oregon Coast Aquarium, both in Newport, dune buggy rides in the Florence area--these are just a few highlights; there's much, MUCH more! For a place to stay we like Adobe Inn in Yachats (pronounce it 'YAH-hots')--it's right on the ocean, and a beautiful, gentle trail leads along the coast northward to an accessible beach.

Hope you enjoy your trip! Berkeley Grandma

Hwy 5: KOA Mt. Shasta is wonderful for kids (note, may be a bit chilly in the evenings in spring)

Hwy 5: Eugene Oregon Motel 6 was really nice, clean, great pool, coffee shop across parking lot, not too expensive. Eugene has a nice science museum - about 1/10 the size of SF's exploratorium but cute, hands on, and fun.

Hwy 101: Do Not Stay at Motel 6 in Eureka. It's revolting.

If you like roadside attractions, consider checking out the Roadside America website. That's how we found the concrete dinosaur place on the coast. It's a hoot.

Hwy 101: if you use the bathroom at the Bigfoot place where they carve statues with chain saws, bring your own soap. They don't provide it. Needless to say, we didn't stay long.

Prehistoric Gardens: Address: 36848 Highway 101, Port Orford, OR [Show Map] Directions: 10-12 miles south of town on US 101. Phone: 541-332-4463

... Road Trip!!

My husband's uncle owns/runs it, and it it truly a little spot of heaven. It is footsteps away from the beach--water is cold but my kids love it. Lots of shells and things to tool around for. Since we are family, we have stayed in every room (except the 'Nest' which is for a single or couple). They all have kitchen facilities (one allows dogs) and have a view of the ocean.

It would be a great place to take a relaxing refresher int he middle of a long drive. f

Family-friendly hotels in Portland

My husband, 6 year old son & I will be going up to Portland, Oregon, in April and I was hoping to get some recommendations on family-friendly hotels that have kitchenettes (or at least a microwave/refrigerator). We will be there for three nights. Would prefer to stay downtown or in a neighborhood with close access to public transit. Thanks! Kristen

Driving to Portland - where to stay along the way

My family (2 adults, one 3 year old) will be driving to and from the East Bay to Portland, Oregon over the Christmas Holidays. We will be gone about 10 days total. We plan drive only a few hours a day and stay overnight at places along the way.

Any ideas for great family-friendly scenic places to stay along the way. We are budget oriented and have enjoyed staying in youth hostels in the past, but I am concerned that the rain could be a problem since most hostels kick you out from 10-4. We don't want to spend more than $100 per night and even that is steep for us.

Thanks! Excited about our road trip! Replies received (click to see full review)