Thanks, guys, so much for all your fantastic words of wisdom! I think we'll bypass Vancouver...just simply not enough time.

We stopped by the Olympic stadium in Calgary years ago and really enjoyed reading all the info in their Olympic park area...I think my husband was thinking of seeing something along those lines. He also mentioned Mt. Saint Helens so maybe we'll head that way one day instead. Do you guys know if the road to the top will be open mid-March? Wouldn't want to make the drive and not be able to see anything!

You can get to the Visitor's Center by road in March, but the Johnson Ridge Visitor's Center, from which you can get a really good look at the crater will not open until May 16th. Perhaps others can tell you if it would be worth it to just go to the Visitor's Center.

Thanks, nukesafe, for the tip. Any word on that climber that fell yesterday?

bookmarking - great info

By the way, all my snow-weary Washington friends, we got snow here this past week in East Texas! My son had his first - and more than likely last - SNOW DAY! It's just put us more and more in the mood for a day trip to the white stuff...lol!

They recovered his body today by helicopter. He fell 1,500 feet when a snow cornice on the lip of the crater gave way.

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. I was hoping he was going to survive it. Sounded like he was very experienced and had climbed that mountain many, many times. My heart and prayers to his family, friends and loved ones.

Hi, my Fodor friends! The countdown has started - we will be in your lovely state a week from this Saturday! I am making reservations and wanted to ask a few last minute questions.

I found a snowmobile tour out of Greenwater called Naches Snowmobile Rentals. Have any of you heard of them or had experiences with them? They sound exceptionally nice over the phone and he feels there should be enough snow for a tour on Monday, March 15th. I believe we'll be snowmobiling on Crystal Mountian. What are you guys thoughts?

Since we're going to be having a full day of snow doing this, is it still worth our time to take the drive over to Paradise on another day? I wasn't sure if we'd see much new scenery and it will prob be a few hours away from Gig.

My 8-year old son is really hoping to see a grey whale while we're over on the coastline. I read migration is March - May..are there any good viewing spots your guys are aware of?

Also, is there a website that shows the times for low tides?

Thanks a bunch for all your help - it's much appreciated!

Here is the online tide table I use:

http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/...onth/5017.html

The tide table above is for Port Townsend. The values may, or may not, be accurate for where you want to go tide pooling. There is a huge difference in tidal values and times on the Salish Sea. Here is a link to the tables I use. It happens to be for Anacortes, but click on the drop down menu at "Other Tide Stations" to choose a location close to your point of interest.
http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/ana/2010-02-28.

You might want to use the current portion, as well, if you intend to visit Deception Pass. The currents through the Pass can be an awesome sight at maximum ebb or flood.