Where is the best place to stay at Mt. Hood (Hood River, OR?

Can anyone recommend a good family friendly hotel in the Mt. Hood area?

• My midwest family and I will be taking our first trip to Portland this August. We plan to stay 6 days and take in the Colombia River gorge, the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood and possibly the Mt. St. Helens area. My question is two-fold. What would anyone recommend as a must see? And where should we stay in the Mt. Hood area? Timberline Lodge is already booked. Thank you!

• Answer:

  Here are some places to consider: Mt Hood area: The Resort on the Mountain, Welches, OR Columbia Gorge: Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA Columbia Gorge Hotel, Hood River, OR (could also serve as Mt. Hood base camp, although I'm not sure how family friendly they are) In the gorge, you must drive the old scenic highway between Troutdale and Cascade Locks -- stop at Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, Oneonta Gorge, Horsetail Falls, and any other place that grabs you. Just a mile east of Bonneville Dam, take the Eagle Creek exit from I-84. Follow the creek upstream and park. Take a hike on Eagle Creek trail. You will never forget it! On the coast, Astoria is very family friendly. Some things to search the web for: Fort Clatsop Fort Stevens State Park Columbia River Maritime Museum The section of the Oregon Coast (US Highway 101) that you must drive is between Cannon Beach and Manzanita. You'll see why. A worthy second place is from Gleneden Beach to Otter Rock. Have a great visit!