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kevin barnes · 09-26-2009, 10:17 PM

Hi Folks, planning a trip to WA and OR would like to here any suggestions of where to stay. Looking for fall colors and near water.

Thanks

CaddyGrn · 09-26-2009, 11:05 PM

Hi!

We have traveled quite a bit in Oregon... sort of depends on what time of year you are going to be traveling. Soon, if looking for fall colors and near water, the time is now and the next 2 weeks. All of the Oregon State Parks are nice. Always nice bathrooms, and many times full hookups, but sometimes only power and water. Check out the Oregon State parks website here: Oregon State Parks and Recreation: Visiting State Parks - Find A Park Some campgrounds will close for the winter, so always check if they will be open.

Some beautiful places: Most sites on the Oregon Coast, Silver Falls State Park out of Salem is a real gem, beautiful water falls ~ especially nice in Spring. Out of Portland is Champoeg State Park along a river. The actual campsites aren't beautiful, but they are nice with full hookups. A lovely drive down the Columbia river is special along the gorge, beautiful trees and on the north side of the gorge a wonderful 2 lane old highway... I haven't stayed at Memaloose State Park but had friends say it was nice. It is close to the freeway, however.

I haven't stayed in Washington lately, but we always enjoy the Olympic National Forest.

Good luck! Have fun!

Relentless · 09-27-2009, 12:07 AM

In WA. Grayland State Park just south of Westport. Site #90. On the ocean.

John

Lani · 10-02-2009, 11:55 AM

We spent July in Oregon and loved every second of it. Love love love the Oregon parks. I don't live there so I can speak for where to see the fall colors. I am sure there are many Oregonians on here who can. But, here were some of our favorite parks:

Champoeg State Park - we didn't get to spend enough time here but both of us want to go back to this park. It's fabulous!
Ainsworth State Park - Excellent location between Hood River and Portland along the historic Columbia highway. it is near a railroad but the noise didn't bother us. (Also in this area is the Port of Cascade Locks campground. We spent a few days at that park and loved it as well.)
Joseph H. Stewart State Park: South of Crater Lake and North of Ashland. Very clean park.
Fort Stevens State Park: This park is huge! It is located near Astoria and has a great beach.

As for Washington, we didn't get to spend too much time there but did have a lovely time in Olympic National Park. We stayed on Lake Quinault and it was a beautiful area.

Have a great trip! If you have any more questions about other parks, let me know. We did stay at several Oregon parks but these were the ones that stood out the most.

Mike Leary · 10-02-2009, 12:28 PM

If you're going to take the "loop" around the Olympic Peninsula (and you should), there is a private park in La Push with full hook-ups on the left as you come into town. Further south, is a National Park dry camp called "Kalaloch". Both great sites. Kalaloch stays busy all year around, so mid week is a great time to land.

davenpow · 10-02-2009, 01:58 PM

Beverly Beach State park, 10 or < miles north of Newport
SouthBeach State Park 1 or south of Newport Bridge
both have great access to the Beach
Enjoy your terip
Ted