Visiting Vancouver/Portland end of August

[Jane917]

Two of our favorites off 164th are Tang's Wok and Pho Vi Van, both in the same little strip mall off McGilvrey. Haven't been since pre-pandemic days. Our favorite pizza/pasta place is La Sorretina, near the transit station. Truly remarkable food comes out of that kitchen.

[Jane917]

Originally Posted by texasdiver

One of my wife's work colleagues posted facebook pictures of their dinner at Dos Alas not long ago. Seems like a pretty expensive special event sort of place with very upscale cocktails. But they seemed to like it. But I'm guessing it is more the sort of place where dinner for two is going to push 3 figures before all is said and done if you get drinks.

We generally stay over here on the east side of Vancouver (164th and east) with occasional forays into downtown Vancouver. I don't remember the last time we drove over to Portland to eat. It has been a while.

We have not ventured out "east" to 164th for dining in a while, but two of our favorites off 164th are Tang's Wok and Pho Vi Van, both in a small strip mall on McGilvrey. And our very favorite for pizza/pasta is La Sorrentina near the transit station. Don't overlook it.

I am not surprised to hear that Dos Alas is spendy. It seems tapas restaurants always are. Our kids gave us $100 gift certificate for the 2 of us to Ataula one year for Christmas. We spent that and way more. I think we only had wine. I am glad to hear of your friends' recommendation. I have cousins visiting from San Jose in October and it sounds like a place they would enjoy.

We have not driven to Portland to eat for a very long time, but since we have kids/grandkids there, we sometimes eat takeout from their local neighborhood eateries. They live near Multnomah Village, so the choices are very good. Another of the kids has moved to Hood River, so we have slowly been exploring eateries in that area. Again, young grandkids, so it limits us somewhat. A great place we have longed enjoyed is the Walking Man's Brewery in White Salmon.

[MtnSurfer]

Hey Hiker-Biker, I haven't been on here for a while and just saw your post. I personally do a lot of the outdoor activities you are asking about. So, I'll give you a few more suggestions. I'll also have to make some assumptions not knowing your skill level at those things. So, I'll assume average - not a newbie /not advanced. You can certainly chime in with a more accurate description.

Kayaking the Columbia River - I do it year round. Well, actually I paddleboard. But kayakers paddle the same places we do. So, we're hitting the same best spots. The Columbia is an excellent place to paddle with a few caveats.







1. Know the best places to launch with the calmest waters and mildest currents. A few are:
- Cottonwood Beach
- Wintler Park
- Peach Beach
- Hayden Island: Go here for rentals - Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe

2. Know your limits and the conditions. Water temperatures, currents, wind, location, safety requirements (life jacket, leash in SUP'ing, Waterway Access and Aquatic Invasive Species permit if on Oregon side)

3. Don't go alone your first time if you can help it. I break this rule occasionally knowing my ability and the other variables including reading conditions. But most should not.

Also, consider kayaking Lacamas Lake for an nice easy, beautiful paddle destination. They have rental right at the lake. I paddle this lake weekly.







Lastly, Trillium Lake is well worth the drive and they also have rentals. The close up views of Mt. Hood are spectacular. Go early if you do. Its very popular.







The Oregon coast - Cannon Beach and its neighbor Ecola State Park are must sees. You really need to experience the beautiful, rugged PNW coast if you have not done so. And this is a great intro to it.

Our favorite beach to hang out and go surfing is Short Sands just south of Cannon Beach. The Bay in there is gorgeous and very popular. You need to get there early to get a decent parking spot.






Hiking - There are endless opportunities for this here with way too many to cover. As an avid hiker/backpacker I really don't know where to begin. There are entire books written about all the hiking trails in and around Vancouver/Portland. Waterfalls, lakes, rivers, mountains with amazing views, lush forests. I would google best hikes near Portland as well as check out some of the facebook hiking groups. You'll see some amazing photos.







Biking - This is the only one that might let you down a bit if you are into road biking. The streets generally are not very bike friendly. However, there are some decent mountain bike trails we've ridden. Round Lake trails next to Lacamas Lake is fun. Portland does have better biking options overall.

That's it for now. Enjoy your trip!

Derek

[TheOrca]

DUDE i just got into surfing and I've been ripping short sands!!!!

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by TheOrca

DUDE i just got into surfing and I've been ripping short sands!!!!

Orca, congrats on learning to surf and enjoying the PNW coast. Short Sands is an awesome place to enjoy it that's for sure.

Derek

[TheOrca]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Orca, congrats on learning to surf and enjoying the PNW coast. Short Sands is an awesome place to enjoy it that's for sure.

Derek

Wanna go up there tomorrow?

I got 1 seat in my car and surfboard rack

[Hiker-biker]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Hey Hiker-Biker, I haven't been on here for a while and just saw your post. I personally do a lot of the outdoor activities you are asking about. So, I'll give you a few more suggestions. I'll also have to make some assumptions not knowing your skill level at those things. So, I'll assume average - not a newbie /not advanced. You can certainly chime in with a more accurate description.

Kayaking the Columbia River - I do it year round. Well, actually I paddleboard. But kayakers paddle the same places we do. So, we're hitting the same best spots. The Columbia is an excellent place to paddle with a few caveats.







1. Know the best places to launch with the calmest waters and mildest currents. A few are:
- Cottonwood Beach
- Wintler Park
- Peach Beach
- Hayden Island: Go here for rentals - Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe

2. Know your limits and the conditions. Water temperatures, currents, wind, location, safety requirements (life jacket, leash in SUP'ing, Waterway Access and Aquatic Invasive Species permit if on Oregon side)

3. Don't go alone your first time if you can help it. I break this rule occasionally knowing my ability and the other variables including reading conditions. But most should not.

Also, consider kayaking Lacamas Lake for an nice easy, beautiful paddle destination. They have rental right at the lake. I paddle this lake weekly.







Lastly, Trillium Lake is well worth the drive and they also have rentals. The close up views of Mt. Hood are spectacular. Go early if you do. Its very popular.







The Oregon coast - Cannon Beach and its neighbor Ecola State Park are must sees. You really need to experience the beautiful, rugged PNW coast if you have not done so. And this is a great intro to it.

Our favorite beach to hang out and go surfing is Short Sands just south of Cannon Beach. The Bay in there is gorgeous and very popular. You need to get there early to get a decent parking spot.






Hiking - There are endless opportunities for this here with way too many to cover. As an avid hiker/backpacker I really don't know where to begin. There are entire books written about all the hiking trails in and around Vancouver/Portland. Waterfalls, lakes, rivers, mountains with amazing views, lush forests. I would google best hikes near Portland as well as check out some of the facebook hiking groups. You'll see some amazing photos.







Biking - This is the only one that might let you down a bit if you are into road biking. The streets generally are not very bike friendly. However, there are some decent mountain bike trails we've ridden. Round Lake trails next to Lacamas Lake is fun. Portland does have better biking options overall.

That's it for now. Enjoy your trip!

Derek

Hi, Derek!


Appreciate the great suggestions that you provided. It's too bad we're only here for a week since there's so much to do! Thanks again!


H-B

[TheOrca]

You here rn? I'm about to head to shorties

[zerp]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

3. Don't go alone your first time if you can help it. I break this rule occasionally knowing my ability and the other variables including reading conditions. But most should not.

Wouldn’t you only be able to break that rule once?

[TheOrca]

Originally Posted by zerp

Wouldn’t you only be able to break that rule once?

Nope there is definitely more than 1 area to go surfing! Try it something, I think you might like taking your mask off