Need advise of finalizing plans for first trip to north west
 

Have finally come up with a itinerary for our trip but haven't figured out the last part of it.
Heres the scoop, my husband and I are flying into Seattle from NYC on Oct. 16. We chose Seattle because we had a free flight . We were so torn as to what direction to go but finally came up with the following plan:

Arrive Seattle at 1pm
First night stay at Chelsea Station Bed and Breakfast
Next morning head down toward the coast and stay in China Beach in Seaview, WA
(looks like about 4 hour drive)
Next day head further down to Depoe Bay and stay at Channel Inn
Next day head toward wine country and stay 2 nights at Black Walnut Inn, Dundee, OR
Next stop Columbia Cliff Inn at the Hood River for 2 nights

Then we still have 2 more nights before we fly back from Seattle so we thought we would head back to Seattle and explore that area before we left. Haven't decided yet about that end of trip. I know it sounds like alot of moving around but all the places we are staying all sound interesting. We love nature and especially looking forward to seeing what the northwest coast looks like. Then we also love wine and anxious to explore the Columbia Gorge area take in some waterfalls and hopefully get a chance to fish maybe. Still want to get some time in closer to Seattle area so thinking of maybe Woodinville or some area outside the city. We only got as far as the route and accomodations. Still have to explore the areas we will be staying in. Sure we will get some more good feedback from you guys. Has anyone stayed at any of these places?

I have lived in Seattle for longer than I want to admit and you stumped me with Chelsea Station Bed and Breakfast, China Beach, and Dundee OR. I felt lucky to know something about Columbia Cliff Inn (where most of the rooms don't have views of the Columbia River).

I'm curious what it is that attracted you to these places and why you think Woodinville would be a good base from which to explore Seattle and surroundings.

In any event, you have outline a very original tour of the NW, and I am curious to know if your adventure meets your expectations.

HTTY

Dundee is in the heart of our wine region, and the Black Walnut get great reviews online as well as what I hear from other locals here.

to happy trails Well I kept going back and forth whether to do Vancouver direction or head down to Oregon. We had decided we would like to see the coastline so in searching I came across the Black Walnut Inn and the innkeeper suggested the route along the coast. Then I saw the Columbia River area and the Columbia Cliff Inn looked interesting. I got some other responses on the Oregon forum now I am not so sure of Depoe Bay. I had just figured since we were down that way I wanted to see the Oregon Coast. Now I am considering Cannon Beach. I would love to hear your input to tuning up my route. We love the beach so I think China Beach area sounded nice. I just came across the Chelsea Station Inn somewhere and it looked kind of quaint and maybe a good way to start the trip. So as settled as I thought I was getting I'm not sure anymore. I am definetly interested in Long Beach area, wine country in Oregon, Columbia River but I also want to get back up toward Washington at the end of the trip. I'm open for any suggestions. I did make some reservations but will be able to cancel them.

Hi Clay, As a native Washingtonian, I regret that the Oregon Coast is more accessible and has more towns, accommodations, attractions and everything else to offer than our coast does.

Cape Disappointment is an interesting spot worth checking out on your way to Cannon Beach, Yachats, or Newport--our favorite places to stay. When we go farther south, we stay at Bandon or Brookings.

In the Columbia River Gorge, we take I-84 to Corbett to access the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive that road as far as Moltnormath Falls (there are other falls along the way). We return to I-84 and drive to Hood River.

In Hood River, we like to stay at the Best Western Hood River Inn. It's a standard motel, but it is the only lodging in Hood River with balconies right on the river (and hot, sit-down breakfast is included in the room rate).

We visit Mt. Hood from Hood River--driving scenic OR-35 to Timberline Lodge and back to Hood River, our base. The return trip includes views of Mt. Adams, in WA, as well as Mt. Hood.

On a visit to the Gorge we always include a drive on WA-14, which provides sweeping views of the Columbia and, on a clear day, of Mt. Hood. The drive from Maryhill to Washougal is always a treat for us.

There are many wineries along the Columbia River on the Washington side and in the Willamette Valley. (Others can give you more information on this topic--I've saw my fill of wineries long ago.)

Mt. Rainier, the Olympic National Park, and the San Juan Islands are three Washington's top attractions.

Mt. Rainier can be visited as a day trip from Seattle.

I don't advise you go the the ONP unless you can spend at least one night. Our favorite places to stay in the north part of the park are Lake Crescent Lodge (historic), Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles (a good motel), and Quillayute River Resort, which I believe may have special appeal for you in Lake Crescent Lodge is closed: http://www.qriverresort.com

In the San Juan's my favorite island is San Juan Island, but many others prefer Orcas.

HTTY

thanks again for the great info. Heres what I'm thinking of changing since everyone gave me their great ideas. I just got the Washington official travel guide so I continue to be overwhelmed by all the things I want to see. I definetly like the China Beach Inn at Seaview, Cannon Beach will also be stop, Black Walnut Inn in Dunde is a definite stop because I really was impressed with my conversation with the innkeeper. We are staying there two days and she said we could visit Mt. Ranier from there. The next stop after that is the Hood River I am thinking of just one night there and then as drive along Rt 14 to route 5 and head back up toward Seattle. that would leave us 3 more nights so Im thinking if we could find a central location we could do Olympic National Park and San Juan Island. What about Whidbley Island. the Qullayute River Resort looks interesting. How long of a drive do you think that would be from Hood River? and would it be easy to get to San Juan Islands from that point. I also saw a lovely place Collettes B/B in Port Angeles.

<i>I just got the Washington official travel guide so I continue to be overwhelmed by all the things I want to see.</i>

One of the problems with official state travel guides is that they have to include information about every square-inch of the state.

That is why I like to use travel guides such as those published by Fodor's--they emphasize the places and attractions in a state that are likely to be of interest to travelers who must decide how to make the best use of their limited sightseeing time.

AAA Tour Books are helpful, too, but they lack a strong editorial point of view.

Yes, you can visit Mt. Rainier from Dundee, OR, if you want to drive 180 miles each way. It takes nearly four hours each way because of two-lane mountain roads.

The drive from Hood River to Quillayute River Resor is over 300 miles. It takes about six hours.

You need some good maps and to learn how to use a web site that helps in estimating distances and driving times between places. I've tried them all, and I prefer maps.google.com

HTTY

Sure Whidbey Island is lovely. I like the Captain Whidbey Inn there. But I'm not sure you really have time to be adding more things, or going in more directions for a trip of this length.

If your in Oregons wine country you have to visit Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn. Looks like you will be there around harvest time and it a great venue to participate and enjoy. Amazing wines, great hosts, views that will linger in your soul... They are doing an annual harvest winemaker dinner that weekend that I am going to. Hope to see you there!