Driving Portland to Bandon - points of interest?

[nolayup]

So long story short, making my first pilgrimage to Bandon next week, solo no less. I’ve read every post a search for Bandon returns, twice, had my gear packed since New Years, and got my menus scripted out for 3 days. What I’m looking for bandonistas, is any advice or must sees on the way down the BD. I’m leaving Portland early early am on a weekday to make a mid afternoon tee time. Only thing I got is checking out fiddlers green for gear and maybe an outlet or two. (I hear Nike is popular around these parts). I live literally in the middle of nowhere so any cool tips, things to see, lunch suggestions, etc to make the drive down more interesting or worthwhile appreciated.

[duffer987]

If I've got a teetime on the day of my drive from PDX to Bandon, I'm not stopping anywhere bar a quick bathroom break or bite to eat.

It's a solid 4.5hr drive - all things being equal - and I'd want to get to the first tee and get playing. Seriously, faffing about on the way down makes no sense.

[puttnforthe8]

Yup....duffer has it right. Nothing worth more than getting there early, hitting the range, playing shortys, putting at Punch Bowl, having some food...etc.

There are some fish shops along the drive worth stopping for lunch, otherwise just get down there.

[boxerjoe2011]

I dated my now wife in college and she went to University of Oregon in Eugene, about 2 hours outside of Portland. There was NOTHING worthwhile on that drive to Eugene. If you have a late flight out of Portland back home, I would highly recommend checking it out as it has great coffee houses and restaurants. I agree with the previous posts, I would try to get to Bandon asap. Their driving range is open all day as well as the huge putting green. Bring your favorite golf books/magazines and saddle up at the bar once you are whipped from hitting balls or putting.

[DFinch]

The scenery once you get off I-5. That's about it.

 

 

[Lbu1fan]

Yeah, not much around. The outlets in Woodburn are great (beat Nike one is the opinion). Better to take the long way and go along the coast, but dont run out of gas. Eugene is cool, Autzen stadium tour if you can get one.

[Pulledabill]

INative Oregonian living in Salem. Lots to see and do but Id make my way to Bandon and maybe sight see on the way home. Hit Fiddlers on the way down. They have a little cafe thats not half bad. After droppiing some cash at Fiddlers head onto Bandon.

On the way back from to PDX, take 101 north allthe way to Lincoln City then head inland. In Lincoln City there is a little hole in the wall for fish and chips named Js. Nithing fancy and service is lacking but it is tasty.

Woodburn and Lincoln City both have outlets with LC getting my vote. Much better deals.

Beside Golf,what interests you ?

[spud3]

Depending on how early you're getting out of Portland, Fiddler's opens at 8 AM and is worth a stop if you want/need any golf gear or attire. If you can stand to wait until you get outside of Eugene, Dixie's in Veneta has massive old-skool breakfasts (like biscuits and gravy kind of food) and is on the way if you've hit Fiddlers. Alternatively, push through Southbound on I-5, take hwy 38 to Reedsport and maybe stop at Sharkbites cafe in Coos Bay for lunch. Otherwise just get to the resort.

[soregongolfer]

Get to the resort as early as possible and enjoy the amenities as puttnforthe8 suggested. Fidd's is cool, but pointless if you have all the gear you want. If you're taking I-5 down to the Drain exit, the drive is boring, flat and not very scenic. There's a little cafe in Elkton you can eat at if you get hungry. Pretty good food and pie.

[nolayup]

Appreciate all the advice. I’m gonna be in Bandon 5 days so not in a rush to get at it. I’m sure I won’t want to leave so leaving BD as late as possible back to flight out of PDX. Just want to take some time to appreciate what the NW has to offer. Did someone say biscuits and gravy :). I guess I got something mapping out to do at work tomorrow while I wait for more bandon posts

[mallrat]

Look up Dutch Bros coffee on the way down, they are an Oregon institution. They are drive through so you can stop, grab a coffee, park stretch the legs and go. Should only add 15 minutes to the drive.

[Muffy]

It depends on what you're into other than golf. Oregon has a lot of stuff......regional history, wine, logging, manufacturing......e.g. just southwest of Portland is the Willamette Valley, which is a major pinot noir area and there's many interesting wineries in several viticulture regions extending almost to Eugene. Nike's birthplace is Eugene, but their flagship store is Portland. The Umpqua River Valley is scenic, the coastal route is more scenic (upscale tourist towns like Cannon Beach and its famous Haystack Rock) but slower.

[duffer987]

> @nolayup said:

> ... I’m gonna be in Bandon 5 days so not in a rush to get at it...

Does not compute. Does not compute. ;)

 

 

[Bargegolf]

Can attest to the coastal route. Cannon Beach and the rock formations in the ocean are worth a visit if you have the time. If I recall correctly, the drive from Eugene to North Bend was quite scenic as well.

There are also spectacular dune walks possible north of Bandon. Massive. Feels like you are in the Sahara!

Dinner in the town south of Bandon Dunes is also nice. Great sunset views of ocean and other rock formations (Face Rock)...

[DeNinny]

The Sweet Creek will be on the way which has a bunch of good hikes. Here's where the falls are but there are other points of access. http://www.oregon.com/recreation/sweet-creek-falls-0

My wife and I did a hike for a few hours on the way to Bandon from Portland. It's a good representation of the PNW beauty.

 

Since you are solo you could also just hit up the Portland strip club scene ... ;)