We came down from Tacoma and stayed at Cannon Beach a few years ago, on to Portland, took the Columbia River scenic route East to the far side of Oregon, circled back up to Seattle. NEVER saw a hint of what was coming. Beaches were beautiful, Portland interesting and friendly, outstanding scenery. Nothing would’ve led us to believe the area would degenerate that fast.
The scenery is still outstanding and things are normal (other than covid) along 99% of your route even today. The “area” has not degenerated, just a few city blocks in Portland.