[Bokimon]

Hey guys,

I made joined in on this region earlier asking about Portland on my impending visit.
Well it is now finalized and official, I am coming to Portland for 4 days(Jul3-7) and then going to Seattle for 4 days(Jul8-12). Some of you who helped me with a few pointers I thank you. However because I have 1 more day extra I like to ask again if there are anything else in Portland/area which I want to check out.

City life is a must I want to check out its downtown and architectural and urban development scene.
Columbia River Gorge, one full day is set aside for just that as well as Pacific cost. I am not sure where I should start and start driving down. Seaside down south maybe or start from the dunes and up to astoria?
Any famous or well recommended beaches?

Also how far is it a drive from Portland to Proxy Falls and Crater lake?

If anybody has picts please post em or if u know the links within some of these threads where I can see Oregon scenery and portland city life. That would be great.

For Seattle: I have been there before so I am more familiar with the city scene. I have questions on where the best shopping area is, Bellevue?
Im also going to Everett for one day to see the Boeing 787 roll out on 7-8-7.
Anything in Everett worth visiting other than the factory?
Again picts and info would be huge help.

I have done as much cramming of research I possibly could and I feel like I am still missing some things just because they are so hard to find.

[seaskyfan]

For Seattle: I have been there before so I am more familiar with the city scene. I have questions on where the best shopping area is, Bellevue?


Best shopping for what? Clothes?

Downtown Seattle has a pretty good selection - centered around 6th and Pine (Nordstrom, Pacific Place, etc.). You could also hit University Village (east of the University of Washington).

[Black Box]

What kind of shopping do you intend to do? I could refer you to the appropriate retail environment with a bit more information. Have a nice time.

[Bokimon]

My shopping will probably be of clothing and possibly new shoes, and maybe electronics if there are any good deas going on.
A friend of mine shopped in Bellevue and said it was really good so I want to check it out myself, Anything involving the malls.

4 Seattle downtown I will spend a good amount of time walkign the streets and checking out some of their buildings. That funky ass library designed by Raffi? Someone semi famous is wicked.

[SpongeG]

i like Bellevue for shopping as it has all the big stores in Bellevue Square and has free parking :) but downtown is more bustling

driving along the coast is a long time the 101 can be really slow - from the dunes to seaside would take quite a while i think - i could suggest driving downt o lincoln city and than fo north to astoria and back into portland - wih stops at manzanita, cannon beach, the cheese place in that place T something and seaside - which is nice but astoria was more interesting i think but i recall the drive from portland to lincoln city was at least 2 hours on its own but it was really nice - i think seaside to portland is only 1 hour? so for times sake you could go to seaside - cannon beach is a must and not far south - under 30 mins to seaside - and astoria is also only about 20 minutes from seaside - you could than spend more time in those 3 places

not in everett but there is the seattle outlet mall just north of everett in marysville/tulalip next to a big casino with a cool orca fountain - but than again portland has an outlet mall too with the same stores and there is no sales tax in oregon which is a nice plus

[zilfondel]

Seattle public library was designed by Rem Koolhaas. He's one of the most famous starchitects in the world...

Also, the 'cheese place' is Tillamook, but it isn't right on the beach; it's a ways inland. Still, it's worth it... and you have to buy a chunk of the 'extra extra sharp' as well as get an ice cream cone there. IMO, best ice cream in the world.

[Bokimon]

Ah yes Koolhaas thats the name. Raffi is the one who designed the Vancouver library.
Yeah that library in Seattle is awesome. And the EMP

[MarkDaMan]

If you do Crater Lake in one day you will be driving hours in each direction and might get 30 minutes to look at the lake itself before having to drive home.

Shopping in downtown Portland is pretty decent. Shoe stores, mall stores, and quite a few local and quirky shops are all tax free, helps save a couple bucks.

[vjoe]

Watch your speed along the 101. There are a few spots where the speed limit change from 55 to 35 or 25, that's where the local cops hang out.

I'd skip Crater lake, it's too far for a day trip.

As for the Gorge make sure you take the old historic highway and not 84.

[zilfondel]

As for the Gorge make sure you take the old historic highway and not 84.

Part of the old gorge highway isn't open to motor vehicle traffic tho... :)

[Bokimon]

Kay I will keep that in mind.
Crater lake is scrapped. How about Proxy Falls?
I have an entire day set for the columbia gorge so I will go all out with seeing this and that!

Also I wnated to ask.
What retail stores are there in the US that are in every major city?
I only know of Albertsons.
Stores I am interested in are Grocery stores, stores that sell Electronics and PHOTO FINISHINGS so I can take my memory card there and burn it onto a CD.
I think Walmart and Woolco are there too, is there a London Drugs, Future Shop or A%B Sound in the states?

Another item of help is does Portland and Seattle have and accessible downtown parking for a good price?
Parkades, lots or metered areas which is close to the city center??
Or is it better to park somewhere else and take te bus or LRT?

[Bokimon]

I have a map up showing the extent of my trip.
Portland and Seattle will be especially important as part of my 4500km+ leg.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/bokimon/map1.jpg

[MarkDaMan]

Fred Meyer is probably the kind of store you are looking for. Also Walgreen or Rite Aid have the self serve photo machines.

Parking downtown. Well, you can park at the Lloyd Center Mall (free) and take the MAX downtown or the Smart Park (http://www.portlandonline.com/smartpark/index.cfm?c=35506) is only $1.25/hour up to 4 hours. On street parking is the same cost but is limited in the hours you can leave your car.

Instead of Proxy Falls I'd do Silver Falls State Park. It's considerably closer, more stunning with more to see, and an easier day trip in beautiful scenery. The Trail of Ten Falls is breathtaking and pretty easy to hike in under a few hours. You also go through several small cities that are absolutely charming on your way to the park.

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php

some various Google images
http://www.tripcheck.com/images/SBsection/SilverFalls_MiddleNorthFalls.jpg

that is a hiking trail behind the waterfall!
http://www.oregon.com/hiking/SilverFallsSouthFls.jpg

http://www.rockslidephoto.com/pix/500/d2026.jpg

[zilfondel]

Grocery stores in Oregon:

Fred Meyer*, Safeway, Albertsons, Winco, and a number of smaller ones in smaller towns.

Electronics stores: Fry's*, Best Buy (Fry's is in Wilsonville, several miles south of Portland - but a HUGE electronics store)

Camera stores: Pro Photo Supply*, Shutterbug, Camera World (both in downtown Portland, both are excellent and will have pretty much anything you need)

*the best

[alexjon]

Go to the NW/Nob Hill area Freddy's and get some nanaimo bars!

[Bokimon]

Thanks guys, I will print these all off and carry these in my binder as I travel.
All this info is honesly difficult to absorb as you guys are feeding me stuff I dont even know. I am impressed at myself for knowing some of the places already.

Nanaimo bars are good.. :) That waterpark sounds very nice place to be, I might do that over proxy falls then. Oh ya I also plan to be in Portland on July 4th,
anything interesting going on for downtown and such? Fireworks? Release of Transformers???

[brandonpdx]

Thanks guys, I will print these all off and carry these in my binder as I travel.
All this info is honesly difficult to absorb as you guys are feeding me stuff I dont even know. I am impressed at myself for knowing some of the places already.

Nanaimo bars are good.. :) That waterpark sounds very nice place to be, I might do that over proxy falls then. Oh ya I also plan to be in Portland on July 4th,
anything interesting going on for downtown and such? Fireworks? Release of Transformers???


The Blues fest on the waterfront that will follow with a firework show.

[zilfondel]

^^ The Blues show will actually be right here:
google maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=portland,+or&ie=UTF8&ll=45.512287,-122.674434&spn=0.006646,0.008014&t=k&z=17&om=1)