North of Wenatchee (& NW Washington) road trip
Jun 29th, 2010, 11:14 AM
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North of Wenatchee (& NW Washington) road trip
<b>Arlington/Marysville - Leavenworth - Wenatchee and north</b>
My husband and I are planning a little driving trip for early/mid July. From Vancouver Island we will take the Anacortes ferry and spend a few days in the Arlington area, mainly to attend the Arlington Fly-In. Accommodations there are booked. Also, we would like to visit an outlet mall or two, and a Costco if one is handy.
Then, we thought we'd drive to Leavenworth, which we visited 15 years ago. Back then, we stayed at the Blackbird Inn, which we liked particularly for its proximity to Blackbird Island. Now - has it become a time share? We are considering the Bavarian Lodge instead. We would like to be in or within walking distance of the town.
Money IS an issue this trip since I quit my job! There will be no splurges, but we would still like accommodations that are clean and quiet, preferably in the $150 a night range (or at least not over $200). No B&B's!
From Leavenworth we are considering driving north, from Wenatchee up to the Canadian border through to Osoyoos, before looping back to the west coast.
We have never been north of Wenatchee in Washington State. Does anyone here have opinions about the road, scenery, places not to miss? Or is another route advisable?
Our original plan included NW Oregon where we have been several times before. We would have revisited the Evergreen Aviation Museum and visited for the first time the Tillamook Air Museum, with a side trip to the outlet mall in Troutdale... and the coast of course (have already been to the Columbia Gorge). However, I am not a good long-distance driver so it might be best to keep to the shorter route in Washington State and BC.
We like: aircraft (obviously), nature, gardens, horses, art, easy walks, fabulous views, history, shopping (a bit), simple food, photography, trains, stationery, chocolate.
Thoughts? Any opinions/ideas welcome!
My husband and I are planning a little driving trip for early/mid July. From Vancouver Island we will take the Anacortes ferry and spend a few days in the Arlington area, mainly to attend the Arlington Fly-In. Accommodations there are booked. Also, we would like to visit an outlet mall or two, and a Costco if one is handy.
Then, we thought we'd drive to Leavenworth, which we visited 15 years ago. Back then, we stayed at the Blackbird Inn, which we liked particularly for its proximity to Blackbird Island. Now - has it become a time share? We are considering the Bavarian Lodge instead. We would like to be in or within walking distance of the town.
Money IS an issue this trip since I quit my job! There will be no splurges, but we would still like accommodations that are clean and quiet, preferably in the $150 a night range (or at least not over $200). No B&B's!
From Leavenworth we are considering driving north, from Wenatchee up to the Canadian border through to Osoyoos, before looping back to the west coast.
We have never been north of Wenatchee in Washington State. Does anyone here have opinions about the road, scenery, places not to miss? Or is another route advisable?
Our original plan included NW Oregon where we have been several times before. We would have revisited the Evergreen Aviation Museum and visited for the first time the Tillamook Air Museum, with a side trip to the outlet mall in Troutdale... and the coast of course (have already been to the Columbia Gorge). However, I am not a good long-distance driver so it might be best to keep to the shorter route in Washington State and BC.
We like: aircraft (obviously), nature, gardens, horses, art, easy walks, fabulous views, history, shopping (a bit), simple food, photography, trains, stationery, chocolate.
Thoughts? Any opinions/ideas welcome!
Jun 29th, 2010, 11:35 AM
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The drive from from Wenatchee to Pateros is quite beautiful as it follows the Columbia River. I find 97 Alt (on the west side of the river) to be more scenic than the drive up the east side of the river. There are various dining options at Chelan--a resort town on Lake Chelan
At Pateros you have a dilemma because the drive through the Methow Valley to Twisp and Winthrop is also very scenic.
From Winthrop you could drive as far as Washington Pass for a great view of the North Cascades, or, from there you could continue on the North Cascade Highway (20) to I-5 and then home.
If you want to see the Methow Valley, but continue home on the path you intend, you could drive as far as Twisp and then take 20 to the town of Okanogan and continue on.
The drive up 97 from Okanogan to Osoyoos is pleasant, especially early and late in the day when the sun casts shadows on the rolling hills in the distance.
In Leavenworth, Hotel Pension Anna is a good option.
In Twisp, the Twisp River Pub serves meals on a terrace overlooking the river.
If you spend a night in Winthrop, the Rio Vista motel is conveniently located and all rooms have a balcony overlooking the river.
When staying in Winthrop, we like to have dinner in the bar at Sun Mountain Lodge. The setting is spectacular.
At Pateros you have a dilemma because the drive through the Methow Valley to Twisp and Winthrop is also very scenic.
From Winthrop you could drive as far as Washington Pass for a great view of the North Cascades, or, from there you could continue on the North Cascade Highway (20) to I-5 and then home.
If you want to see the Methow Valley, but continue home on the path you intend, you could drive as far as Twisp and then take 20 to the town of Okanogan and continue on.
The drive up 97 from Okanogan to Osoyoos is pleasant, especially early and late in the day when the sun casts shadows on the rolling hills in the distance.
In Leavenworth, Hotel Pension Anna is a good option.
In Twisp, the Twisp River Pub serves meals on a terrace overlooking the river.
If you spend a night in Winthrop, the Rio Vista motel is conveniently located and all rooms have a balcony overlooking the river.
When staying in Winthrop, we like to have dinner in the bar at Sun Mountain Lodge. The setting is spectacular.
Jun 29th, 2010, 12:30 PM
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I love Fodors - post a question and moments later there is a great response.
Thanks, happytrailstoyou! I'm glad you mentioned the two roads on either side of the river as I wondered if one was more scenic than the other. The North Cascade Highway is a route we hadn't considered. Would I be right in thinking that the drive up 97 to Osoyoos is through more open, drier country? If so, we might prefer it, although we will have to drive through mountains in BC (where husband's out-of-country medical insurance costs don't come into play).
Hotel Pension Anna is rated #1 on tripadvisor but I worried that it might be too B&B-like. No?
Thanks, happytrailstoyou! I'm glad you mentioned the two roads on either side of the river as I wondered if one was more scenic than the other. The North Cascade Highway is a route we hadn't considered. Would I be right in thinking that the drive up 97 to Osoyoos is through more open, drier country? If so, we might prefer it, although we will have to drive through mountains in BC (where husband's out-of-country medical insurance costs don't come into play).
Hotel Pension Anna is rated #1 on tripadvisor but I worried that it might be too B&B-like. No?
Jun 29th, 2010, 01:25 PM
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IMO BC Route 3 from Osoyoos to Hope is a wonderful road. I won't say it's the visual equal of the North Cascades, but it's no slouch - a bit more heavily populated (which isn't saying much.) Manning Provincial Park is extremely scenic, and might be more accessible in a couple of weeks than NCNP since the snow pack this year is way bigger than usual.
If by some chance your trip was delayed, or for future reference, the same trip you're proposing could be done in August with the Abbotsford Air Show in BC filling in for the Arlington do. Abbotsford is a very big deal.
If by some chance your trip was delayed, or for future reference, the same trip you're proposing could be done in August with the Abbotsford Air Show in BC filling in for the Arlington do. Abbotsford is a very big deal.
Jun 29th, 2010, 01:47 PM
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There's a Costco in the Smoky Point area (west of Arlington, next to I-5) and an outlet mall between there and Marysville.
It's funny to see those place names here - I went to high school in Arlington and had a business in Marysville for a number of years. Not so much places to visit on vacation then!
It's funny to see those place names here - I went to high school in Arlington and had a business in Marysville for a number of years. Not so much places to visit on vacation then!
Jun 29th, 2010, 02:34 PM
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Pension Anna serves breakfast, but it isn't done B&B style. There is a buffet and some items are served from the kitchen. You can sit at a table for six or a table for two, as you wish.
Yes, the drive from Okanogan to Osoyoos is through open country with hills (or small mountains) in the distance. We like the drive. It is beautiful, but not in the "Kodak Moment" way.
Osoyoos is a big surprise at the border--a very commercial resort. And, the drive from Osoyoos to Hope (and vice versa) is one we try to take every three or four years. There are good places to eat in Osoyoos and in Hope we like to have a meal at Home Restaurant, which is family place of the kind we don't have any place near our Seattle neighborhood.
In Leavenworth, we used to stay at the Blackbird Inn, too. We loved the mountain view from the rooms on the back of the building. Now we take in that view while dining on hamburgers on the deck at Gustav's.
It would be ideal if you could spend a night in Winthrop. From there you could drive to Washington Pass and have a meal in the bar at Sun Mountain Lodge before continuing on your journey as planned.
Yes, the drive from Okanogan to Osoyoos is through open country with hills (or small mountains) in the distance. We like the drive. It is beautiful, but not in the "Kodak Moment" way.
Osoyoos is a big surprise at the border--a very commercial resort. And, the drive from Osoyoos to Hope (and vice versa) is one we try to take every three or four years. There are good places to eat in Osoyoos and in Hope we like to have a meal at Home Restaurant, which is family place of the kind we don't have any place near our Seattle neighborhood.
In Leavenworth, we used to stay at the Blackbird Inn, too. We loved the mountain view from the rooms on the back of the building. Now we take in that view while dining on hamburgers on the deck at Gustav's.
It would be ideal if you could spend a night in Winthrop. From there you could drive to Washington Pass and have a meal in the bar at Sun Mountain Lodge before continuing on your journey as planned.
Jun 29th, 2010, 02:40 PM
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The Arlington Fly-In is very interesting. We have been a few times and really enjoy it. There is a Costco at Smokey Point there, and the Tulalip outlets are there as well. You can take the Naval Support Complex exit at Smokey Point for both of those, and they are on the west side of the freeway.
We used to stay at the Blackbird Inn too and loved it, but yes several years ago it went timeshare. Our fav spot now is Pension Anna, which we have stayed at quite a bit. It is not too B&B'ish. Each room is different and it feels much more like a hotel. I love the location...it is very similar to Blackbird, but just a few blocks down. Same feel where you can walk all over so easily but is away from the hustle and bustle.
We used to stay at the Blackbird Inn too and loved it, but yes several years ago it went timeshare. Our fav spot now is Pension Anna, which we have stayed at quite a bit. It is not too B&B'ish. Each room is different and it feels much more like a hotel. I love the location...it is very similar to Blackbird, but just a few blocks down. Same feel where you can walk all over so easily but is away from the hustle and bustle.
Jun 29th, 2010, 02:45 PM
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Gardyloo - there you are! I always like your advice for routes and lodging.
We are quite familiar with the Canadian side (though still appreciate thoughts particularly about the Okanagan in BC). My Dad worked at Manning Park as a naturalist and my husband was involved with the Abbotsford Airshow for many years!
We are quite familiar with the Canadian side (though still appreciate thoughts particularly about the Okanagan in BC). My Dad worked at Manning Park as a naturalist and my husband was involved with the Abbotsford Airshow for many years!
Jun 29th, 2010, 03:03 PM
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lennyba - Yes, Arlington and Marysville probably aren't on most visitors' itineraries. Thanks for info.
I want to check out a Costco for packs of Glide Floss as our Costco doesn't carry it. Will also be on the lookout for:
- Merci chocolates, although they might melt. Is there a Fred Meyer store handy?
- Weinhard root beer and Rice Chex.... any old grocery store?
- Large bowl for mixing bread dough and large cooking spoon. Outlet kitchen store?
Thanks for info. I want to check out a Costco for packs of Glide Floss as our Costco doesn't carry it. Will also be on the lookout for:
- Merci chocolates, although they might melt. Is there a Fred Meyer store handy?
- Weinhard root beer and Rice Chex.... any old grocery store?
- Large bowl for mixing bread dough and large cooking spoon. Outlet kitchen store?
Jun 29th, 2010, 03:20 PM
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Open, dry country is a novelty for us so we enjoy seeing it.
Happytrailstoyou - If we leave Wenatchee in the early morning, would we be ready to put our heads down in Winthrop? I was thinking that we'd get from Wenatchee to Osoyoos in a day (if we went that route). How long is this drive anyway?
Mms - Thanks for driving directions to Costco and outlet mall. I can use all the help I can get!
Both - Thanks for extra information on Pension Anna. It sounds good as long as we can get a room cheap enough. Will have to check out the hamburgers at Gustav's!
Happytrailstoyou - If we leave Wenatchee in the early morning, would we be ready to put our heads down in Winthrop? I was thinking that we'd get from Wenatchee to Osoyoos in a day (if we went that route). How long is this drive anyway?
Mms - Thanks for driving directions to Costco and outlet mall. I can use all the help I can get!
Both - Thanks for extra information on Pension Anna. It sounds good as long as we can get a room cheap enough. Will have to check out the hamburgers at Gustav's!
Jun 29th, 2010, 04:04 PM
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Wenatchee-Osoyoos 145 miles/2 hours 40 minutes
Wenatchee-Twisp-Okanogan-Osoyoos 175 miles/3 hours 30 minutes
Wenatchee-Winthrop-Okanogan-Osoyoos 195 miles/4 hours
The drive from Pateros to Winthrop through the Methow Valley is quite beautifull--one of our favorite drives in Washington.
HTTY
Wenatchee-Twisp-Okanogan-Osoyoos 175 miles/3 hours 30 minutes
Wenatchee-Winthrop-Okanogan-Osoyoos 195 miles/4 hours
The drive from Pateros to Winthrop through the Methow Valley is quite beautifull--one of our favorite drives in Washington.
HTTY
Jun 30th, 2010, 08:44 AM
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That's so kind of you, April. I do this in gratitude for the great information I have been given here, including from Cranachin and others who gave me detailed information that made our drive along the Gulf Coast (from Apalachicola to New Orleans) the most memorable two days of a three-week road trip in the Southeast.
HTTY
HTTY
Jul 5th, 2010, 01:10 PM
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One more question. From the Arlington/Marysville area we <i>do</i> want to take the road to Leavenworth marked 2 on our map, rather than the bigger hwy to the south (90?) is that right?
Jul 5th, 2010, 02:02 PM
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Yes. Highway 2 goes over Stevens Pass and it is scenic. The drive is about 120 miles--a little over two hours. Be on the lookout for the Deception Falls parking lot, which is on the left side of the highway five or six miles after the Stevens Pass Summit.
If you take the other route, you will go over Snoqualmie Pass (90) and Blewett Pass (97). This is also a scenic route. The drive is about 180 miles and it takes a little over three hours.
When going to Leavenworth, I prefer Highway 2.
If you take the other route, you will go over Snoqualmie Pass (90) and Blewett Pass (97). This is also a scenic route. The drive is about 180 miles and it takes a little over three hours.
When going to Leavenworth, I prefer Highway 2.
Jul 5th, 2010, 10:01 PM
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It's hard to tell from a map what a road is like. Highway 2 it is and we'll keep a look out for the falls. Thanks again HTTY!
My husband is now wondering about a side trip to the Grand Coulee Dam, although I have the vague feeling I've been there before. (I also see on the map a dam called Chief Joseph. Excuse my ignorance but are there any Nez Perce related sights to see in this area?)
My husband is now wondering about a side trip to the Grand Coulee Dam, although I have the vague feeling I've been there before. (I also see on the map a dam called Chief Joseph. Excuse my ignorance but are there any Nez Perce related sights to see in this area?)
Jul 6th, 2010, 06:50 AM
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The drive to Grand Coulee Dam is not very scenic except for the highway between Soap Lake and Grand Coulee.
The drive from Leavenworth north on 97Alt and then on 153 and 20 is very scenic.
I don't know much about the Nez Perce, perhaps this will help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce
The drive from Leavenworth north on 97Alt and then on 153 and 20 is very scenic.
I don't know much about the Nez Perce, perhaps this will help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce
