PNW: Lodging

While traveling through the PNW, we happened upon some interesting accommodations. Two of them were planned, the other two were the result of bad weather forcing us indoors.

Out'n'About Treesort, Cave Junction: We spent two nights in the lovely tree house pictured on the bottom left (called Elementree). They don't have in suite baths, but we were lucky to have an outhouse nearby (equipped with electricity and flushing toilet - we weren't completely roughing it). This place is fantastic. They offer ziplining and horseback riding (we enjoyed both), plus they serve a scrumptious breakfast. The only downside is when nature calls at 3 in the morning. Having to walk out into the freezing weather to use the "facilitrees"...not a highlight.

McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale: We had originally planned to camp while touring the Columbia River Gorge, however rain (and a minor meltdown by yours truly) changed our plans. We ended up at McMenamins Edgefield, which was really cool. This hotel is located in an old "poorhouse" and is equipped with two restaurants and a giant saltwater soaking tub. We were placed in the Etta James room (next to Ringo Star and Sheryl Crow). The bathrooms aren't in suite, but it's still well worth it, especially since we were comfortably sandwiched between Portland and the Columbia River Gorge for only $60/night.

Number 3 on 30 Before 30: Go Camping. Truth be told, I really don't like camping. I love the idea of it, but the actual event doesn't rank high on my fun-meter. This is probably due to the fact that over half of my camping experiences have involved at least one of the following: frigid temperatures, grizzly bears, intense thunderstorms, sleeping on a pile of rocks, my tent blowing away, etc.

We set up camp at the Lost Lake campground at the base of Mt Hood. We chose this particular site because Mt Hood is supposed to reflect beautifully in Lost Lake, leading to spectacular views...and that would have been all well and good had the clouds gone away and Mt Hood revealed herself. Alas. On a positive note, we didn't encounter any Yedi's and Mark was able to perform one of man's most basic roles - building a fire.

And lastly, we somehow snagged a spot at the Crater Lake Lodge (you typically have to make reservations a year in advance, so this was quite the surprise. We assume there were numerous cancellations due to weather). Crater Lake was originally slotted at the beginning of our trip, however snow caused us to push it to the end. Obviously we didn't predict that it would be snowing much more at that point...

The drive from Bend to the park was a bit hairy, but we arrived safely and spent the afternoon sitting in the great room with other hotel guests. It was fantastic and one of the highlights of our trip. We played games, read books, went to ranger talks, met numerous people, and even enjoyed some birthday cake with a couple from Alexandria, Virginia. All very cozy. And fortunately for us and all the other guests, the weather cleared the next day.

Fun Fact: It's a state law in Oregon that someone pump your gas.