Friends stayed at the Old Wheeler Inn and were quite happy with it, it is across H101 from Nehalem Bay, not on the ocean. The Spindrift is an older but well kept motel just 2 blocks off the beach in Manzanita.

1) I think mt. st. helens would be doable, but it might be quick trip... It's about 2 hours to mt. st. helens from portland. Hood River is about 1 hour from Portland (on I-84).

2) IMO, I would rather stay in Manzanita or wheeler than tillamook...

Yeah, I'd agree that you'd probably prefer Manzanita to Wheeler, and either of those to Tillamook. That said, I stayed at Arch Cape House sever years ago: http://www.archcapehouse.com/. It's a couple blocks from the beach, but pretty nice place!

The thing about Oregon in the summer is that a half day is really more than a half day. You should have daylight until at least 9:00pm, so St. Helens would be doable, if you're not too tired.

The Sunset Surf is an older facility, but it's directly across the street from one of the best beaches in Oregon and every room has a view. They also have a small outdoor pool.

Arch Cape House looks really cool, but it's $$ and it's our last night in Oregon---we'll have blown our budget by then. Manzanita or Wheeler it is. There is availability at Sunset Surf in the ?Ashley building [Don't know if that is newer or better/worse than other buildings]? in Manzanita. The Spindrift Inn is just ~10-15 dollars more. From the map it looks like it's just down the road (and around a corner) from the Sunset Surf. There is also the Inn at Manzanita, but costlier.

The Old Wheeler Inn is farther from the beach and Manzanita sounds like it has more things/restaurants within walking distance (anyplace for breakfast?).

Adding to the Arch Cape places to stay.. depending on time of year though, the Inn at Arch Cape has minimums.

www.innatarchcape.com

Here is a photo from our room..

…tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/00/1c/24/41/t…

and here is our room...they all have fireplaces :)

…tripadvisor.com/media/…the-big-comfy-bed.jpg

Cool pictures, and the bed looks pretty darn comfy, but they have minimum stays. Our only luck would be waiting to the last minute and seeing if they had a vacancy, and I'm not sure I want to chance it. Everything I had read online said at least get your (Oregon) coastline accommodations set before you get there or you'll spend too much time searching for a room that night and lose time sightseeing.

The Inn at Manzanita is NICE!! Definitely the best motel in Manzanita, and it's only a short block from the beach.

There is really only one restaurant in Wheeler, the Sea Shack. It's across hwy 101 from the Old Wheeler Hotel and pretty good.

What is the best route to Mt. St. Helens? I have read something about scenic route vs. ?non-scenic. AAA Triptik has me going up I-5 to WA-504 and then east. It says ~100 miles and just under 2 hours one way from the airport. Is that correct?

Mapquest is correct, I-5 to 504, this will take you to Johnston Ridge, all the museums, lookout points etc. As far as most scenic road- I think this is really the only main road to get to Mt. St. Helens...at least the blast side. There are some scenic forest service backroads, but i personally wouldn't mess with that.

Besides, Hood River is a cute fun town, so you'll want to spend some time there too!