Spokane, WA to Waldport, OR

Thanks for the additional info. All very helpful!

If I'm in a hurry to get to Portland I'll take I-84, otherwise, much prefer WA 14. As for places to stay, aside from Peach Beach or Mayhill, you might consider Crow Butte Park near Paterson, WA along 14 or further down and past Maryhill is Horsethief Lake; not a campground to really brag about however, the petroglyph panels are impressive. As an aside, we rarely camp on the Oregon side of the Gorge -- the rail traffic is intense and the proximity to I-84 can, at time, be problematic.

If you do take 14, consider stopping at Maryhill Museum; it's a gem in the middle of nowhere! And then there's the Stonehenge replica just before the 97/14 intersection. The replica was built by Sam Hill, the railroad magnate, as tribute to WW I soldiers from Klickitat County and as penance for Sam not serving due to his religious beliefs.

Highway 20 from Bend west is fine. Beautiful drive.

East of 97 the country is dry and open,and roads straight. It's west of Hood River that 14 curves more.

Thanks for all your replies. Sounds like 50-50. I'll probably make my decision as I'm driving there. Maybe, like padredw, I'll take 14 only as far as 97, then cross over.

I will consider the suggestion of going south on 97 to Bend. So Hwy 20 is a decent drive from Bend to I-5? On Google maps it looks pretty winding through the mountains.

crabbin cabin...We'll be in Waldport for the month of August. It's such a small town, I'll call out "John" and see if I can find you :)

On our first (and only) trip to Washington and Oregon, we spent the night in Spokane at the Riverside State Park, then we followed the route you have inquired about. That is, we stayed on 14, but crossed over into Oregon at US 97 and spent the next night at Memaloose State Park near The Dalles in Oregon. I'm not saying this is the best way, after all it is the only way I've ever gone, but I am saying there was no problem in towing with a 34' fifth-wheel.

I wouldn't describe WA14 as hilly. Yes, there is a climb at the west end around Cape Horn. The views on that climb are worth it. Otherwise it basically stays at river level, just like I84. It's no worse than any of the drives to the coast.

Still, if all you want is an easy way through the Gorge then stick with the freeway. The waterfalls are on the Oregon side, but you have to get off the freeway to see much of those. WA14 gives a wider view of those Oregon mountains, and has some stops of its own (e.g. Beacon Rock).

If you want more scenery, I could easily weave you a route through Goldendale, Klickitat, or even Trout Lake.

Or stay on the east side of the Cascades to Bend and cross on 20/22, avoiding the Portland area entirely.

14 is not worth the effort. 20 is an excellent choice to Newport but be sure and take the bypass around Corvallis.

#20 to Newport is always (annually) our choice to/ from the coast. But you could take 30 from Portland to Astoria and then down 101 to Waldport. How long will you de in that town/area? We will be in Newport for July then Waldport for part of August.
John

hwy 14 is two lane and hilly. hard to pass on it. don't expect good gas mileage and you will have to cross over into Oregon to find gas. I drove it once and will not do it again.