For TT West don't leave Oregon without driving her finest road, <A HREF="http://www.windingroad.com/from-the-editors-page/my-winding-road-may-2007/"> Hwy 242</A>. The twisty section climbing up through the old growth it is equal to anything on the <A HREF="http://www.tailofthedragon.com/"> Tail of the Dragon</A>, but with scenery that rivals Hwy 1 in California. When I used to live in Eugene, OR I would make a day of it by driving hwy 242 to the east side of the cascades, then work my way over Mt Hood via Hwy 26 to Hwy 35 for an early pint and food at the <A HREF="http://www.fullsailbrewing.com"> Full Sail brew pub</A> in Hood River, OR. Finally I would wind my way down the gorge, jumping off on the <A HREF="http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2141/"> Historic Columbia River Hwy</A> right before <A HREF="http://trips.stateoforegon.com/multnomah_falls/"> Multnomah Falls</A> to soak in the epic scenery and to watch the sun set from atop of <A HREF="http://www.vistahouse.com/"> Crown Point State Park</A>.

If you have never done this and you are heading to Oregon you are going to kick yourself later for not finding the time to added this to an already insane road trip. My 2 cents &amp; a <A HREF="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&om=1&msid=1037354382396 32513966.00000112a4943101de768&ll=44.871443,-122.360229&spn=3.464494,7.470703&z=7"> Map</A>.

 

242 is one of my favorite roads anywhere. A strong suggestion to drive it for the first time slowly, and stop to take in some of the different landscapes you'll pass by. And well, I now live in Hood River, and would have lobbied harder for a two location TTW this year if I wasn't so busy getting unpacked from the cross country move, starting a new job, and getting married a couple weeks after TTW..

Southern Oregon is beautiful as well, and Crater Lake is not to be missed. The roads around there are awesome. Russ, Peter, Gina, etc. have done a great job setting it up, and you're gonna love it. But if you're coming a long distance to get here, and won't be back soon, then you seriously need to plan to visit Blindranger's suggestions. To the point where you're wasting your time if you don't. Between the scenery, food, amazing beers...I completely second those suggestions, and am eager to help anyone with plans for this second part of TT-W, with the post above being an excellent road map..

Rich<ul><li><a href="http://homepage.mac.com/marti123/PhotoAlbum32.html">Some of my quick shots from Oregon....</a></li></ul>

 

...We're headed north to Seattle after TT-W. This will be a great side trip along the way. After that we'll head east through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Dakotas, etc. :-)

 

Great pics, Rich!

 

Congrats on the upcoming Nuptials (and all the other stuff too!). Looks like you landed in a great area...:-)

 

to convince my wife to let me drive the ~2500miles (1 way) so i could join everyone at TT-West. I dream of getting my TT back in the NW where tectonics and hydrology have forced us to make some damn fine drivers roads. someday, someday.

 

Fly in and drive the new TT that will be there or bum a ride/drive with the other attendees! Bring your wifey too! :-)

 

Definitely...I appreciate it. Thanks!

 

I second Gina's suggestion. C'mon back anytime, we'll go for a ride!