recommendations on OR coast and CRG lodging

Hi all,

I'll be photographing OR and WA May 19-29 and would like to get some recommendations for comfortable, clean, and inexpensive lodging along the OR coast & CRG (I've got lodging already in WA). I will be lodging in those areas May 23-28 from Astoria to Florence and then up to the CRG (no set order for anything- could do CRG first then the coast). I don't mind mom and pop motels and I don't need fancy amenities- clean, quiet, safe, and comfortable with food nearby will work. If you have any suggestions you can email me at stormamy at juno dot com.

Thanks for your help! If anyone wants to meet up I'd love to get to know some PACNPers!

Hood River is a nice community for a base in the Gorge, assuming that I have translated CRG correctly. I'm not too familiar with all the options for lodging in the Gorge or on the Coast but accessing Chambers of Commerce will give you some ideas. Hoe you have a wonderful trip out here. There's just tons to see.

I always loved the See View in Yachats, but it might be a bit southward for a natural stopping point. ON the other hand, you could get so lost in tidepools around there that you don't care if you get up to Astoria ;-). Are you shooting mostly landscapes? If so, it might be nice to stay in Oceanside, Canon Beach, or Seaside where there are impressive sea stacks for sunsets.

Catherine- You are correct; CRG is my fast way of saying Columbia River Gorge. :) I've looked at some vacation rentals online, but didn't know if there was a favorite hotel/motel of frequent visitors/photogs.

Marylynne- I will be shooting 99% landscapes- tidepools, seastacks, beaches, waterfalls, and forest greenery. I'm up for a cityscape or two, but my main interest is the natural landscape. Yachats is on my list of possible overnight towns so I'll look into the See View.

Thank you both for your input!

I wish I could help more, but I'm usually car camping. When do you plan to be where?

Hi Amy,

Last year while in Hood River I stayed at the Vagabond http://www.vagabondlodge.com/default.htm.
Not fancy but it was clean enough and traveling alone I felt safe there.
In Yachats I would highly recommend http://www.yatelmotel.com/index.html.

Thanks Laurie. I was thinking of a hostel in the CRG area, but will look into the Vagabond.

John- Itinerary it is flexible, but for the sake of my mother's sanity (she's afraid i'm going to be attacked by God only knows what/who), I am making an agenda. Right now it looks like i'll be heading to the Gorge on 5/19-21, then to Seattle for the weekend to visit a friend, overnight in Astoria on 5/23, then head down the coast with overnights in (and this is flexible) Tillamook, Newport or Yachats, and Coos Bay or Bandon. There is always a possibility of adding another night on the coast.

Amy, If you make it down to Bandon a great place to stay is http://www.sunsetmotel.com/.
I stayed in the Economy Lodging. It was just fine. Can't beat the location right across the road from the beach and the sea stacks. Hope you have a great time!