 Portland OR from Tom McCall Waterfront Park Beyond Downtown, in the Greater Portland experience perhaps the top places to see are in Washington Park: the Zoo, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Forestry Center, the Arboretum, trails, memorials, picnic places, archery range, tennis courts. I'll begin this post there, then traveling roughly west to east in a topical sort of way; pictured below are a number of other places to explore. Additionally, see my previous blogs (I see I use a lot more photos nowadays!): Oregon Zoo-- https://www.oregonzoo.org/ Oregon Zoo has handicapped hardship hills--call ahead about renting a scooter or stroller. More of Washington Park--free to drive, not free to park; many hike or bike around the park. Be warned: it's hilly, you'll need a motor or a strong helper, lots of trails inaccessible/too steep.
Not too far from Washington Park are: Pittock Mansion Zupan's Market, Elephants Delicatessen, Phil's Meat Market and Bento Bar, lots of restaurants... Council Crest Mt Tabor Pittock Mansion https://pittockmansion.org/visit/ Accessible within limits. I am so glad we went at Christmas time! Be sure to access their Virtual Tour and Exhibits on their website. Zupan's Market, Elephants Delicatessen, Phil's Meat Market & Bento Bar, and a few of the many restaurants near Washington Park . . . not for the lightweight pocketbook.
Council Crest https://www.portland.gov/parks/council-crest-park Best mountain views appear when distant skies are clear. Parking is at a premium. Hiking is not wheelchair friendly other than right at the top. Mt Tabor-- https://www.portland.gov/parks/mt-tabor-park check for events, soapbox derby http://www.soapboxracer.com/ Downtown Portland--A wider Circle I took the MAX Red Line (Portland Transit) to (close to) Powell's City of Books December of 2021, and made a circuit of the area. Although most of the way was reasonably flat (but not all), I was very glad to have my new lightweight folding electric wheelchair, as I covered a considerable distance. Alert: some of the sidewalk ramps to the street are steep and can have mud/water at bottom.
Morrison & 6th to 10th, 10th & 11th Streets from Taylor to Burnside (Past Pioneer Courthouse Square, left to the Library on 10th, back up 10th & 11th toward Powell's Books) Powell's City of Books--between 10th & 11th, Burnside and Couch Burnside & 10th to Broadway, with a bit of a detour to Couch St (neighborhood of Jewish museum) Food carts at Burnside & Park Ave: Villa Angel Taqueria, Beijing House, Anna Thai Basil, Fernando's Alegria, KBap Korean, Ply Gem Asian Dumplings, Tito's Burritos, Hua Li House, #1 Bento, Kafta House gyros/shawarma/burgers/burritos/etc. Broadway, 6th, & 5th snaking around city streets 5th Ave Food Carts at 5th & Stark (aka Harvey Milk): Small Pharoah's Egyptian & NY/Halal Kosher, Lord of the Wings, Maws Babylon Cuisine (gyros, shawarma, etc), Titos Burritos (another), Khoh Khun Thai Food, Ali Baba Iraqi Cuisine (Halal, gyros, smoothies, chicken nuggets, burgers, etc), Ocean Aloha Hawaiian, Mr. Taco, La Jarochita Mexican, Korean Twist (Korean BBQ, taco burritos, rice bowls), Gyro Place Egptian Food (gyros, burgers, philly cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken burgers) Tom McCall Waterfront Park--along the Willamette River; of 147 photos, I had to narrow the choices considerably. Saturday Market was cancelled for COVID March of 2021; due to re-open Mar 2022
On the east side of the Willamette River are the Rose Quarter, with the Moda Center (sports arena) and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (event venue) Oregon Convention Center, is in the same neighborhood as the Rose Quarter (photos below) OMSI--Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (photos below) Two of the most well known Portland Neighborhoods you'll hear of are the Pearl District and Hollywood
OMSI-- https://omsi.edu/ So fascinating! So much to see! Hands-on activities for kids as well. Oregon Convention Center-- https://www.oregoncc.org/en My travel buddy and I went to the Portland Auto Show in both 2019 and 2020, at the Convention Center. There was a variety of food offered, but I think it was all the same company and mostly mediocre. I would love to go to Beyond Van Gogh Portland in 2022-- https://vangoghportland.com/ The Grotto-- https://thegrotto.org/ The Grotto is a beautiful garden, sanctuary, a place to wander, ponder, even worship. It's especially beautiful at Christmas, both sights and sounds. During their Christmas lights festival the upper garden and some other parts are closed. My electric wheelchair handled the hills, but a person in a manual chair should have a husky friend. Universities
Need to entertain kids? North Clackamas Park/swim https://ncprd.com/aquatic-park Oaks Park https://www.oakspark.com/ Two rides were handicapped accessible: the train & carousel. They do have educational programs and picnic facilities that are accessible. BYO picnic, or buy food there. Lots of choices.  The Willamette River looking south from the Red Line Max train as it crossed the Steel Bridge.  Grocery Bag Art from Safeway Bridges across the Willamette River, north to south
Rest Stop at Willamette Falls, off I-205 near Oregon City OR--eastbound only--worth taking a look, taking a stretch.
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 Crossing the train tracks to and from the Museum can be a challenge for wheelchairs. To the right of this photo is a blocked street that has some less deeply rutted rails. At one point the staffer covered the "canyons" with heavy cardboard, which worked. It might not be a bad idea to come prepared with a board or two if someone in the party is using a wheelchair. It was a rainy day of December (12-4-21) we drove up to Snoqualmie WA for the Yuletide Express train ride to Snoqualmie Falls. I had dreamed about this little excursion for a couple years. Wisely I called ahead to check on accessibility, because it’s an historic train built in the days before ADA. They said they now have a lift to get me on the train, but since it’s an old train, they couldn’t accommodate any wheelchair wider than 24”. More about that below. We left at 9:30am for the 1:30pm train ride, to leave leeway for traffic and weather delays. Our cloud navigator took us via Hwy 18, from I-5, and that’s a pretty way to go. Part of the way we saw skiffs of snow. We arrived in Snoqualmie at 12:30pm, which gave us time to refill the gas tank before getting to the Depot a half hour ahead of the train departure, as advised. The Depot (Northwest Railway Museum) I loved the old restored Depot. The gift shop is full of wonders, especially if you have a young train enthusiast, or someone interested in the historic. The Yuletide Express train ride to Snoqualmie Falls The lift to get me up to the train was more confidence-building than certain transit options I have experienced. It’s a bit unnerving to be several feet above ground when you are on wheels. But their lift had nice sides to prevent rolling over the edge. They had to have me enter through the box car, but the doorway from there into the passenger car did not accommodate my 24” wide wheelchair, as the narrowest part of the doorway was only 23”. With the help of my companion, I was able to get to the nearest seat, but I couldn’t see much of anything from there. I did have time to note that the train needs plenty of TLC (and funds) to restore it to what I had imagined it would be. In my mind I had pictured the train ride going up into the mountains to see the falls. But it’s a short, flat ride. It’s best to get a seat on the right side of the train to be able to see the falls. On the way the train passes the Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Museum (accessed by car via SE 69th Place). I’m curious now about the Santa Limited from nearby North Bend, which is $10 more per person, but a much longer ride. I think it is pulled by the steam locomotive. Below are sites about the river, the dam barely upstream from the Falls, and the power plant.
Snoqualmie Falls Park Since we couldn’t get much of a view of the Falls from the train ride, I was all the more interested in trying to see the falls by driving there. It’s close. But again, the weather wasn’t encouraging to get out and try the trails. What river we had seen wasn’t sparkling clear that time of year, so that also didn’t invite getting out to wander about. I was happy to see that ADA parking is free there. Salish Lodge Right next to Snoqualmie Falls Park is the appealing, apparently popular Salish Lodge. Downtown Snoqualmie Snoqualmie’s downtown is a cute, quaint place to explore, though the December weather wasn’t very inviting for a stroll or a roll. Right next to the Northwest Railway Museum is the Railroad Community Park with picnic tables and the Snoqualmie Centennial Log. Restaurants and shops are just across the street. Dinners from Herfy’s Burgers As we drove into Snoqualmie, we were attracted by the red Milk Barn building, and what I misread as Hefty Burgers. It’s really Herfy’s Burgers. Although there are plenty of interesting restaurants in Snoqualmie, we decided to get our dinner at Herfy’s. My companion was hungry and got the triple burger, and it was hefty indeed. And juicy—be prepared for that. I ordered the salmon burger, and liked that, as well as some extra meals to try later. See photos below. Hanukkah in 2021 began Sunday Nov 28, and I decided it was an appropriate time to visit the Jewish museum and the Holocaust Memorial in Portland OR. For us non-Jews, below are some interesting links: "Hanukkah - Chanukah 2021 - Menorah, Dreidels, Latkes, Recipes, Games and more" "How to Light the Menorah - Light Up Your Environment! - Chanukah - Hanukkah" After about two and a half min the Rabbi focuses on Hanukkah in the following link: I attended the first ever lighting of the Menorah in Gresham OR, the first night of Chanukah in 2021, the year of the opening of Chabad Jewish Center of Gresham / East County. The event was at the Gresham Center for the Arts, a nice plaza on 2nd St between NE Kelly Ave and NE Hood Ave where they have a Farmers Market, restrooms, and a splash pad in summer, a drop box for letters to Santa during the season. I went early so I wouldn't have to try to find the place and van-accessible parking in the dark. I got the perfect easy parallel parking on the curb. After all week fretting that it would be a cold, dark, rainy night, the weather turned out nice, though breezy enough that the huge inflatable dreidel kept blowing over.
The Rabbi and the City Councilwoman both gave touching/inspiring messages for the evening. My notes (taken on scraps in the dark) are imperfect, so I beg pardon for that. The Rabbi spoke of how physical symbols remind us of spiritual things like wisdom, friendship, love. We must “use” those spiritual aspects of life or lose them. Hanukkah flames are lights that shine in the darkness, reveal evils—the erosion of time-honored values—give light to those who walk in darkness, and benefit us all. The Councilwoman spoke of the inspiration of Hanukkah celebrating the victory of Right over Might. We must have courage to stand against the tyranny of the powerful. She spoke of the appropriateness in the proximity of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, both celebrations of blessings we’ve received. She praised the “Melting Pot” of America [where race, ancestry, differences of experience and heritage all season the medley, or add various strengths to the alloy]. We are all Americans. I wished I could have attended the 2021 Community Chanukah Celebration in Esther Short Park (605 Esther St.) in Vancouver USA, with “live music, hot cocoa, doughnuts and a giant ice menorah carving,” (which sounded cool) but I had attended their 2019 lighting, and wanted to spread my wings, so to speak. I couldn't be in both places at the same time. For 2019 “Festivals of Light”, including Hanukkah at Esther Short Park, scroll down at Portland OR, of course, celebrates Hanukkah every year, virtually in 2020, and both live and virtually in 2021. They say you can participate every night by Zoom. The weekend of Hanukkah I went to Portland Friday for the tour at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, and to visit the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. I stopped at Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli for lunch, hoping as well to get latkes and jelly donuts for my Hanukkah feast at home. I had tried to call ahead all week to make sure, but got no connection—as it turns out, they were closed 10 days for renovations. But I drove that way anyway, and it was the very day they reopened, unfortunately for me they didn’t have latkes or donuts yet (nor the next day). They have very limited street parking, but Safeway across the street has van-accessible parking, and the street crossing is not bad except for water pooled on a rainy day at bottom of the crossing ramp. There’s a handy bus stop as well. Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli--6912 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland OR Friday night after the Museum and Memorial I drove to Sweet Lorraine’s Latkes and More, to try to get latkes and jelly donuts, but it was dark, the limited street parking was full, I was tired, and again, I got only a recorded message when I tried to call. So when I had to pick up my main dinner from Zuppan’s Market on Saturday, I stopped at Sweet Lorraine’s (Killingsworth Station Food Carts) for lunch, where I was fortunate enough to get a good spot to park along the curb. The ramp up to the food carts is too steep for a manual wheelchair, but my new electric one was able to make it without tipping over. Lorraine suggested I order online and include a note about needing curbside delivery, park in the back momentarily and call, and they would bring the food out. She did have latkes, and a delicious kale salad, but no jelly donuts yet. Sweet Lorraine’s Latkes and More—1331 Killingsworth, Portland OR Saturday was rainy, but when I called earlier in the week to order my main Hanukkah meal from Zuppan’s Market (Burnside), the person taking my order said just to park and call, and they’d bring my food out to accommodate my handicap. There’s a longer story . . . I had hoped to pick up the food on the way home from the Holocaust Memorial in Washington Square (Portland OR) on Friday, because it is so close and I wouldn’t have to make an extra trip. But as it turned out, I had to make that extra trip, and once again, I only got a recording when I called. Again, I was so very fortunate that the handicapped parking was roomy for a van with a ramp, was right at the doorway, and was unoccupied. I went in and asked about my order, and eventually they got it together while I explored the store, décor and delights, and took photos. I had ordered a meal for 4, but the dishes were generous enough for at least 6. The ad for their Hanukkah meal was really very enticing, and the food was not disappointing. I could have ordered my latkes and jelly donuts from them as well, but I had wanted to try the other places. I wasn’t sorry I tried the others, but I was sorry I didn’t just include the latkes and donuts in my Zuppan’s order. It is an investment. Zuppan's Market-- 2340 W Burnside As always, the first time going somewhere there is considerable anxiety about finding appropriate parking. The online map did show that there was parking around the block from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. I worried about the time it would take to park and pay and get around to the entrance, that I might miss starting with the tour. But just across from the Museum is the historic old US Customs House (had been sold for shared office space), that had a van accessible handicapped parking spot of which I availed myself. Very handy. I made it to the tour just as they were starting, and they welcomed me in. After the tour I noted the pleasant park along several blocks between 8th and Park Avenues. Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education--724 NW Davis St, Portland OR The historic United States Customhouse--220 NW 8th Ave, Portland OR Construction was still going on in the area of Washington Park where I wanted to go but wasn’t blocking my way. The online maps and physical street signs leave something to be desired, so I had to go the rounds to try to find the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. At last, I parked by the Coming of the White Man statue (which I take is meant to also be the Memorial parking), and got out for some pathfinding. I rolled the compacted gravel path by the statue, and followed the signs toward the memorial, which didn’t have good follow-up for the way to go. Both ways became steep inclines, and I didn’t have a companion in case I got into a fix. Nevertheless, I continued with trepidation. Partway down I tried to turn back, but my wheels spun, so I continued cautiously toward the bump barrier at the edge of the road, and on my way there caught a glimpse of the memorial down through the brush. I took some pics just in case that was the best I could do. Once I got on the road, I decided to try the crossing, and sure enough, that’s where the inadequately marked paved path to the memorial is. So, to distill all that--drive up and park by the "Coming of the White Man" statue (picnic tables near; costed me $2 for an hour at the pay post, which takes coins and card), stroll/roll back down the paved road to the pedestrian crossing to get to the Holocaust Memorial, as well as restrooms and park map. It’s not suitable for a solo person in a manual wheelchair, but my new electric chair was able to manage the steep incline back up to my van, even as I kind of held my breath. Oregon Holocaust Memorial-- 240 SW Wright Ave, Washington Park, Portland OR United States Holocaust Memorial Museum--100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126 Main telephone: 202.488.0400  "Four Rivers Cultural Center celebrates five cultures that settled in the Four Rivers area--the Northern Paiute, Basques, Hispanics, Europeans, and Japanese Americans."  Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum shares a campus with the Ontario branch of Eastern Oregon University, and the Treasure Valley Community College. I traveled to Ontario OR for Free Museum Day, 9-18-2021. I wanted to explore the Japanese Gardens at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, to add to my Japanese-American Journeys post https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/japanese-american-journeys Imagine my delight when I found out that the very same day was an hispanic fiesta celebrating Mexican Independence Day! Then when I got to Ontario, I found another bonus: the Tater Tot Festival was that weekend as well! You could start that Saturday at 9am with the Saturday Market at the historic Train Depot park. I wanted to be sure to get a parking space at the Cultural Center, so I found where it was the night before, then got there early Saturday morning, and actually had time to explore around town a little before parking at 10am when the Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum opened. I loved that they were showcasing 5 cultures of the valley, beside a little natural history. First I went through the Museum (a few highlights below). See also https://4rcc.com/ Japanese Garden at Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum, Ontario OR Gift Shop--Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum, Ontario OR With an hour and a half to spare before the Fiesta started at 2pm, I decided to see if I could wheel downtown (perhaps about a half mile) for the Tater Tot Festival. The terrain is flat, major streets have sidewalks with ramps, people driving were very thoughtful and patient as I crossed the roads. See also https://tatertotfestivaloregon.com/ Fiesta for Mexican Independence Day--Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum, Ontario OR I got back from the Tater Tot Festival downtown just in time for the fiesta at 2pm. By 3 or 4 pm it was rather windy and stormy, starting to sprinkle, and as I was worn out from treking around town, I went back to my room, thinking it was 5pm and all was over. I think I got the time zones mixed up, so I must have missed the dancing, which I would have enjoyed so. But as the weather deteriorated I was so very glad I didn't wait to go see the Tater Tot Festival, which I had intended to do after the fiesta. Ontario OR https://www.ontariooregon.org/index.html https://www.ontariooregon.org/events.html https://ontariochamber.com/visitor-information/ Ogawa's Sushi, Burgers, & Bowls, E Idaho Ave & 2nd St (west of I-84, exit 376) and Quality Inn, E Idaho Ave (east of I-84, exit 376), Ontario OR
 Smoky sunset over hills near Halfway OR--Sept 2021--only a hint of the mountain behind which the sun is going down, hidden by smoke from wildfires. One end of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Hwy 86) takes off I-84 at exit 302, driving up into the hills east of Baker City OR. It soon passes the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, from whence you can get a nice view down into Baker Valley. East of the Oregon Trail Center the landscape looks about like what it probably did for the pioneers of the Oregon Trail, a lot of sagebrush. Well, ok, there are other signs of human undertakings, like range ranching—it’s important to know that this is Open Range, meaning cattle may be roaming about outside of fenced areas. It bears being watchful. You start seeing green again as you come to more farmland watered by the Powder River (Lower Powder Valley). Hwy 86 crosses the Powder River at the intersection with Middle Bridge Loop, and not long afterward the two (river and byway) become buddies traveling essentially the same course. The Powder River is rooted by tributaries in the mountains west of Baker City, which come together to form its trunk at Sumpter and the bulge of Philllips Reservoir. It grows north through Baker City, snaking its way more like a vine than a tree to Haines and North Powder, where it gains strength from the North Powder River and heads south again. It loses strength to irrigation projects as it continues, giving life to what otherwise would be a sage desert. Parts of the Powder River were essentially stagnant--almost no flow--as I drove along beside it. Temperatures outside my AC'd vehicle were in the mid 90s early September. Years of drought in the west have been rough on ranchers. At least one eastern OR ranching family had to sell off half the herd this year, for half the price per animal--because they could only harvest half the hay. And for the rest they had to buy & haul hay from Idaho, which costed 10s of thousands of dollars. Note the difference between green irrigated farm/ranchland and sagebrush hills, rangeland not suitable for farming, topographically as well as water wise The Powder River and Hwy 86 share the canyon leading toward the Snake River. But in Richland’s (Eagle) Valley the Powder River wanders away to the east to join the Snake River already, and Hwy 86 finds a new fellow traveler, Pine Creek, through the canyon east of Halfway, reaching the Snake River where Idaho Power has built Copperfield Campground at Oxbow OR. Richland When you come into Eagle Valley, Richland, you'll know why it got its name. A unique geography has given the local climate an advantage over surrounding areas. Residents of the place can grow what can't be grown in other nearby valleys. "Eagle Valley Grange Park in Richland Oregon. This small park hosts a variety of annual events each year including Eagle Valley Days and the Eagle Valley Steak Feed. Facilities include restrooms, community kitchen, covered pavilion and small playground area." https://travelbakercounty.com/venue/eagle-valley-grange-park-richland-oregon/ Beside the motel and RV park in town, just out of town is the Hewitt Memorial Park--camping, RVs, boat launch, showers . . . Brownlee Dam on the Snake River backs up the Powder River as well. Halfway Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to Copperfield, with a side trip up the North Pine River (creek) I wanted to add to my Snake River post and my Gone Fishin' post: my reason for traveling to Halfway this time. My guides took me in the evening, and we explored a little along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Hwy 86). That included going up the North Pine River a little way, and a bit north of Oxbow to the boat ramp there. There are places of access along both the Oregon side and the Idaho side of the Snake River, but not all are wheelchair friendly, and the roads are not for the timid or long wide loads. It's worth a reminder that cattle wander the hills of open range through the summer, then at the end of summer the cows come home on their own, down from the hills—some know their way home to their own ranch. Others need sorted by brand. I bought a one day fishing license online using my phone at https://myodfw.com/ for $32--a good deal if you catch a big one. Check out the successful angler with a fish more than half his size at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/goin-goin-gone-fishin (scroll down to Snake River at Oxbow OR). My guides brought the gear, bait, gave me instructions, and set me in place for catfishing that night. But Oxbow Dam above was letting out more water than usual, perhaps because of storms upstream, so I paid for the experience and the photo op 😐 But I enjoyed the trip.
North Powder
UnionAlso, scroll down to La Grande (includes a little detour out to Union) at Union County Museum, Union OR Lots of cowboy, western, Victorian life & antiques exhibits--a little about the Oregon Trail--local history etc.
For what amenities Waterfalls along 138 used to have (& we hope will yet), here are a few of many links:
My Sept 2021 Klamath Falls to Springfield Loop: Dexter State Recreation Site, Hwy 58 Lowell Covered Bridge, Hwy 58 Diamond Peak, Hwy 58 Collier Memorial State Park, Hwy 97 Klamath Falls OR Hwy 97 south of Klamath Falls I-5 heading north; deer, deer Roseburg OR Gas at Exit 163 Springfield OR, & further up Hwy 126 Dexter State Recreation Site Just a bit south of the Springfield exits on I-5 is the exit for Hwy 58, toward Klamath Falls. There are various recreational opportunities along Hwy 58. Following are photos of the ones I checked out late summer 2021. More info about the amenities at Dexter State Recreation Site Lowell Covered Bridge
Diamond Peak from Hwy 58 Climbing up into the mountains on Hwy 58 the air was more and more smoky, until a point when the air cleared. Three pull-outs gave great views of Diamond Peak. At the third, Lake Odell comes into the picture. Delightful! Collier Memorial State Park Hwy 58 meets Hwy 97 like a “y”: Hwy 58 makes a SE diagonal to Hwy 97, that traverses the states of Washington, Oregon, and a bit of California (and even Canada in the north!) in a more or less vertical line along the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, and part of it is called the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Between Hwy 58 and Klamath Falls much of Hwy 97 is pretty straight, at times pretty empty, other times pretty well-traveled. If you haven't slept well, please stop somewhere off the road before you do so. On my way I saw a tragic trailer accident, and hope no one was hurt. More about the Hwy 97 section of this route at Wildfires rampaged in the area of Collier State Park such that the campground was closed, and part of the day use area was fenced off. But the Logging Museum—largely outdoor exhibits—was fantastic! If you have a logging lover or big machine enthusiast, also check out the Loggers Jubilee in Morton WA. Klamath Falls OR Driving down from the north late on a summer day, the shimmering waters of Klamath Lake are so enticing, and yet I could see no easy opportunity to pull off the road and capture the sight, to my dismay. It’s a large lake, at the north end of a large valley that extends seamlessly into Northern California. The town itself is historic, it was founded in 1867. It's now a small city of about 22,000. For a little interesting history and geography, see Discover Klamath Visitor Center, 205 Riverside Dr. Suite B, Klamath Falls 541-883-5316 List of state & local parks  Children’s Museum of Klamath Falls 541-885-2995 711 East Main St $6/person (Wacky Wednesdays $2, 10am to 11am, if you donate beside plus $2: stay til closing http://www.cmkf.org/ Klamath County Museums & history 541-882-1000
Crater Lake Trolley—445 S. Spring St. (not running during COVID) View of Mt Shasta from Klamath Falls John C Fremont & Kit Carson at Upper Klamath Lake I stayed at the Shilo Inn of Klamath Falls quite comfortably.
Roseburg OR I had long before reserved lodging in Roseburg OR for this trip. Of course, though I really enjoyed our previous experience at Best Western, I like to check out different venues. The website of Riverfront Inn looked and sounded great, and was not expensive. In real life it looked quite different, and I was rather disappointed. Let me start with the positive things: the ADA room had 2 queen beds, nice size frig and desk, a private deck. The bath was ok, though no bars by the toilet and I think the tub drain wasn’t that great. The parking lot was difficult, as was the ramp from the parking to the room: steep and not smooth. The outdoor (only) pool was inaccessible. The pretty park on the river in the pictures was across the lower parking, with a steep hill to go down there. You order what you want for breakfast the night before and pick it up in the office. They were going to deliver mine, but I was ready to go before I thought, so got it at check-out to take along with me.
I have watched the station building at exit 163 off I-5 near the intersection with Hwy 38, for probably a year or more--and was curious--so decided to get the gas I needed there. The attendant was very kind and friendly: pumped my gas, washed my windshield, gave me a cold bottle of water. There’s a convenience store at the station, an old motel right there, too. But the gas isn’t cheap. Springfield OR To complete my loop, I came back to Springfield OR, and this time I did see the Simpsons. It was Saturday, so the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce was closed. Too bad, it’s so intriguing a site (see photos), and Millrace Park (also with intriguing elements) is just across the parking lot. But the Springfield History Museum was only open on Saturdays during COVID, and I am so glad I didn’t miss that, or the chance to talk to the curator. We had a nice chat, and I was so impressed. She gave me some info on where to go that was really helpful (beside brochures). I had found the streets rather confusing (you must know that Main St is a one-way, going west; A St is the parallel one-way going east). During COVID she had overseen extensive improvements in the museum, so I felt it fortunate that we hadn’t gone there before. In 2010 Springfield celebrated 125 years Springfield (OR) History Museum I was able to park next to the museum for free, and wheeled around town to see what I could see and take photos. Because there was a University game that day in Eugene, things were pretty quiet. I was inspired by our chat and the beautiful Mexican dress in the Museum, and decided to eat at Memos Mexican Restaurant--great choice! And the young man serving me was willing to adjust for my diabetic needs. I enjoyed the food very much, and the décor as well. https://memosmexicanrestaurant.com/  Dorris Ranch is not far, so I went to explore. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is on 2nd St, and if you continue to the end of 2nd St a little over a mile, you’ll head right into Dorris Ranch—well worth it. I was worn out and it was too hot for me to get out, but I was able to see where it is, what’s there (to some extent), and get a few photos. https://www.willamalane.org/dorris_ranch.php I returned home via I-5, as usual all enthused about revisiting (after recuperation time), to see and do more. Maybe I'll be able to check out Leaburg Hatchery (90700 Fish Hatchery Rd--abt half an hour east of Springfield, Hwy 126)—to look at the sturgeon, steelhead, trout, salmon. In 2021 they were still cleaning up wildfire damage from 2020. There's also a covered bridge out that way, and further on is Blue Pool--not wheelchair accessible. Another popular place out Hwy 126, not necessarily for folks in wheelchairs, is Blue River Reservoir.
 Heceta Lighthouse and Sealion Beach Vantage Point--so Oregon Coast!  Big Foot & son . . . one of many sights in the PNW, this at a business north of Florence OR I traveled north from Florence OR to Newport. It's about the most spectacular coastline in the Pacific Northwest. Below are the astounding sites I saw:
Roadside Viewpoint between Florence and Sea Lion Caves As the road climbs from sea level up toward Heceta Head, there's a wondrous viewpoint (or three) on the west side of the road, overlooking the ocean and Lily Lake below. Heceta Lighthouse and Sealion Beach Vantage Point--I could have watched this scene practically all day, except there are still so many other exceptional things to see! I made a slide show so you can look at one or many pics (to see the subtle differences in the waves)--out of 46 shots, I got it down to 7-8, with great difficulty. Heceta Head Lighthouse & State Scenic Viewpoint Vault toilets & porta potties, limited picnic tables. Hike, picnic, fish, spend some time at the beach. I ran out of camera battery for this, but below is one photo and some info about Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint
Tokatee Klootchman State Wayside/Natural Site
Apparently Tenmile is a good place to hunt for agates. Bob Creek This is another Pacific place so pleasant to picnic, ponder, or just sit and watch the ocean in wonder, it's hard to leave. I took a lot of photos, but made myself narrow them down for this post. Strawberry Hill Wayside Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint & Neptune Beach South Cook’s Chasm & Thor's Well Another place so fascinating along the Oregon coast you can hardly drag yourself away . . . wheelchair accessible in part: views from the bridge above are wondrous. https://oregondiscovery.com/cooks-chasm Devils Churn
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
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