We are coming in August for 11 days , and were not planning on hiring a car.
What are our options?
After the 11 days stay we have a further 5 days to look around the area more and wonder what transport options there are for that, short of then hiring a car. Would we need to return to Portland to hire the car?
Many thanks.
Jill
Options are pretty limited without hiring a car. There are some local day tours that go to the gorge, but it sounds like you are intending to stay a few days in Cascade Locks? I did a quick google search and there does not appear to be a car rental place in Cascade Locks, but you may want to investigate more.
There are good(for the States) public transportation in Portland, but outside the city options are few and far between. I think there is a bus that goes to the coast once a day http://www.ridethebus.org/route/NWPoint.php
There is also one for the gorge, but does not stop at Cascade Locks
http://www.gorgetranslink.com/regional-thedalles-hoodriver-portland.html
Gresham would probably be the closest car rental you could get there in Oregon.. And there are options in Stevenson, WA if I read right.. But transit would take you to Gresham. I would call around and check prices. It may be just as cheap to rent in Portland or wherever you are. You would waste less time in your adventure.
The Gorge would be more enjoyable by car I would think. Check http://www.Bestgorge.com for information about the CRGNSA.
Best,
MrsO
Next time consider biking out on the new Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail! They just completed the section connecting the trail to Cascade Locks. It's a beautiful bike ride that keeps you off of the hullabaloo of I-84.
Alternatively, Portland has some great "carsharing" options like Zipcar http://www.zipcar.com or Car2Go https://www.car2go.com/en/portland/ that could meet your travel needs if you need a car.
Edited: 11 years ago
46,220 posts
2,822 helpful votes Not sure where you're going in the last 5 days? That will make a difference. You can get to the coast via bus, and then most of the coastal towns have their own (limited) bus systems, so that is doable, albeit cumbersome and awkward.
Or are you staying 5 days in Cascade Locks?
Car rental prices are probably lowest in Portland (not the airport), but the suburbs should have rental offices as well.
The US - especially the western US - is a car oriented country.
Are you planning this trip for August 2014, Jill, or have you already come and gone?
Edited: 11 years agoThe vacation was August. these new posts aren't doing any good. I sent sweetcaro a note yesterday.
46,220 posts
2,822 helpful votes Oh my gosh, sharp eyes, MrsO! I didn't notice the top date :-)
Max Red line to Parkrose/Sumner TC Max bus to Fisher's Landing and take West End Transit bus (http://gorgefriends.org) to the Bridge of Gods (Washington side), walk across bridge to Cascade Locks
Take the Gorge Wet bus (I think this what they call it these days) from Fisher's Landing Transit Center
Edited: 6 years agoWelcome to TA echelon. Please note that you're responding to a 5 year old thread.
