> Another thing worth doing if you're able to get away is to take a trip out to the coast.
>   I went hiking around in a state park (it's name slips my mind) that goes from dense
> forest to a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean (a dramatic sight for a guy from
> Florida).  Then, I went down to the town where the Goonies was filmed (again, can't
> remember the name).  The Goonies Rock (the one that they match up with the lighthouse)
> is pretty awesome - it's a lot bigger than you realize in the movie.

I DO remember the names, because it's a curse I have.  I can't forget
inconsequential information, despite the fact that I spent a measly
five days in the area, almost 7 years ago.

The park is very likely Ecola State Park.  It's just north of the town of 
Cannon Beach, upon whose namesake beach the beach rally race
was filmed, and whereupon Haystack Rock (the giant monolith 
landmark in question) lies.  The town is Astoria.

That corner (locally called the Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside area) is a
wonderful place to visit.  The scenery is among the most beautiful
I've seen, people are friendly, etc.  If you do somehow make it out
there, James, I'd recommend visiting the state parks (Ecola and
Fort Stevens), and I hear that the aquarium in Seaside is pretty
neat.  If you can find the Astoria Column, it's pretty cool, too.  It's
a column which is (IIRC) over 100 feet tall, with a mural depicting
the "modern" history of the region spiraling around it.  The view
from the top on a clear day is quite remarkable.

If you are of the appropriate age (I think you may be a few years
too old) to have a Goonies fetish, there are a number of easily
found websites detailing filming locations.

I have no suggestions for Portland, not having been over to it.
I hear there are some interesting tunnels under the city, though,
relics of days gone by when sailors were "Shanghaied" into
servitude.

Mike H.

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