The wreck of the Peter Iredale, sinking into the sands since 1906, is right by a parking area in Ft. Stevens State Park. Or head south to Newport. The new Oregon Coast Aquarium is really really keen. The Hatfield Marine Science Center next door to it should have info on whale-watching tours, or try Deep Sea Trollers in Depoe Bay.
Rooms are small but the library is well-stocked with armchairs, books, and jigsaw puzzles.
Dinner at the big family-style tables is worthwhile. Theres also good Japanese food 10 miles further south at Yuzen in Seal Rock. I hope I have whetted your appetite for a visit to Portland, during Potlatch and beyond. Auction Action Donations for and queries about the Clarion West Scholarship Auction are trickling in. An announcement will appear in the next SFWA Forum , due out in October.