Gig Harbor/Seattle day tripping
 

I'm trying to plan our our Spring Break trip to Seattle and needed some advice. Here's our rough itinerary: Saturday: downtown Seattle, head to VRBO cabin in Gig Harbor. Sunday: Mt. Ranier, snow play area w/ kids. Monday: ferry to Seattle, zoo, Pikes market, etc. Tuesday: olympic loop, rain forest, forks. Wednesday: Snowqualmie Falls, possible more snow play. Thursday: head to san Juan islands, early, end up in Whistler that afternoon (about 5 hr. drive, right?). Friday: Whistler snow mobile tour, head back to Gig Harbor. Saturday: any last minute stuff kids want to day, canoe lake, beach walks, etc. Sunday: Seattle in AM, fly out around 2

Here's what I'm debating...we really want to get in 1 snow mobile trip and some snow play for the kids...if we can do that in Washington, I don't mind skipping Whistler. Is there typically enough snow mid-March to do that in Washington? Also, will Mt. Ranier still have enough snow that we'll be able to have some snow play time there? I realize this is a very active trips - which ours usually are - but just wanted to make sure we can do all scheduled in timeframe.

Realize I'm too early in season to see whales so debating whether or not to skip San Juan islands on this trip and hit them up on a summer one. Any other tips or hints would be appreciated!

Are you thinking of doing most of these as day trips from Gig Harbor??? Yikes! Lots of driving!

You can't do the San Juans and Whistler in one day from Gig Harbor. I'm gathering you want to take a whale boat and that is your purpose of going to the San Juans. You can get a boat from Anacortes on the mainland, maybe. That is not prime whale watching time, I don't believe. The Orcas are not there yet. There are other whales and maybe some boats go out but you should check on that.

That said, doing that and also Whistler would be quite the looong day. Whistler might be 5 hrs from Seattle, but Gig Harbor is another hour, at least, and then there's the border and getting through Vancouver that could take awhile. If you go to Anacortes, too, and whale watching, you'd be hard pressed to get to Whistler that night. It could be done, but why would you want to do that?

Very, very rushed "vacation."

Mt. Rainier has no shortage of snow in March. Not sure where you'd snow-mobile, though. Why not take the kids for sno-board lessons or ski lessons at Crystal? It's one of the best ski areas in Washington and on Mt. Rainier.

Snoqualmie Falls has no snow, but Snoqualmie Pass might. We are not having a snowy year. Snoqualmie Pass is a ski area. They have tubing. It is not as high as Crystal and subject to Puget Sound weather - rain. Crystal is far superior. It's just farther away for most of us. (same problem as Cypress Mt. near Vancouver, where they are going to have to make snow for the Olympics).

I'd go back to the drawing board on this itinerary and stay closer to Gig Harbor or visit some places overnight, like on the Olympic peninsula. In fact, just sticking to Seattle, Mt. Rainier and the OP would make sense. Skip Whistler and your whale watching idea. It's just too much in one week. Or toss the OP. Just narrow it down a bit.

Is your trip to the San Juan Islands to see the whales, or to go to some of the islands by ferry? If it is either one of these, you can forget about Whistler that day. You would have to wait for a scheduled ferry in Anacortes to get to the islands, do some sightseeing, then wait for a ferry to take you back to Anacortes. The ferry to Friday Harbor, for instance, runs only every couple of hours in March (winter schedule), and takes close to an hour and a half to get there.

If your plan is to take a whale watching trip out of Anacortes, the Orca season does not start until May. Even if they were running, they take several hours, so you would not be able to get to Whistler very easily that day.

I'd suggest you go to Google Maps, or Mapquest, put in your destinations and see how long it takes to drive to the places you intend to go. I think you are biting off more that you expected. You might want to trim back your plans and be able to expect a more pleasant vacation.

BTW, this has been the warmest winter we have ever had in the region, so snow cover may be really thin by March. The Winter Olympics are in real trouble.

We are happy to help you on this Forum, but you have to get real.

:-)

Thanks, Orcas and Nukesafe, for the suggestions. You know, I am from Texas so we're serious road warriors - have to be to get anywhere here - but I think both of you have hit the nail on the head about trimming back my plans. There are just so many awesome places in that area I want to see...guess we'll just have to come back in the summer when we can see some whales!

See what you think of this - attempt #2....
Saturday - Seattle for dinner, head to cabin
Sunday - explore surrounding areas, Tacoma for groceries, zoo
Monday - head to Crystal Mountain ski area for snow play w/ kids, snow boarding lessons for Zach
Tuesday - ferry to Seattle, Pikes Market, Space needle,
Wednesday - Head to OP
Thursday - possibly still in OP
Friday - back to Mt. Ranier for more snow stuff or to Mt. St. Helens for exploring
Saturday - hang around cabin, last day actities at kids request
Sunday - flying home

Okay - so if we stay in OP overnight, where would you guys suggest? I've read reviews on both Lake Crescent Lodge and the lodge at Kalaloch. We've booked a cabin in Gig Harbor that we'll leave our stuff at and will take overnight back w/ us so I'd prefer to NOT stay somewhere expensive since we'll be paying for the cabin that night...don't mind another stay somewhere else just don't want it to be too expensive. Any other suggestions in this area that we shouldn't miss?

I really appreciate ya'lls help in planning this - you've both already made a HUGE difference! Many many thanks...

Is it too late to get a refund on the Gig HArbor cabin? The reason I ask is because most of your desired destinations are better suited to a home base in the Olympic Penninsula...with the exception of Mt Rainer (altho doable) but Mt St Helen is way south by Portland and really not a day trip from Gig HArbor but a day trip from Portland....
Anyway maybe you chould consider a home base at Port Ludlow resort www.portludlowresort.com

Somehow the words "Gig Harbor" and "cabin" don't match up for me; Gig Harbor is quite an upscale little suburb these days. You certainly don't have to go to Tacoma for groceries.

I don't see any problem with spending a couple of days circling the Olympic Peninsula; you might find inexpensive lodging in Forks which would be about halfway around from a base in GH.

I'm reading this post with interest, because I live here (Seattle) and don't know the answers to ANY of these questions :-)

My opinion: too many 'notes'...you'll be exhausted with all that driving..(same mistake we made first time we went to France--tried to see the entire country in 7 days...and all we saw was the highway)..

Decided what the 'musts' are..be sure to rend a car with 4 wheel drive for mt. Rainer and/or keep abreast of the weather reports...It is a long drive from seattle..about 4 hours in summer, I think. You can do the zoo, the market and the art museum in one busy day,maybe even the Space Needle. If you wnat to do the "experience music thing" leave lots of time for that.

I'd skip Gig Harbor (what's to see there special?), be sure to take a ferry ride somewhere...maybe if you stay in downtown Seattle, you can walk on the Winslow ferry and enjoy that, then walk the little
town. have a nice fish dinner, etc,

Like azzure, Gig Harbor and cabin don't really go together. I used to live in Gig Harbor and it's become more and more developed over the years. So I'm wondering if the cabin is toward Fox Island or on the Key Peninsula. If it's in a more remote area, you'd need to factor that into your driving times. Plenty of grocery stores/restaurants/shopping in Gig Harbor, so you don't need to go to Tacoma for that.

I'm guessing your Tuesday plan is to drive north to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island and take the ferry to Seattle? Either way is going to take a while so start early or you won't have a lot of time in Seattle to see what you're interested in.

Good idea to skip Whistler and go to Crystal Mt. I'm not sure if you'll be skiing as well but there's a restaurant on top called Summit House that has good food AND a killer view of Mt Rainier if the weather is clear (accessible only to skiers/boarders). At Paradise on Mt Rainier they have free ranger guided snowshoe walks--that could be a lot of fun. In March they are weekend only. Rainier will have dozens of feet of snow still! And if it's clear it will be stunning.

http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisi...CP_JUMP_142395

Following up on Christy1, the Vancouver Olympic Committee is importing snow to Whistler because Mother Nature has not cooperated. They were farsighted enough to "store" snow under blue tarps at higher altitudes just in case Whistler came up short...and it has.

Wow, guys, all the positive tips are just amazing...thank you all so much for helping to make this trip one of our best yet! I'll try to address all comments as you all have been so very, very helpful!

1Jar - we've found that traveling w/ 2 wild children we're best situated for rental cabins/houses so we don't have to be concerned about their loudness...we also just fell in love w/ the online pictures of this cabin...on the lake, tall trees, outdoor hot tub, etc. It seemed to meet all of our needs. Thank you for your tip on skipping Mt. Saint Helens...we might head over to Snowqualmie falls instead.

azzure & 321go - here's the cabin link: http://www.vrbo.com/189647 I went back and read her comment section and she mentions key peninsula... how much time will that add on to the Mt. Ranier drive? I do plan on taking the ferry to Seattle so the kids can enjoy the ride. We're spending some time in Seattle Saturday night so hope to maybe get 1 or 2 things done that evening fun. Certainly want to see Pikes market and space needle but main focus of trip is outdoorsy, nature stuff.

Clarasong - hadn't thought of 4-wheel drive so we'll look into that at airport...think we've reserved a jeep liberty. I mapquested to Mt. Ranier and it said 2 hrs but I seem to of been complete off my rocker when planning this trip so I could be wrong again...lol...

What's the general vote on zoos? I've read the one in Tacoma is nice and all rave about one in Seattle - would like to do one or the other but not sure which one yet.

Christy 1 - I wouldn't know how to put on a ski even w/ instructions and me attempting to actually get upright would probably make a great funnies home videos clip! I've only seen it a few times (Durango & Banff) so snow play is about the max we plan on doing. The guided snowshoe walk sounds awesome - right up my alley - but not my 4 yr old...I'd end up getting a real workout 'cause I'd have to haul my big bootie around AND hers...lol...

We def want some snow play, tho, and most say there should be plenty still around in mountains...even w/ the tough winter you guys have had w/ lack of snow. Neither of my kids have seen snow...haven't been able to drag them away from Disney before now during Spring Break! Looking into the snow play areas at local parks but not sure where to get equipment - any supply stores you guys recommend that are in the gig harbor area or en route to Ranier?

Bobmrg - thanks for for the info...my whole reasoning in going to Whistler was to see snow...boy, wouldn't that have been a bummer if we made the drive and surprise - no snow!

Again, thank you to all for helping out - sure appreciate it!

OK, that gives me a better idea of where the cabin is located. It's probably 15 to 20 minutes drive to Hwy 16 which is the main highway that goes north to Bremerton and southeast to Tacoma. It's a rural area. Lots of outdoors, lots of nature. Buy your groceries in Gig Harbor, which is the nearest decent sized town.

Both zoos are good; the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is larger, has a better variety of animals and a number of award-winning exhibits. http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=191 The Point Defiance Zoo has a very good shark exhibit and another aquarium and has many animal presentations. http://www.pdza.org/

Bobmrg is incorrect. Whistler has plenty of snow, 32 feet so far this year. It's Cypress Mountain, which is right next to Vancouver and at a lower elevation, that is trucking in snow for the Snowboard and freestyle ski events. But I would agree that it's not worth going to Whistler if you don't ski. Someplace like Paradise at Rainier, where you can play right next to the parking lot, is much better for little kids than a huge, busy ski resort.

And we actually have had plenty of snow here as well. I've been skiing every weekend since November 16th! We're doing better than almost anywhere in the country in terms of snow.

Jenandkev,

That cabin really looks nice! I can see why you chose it. I live in Washington, and it looks nice and woodsy even for here. I would think the kids would have a lovely vacation by staying right there. If they haven't seen snow before, though ---

I'm sure you will love our part of the country.

:-)

You will find more snow than the law allows on Mt. Rainier and at the higher elevations. Mt. Rainier is glaciated, as are other peaks in the Pacific NW. It is snowcapped year round. I believe it will be 2 hrs from Gig Harbor, as well. I think Mt. St. Helens is fascinating, if it is open. The first visitor's center, at the bottom, would also be about 2 hrs from Gig Harbor. The top center could be snowed in, but it is still a great place to visit. The shows at the National Park Service visitors are fantastic.
You should not be driving where you need a four wheel drive. If there is snow on the roads, you should go back. It gets icy and treacherous, if there is snow. This should not be a problem in March. The main roads, even to Mt. Rainier, should be clear, and if not, you don't belong on them. They are twisty windy, and possibly icy if there is snow. You might need chains.
Be sure to check the snow at Snoqualmie Pass before you go. Make sure the tubing area is open. If it is not, I would not drive all the way to Snoqualmie Falls just to see the Falls. It will probably take you 1 1/2 hrs to get to Snoqualmie Falls, up boring interstate hwy (and heavily congested). And, as I said before, Snoqualmie Pass is past the falls - probably 30 more minutes.
On the Olympic Peninsula, it might be fun to stay at Lake Crescent or Kalaloch, if the lodges are open. You can find them on the internet. The Washington Coast is not so exciting from the car. IT is NOT like the Oregon coast, which is nearly all public, with a highway hugging the coast nearly the entire way. The road in Washington goes through forests and clear-cuts. You will learn a lot about logging.
Tacoma is worth spending some time in. The Washington State Historical Society Museum in the downtown is excellent, and very kid-friendly. You and the kids will have a fun time learning about the state. There is also a renowned glass museum. Dale Chihuely (sp?) the famous glass artist, is from Tacoma. At the glass museum, you can see artists blowing glass. The art museum in Tacoma is also very good and has good displays for kids. These are all within walking distance. The big "must" is the historical society museum.
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma has more than the zoo. There are paths, kayak rentals, forts, and all kinds of fun things. You could spend a lot of time there.
In Seattle, the kids would enjoy the Ballard Locks. You can see the salmon ladders and learn how the salmon jump through the locks to return to the streams of their birth to spawn. Also, you can watch the ships go through the locks and see a film about how the locks were built. It's not far from the Zoo in Seattle, so you could do that in one easy day.
You will have a grand time. There will be plenty of nice day trips and you can take them as you wish, depending on the weather.

OK, Christy1. I defer to your local knowledge. We watch the Canadian news on CBUT every night, and their view of the snow situation is far more dire than what you report...but it is in the nature of newscasters to be alarmists.

I've heard a lot of people confuse the situations at Cypress and Whistler Mountains. The newscasters or newspapers lead with "no snow at Olympic venues!" and everyone assumes it's Whistler. But it's Cypress they are talking about. It's been snowing nonstop lately at Whistler. I feel bad for Whistler businesses, they are taking such a hit this year because everyone thinks it's too busy ALL year to go, and now this confusion.

Okay, guys, I have 2 more questions..well, maybe more than 2...lol...

We decided to stay overnight at one of the lodges in OP and planned on heading North and touring the park counter-clockwise. Is the drive scenic enough that we need to go down to Olympia then head up 101, should I cut across Hwy. 3 then up 101 or skip it altogether and just go straight up 3/104/101 to Sequim? Drive looks pretty along the canal but wasn't sure we needed to take the add't time to do it.

If I dedicate 1 day to the San Juan Isands, would you suggest I take ferry from P. Townsend to Anacortes the ferry to SJuans? What are the must-sees and which islands? When heading back to cabin at end of day, would it be quicker to drive through Seattle or take the ferries back...if they're running...I know they have a winter schedule. What day would you suggest we tour the San Juans - weekend or weekday?

I read something somewhere about a 3 hour ferry ride that was the most scenic one in the area...that ring any bells? I just send of requests for some travel brochures but nothing beats local knowledge!

Many thanks again to for all your trip planning expertise!

Is Sequim your destination? The Dungeness Spit would be fun for the kids. It's a big strip of sand out into the water with tidal creatures in it. Here's something on the park and the Hoh rainforest. It would be great if you were able to see the rain forest. Don't know about the route being scenic. It is not considered a scenic loop. It's just a loop. I'd maximize time at destinations and minimize travel time between them.

Don't know what the 3 hr ferry ride is. There's a ferry from Seattle to Victoria that takes awhile but you aren't doing that one. The most scenic part of that trip is when you are heading towards Seattle and you finally see the hills of the tiny city at sea level, and you see snow capped Mt. Rainier looming at 14,440 feet in the background. It looks very impressive, to say the least.

In any case, taking the ferry from P. Townsend to Whidbey Island and then driving to Anacortes and taking the ferry to the San Juans from there would be a long day. Two ferries is a lot of waiting. That time of year, I don't think you'd have a big problem with ferry waits for the San Juans on either weekends or during the week. Port Townsend is a very picturesque town by the way - not a place to just breeze through.

As for which of the San Juans, I think San Juan Island with the history of the Pig War is interesting. You can visit British Camp and the American Camp, Roche Harbor. It has a nice little whale museum. Some people will speak up for Orcas Island, which has the highest point on the San Juans. It has a cute little town that has a historical society museum that is interesting.

There's a lot to do. You have to plan on spending some time actually doing it and not just driving...so much to see, so little time....that's what we always say.

Link on the park:

http://www.hohrainforest.com/

Thinking on it, consider passing on the San Juans and spend an extra day on the Olympic Peninsula. Between all the things to do there, Mt. Rainier, and Seattle you will be well occupied - and if you throw in Snoqualmie Pass, way occupied. The San Juans are not that easy to get to from the Olympic peninsula, even if they look close on a map. Lots of water, not enough ferries in between.

here's the other post...
best regards, suze

I've been thinking of your trip...

Because you're from Texas and don't mind driving (in that state) I'm wondering that you aren't seriously underestimating time & effort going place to place here in the Pacific Northwest. I know places in TX are huge, flat, and you can get on a highway and drive FAST and can cover mileage quickly.

But around here there's twisty roads, possible rain or fog, mountains, bridges, floating bridges, draw bridges, ferries (which require waiting in line), mountain passes, etc. You just can't go *zooming* from there to there in a short time necessarily.

Hi, all. I've worked some more on trip and have come up with another game plan. I wanted to get everyone's opinion before I start making reservations.

Saturday - fly into Sea Tac, dinner in Seattle w/ friends, head to cabin in Gig Harbor area that night.

Sunday - explore cabin at Lake Minterwood and surrounding area. Head over to Tacoma, stopy by the Washington State Historical society museum and possibly glass museum, get groceries in Gig Harbor on way home, explore surrounding state parks, let kids fish/canoe if weather permits...really play this day by ear.

Monday - Head to Crystal Mountain ski area for 4 hour guided snowmobile tour...if not enough snow, head to other side of Mt. Ranier and explore Paradise Park.

Tuesday - head up to Bremerton to catch 8:45 AM ferry to Seattle. Explore Pikes Market, eating lunch there. Head over to Ballard Lochs to look around then onto zoo. Dinner in Seattle on waterfront that evening, catch 9:05 ferry back to Bremerton.

***any kid-friendly waterfront restaurants you'd suggest?

Wednesday - Get up early again and head over to OP via Tacoma/Olympia, stopping at Lake Quinault to explore, continuing to Kalaloch Lodge and check in for 1 night stay. Explore low tide pools w/ kids and maybe head up to Forks if time permits.

***Is this time frame right? I mapquested and it showed only 3 hours from Gig to Forks...Also, what beaches are a Must See in this area...have heard a lot about Rialto/2nd/3rd/Ruby beaches. Which ones are best for tide pool exploring?

Thursday - very busy day. Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, 1-mile walk. Head to LaPush and explore beaches if didn't do Wednesday. If we do the beaches this day, my estimation is we'll leave La Push around 2 - 2:30...sound 'bout right? That's leaving Kalaloch at 8 AM.

***Is Neah Bay/Cape Flattery worth the extra time for drive? I saw that is was a designated scenic highway.

Continue to Lake Crescent and hike to Marymere Falls.
Onto PA visitors center, drive Hurricane Ridge if open.
Head back to Gig Harbor cabin...about 1.5 hours per mapquest.

Friday - hang out at cabin and rest from 2 busy days...play day by ear.

Saturday - explore Dungeness Spit, Port Townsend, Whidbey Island...stay in that area but again play it by ear.

***Dungeness Spit - I'd love to see the lighthouse but know the kids won't be able to make the 10-mile hike...will we still see sea creatures 1-mile or so down the beach? Any other lighthouses in the area we can tour?

Sunday - into Seattle for early afternoon flight.

Okay, guys, let me know what you think of this one. I've already made reservations for Kalaloch Lodge and really wanted to focus on playing in tidal pools. How do I find the low tide charts? I'd like to find them so I can make sure we're at the right beach during low tide. Any other thoughts would be appreciated!

You guys rock!

Other than the fact that the ferry ride is scenic, why don't you just drive from Gig Harbor to Seattle using the Tacoma Narrows Bridge? Cheaper than the ferry, and the western end of the bridge is almost on top of GH.

If you do ride the ferry, I'd suggest leaving the car in Bremerton. You don't need/want a car for downtown Seattle and can take public transportation up to see the Locks. For kid-friendly waterfront Seattle restaurants, there's Anthony's or the ever-popular Ivar's, which is right next to Colman (ferry) dock.

I gather that on your final Saturday you're planning to stay in the Sequim/Port Townsend area? I hope so, because you really won't have time to do much if you're planning to drive round trip to/from Gig Harbor that day.

Kid-friendly on the Seattle waterfront = Ivars.

3 hours to Forks from the Key peninsula sounds iffy to me. I'd plan on 4. All of the beaches are very scenic; Ruby beach is on you way north and there are beaches with tide pools near Kalaloch lodge. Please be aware of the tides while you are out exploring on the beach.

Again, I'm from Texas and the whole idea of actually not taking the car into Seattle seems strange to me...can't go anywhere on foot here! How would my 4-year old hold up walking from the ferry terminal, around the waterfront and then around Pikes Market? Also, public transportation to the Lochs...is this a cab, bus or monorail? Is the zoo right next to the lochs? That was our next step...from the zoo we were planning on heading back to waterfront area for a nice dinner...sounds like Ivar's is the suggested way to go. I just want to make sure I'm not hauling my daughter around on my hip...Isn't the waterfront area failry hilly?

If we did opt to drive over versus taking the ferry, are there parking garages or is it mostly curbside parking?

You can easily catch a Metro Bus from Pike Place Market to the Locks or the Zoo. http://metro.kingcounty.gov/. Use the Regional Trip Planner; enter Ballard Locks (NOT "lochs") and/or Woodland Park Zoo as your destination.

The waterfront is NOT hilly...it's completely flat (and at sea level) :-) Some uphill walking is required to get to the downtown shopping core (Pacific Place and Westlake Malls). You will need to go there if you want to take the monorail to Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is). That's the only place the monorail goes.

It's going to take more than 3 hours to drive the southern route to Kalaloch, plus the time that you spend at Lk Quinault. You could stop at Ruby Beach if time permits but you won't have time to go up to Rialto etc that day.

You're already cramming in too much on the next day IMO so no way you should try to include Neah Bay as well. Given the amount of time you have, I'd say no, it's not worth the extra driving.

There's a spit and lighthouse outside of Port Townsend (past Fort Worden) and I think there's a marine discovery center out there as well--that might be more fun for the kids than Dungeness Spit.

There is an elevator in the Pike Place Market that will ease the uphill-downhill aspect of getting from the waterfront to the business district and back.

This thread has been very informative. My husband and I are going to be in Seattle around March 16th to the 21st. My son is statione in Bremerton. My husband has back issues and cannot walk long distances. I am trying to make a game plan for our visit. Since we are from Ohio, snow is the last thing I am interested in. Things we can drive to, or short walks would be best. Although I may venture out on my own once or twice to allow my husband to rest, and to indulge in a little photography. Would like to take a ferry somewhere; the mountains sound awesome-would love to get some great views of them; Downtown sound like a must do; Would be interested in hearing any suggestions. thanks trese

I think you would get a lot more input if you started a new thread that highlights your particular situation. Mention your DH's limitations in the title, and a lot of us could give you specific input.

BTW, you don't have to let snow concern you. We haven't seen any all winter.

:-)

Thank you for the suggestion. I should have thought of that. :)

Okay, so now my husband has decided he really wants to go to Vancouver to see all the Olympic stuff...how long will that drive/ferry take from Gig Harbor and what's the best route? Can that be a day trip?

Argh - to get from GH to Vancouver I wouldn't mess with ferries...just go into Tacoma and pick up I5 and take that straight up to the border...it will take at least three hours, more in traffic and even more if there's a backup at the border crossing...so I wouldn't consider it a day trip. Also consider that many of the Olympic venues are at Whistler, a couple of hours past Vancouver. Also -- do you all have passports?

Also consider that you need to do some research about the Olympics, and what you really want to see. Many of the popular indoor events have been sold out for ages. You also need to find out about public transport, as the is NO parking at some of the events.

Whoops, I just thought to check, and I now see that you will be here in mid March; well after the Olympics.

My bad --

In mid March, your DH's wish seems reasonable. Long day, though, as driving around Vancouver can be a real PITA if traffic is heavy.

BTW, you can still get into Canada with driver's licence/birth certificate sorts of identification, but (Catch 22) you will need a valid passport to get back into the States.

:-)

What Olympics stuff does your husband want to see? I would make sure that the venues he wants to see will still open into March for the Paralympics. I just took a look at the list of the various pavillions and houses and it looks like most of them close on Feb 28.

With kids, I think it's too long for a day trip--4 hours in each direction from Gig Harbor to downtown Vancouver, assuming only a short wait at the border. At least an overnight would be much better, IMO. Hotel rates and availability appear to be reasonable during the Paralympics.

I have read through this thread, so forgive me if I have missed any mention of the traffic in the area. In addition to the very good points that Suze made about driving in the area

(you might think it will take such and such a time from Kalaloch to Forks (as an example) but it is an extremely curvy two lane road, and if you get behind a logging truck, forget about it. You just won't have much control, really, over your drive times)

But I really want to mention the issues of traffic and ferry wait times. You need to factor this in. When the ferry is full, it is full. The most crazy-making thing ever is when you you are the first one in line for the next ferry because you couldn't get on.

And the I-5 corridor, all the way from Lynnwood to Olympia, can be atrocious, and even in non-rush hour (which I think really last 3 hours morning and night) those highways are busy. My BIL works in South Seattle and lives in Tumwater. We have very long chats (hands free of course) on some of his commutes home.

You also need to count in a bit of traffic coming in from Key when you are headed to Mt Rainier. You've got the Narrows Bridge (which is better now because there are two) and I-5 for a short way until you cut towards the mountain.

So, just try to keep these things in mind as you plan your trips out and about. Much better to be forewarned and plan for it than be caught up unexpectedly.

I know that you and your family will love the PNW!