irishswampyankee

We will be flying into Seattle early/mid Sept. We will not spend time in the city (have done that before) but want to go right up to the San Juan islands and then down to Mt. Rainier and then over to the coast and drive down the length of OR.

1.) Which San Juan Island? We're a senior couple looking for scenery. We like to walk but not hike. Scenic drives are good too and we prefer more modern accommodations. Is 2 nts enough to see an island?

2.) We would like to drive through/around Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park. Is there a town with modern accommodations close enough to the park to be able to take in the park scenery in one day? I know many folks who go to this area prefer cabins and rustic privacy. That's not us anymore but we're not looking for the Four Seasons either! Thanks for all your help.
isy

happytrailstoyou

Mt. Rainier is very often done as a day trip from Seattle. Therefore, you could spend the night in your Seattle hotel.

Orcas or San Juan would be good islands to visit. Either can be done easily in two nights. Taking the ferry between Orcas and San Juan Island (Friday Harbor) you could visit both of these islands in two nights.

Our favorite scenic drives in Washington include the North Cascade Loop (Highways 2 and 20), and WA-14 from Maryhill to Washougal.

Cannon Beach, Newport, Yachats, and Bandon are among the good places to spend the night on the Oregon Coat.

NWWanderer

Can you clarify what you mean by "modern" accommodations? Do you mean newly built or renovated or something else?

I prefer Orcas Island but San Juan is beautiful too. I think 2 nights is the minimum amount of time I'd stay as both islands have a number of scenic walks and drives. In any event you want to be sure to structure your trip so you're not taking a car on the ferries on a Friday or coming back on a Sunday to avoid the worst lineups.

I'll wait until you clarify on lodgings before making suggestions.

wildflowerdew

Take the trip to Paradise on Mt Ranier, you can even stay at the Inn at the top, at Parsdise which is historic hotel recently remodeled but book early. You enter the park at the west by going through Ashford. stay at the Inn and enjoy the mountain then leave by going out the other end, the eastern end, then at hwy 123 or cayuse pass to Chinook pass, high elevation pass with spectacular views.( Great resturant called Whistlin Jacks/ also an Inn) This will bring you down to hwy 12 and the desert conditions of the Yakima Valley know for its abundant fruit and produce as well as over 70 wineries and 11,000 acres of vineyards, and vibrant downtown. if you follow i-82 east to Hwy 97 it will take you to the Columbia river which is amazing and you can go along the river to Portland and the coast. Be sure to stop at the Yakima Visitor Information Center at Exit 33a They have all the information on what to see and do in the Yakima Valley and beyond.

irishswampyankee

Thanks, everyone. I have printed out your replies. Never knew about Yakima valley. It sounds very interesting as well as suggestions for other scenic drives. NWWanderer, I just mean accommodations with private bath, clean, well maintained, not necessarily new construction. DH grew up in a rooming house so to this day he won't stay in B&B's and prefers chain hotels because there are usually no surprises. He is leery of Mom and Pops so I have to do lots of research before we stay in one.

isy

NWWanderer

Ok, thanks. I think there's a Best Western in Friday Harbor so you might want to look at that. That's the only chain I can think of, everything else is independent. What's your budget? I can recommend some of the independents based on that.

I can't think of any chains near Mt Rainier and even though Paradise Lodge was renovated last year, they kept the lodge character so it's still be basic and historic and many of the rooms do not have private bath. I'd suggest looking at Alexander's in Ashford which is a country inn as opposed to a B&B, and most rooms do have private bath. I know there's also a motel there, the Nisqually Inn, but I haven't been there in a long time so can't say how kept up it is (you might want to check out any recent TA reports).

kimamom

I like the suggestion for Cannon Beach, we are just a few minutes away in Seaside now, looks like a beautiful day here on the coast. Check out Ecola Creek Lodge in CB, the rates are pretty reasonable. Seaside also has some nice places to stay that are oceanfront on the prom. ***kim***

enzian

Nisqually Lodge right outside the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier (in Ashford) is modern and well-equipped, although built in "chalet" style:

http://www.escapetothemountains.com/NisquallyLodge.htm

I haven't stayed there myself, but I have friends who like it. They have "good taste" so it must be OK!

christy1

Orcas, if you like scenic drives. You can then drive to the top of Mt. Constitution, which has amazing views of the islands, the Cascades, and the mainland.

NWWanderer

Yes, Nisqually Lodge,that's the one I meant.

jetsetj

Orcas and Cannon Beach get my vote.

Orcas

I think San Juan Island is also a good bet. You can visit the sites of the famous Pig War - the British and American camps and go on the tours plus hike. There are nice parks to hike in as well. The town of Friday Harbor is also nice. Plus you can visit Roche Harbor the big marina/resort. There's a market there (probably is on Orcas as well), a little movie theater in Friday Harbor, and sometimes you can catch a play out of doors. I'd check on what is going on on the islands and what you are interested in and decide between Orcas and San Juan Islands based on that info.