Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Yurts, found mostly at state parks along the Oregon coast, are Mongolian-style round
houses with a canvas shell. Reserve yurts as far in advance as you can in summer.
PRACTICALITIES
»
Tiime Z
e ZonesPacific Standard Time: GMT minus eight (minus seven during day-
light saving). A tiny sliver along the Oregon-Idaho border lies in the Mountain
Standard Time zone - GMT minus seven (minus six during daylight saving).
»
Weigh
s & MeasuuresIn the US, for distance use feet, yards and miles; for weight
use ounces, pounds and tons. Canada officially uses the metric system.
»
Radio
ightts & Me
news and talk radio.
(
www.canadapost.ca
)provide dependable, timely service.
»
LauunddrySelf-service, coin-operated laundries are widely available.
»
SSmookiingSmoking is banned in all indoor public spaces throughout the Pacific
Northwest, including bars and restaurants. Some bars have patios where smoking
is allowed.
Hostels
The Pacific Northwest has just a handful of hostels, mostly in the big cities. Hostels are an
excellent budget option; what they lack in amenities and privacy they make up for in sav-
ings and a ready-made travelers' community. Most have cooking facilities, common
lounges, information boards, tour services and computer access. Dormitory beds (some-
times segregated by sex) average around $30, with private rooms priced similarly to
rooms in a budget hotel. Some hostels have a small charge for sheet and towel rental.
Hostelling International
(HI;
www.hiusa.org
) lists member hostels. Independent hos-
tels have comparable rates and conditions to HI/American Youth Hostel (AYH) hostels.
During high seasons, reserve ahead.
Lodges
The word 'lodge' is used with great latitude in the Northwest. Places such as Timberline
Lodge on Mt Hood and Paradise Inn on Mt Rainier are magnificent old log structures
boasting dozens of wood-infused, comfortable rooms with handcrafted details. Most other
lodges are more modest. Those on the lakes of the Cascades have cabin accommoda-
tions, campsites, boat rentals and at least a small store if not a cafe. Some of these are
just fine; others are quite unspectacular. If your standards are exacting, check websites
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