Here's my attempt to provide some ideas of what we could do in the Portland, OR area. 

I wouldn't recommend staying in the city itself.  One of the suburbs would be better (Gresham, Troutdale, Wilsonville, Hillsboro...)  Here are some ideas for trips.  Others please feel free to add ideas! 

First, here's some info on weather...ave temps/rainfall: 

Weather


1. Mt Hood loop taking the Historic Columbia River Highway to I84 to Hood River.  Then Hwy 35 around Mt Hood with a stop at Timberline Lodge.  Then Hwy 26 back in to the Gresham/Troutdale area.  Here's a link to some info on the historic hwy: 

Columbia River Hwy

Approx. distances:
Distance from Gresham/Troutdale to Hood River: 52 miles
Distance from Hood River back to Gresham/Troutdale: 83.4 miles

2. Wine tour.  There are alot of options.  Here's a link to a map of Northern Willamette Valley Wineries.  Could include a stop at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (home of the Spruce Goose). 

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Wineries

3. Some cool things in town: 

• Oregon Museum of Science and industry (OMSI).  This would require driving through town, though. 
  OMSI

I'm getting tired now but will add more tomorrow. 
kkfinch2009-08-17 21:01:03

Seaside, OR - approx. 90 miles.  Numerous ways back with various road types.  About 4-5 hours of driving round trip.

Mt. St. Helens Observatory - Approx 110 miles.  About 4.5 hours of driving round trip

Multnomah falls - Approx 30 minutes. on way to Hood River.

Cascade Locks/Eastwind Drive-in - popular soft serve ice cream stand. Approx 35 minute. on way to hood river

Around Portland:

Japanese Garden
OMSI
Many Brewpubs
Saturday Market
The Grotto
Rose City Yacht Club - home to our other fiberglass toy - barbecue/potluck.

to add to his list a bbq at bad lt1 house 5 hour drive time 3 hour eating time

Hey if we dont do these things for the gathering, this would give the NW C3rs all the things we need to do next summer or heck lats get started now

Just FYI, some of the sentiment at this year's gathering was (while we do like to drive) that trips much over an hour and a half one way were a bit long...

I'm all for Oregon. It is one state that is still on my bucket list of places to visit. I am of the opinion that these gatherings are first and foremost about driving. So the more tours, the better.

Ya for Oregon  I mean it's not Washington or anything   There really is a lot to do in Oregon and it's a beautiful state.  Mt St Helens would be a must drive to, thats one georgous trip.

Larry & Mark, I think the Mt St Helens tour then stop at Larry's for the BBQ may work.