BJinHolland

We'll be leaving Winthrop on a Sat morning in June, driving West on 20 then South towards Cannon Beach. Stopping for scenic overlooks and taking our time, what destination should we shoot for as an overnight. We'd like to get south of Seattle and find a nice easy-off Hwy 5 place to stay. Can we make it as far as Tacoma?
Thanks for the input.

happytrailstoyou

I suggest to go to Winthrop via 20 and that you go to Cannon Beach via 17, the scenic stretch between Grand Coulee and Soap Lake, 283, I-90 (Vantage), 82 (Yakima), 97 (Simcoe Mountains, Mt Adams), and WA 14 to Hood River for the night.

It's a long day of driving, but it has several scenic highlights and there is no great place to stay between Winthrop and Hood River.

If you go to Cannon Beach via 20 and I-5, you can easily make it to Tacoma for the night, but I don't know I don't know of any place especially "nice" to stay there. Perhaps others do.

seattlesue

Tacoma is not the most exciting place to stay, but if you must then the Sheraton is your best bet. I've never stayed there, but it is said to be the best hotel in Tacoma according to NW Best Places. If you can get a room with a view of the water that would be nice. Enjoy your trip!

suehoff

Geesh ,Tacoma is always getting maligned by those darn Seattle-ites. The Sheraton in downtown Tacoma is ok, but the Silver Cloud on the waterfront is IMO much better, the end rooms (allsuites) are right on the water w/ fireplaces. Also there is a new hotel at the just opened convention center but I am sorry to say I don't know what it is. There is also Gig Harbor across the Narrows Bridge which has several cute hotels, if you are willing to detour a bit.

happytrailstoyou

There are also some B&B's in Tacoma that many travelers like. Check out what they are saying on www.tripadvisor.com.

My take on your post is that you don't have a good idea about your chosen routing from Winthrop to Cannon Beach. For instance, you say you are going to stop for "scenic outlooks." There are plenty of them on Rt 20, but not on most (if any) of the rest of your drive to Cannon Beach via I-5, etc.

happytrailstoyou

Somebody commented that those from Seattle often malign Tacoma. That may be true, but not, I think, in this case.

Most cities in the USA are not important tourist destinations. New York is; Albany isn't. San Francisco is; Oakland isn't. Chicago is; Joliet isn't. Seattle is; Tacoma isn't.

There is nothing wrong with Albany, Oakland, Joliet, or Tacoma--they just aren't where I would send a tourist who is interested in Winthrop, scenic overlooks, and Cannon Beach.

BJinHolland

Thanks everyone for the input. I should have been more clear. We are travelling north from Calif along the coast, inland and north at Grant's Pass, along the Columbia and north to Winthrop. We then turn West and cross the Cascades on hwy 20 which is one of the few areas new to us on this trip. I just wasn't sure how far we could get from Winthrop down towards Cannon where we will continue our coast drive. At Reedsport we'll turn east and south for a stop at Lassen Nat'l Park, another destination which is usually snowed in and new to us. Whew, sorry for the long explanation. We love the PNW, Seattle and particularly Port Townsend area!

Gardyloo

SR 20 is not a fast road, but Winthrop to someplace in the I-5 corridor is not a terribly difficult ride. Use the SR 530 diagonal through Arlington for the quickest and relatively scenic route, and hold onto your wallet at the new and quite remarkable outlet mall on the Tulalip reservation between Arlington and Marysville.

The problem with lodging south of Seattle is that with the exception of a few standard chain motels and the like, once you're south of Tacoma the lodging choices are rather few and rather mediocre.

That said, yes, the Silver Cloud in Tacoma would be my recommendation. If you arrive in Tacoma early enough, try to visit the Museum of Glass downtown - very interesting. Tacoma has undergone quite a renaissance in both the downtown and Commencement Bay waterfront (where the hotel is) areas over the past few years, and I think you'll find it quite nice for one night.

The next day to Cannon Beach will be easy; I recommend going down I-5 all the way to the river, then west along the north bank of the Columbia through some very interesting historic towns and beautiful country, until you can cross at the mouth on US 101 and the amazing bridge into Astoria.

It's a shame you don't have time for the Olympic National Park rain forest (maybe you've already been there) but the region is too diverse for everything.

happytrailstoyou

Thanks for the clarification.

If you like Port Townsend, you might enjoy spending the night between Winthrop and Cannon Beach in La Conner--a quaint little town in the Skagit Valley.

Olympia, an hour south of Tacoma, has a small town atmosphere you also might like. They have big farmers' market (with entertainment) there on summer weekends. Anthony's or Budd Bay Cafe are good places to eat--we especially like Bud Bay's deck and pricese.

BJinHolland

Thanks Gardylou and HappyTrails. I think we may try for Olympia. Silver Cloud had no rooms available for the Sat we planned. Hmmm. Outlet shopping. It's always good that my husband does the driving, but I do the navigating!

happytrailstoyou

In Olympia, the Phoenix motel is near the farmer's market and restaurants, and it is a short walk from down town.