You′ve no doubt heard the new media buzzword, “Staycation,” the idea that families are looking to vacation closer to home this summer because of record high gas and diesel prices. AAA recommends a “one-tank getaway” (give or take a couple of gallons) to explore the treasures in our own backyard.

“Oregon is already known as a prime tourist destination, so we are very fortunate to have so many affordable get-aways in our backyard,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Director of Travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Whether you visit the coast, Silver Falls, Sisters or John Day, you′ll find a wealth of vacation experiences at great values.”

Planning one-tank getaways

Of course the northwest have too many destinations to include all of them here, so be sure and visit AAA′s TripTik® Travel Planner, which has just been upgraded in time for the summer travel season. Features that have been added to the popular online mapping tool include the capability to create custom maps, a new travel guide section, easier navigation and an improved route modification tool. The TripTik Travel Planner provides travelers 24/7 access to AAA′s proprietary travel information, premier mapping information, and booking capabilities. It’s everything needed to plan an entire trip.

Users can also access time-saving construction and historic traffic congestion information on www.AAA.com, as well as the latest fuel prices at more than 100,000 U.S. gas stations, including E-85 fuel availability. You can also compare fuel prices in cities across the country by clicking on the AAA Fuel Price Finder.

Loofburrow says, “The new version of the TripTik Travel Planner offers the best of both worlds, 24/7 access from a personal computer, and the availability of AAA expert knowledge and support.”

AAA’s “One-Tank Getaway” Suggestions

Coast:

North Coast Hot Spots including Seaside and Cannon Beach Lesser Visited Coast Getaways:

  • Wheeler: rent kayaks on the Nehalem River, bicycle or hike near Cape Mears, golf nearby
  • Long Beach, WA: World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame
  • Astoria: Cannery area, Fort Clatsop, Lewis and Clark sites
  • Ocean Shores, WA
  • Newport: Oregon Coast Aquarium

Washington:
Mt. Rainier National Park Paradise Inn
Skamania Lodge: Wildflowers and Waterfalls package includes guided hikes
Bonneville Lock and Dam, and Columbia River Gorge

Victoria, BC:
Drive to Seattle and park your car, then take the Victoria Clipper ferry to Victoria BC: Buchart Gardens, Fairmont Empress Hotel High Tea

Willamette Valley:
Silver Falls State Park: A seven-mile loop trail viewing 10 waterfalls, or choose from three shorter hikes
Eugene: Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour, Wine Tasting, Museums, Golf

Central Oregon:
Sisters: Camp Sherman, Shopping and Dining in Sisters, Golf and Hiking
Madras: Warm Springs, Kahneeta, Cove Palisades State Park, Deschutes river rafting

Eastern Oregon:
Joseph, OR: Wallowa Lake, Gateway to Hells Canyon, Eagle Cap Wilderness

Southern Oregon:
Crater Lake: Boat tours, Fishing, Hiking, visit Crater Lake Lodge
Klamath Falls: National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Sanctuary, Golf

From Boise:

  • Baker City, OR (Oregon Trail, Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area)
  • Pendleton, OR
  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (Riggins)
  • McCall (Ponderosa State Park, etc.)
  • Twin Falls area (Shoshone Falls, Thousand Springs State Park, City of Rocks)
  • Bruneau Sand Dunes and Observatory
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument
  • Sun Valley/Ketchum

From Twin Falls:

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Wendover, NV/UT
  • Stanley (Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer)
  • Lava Hot Springs

From Pocatello:

  • Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park
  • Jackson Hole, WY
  • Provo, UT
  • Park City, UT

From Idaho Falls:

  • Butte, MT
  • Bozeman, MT
  • Salt Lake City, UT

 

For more information, visit www.AAA.com. For a comparison of fuel prices across the nation, go to the AAA Fuel Price Finder at www.AAA.com. Or, plan your own one-tank getaways using our TripTik Travel Planner.