Seattle Area - Itinerary help
Apr 18th, 2016, 07:24 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seattle Area - Itinerary help
Our family (my wife and I and our two daughters - age 23 and 19) is planning a trip to the Seattle area for the last week of June. We're trying to build an itinerary that isn't a constant go-go-go type of trip. However, trying to balance seeing a variety of things. Our daughters will be open to some light hiking, but will also want to explore city life. Here are the things we have been thinking of...could use some guidance on what is worth doing, what to drop off, what's unrealistic, etc.
- Seattle proper for 3 days - Pike Place Market, EMP Museum, Chihuly Gardens, other general exploring
- Mt. Rainier
- ONP---is this too expansive to consider visiting?
- Bainbridge Island
- my wife and I love Vancouver, BC and thought it may be worth a trip there for 2-3 days
We also have a friend that rents out a place on Widbey Island---We're not committed to going there unless the island itself would be an exceptional place to hang out.
Finally, we've been thinking of a VRBO in the Seattle area...is there any particular area that would be recommended over others?
Thanks in advance for ideas!
- Seattle proper for 3 days - Pike Place Market, EMP Museum, Chihuly Gardens, other general exploring
- Mt. Rainier
- ONP---is this too expansive to consider visiting?
- Bainbridge Island
- my wife and I love Vancouver, BC and thought it may be worth a trip there for 2-3 days
We also have a friend that rents out a place on Widbey Island---We're not committed to going there unless the island itself would be an exceptional place to hang out.
Finally, we've been thinking of a VRBO in the Seattle area...is there any particular area that would be recommended over others?
Thanks in advance for ideas!
Apr 18th, 2016, 08:18 AM
#3
Some logistic considerations...
Higher altitudes on Mt. Rainier (such as the Paradise visitor center, one of the main visiting areas) will still have snow on the ground, making hiking very problematic. In addition, we say locally that summer begins on the 5th of July; in late June you might have great weather in the mountains or it can be socked in or rainy - there's no knowing.
In my mind Olympic National Park really is the best choice, but counting travel time from Seattle you really need three days (at least) to do it justice. But the amazing variety really justifies it.
Hurricane Ridge (close to Port Angeles) is at a lower elevation than Paradise on Rainier, and it more likely to have decent conditions in late June, maybe even some wildflowers. The view into the heart of the Olympic mountain wilderness from Hurricane Ridge is something you'll never forget.
Just west of Port Angeles is Lake Crescent and the easy trail to beautiful Marymere Falls, then out on the western side of the peninsula, the Hoh Valley rainforest will be at its best - amazing environment, probably some big Roosevelt elk looming in the mist like dinosaurs... Then either north from the Hoh Valley at La Push, or a little south at Ruby Beach, you've got incredible rocky beaches.
You could also take a day, based in Port Angeles, to visit Victoria BC as foot passengers on the Coho ferry that docks right in Victoria's Inner Harbour.
You'd travel to/from the peninsula via the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle, thereby ticking that off your wish list.
In my mind, three days in Seattle and three on the Olympic Peninsula (with an additional day in Victoria) would be a terrific plan.
Higher altitudes on Mt. Rainier (such as the Paradise visitor center, one of the main visiting areas) will still have snow on the ground, making hiking very problematic. In addition, we say locally that summer begins on the 5th of July; in late June you might have great weather in the mountains or it can be socked in or rainy - there's no knowing.
In my mind Olympic National Park really is the best choice, but counting travel time from Seattle you really need three days (at least) to do it justice. But the amazing variety really justifies it.
Hurricane Ridge (close to Port Angeles) is at a lower elevation than Paradise on Rainier, and it more likely to have decent conditions in late June, maybe even some wildflowers. The view into the heart of the Olympic mountain wilderness from Hurricane Ridge is something you'll never forget.
Just west of Port Angeles is Lake Crescent and the easy trail to beautiful Marymere Falls, then out on the western side of the peninsula, the Hoh Valley rainforest will be at its best - amazing environment, probably some big Roosevelt elk looming in the mist like dinosaurs... Then either north from the Hoh Valley at La Push, or a little south at Ruby Beach, you've got incredible rocky beaches.
You could also take a day, based in Port Angeles, to visit Victoria BC as foot passengers on the Coho ferry that docks right in Victoria's Inner Harbour.
You'd travel to/from the peninsula via the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle, thereby ticking that off your wish list.
In my mind, three days in Seattle and three on the Olympic Peninsula (with an additional day in Victoria) would be a terrific plan.
Apr 18th, 2016, 09:26 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that ONP and Victoria BC make a most attractive way to spend your time.
Another option in getting to these places is to take a ferry from Anacortes to Sidney BC (it passes through the San Juan Islands) and then the ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles.
If you do this, make ferry reservations well in advance, especially the one from Anacortes to Sidney.
HTtY
Another option in getting to these places is to take a ferry from Anacortes to Sidney BC (it passes through the San Juan Islands) and then the ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles.
If you do this, make ferry reservations well in advance, especially the one from Anacortes to Sidney.
HTtY
Apr 18th, 2016, 11:45 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any thoughts on Vancouver? I agree that ONP sounds fabulous, but I our daughters may not be up for 3-4 days of National Park time (not real fans of longer hikes). I assume their must be accommodations in ONP?
Apr 18th, 2016, 12:49 PM
#6
There are only limited accommodations within the national park but several in towns on the periphery, such as Port Angeles, Forks and La Push.
It's not all about hiking, of course; most of the main sights don't require all that much effort. But it's rural, so if that doesn't work, so be it.
Vancouver is a spectacular city and you wouldn't have any difficulty filling any number of days there. With the weak Loonie it's also fairly affordable at the moment as well, although, like Seattle, cruise season makes everything very crowded and expensive.
Traveling to Vancouver by car runs the risk of long delays at the border, especially on returning to the US, so one thing you might consider is taking the train from Seattle to Vancouver and renting a car once you're there. The train (two a day in each direction, early morning and early evening) is inexpensive and quite scenic - http://www.amtrakcascades.com/ .
If you do decide to drive from Seattle, you can make a scenic day of it by traveling via Whidbey Island and Deception Pass - Whidbey has a couple of charming little waterfront towns in Langley and Coupeville, and Deception Pass is a marvelous stop. This would add a couple of hours to the drive, which is otherwise rather boring. Map - https://goo.gl/maps/9HxQQptZyf12
If you wanted to still see some beautiful country, renting a car in Vancouver and driving up to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway is a real treat - one of the most beautiful roads in North America.
However, I'll also mention that three hours in the opposite direction from Seattle puts you in Portland, a fantastic city with terrific food, funky and fun hotels like McMenamin's Edgefield or Kennedy Hotel - http://www.mcmenamins.com/ - and the amazing Columbia Gorge with its vista points and waterfalls, Hood River Valley and Mount Hood - http://gardyloo.us/20100509_85a.JPG - right on the eastern edge of the city. If you haven't been to Portland and the Gorge, I'd actually recommend it over Vancouver - you wouldn't regret it.
It's not all about hiking, of course; most of the main sights don't require all that much effort. But it's rural, so if that doesn't work, so be it.
Vancouver is a spectacular city and you wouldn't have any difficulty filling any number of days there. With the weak Loonie it's also fairly affordable at the moment as well, although, like Seattle, cruise season makes everything very crowded and expensive.
Traveling to Vancouver by car runs the risk of long delays at the border, especially on returning to the US, so one thing you might consider is taking the train from Seattle to Vancouver and renting a car once you're there. The train (two a day in each direction, early morning and early evening) is inexpensive and quite scenic - http://www.amtrakcascades.com/ .
If you do decide to drive from Seattle, you can make a scenic day of it by traveling via Whidbey Island and Deception Pass - Whidbey has a couple of charming little waterfront towns in Langley and Coupeville, and Deception Pass is a marvelous stop. This would add a couple of hours to the drive, which is otherwise rather boring. Map - https://goo.gl/maps/9HxQQptZyf12
If you wanted to still see some beautiful country, renting a car in Vancouver and driving up to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway is a real treat - one of the most beautiful roads in North America.
However, I'll also mention that three hours in the opposite direction from Seattle puts you in Portland, a fantastic city with terrific food, funky and fun hotels like McMenamin's Edgefield or Kennedy Hotel - http://www.mcmenamins.com/ - and the amazing Columbia Gorge with its vista points and waterfalls, Hood River Valley and Mount Hood - http://gardyloo.us/20100509_85a.JPG - right on the eastern edge of the city. If you haven't been to Portland and the Gorge, I'd actually recommend it over Vancouver - you wouldn't regret it.
Apr 18th, 2016, 01:12 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Vancouver, but since you have been there, I'd suggest Victoria instead. Taking the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes means you get a cruise through the San Juan Islands. Or, since you don't need a car to see Victoria, the Victoria Clipper from Seattle with give you a similar scenic cruise. However, you may want to explore Vancouver Island (the island Victoria is located on), in which case, you will want o take the ferry from Anacortes. And Gardyloo's suggestion of Portland is a good one (have you joined the Lesser Seattle-ites, Gardyloo?)
Apr 18th, 2016, 01:21 PM
#8
...have you joined the Lesser Seattle-ites, Gardyloo?
No idea what you're talking about...
http://gardyloo.us/waterfront%201970.jpg
http://gardyloo.us/20091226_45s.JPG
No idea what you're talking about...
http://gardyloo.us/waterfront%201970.jpg
http://gardyloo.us/20091226_45s.JPG
Apr 18th, 2016, 01:49 PM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Victoria. But it sounds to me like your daughters would enjoy Vancouver more- and while it's not exactly hiking, activities like going to Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, maybe Vandusen Gardens might be a nice taste of the outdoors without having to rough it.
I'd do 3 nights in Seattle, the rest in Vamcouver.
ONP is amazing, but doesn't sound like it would be a good fit.
I'd do 3 nights in Seattle, the rest in Vamcouver.
ONP is amazing, but doesn't sound like it would be a good fit.
Apr 18th, 2016, 01:53 PM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh and Whidbey Island is definitely worth a night if only for Deception Pass. Maybe a day hiking somewhere like Larabee State Park (near Bellingham, If you choose to drive to Vancouver. If you like scenic drives- Hwy 11 (chuckanut) is worth keeping the car.
Apr 18th, 2016, 02:11 PM
#11
Residential neighborhoods close to downtown for convenience: Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, First Hill, Central District. A bit further out: Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, Ravenna, Madison Park, Madrona/Leshi.
Apr 18th, 2016, 02:20 PM
#13
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have the daughters been to Vancouver, BC as adults???
(cough, choke, the drinking age is nineteen... )
IF not, then downplay all of the rest, and be sure to get them there.
Don't be fooled by the absurd, about any border concerns relating to car travel. Just plan your trip so as to reach the borders during non-peak times.
Northbound border travel is fairly routine for all but the heaviest travel periods during an average week. (maybe avoid Friday evening, Saturday morning/mid-day) Coming south, you probably want to avoid most of Sunday, and perhaps allow yourself extra time in central Vancouver so as to get you to the borders in LATE evening for what is then a 110-mile drive from the border to central Seattle, one freeway all the way.
You tell of having a week for this trip... so with 3 days for Seattle proper... and "2-3 days" for Vancouver, there really isn't much extra time in which you could comfortably branch-out too far.
One idea that could offer the best of local nature, and fit snug with the passage to and from Vancouver... would be to target The North Cascades Highway for a day trip upon your return from Vancouver.
If you do that, then you can stay late in central Vancouver before heading for the border, and then maybe staying in Bellingham on the way south, from which you would make a day trip, most sensibly to and back from Winthrop, WA.
SO lets compare a couple of paths:
Bellingham-Winthrop-Bellingham-Seattle = 8 hrs. 400 miles
and it is about the same time and distance if instead of doubling-back, you drive around to Leavenworth, WA, and then back to Seattle over EITHER Interstate #90 or US-2.
Bellingham-Winthrop-Leavenworth-Seattle = 8 hrs. 15 min. 390 mi. if returning on US-2.
IF somehow you had a night you could allocate to central Washington, you might add a detour like this:
Bellingham-Winthrop-Coulee Dam-Ephrata-Leavenworth-Seattle (which may entail 11 hours and 520 miles)
IF the daughters are really into MUSIC, you might even add a short trip from Ephrata, WA to the town of George, WA, where the outdoor music venue called "The Gorge at George" is located. (who knows how much there is to see there if nothing is ongoing, or even how near to anything you can get?) (***The Gorge is featured on the front page of this very website, as I write, among the top 10 outdoor music venues)
Otherwise, that additional travel would let you see the largest Hydroelectric dam in America... along with some remarkable scenery carved out of the earth by ice age flooding thousands of years ago (glaciallakemissoula.org for more info). This same, repeated flooding, also carved The Columbia Gorge between Washington and Oregon.
(in summary: every ice age, an ice dam would form in Montana, and each time it finally melted and/or burst, would bring the largest floods imaginable, which moved LOTS of earth on a rapid path through northern Idaho, and eastern Washington, and largely removed the lush topsoil from eastern Washington and deposited lots of it in western Oregon.) (to drive along the highway near Ephrata, miles from any hills, and see giant-sized boulders sitting beside the road {after having been deposited there by the floods thousands of years ago} really drives it home in your mind)
And, obviously, if somehow you find/finesse enough time, you could extend your eastern Washington circle to bring you back toward Seattle via Mount Rainier... which would usually entail Yakima... and then the path toward the west on US-12.
(cough, choke, the drinking age is nineteen... )
IF not, then downplay all of the rest, and be sure to get them there.
Don't be fooled by the absurd, about any border concerns relating to car travel. Just plan your trip so as to reach the borders during non-peak times.
Northbound border travel is fairly routine for all but the heaviest travel periods during an average week. (maybe avoid Friday evening, Saturday morning/mid-day) Coming south, you probably want to avoid most of Sunday, and perhaps allow yourself extra time in central Vancouver so as to get you to the borders in LATE evening for what is then a 110-mile drive from the border to central Seattle, one freeway all the way.
You tell of having a week for this trip... so with 3 days for Seattle proper... and "2-3 days" for Vancouver, there really isn't much extra time in which you could comfortably branch-out too far.
One idea that could offer the best of local nature, and fit snug with the passage to and from Vancouver... would be to target The North Cascades Highway for a day trip upon your return from Vancouver.
If you do that, then you can stay late in central Vancouver before heading for the border, and then maybe staying in Bellingham on the way south, from which you would make a day trip, most sensibly to and back from Winthrop, WA.
SO lets compare a couple of paths:
Bellingham-Winthrop-Bellingham-Seattle = 8 hrs. 400 miles
and it is about the same time and distance if instead of doubling-back, you drive around to Leavenworth, WA, and then back to Seattle over EITHER Interstate #90 or US-2.
Bellingham-Winthrop-Leavenworth-Seattle = 8 hrs. 15 min. 390 mi. if returning on US-2.
IF somehow you had a night you could allocate to central Washington, you might add a detour like this:
Bellingham-Winthrop-Coulee Dam-Ephrata-Leavenworth-Seattle (which may entail 11 hours and 520 miles)
IF the daughters are really into MUSIC, you might even add a short trip from Ephrata, WA to the town of George, WA, where the outdoor music venue called "The Gorge at George" is located. (who knows how much there is to see there if nothing is ongoing, or even how near to anything you can get?) (***The Gorge is featured on the front page of this very website, as I write, among the top 10 outdoor music venues)
Otherwise, that additional travel would let you see the largest Hydroelectric dam in America... along with some remarkable scenery carved out of the earth by ice age flooding thousands of years ago (glaciallakemissoula.org for more info). This same, repeated flooding, also carved The Columbia Gorge between Washington and Oregon.
(in summary: every ice age, an ice dam would form in Montana, and each time it finally melted and/or burst, would bring the largest floods imaginable, which moved LOTS of earth on a rapid path through northern Idaho, and eastern Washington, and largely removed the lush topsoil from eastern Washington and deposited lots of it in western Oregon.) (to drive along the highway near Ephrata, miles from any hills, and see giant-sized boulders sitting beside the road {after having been deposited there by the floods thousands of years ago} really drives it home in your mind)
And, obviously, if somehow you find/finesse enough time, you could extend your eastern Washington circle to bring you back toward Seattle via Mount Rainier... which would usually entail Yakima... and then the path toward the west on US-12.
Apr 18th, 2016, 07:26 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really appreciate all of the sound advice here. Extremely helpful. Our interest is really to move only 2 times if possible and not be, "on the road" constantly. Nice to have a base camp to retreat to for a break or at the end of the day but get to plenty of activities.
It seems like the most reasonable option for this is to branch out either to Vancouver for part II of our trip OR Victoria as has been suggested. It looks like from Vancouver (I'm sure Victoria as well) we could do some kayaking --looks like some good options in North Vancouver? Would also like to do some whale watching if late June is suitable. I'm thinking in Vancouver we have some city life to explore but also access to some exploring activities as well. With that in mind, what areas of Vancouver might be the best choice? I don't think we need to be in the City Centre.
I'm really intrigued with ONP....I just think it will be too much time in the car for my crew for the 2-3 days we could devote to it.
It seems like the most reasonable option for this is to branch out either to Vancouver for part II of our trip OR Victoria as has been suggested. It looks like from Vancouver (I'm sure Victoria as well) we could do some kayaking --looks like some good options in North Vancouver? Would also like to do some whale watching if late June is suitable. I'm thinking in Vancouver we have some city life to explore but also access to some exploring activities as well. With that in mind, what areas of Vancouver might be the best choice? I don't think we need to be in the City Centre.
I'm really intrigued with ONP....I just think it will be too much time in the car for my crew for the 2-3 days we could devote to it.
Apr 18th, 2016, 10:31 PM
#15
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you posted on the Vancouver forum yet? Those folks may be able to give you good lodging ideas.
My favorite area to stay is downtown because I like to be within walking distance to the sea wall (all right, fine, I also know the transit best there). But I'm sure there are other great areas to stay in.
My favorite area to stay is downtown because I like to be within walking distance to the sea wall (all right, fine, I also know the transit best there). But I'm sure there are other great areas to stay in.
Apr 20th, 2016, 11:30 PM
#16
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Olympic peninsula is huge and pretty desolate to just drive around. Great for camping...
Since the Canadian $ took a dive there's not the big lineups at the border anymore because it's not worth it to shop in the US.
The Cascade loop is one of the most beautiful drives anywhere but day trip? No
Since the Canadian $ took a dive there's not the big lineups at the border anymore because it's not worth it to shop in the US.
The Cascade loop is one of the most beautiful drives anywhere but day trip? No
Apr 21st, 2016, 05:04 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The feedback here has been fabulous (as always)...thanks for that.
As we do more research, we're thinking that a combo of a 3 days in Seattle and 3 in the San Juan's is doable? The whole family has some interest in Kayaking and Whale watching, and would enjoy some hiking. It seems like the San Juan's might be a better option for the blend of city and outdoors activities than splitting our time between Seattle and Vancouver.
Would the San Juans make some sense? Looks to be decent kayaking all around, a little quieter, etc. If so, which island would you recommend?
As we do more research, we're thinking that a combo of a 3 days in Seattle and 3 in the San Juan's is doable? The whole family has some interest in Kayaking and Whale watching, and would enjoy some hiking. It seems like the San Juan's might be a better option for the blend of city and outdoors activities than splitting our time between Seattle and Vancouver.
Would the San Juans make some sense? Looks to be decent kayaking all around, a little quieter, etc. If so, which island would you recommend?
Apr 21st, 2016, 06:09 AM
#18
Three days in the city and three days in the San Juans is fine. The choice of which island is subjective. San Juan has more people, accommodations, places to eat and activities, Orcas is more rural and pastoral, and Lopez is ideal for biking as it's less hilly. I'd probably say San Juan is your best bet, owing to greater diversity.
For travel to the San Juans in late June it's imperative you get ferry reservations booked early; you don't want to spend your last few hours on the island parked in the ferry line at Friday Harbor.
I'd also strongly suggest traveling to Anacortes (where the ferry leaves) via the Mukilteo-Whidbey-Deception Pass route I described above.
Now that said, and just speaking personally, in my view you could achieve pretty much the same aims using Whidbey as a base rather than the San Juans. You have kayaking out of (gorgeous) Langley, whale watching (if so desired) out of Port Townsend, an easy ferry ride from Coupeville, the fabulous Fort Casey and Deception Pass ( http://gardyloo.us/083b.JPG ) state parks for sightseeing and hiking, and all without the crowds of Friday Harbor or the hassle of the ferries. In late June you could cross over to Port Townsend and visit the lavender fields around Sequim, or do a day's drive to Hurricane Ridge, or eat fabulous Penn Cove mussels straight from the water at Coupeville... just more options.
For travel to the San Juans in late June it's imperative you get ferry reservations booked early; you don't want to spend your last few hours on the island parked in the ferry line at Friday Harbor.
I'd also strongly suggest traveling to Anacortes (where the ferry leaves) via the Mukilteo-Whidbey-Deception Pass route I described above.
Now that said, and just speaking personally, in my view you could achieve pretty much the same aims using Whidbey as a base rather than the San Juans. You have kayaking out of (gorgeous) Langley, whale watching (if so desired) out of Port Townsend, an easy ferry ride from Coupeville, the fabulous Fort Casey and Deception Pass ( http://gardyloo.us/083b.JPG ) state parks for sightseeing and hiking, and all without the crowds of Friday Harbor or the hassle of the ferries. In late June you could cross over to Port Townsend and visit the lavender fields around Sequim, or do a day's drive to Hurricane Ridge, or eat fabulous Penn Cove mussels straight from the water at Coupeville... just more options.
Apr 21st, 2016, 07:04 AM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gardyloo, this is extremely helpful. I just learned that we may have access to a friend's vrbo on Whidbey for very little $$ (simple place but on the water near Freeland). I wasn't sure this would be the right island for our non Seattle part of the trip. However, from what you're suggesting it may give us more options.
I suspect we may want to do the islands part of our trip first and the city second since the second half would be leading into the 4th of July weekend.
I suspect we may want to do the islands part of our trip first and the city second since the second half would be leading into the 4th of July weekend.
Jun 6th, 2016, 07:57 PM
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Getting some final details planned for our trip. We'll be coming in on Saturday, June 25th. Staying with family in Port Orchard one night and the head to Whidbey Island via Port Townsend (with a stop at Huuricane Ridge). We'll be staying on Whidbey for three nights in Freeland. Then headed into Seattle for three nights.
We want to do some whale watching. I'm thinking, it make most sense to drive to Anacortes for whale watching vs Port Townsend. The Port Townsend trip whale watching is a full day with two hours at Friday Harbor. Any thoughts?
We want to do some whale watching. I'm thinking, it make most sense to drive to Anacortes for whale watching vs Port Townsend. The Port Townsend trip whale watching is a full day with two hours at Friday Harbor. Any thoughts?
