Wow, Ashland should be glorious in April. I love it down there. (Someone more local down that way will have to tell you what to do and where to go, though...I just love the country and have always enjoyed the Shakespeare festival in the summer.)

It is about 10-11 hours from where I am, though, so probably no meet-up for me! (I'm also 3 hours from Seattle.)

Just wanted to encourage you. I REALLY love that part of the PNW.