First Time to the PNW
Feb 23rd, 2016 | 03:57 PM
#21
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
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We very much enjoy Leavenworth and have for several decades. Yes, the town can be cheezy during festivals, but outside of those it is a very enjoyable area, IME. Even in just the last 5-10 years there have been some wonderful new restaurants and shops that opened up. It is a destination for a lot of Seattle area locals, and beyond. Blackbird Island, right in town, has some nice short easy trails and is right on the river and is quite nice. Icicle River Rd is just on the edge of town and there are some wonderful areas to walk and hike along there too. Many wineries in the nearby area, and there are over 40 tasting rooms right in town even. There is so much to do in the area and the natural beauty is stunning. Just thought I would share another perspective on the town
Feb 24th, 2016 | 09:23 AM
#22
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
I like The Herb Farm in Woodinville for your birthday celebration. Each week is a new menu based on what is fresh and available. It's a really nice exoerience, a nine course meal featuring food and wine of the PNW. I'm not sure how this would fit with your plans, but we celebrated our ten year anniversary there and really enjoyed ourselves.
I also think Leavenworth is a bust, but our then 4 and 3 year old really loved the giant knight.
I also think Leavenworth is a bust, but our then 4 and 3 year old really loved the giant knight.
Feb 25th, 2016 | 08:23 AM
#25
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thank you, everyone, on your advice on the tire chains and the links. I think that we will get a 4WD, then hope for the best weather. If it looks good, we'll grab the chain and head up. If it's bad, we will skip and head straight down to Hood River area. Mms, thank you for your thoughts on Leavenworth. We hope to catch it this summer if we can convince our teen girls to choose the PNW over Disney. Cjar, the Herb Farm looks amazing, but just a bit too pricey (would like to stay at $300 or less for the two of us) and requires too much time (I have work until about 6pm, and it's an hour away from where we are staying that night). Any suggestions on something in Seattle? The Herb Farm sounds like right up our alley, except we aren't wine drinkers, so something like that except just a little less pricey. But we would welcome all suggestions on anything that is unique to the area. We're looking forward to the finding the daffodil fields and the route you mapped out for us, thank you!!
Feb 25th, 2016 | 09:04 AM
#26
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,856
Likes: 79
But we would welcome all suggestions on anything that is unique to the area.
Where are you staying? There are lots of great restaurants in the whole area; maybe something semi-convenient to your hotel might work. Any particular likes/don't likes re cuisine?
Where are you staying? There are lots of great restaurants in the whole area; maybe something semi-convenient to your hotel might work. Any particular likes/don't likes re cuisine?
Feb 25th, 2016 | 05:51 PM
#28
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,856
Likes: 79
Since it's going to be dark by dinnertime, places with a view might be less important, so my recommendation would be one that's in fact very close to your hotel and the airport. It's at the Cedarbrook Lodge, a very upscale hotel that used to be a corporate retreat. The hotel's restaurant, Copperleaf, is a farm-to-table place with a seasonal tasting menu - http://www.cedarbrooklodge.com/wine-dine/copperleaf.htm
A less fancy but still good place, sitting over the water with a good sunset view (if conditions allow) is Salty's at Redondo, around 10 - 15 minutes from the airport. http://saltys.com/south-seattle
A less fancy but still good place, sitting over the water with a good sunset view (if conditions allow) is Salty's at Redondo, around 10 - 15 minutes from the airport. http://saltys.com/south-seattle
Feb 26th, 2016 | 05:55 AM
#30
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,856
Likes: 79
Just FYI the daffodils are out. Here's a video published yesterday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPckQvpW0VE
Feb 26th, 2016 | 09:15 PM
#31
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
I endorse just about everything I've read in this thread...
one tiny adjustment... on the map circles, during the 30-ish miles between Ellensburg, WA and Yakima, WA... instead of taking the really dull, and irritating drive that is I-82, opt for the Canyon Road (aka State Route #821), which parallels the Yakima river for 25 miles or so, and then meets up with I-82 on the other side.
Your options there are a 25/30 mile series of steep hills, with zero exits (save for a "Military Firing Range") and near-zero interesting sights (during daylight hours) if you opt for the drive on I-82. The river path has you on a slower road, with very few people on it, which does twist and meander along the river, but the scenery is steady and nice, and more pleasant than the Interstate alternative.
(if you were going between Ellensburg and Yakima at night, the viewpoints along the remote interstate are good for stargazing, with minimal light pollution)
I also warn you that highway #97 between Toppenish and Goldendale is quite dull for the most part, and you're out in the middle of nowhere. (not that there is grand reason or suitable idea to opt for something different)
I wholly endorse the full-sized replica of Stonehenge near Maryhill, WA, and the views from there are quite impressive.
Timberline Lodge is quite suitable as a substitute for Paradise, but weather variables make directly comparing the two quite challenging. If we could guarantee you clear and sunny skies the whole while (we can't!!!... then Rainier's nearby views would probably count as "better".
Timberline Lodge is 6000 feet up a 11,245-foot mountain while Paradise is 5400 feet up a 14,000-foot mountain, so you proooooooobably feel (nearer to the top of the local world) at Timberline Lodge.
In July, Timberline Lodge gives the feel you could just walk up the hill out back with very little stopping you. I'm sure it can be a whole different story in wintery weather.
As for Seattle dining... would "Wild Ginger" (wildginger.net) be suitable for your central Seattle dining experience???
It would be SO easy to take the Link Light Rail from the airport into central Seattle, exiting at University Street Station and making your way to 3rd avenue and Union Streets, to Wild Ginger. (Going back, the airport is the last stop, so you can't get too lost) (the rail tunnel runs beneath 3rd avenue in central Seattle)
one tiny adjustment... on the map circles, during the 30-ish miles between Ellensburg, WA and Yakima, WA... instead of taking the really dull, and irritating drive that is I-82, opt for the Canyon Road (aka State Route #821), which parallels the Yakima river for 25 miles or so, and then meets up with I-82 on the other side.
Your options there are a 25/30 mile series of steep hills, with zero exits (save for a "Military Firing Range") and near-zero interesting sights (during daylight hours) if you opt for the drive on I-82. The river path has you on a slower road, with very few people on it, which does twist and meander along the river, but the scenery is steady and nice, and more pleasant than the Interstate alternative.
(if you were going between Ellensburg and Yakima at night, the viewpoints along the remote interstate are good for stargazing, with minimal light pollution)
I also warn you that highway #97 between Toppenish and Goldendale is quite dull for the most part, and you're out in the middle of nowhere. (not that there is grand reason or suitable idea to opt for something different)
I wholly endorse the full-sized replica of Stonehenge near Maryhill, WA, and the views from there are quite impressive.
Timberline Lodge is quite suitable as a substitute for Paradise, but weather variables make directly comparing the two quite challenging. If we could guarantee you clear and sunny skies the whole while (we can't!!!... then Rainier's nearby views would probably count as "better".
Timberline Lodge is 6000 feet up a 11,245-foot mountain while Paradise is 5400 feet up a 14,000-foot mountain, so you proooooooobably feel (nearer to the top of the local world) at Timberline Lodge.
In July, Timberline Lodge gives the feel you could just walk up the hill out back with very little stopping you. I'm sure it can be a whole different story in wintery weather.
As for Seattle dining... would "Wild Ginger" (wildginger.net) be suitable for your central Seattle dining experience???
It would be SO easy to take the Link Light Rail from the airport into central Seattle, exiting at University Street Station and making your way to 3rd avenue and Union Streets, to Wild Ginger. (Going back, the airport is the last stop, so you can't get too lost) (the rail tunnel runs beneath 3rd avenue in central Seattle)
May 9th, 2016 | 10:46 PM
#32
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 25
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Wanted to come back to thank everyone for the extremely helpful advice for this trip. We had an amazing time!! I've wanted to tour the PNW forever and everything turned out amazing (except we missed the climb to Paradise on Rainier because we didn't realize the road was closed at 6pm). We landed about 12:30pm and grabbed lunch at an amazing Cambodian restaurant in International District. Then off to Rainier. Bought a tire chain, just in case, but never used it. Felt amazing being in Rainier NP, loved seeing it up close from the road going up. Unfortunately, we took too long climbing up and didn't make it to Paradise.
Went down to Hood River and spent the night at the Best Western Plus. Absolutely great hotel with outstanding breakfast! The view from Hood River to Historic Columbia River Hwy was just breathtaking! We visited Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and Multnomah Falls. Then a quick stop at Vista House for the view.
Drove into Portland to check out a property in downtown, found a doughnut shop that served a decadent bacon and maple, was delish!!! Then on to Cannon Beach. Spent a couple of hours relaxing and walking the beach before moving on to spend the night in Ocean Shores.
Up early the next morning to explore Quinault Rainforest, Ruby Beach, and the Hoh Rainforest. Was completely mesmerized in Quinault. Hoh was fantastic too, but we had Quinault all to ourselves. Thoroughly enjoyed walking in silence and listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Also had a nice surprise at Ruby Beach. Arrived when it was clear with blue skies, then watched the fog roll in and it was just incredible. Completely transformed the beach. Just amazing!! Stopped in Forks for a late lunch and to spy on Bella Swan's house (she wasn't home).
Spent the night in Port Townsend at the cutest B&B, Blue Gull Inn. John and Renee were perfect hosts! We were the only guests that night/morning and had a pleasant meal just the two of us with John chatting away giving us all the details of places to go/see. After breakfast, we had a quick morning walk along the beach in Fort Worden. Then off to downtown for a little shopping before taking the ferry to Whidbey.
On Whidbey, we explored Deception Pass State Park, walked the bridge, and hung out on the other side for a couple of hours. Next was the tulip fields in La Conner. $5 for parking, then we were allowed to stay as long as we wanted to enjoy the tulips. Never saw anything like it. Countless rows of tulips in all colors! Just breathtaking!
Left La Conner to scoop up my co-worker from Sea-Tac Marriot and head downtown for dinner. Tried a nice sushi restaurant our concierge recommended, but the wait was ridiculously long so we made a reservation for the next night (birthday night) and went to the Crab Pot. Not the best, but did the trick and it had a fun atmosphere.
Spent the next day at the convention while hubby explored downtown Seattle. He had a great time! Then went up the Space Needle before dinner at the fancy sushi place that we couldn't get into the night before. Was a little disappointed after the hype, but still had a good meal.
On Sunday, co-worker left and we headed out to Shelton to find #ThatPNBridge. Took a bit of time, but we found it! Was completely worth the drive and the extra time to locate. Headed back to Seattle afterwards and went back to the amazing Cambodian restaurant from Day 1. Checked into our hotel in Downtown Seattle before a night cap in Post Alley.
Morning of departure, we grabbed coffee at the original Starbucks and breakfast at Pike Place Market. Then we reluctantly headed back to the airport to leave the gorgeous PNW, full of memories from an incredible week!!
Thank you to all of you again! It was incredibly helpful!! There are pics on my Instagram page if anyone wants to see (EverlinkOnline). We are planning on going back at the end of July, but making our way down to San Fran this time. Any tips on how to fully enjoy Hurricane Ridge or Paradise would be greatly appreciated!! Wondering which of the two we should visit if we couldn't make it to both?
Went down to Hood River and spent the night at the Best Western Plus. Absolutely great hotel with outstanding breakfast! The view from Hood River to Historic Columbia River Hwy was just breathtaking! We visited Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and Multnomah Falls. Then a quick stop at Vista House for the view.
Drove into Portland to check out a property in downtown, found a doughnut shop that served a decadent bacon and maple, was delish!!! Then on to Cannon Beach. Spent a couple of hours relaxing and walking the beach before moving on to spend the night in Ocean Shores.
Up early the next morning to explore Quinault Rainforest, Ruby Beach, and the Hoh Rainforest. Was completely mesmerized in Quinault. Hoh was fantastic too, but we had Quinault all to ourselves. Thoroughly enjoyed walking in silence and listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Also had a nice surprise at Ruby Beach. Arrived when it was clear with blue skies, then watched the fog roll in and it was just incredible. Completely transformed the beach. Just amazing!! Stopped in Forks for a late lunch and to spy on Bella Swan's house (she wasn't home).
Spent the night in Port Townsend at the cutest B&B, Blue Gull Inn. John and Renee were perfect hosts! We were the only guests that night/morning and had a pleasant meal just the two of us with John chatting away giving us all the details of places to go/see. After breakfast, we had a quick morning walk along the beach in Fort Worden. Then off to downtown for a little shopping before taking the ferry to Whidbey.
On Whidbey, we explored Deception Pass State Park, walked the bridge, and hung out on the other side for a couple of hours. Next was the tulip fields in La Conner. $5 for parking, then we were allowed to stay as long as we wanted to enjoy the tulips. Never saw anything like it. Countless rows of tulips in all colors! Just breathtaking!
Left La Conner to scoop up my co-worker from Sea-Tac Marriot and head downtown for dinner. Tried a nice sushi restaurant our concierge recommended, but the wait was ridiculously long so we made a reservation for the next night (birthday night) and went to the Crab Pot. Not the best, but did the trick and it had a fun atmosphere.
Spent the next day at the convention while hubby explored downtown Seattle. He had a great time! Then went up the Space Needle before dinner at the fancy sushi place that we couldn't get into the night before. Was a little disappointed after the hype, but still had a good meal.
On Sunday, co-worker left and we headed out to Shelton to find #ThatPNBridge. Took a bit of time, but we found it! Was completely worth the drive and the extra time to locate. Headed back to Seattle afterwards and went back to the amazing Cambodian restaurant from Day 1. Checked into our hotel in Downtown Seattle before a night cap in Post Alley.
Morning of departure, we grabbed coffee at the original Starbucks and breakfast at Pike Place Market. Then we reluctantly headed back to the airport to leave the gorgeous PNW, full of memories from an incredible week!!
Thank you to all of you again! It was incredibly helpful!! There are pics on my Instagram page if anyone wants to see (EverlinkOnline). We are planning on going back at the end of July, but making our way down to San Fran this time. Any tips on how to fully enjoy Hurricane Ridge or Paradise would be greatly appreciated!! Wondering which of the two we should visit if we couldn't make it to both?
May 11th, 2016 | 10:51 AM
#36
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
I think I read that Forks/Twilight tour guides (pretend) that some certain house is that of Bella (to add something to their tours).
But the thing was definitely filmed in St. Helens, Oregon for that first house Bella shared with her dad.
and the Cullen house is in Portland, Oregon, etc.
But the thing was definitely filmed in St. Helens, Oregon for that first house Bella shared with her dad.
and the Cullen house is in Portland, Oregon, etc.
