malka

Hi,

Coming from Europe, we plan to travel by car between San Francisco and Vancouver, spending a couple of days in SF and Vancouver each. We have already been both in SF and Vancouver before, but not in between. In all, we have about 10-12 days at our disposal.

It would be great, if all you knowledgeable people could suggest a doable itinerary including the must-see places and any special events that are taking place in the area between September 18-30(any additional tips as to B&Bs and restaurants are also welcome).

I know that all this info is already in the forums and on the web in general, but it is so time consuming to find the exact answers that I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

xxx

I spent a week in Seattle last summer. There are very beautiful things to do there including Mt. Ranier (stunning!) and Olympic National Park which has a rain forest. If you plan to spend Shabbos, Seattle has a nice size Jewish community. Also, nearby is Victoria Island which is absolutely not to be missed.

Glenda

If the weather is nice I hope you will take in some of the Oregon coast. Actually the drive up the coast from SF all the way through Oregon is spectacular and changes quite a bit. There are many B&Bs all along that route, but be advised that they are much more expensive here than in Europe compared to the cost of motels and hotels. A good resource for excellent B&Bs in the Northwest is Border to Border Bed and Breakfast Dirctory which has a very good website. If you aren't so much interested in the coast route I would definitely consider going to Crater Lake National Park and then continuing up Highway 97 for spectacular views of the Cascade mountains, then continue down the Columbia River Gorge on I-84 (or, if you have time take as much of the Old Columbia River Highway) to Portland. McMenamin's Kennedy School is a great place to stay right in the middle of one of Portland's older neighborhoods. As you travel north on I-5 you should plan to visit Mount Saint Helens and Mount Rainier if you have the time before you get to Seattle.

malka

Thanks for the suggestions. Any ideas regarding an itenirary? How to plan the trip between SF and Vancouver so that we would be able to see the best the area has to offer without killing ourselves in the above time-frame?

bb

If you want to see the force of nature, be sure to stop at Mt. St. Helens (the volcano that blew its top several years ago) enroute to Vancouver.

Glenda

We probably drive more miles in a day than other people would enjoy, but coming from San Francisco on the coast we would probably get to Eureka which has some character and some B&Bs. The next day could be somewhere on the southern Oregon coast or if you wanted to do the mountains you could take Highway 199 from Crescent City to Grants Pass. Next Day to Crater Lake to either stay at the refurbished Lodge (be sure you have reservations) or go on to Highway 97 where places to stay are pretty basic motel fare until you get to Bend. Sunriver is a lovely resort community. The Century Drive up into the mountains from there is spectacular. Its an easy drive from there to the Dalles or Hood River on the Columbia River. The Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River is a beautifully refurbished old hotel. Another day down to Portland. I would normally say not to miss the Rose Test Gardens there, but in September they would not be as impressive. There are several posts on this board that describe sites in Portland. A day up to Mt. St. Helens which is worth going all the way to the end of the road, but that would probably mean staying at a basic motel on I-5. Next day to Mt Rainier and then to Seattle. I think that makes about 9 days if I'm counting acurately. That's probably too many. You can always cut days by driving the freeways somewhere along the way. One big advantage is that September is not a family holiday time, so you'll only have to contend with the retirees who are usually out in force at that time. Hope all goes well. Enjoy!

malka

Thanks Glenda,

Great suggestions. The question is, of course, what are we missing out. If we had an additional couple of days and would both want to cover a bit more and also relax the pace, how should we plan it. Would it make sense to add Sonoma/Napa Valleys, National Parks???

By the way, do you have any idea if it is possible to return a rental car picked up in the US in Canada (or vice versa)?

Glenda

Sorry I don't know about the rental car question. There is so much to see between SF and Vancouver it would take a month at least to get it all. We've only spent a couple of days in the Napa Valley and found it quite charming, but we're into bigger scenery, I guess. By national parks I assume you are referring to Yosemite which is spectacular, but it would certainly add several days to your itinerary. You really need to sit down with your West Coast map and look at the mileage. My understanding is that Oregon alone is about the size of France so you can see that we're looking at a lot of territory here. So much to see, so little time. Unless you really enjoy driving twelve hours a day, I'm afraid you are going to have to limit yourself and miss a number of beautiful places. You don't say where you live, but maybe you want to see those places least like the area where you live.

ldsant

Actually, most car rental companies will NOT allow you to cross the border with a rental car. There are some that make exceptions, but you have to have arranged it ahead of time and pay an additional fee. Therefore, if you want to visit SEA and Vancouver, you have to notify the rental company that you're travelling outside the US. There are several that allow it, but some that don't. I just think it's better to be safe than sorry.

I agree with the other posters in that the ORE coast really is quite lovely. Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach is a wonderful place IMO. The Washington coast also has a lot to offer as well as the San Juan Islands. I would suggest Mt. St. Helens as well - it really is very fascinating (if you don't live near any volcanoes anyway).

I'd also recommend spending a couple of days in Seattle. I prefer Sonoma over Napa, but they're both nice - as well as Russian River. If you enjoy wines, there are many in both ORE and WA as well (WA has the Yakima Valley which has a number of B&Bs as well as good wineries). Have a great trip here!

Karen

My goodness! Don't try and do too much! We just got back from a fortnight's trip to what we thought would be a trip to the Pacific Northwest -- Seattle/San Juans/Vancouver/Portland and we jsut coudn't fit everything in, so we just spent our time in Washington state. There is so much to see! And, we still missed out on a lot. It is so beautiful out there and I can't wait to go back and explore it some more! Enjoy your vacation!!

John

Assuming you want to see things not easily found in Europe (or, like the Redwoods, not found at all) then I’d suggest the following itinerary, one which I’ve traveled with lots of friends, a number of them Europeans, always with rave reviews. Note this is the "active" itinerary; you could alternatively cover the same distance in 2 days and chill in Vancouver for a week.

North on Calif. SR 1 from San Francisco until it re-joins US 101. Mendocino is a good overnight stop. Then a full day through the Redwoods, taking the “Avenue of the Giants” or any other side roads which appeal. I’ve always found the big trees to be a show-stopper with anyone who’s never seen them, especially folks from Europe. Overnight around Eureka or Crescent City, dinner at the Samoa Cookhouse (near Eureka) if possible.

Continue north on US101 up the Oregon coast, stopping at one or two of the many State parks depending on your whim. If you start in Crescent City, Newport or Yachats are easy overnight points; if Eureka, Florence or Newport. In late September it might be getting dark early enough to make for shorter travel days – the scenery is too good to miss. Don’t miss the premier photo op on the coast at Heceta Head lighthouse, north of Florence.

The next day Portland is your destination, via Astoria and the Columbia shore (try the Washington side for emptier roads.) Plenty of interesting and fun places to stay; my choice and a big hit with our Scottish friends is the Edgefield B & B/brewery/winery/cinema/restaurant etc. complex near Troutdale, just east of Portland.

The next day (this is day 5) continue east on the “historic” Columbia Gorge Highway, visiting Multnomah Falls and maybe the big fish at the Bonneville Dam hatchery. This is big western scenery, like nothing else you’ve seen so far. Continue east to Cascade Locks and cross the Columbia, continue east on the Washington side to the Maryhill Museum near the junction with US97. Visit the museum for an interesting collection of European and American Indian artworks and exhibits, including a surprising collection of Rodin sculpture and plaster studies, some unique. By now you’re in sagebrush “old west” scenery, utterly different from the coastal landscape and climate you’ve been in since San Francisco. Continue north on US97 past Mt. Adams (12,000 feet) and through the Yakima Indian reservation, cutting over to the area around Prosser or Sunnyside, Washington, for a night in one of the many B & Bs in the Washington wine country, where in September you’ll likely be in time for the harvest. This countryside is very beautiful in its own way, less touristy than the Napa/Sonoma valleys, and the local wines are rapidly gaining worldwide respect. This is a rather long day (maybe 7 hours’ driving), but you’ll be knocked out by the variety of the landscapes and the scenery you’ll encounter.

Continue on north through Yakima and across the Cascades to Seattle. Spend two nights in Seattle. Don’t worry about Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Parks; you can’t do everything. Then on to Vancouver. If you still need a mountain fix, drive up the “Sea to Sky” highway to Whistler one day.

Total transit time 8 days, at the high end of your allowance, but no really uncomfortably long driving days, save the one through the Columbia Gorge. You will have seen the Golden Gate Bridge, the ravishing Marin/Sonoma/Mendocino and Oregon coasts, the big trees, sand dunes, the great river of the west, Rodin, volcanoes and Indian reservations, brewers, vintners, flying salmon at the Pike market, and totem poles at Stanley Park. It’s a great trip, really.

malka

Thanks so much to you all. Great suggestions. We now decided to reverse the direction and will be travelling from north to south, but essentially there should be no big difference, right? We thought that the weather would get colder as we travel up north, so it would make more sense to do it the other way around.

Any ideas what would be a good way to get from Vancouver to Seattle if we do not take the car accross the border? Train? Ferry?

Thanks again.

Glenda

I don't know the train schedule between Vancouver and Seattle, but although it is scenic most of the way they don't run more than a couple a day and the track is so bad the train goes very slowly. Passenger trains are a very low priority in the US I'm afraid. There may be some kind of water transportation between the two cities, but I really can't remember ever hearing about any other than cruise liners that hit both places on the way up to Alaska or coming back.

ldsant

Train between Vancouver and Seattle is an easy way to travel if you can't get a car. There is also Greyhound bus service too between the two cities. Actually Glenda, there is an excellent train (Cascades and Starlight Express) that runs down the west coast. It definitely rivals the train service in Europe! Greyhound bus service will take you about 3 hours - almost the same as driving. BTW, amtrak is having a special right now of 30% off. You can get more information from their website http://www.amtrak.com

michelle

Definitely take in the Oregon coast -- rugged, pretty, and incredibly varied from north to south. From Vancouver (or Portland, OR), shoot over to Astoria. The Washington side will have fewer cars (as an above poster noted), and you'll also get to drive into Astoria from the Megler bridge, which spans the Columbia river. If your timing works out, Astoria can be a really great stopping point -- tons of great B&Bs (my personal favorite is the Benjamin Young Inn) in old Victorian houses, some nice sights, and friendly locals. It's a bit sleepy, but great for a relaxing, scenic evening and a fabulous breakfast to start the day. A "must-see" is the Astor column, which offers a great view. The column itself is painted with the history of the area and sits atop Coxcomb hill, so the view is great, even if you don't climb to the top of the column (166 steps!). After Astoria, other points of interest on the Northern part of the coast include Seaside (boardwalky seaside town) about 30 mins from Astoria and Cannon Beach, which is more upscale than Seaside -- a few galleries, nice scenery, good hiking. Newport is also nice -- especially the fresh seafood. If you couldn't tell from this post, I'm an Oregon native (now living in San Fran). I grew up in Astoria, so I know the most about that general area. If you have more specific questions or would like further info, please feel free to e-mail me. Happy Travels!

Mike

The most scenic route all the way from SF is US101 through the redwoods in California and into Oregon on 101. It will take longer but nicer. You will also pass 3 indian casino's. One at Coos Bay, Oregon and Lincoln city, OR and if you go on into Portland you will pass one at Grand Rond. There very nice but you will make the indains a little richer.
You might want to check out http://community.webtv.net/angry9/VacationTravelOregon

John

Malka, the train from Vancouver to Seattle is a good option. A car is not a necessity in either city, and you will save money on rental and parking, as well as possible cross-border rental car hassles in the process. Reversing the order is fine, although there won't be that great a difference in weather over just 10 days' time. And there is no ferry connection between Vancouver and Seattle since both are on the mainland.

steve

The train is a great option from Vancouver to Seattle, try to get on the right hand side for the best views southbound. Takes about 4 hours forthe trip. In Seattle, I think Pension Nichole's is still in business, It's agreat little B&B top floor of a downtown building overlooking the harbor and Pike Place Market. Probalby around $100 a night. I've made the Seattle to Calif. run in a car several times. For the most senic (and slowest) route take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, then hook up with U.S. 101 to go up to the Olympic Peninsula and down the Pacific Coast. Allow a day from Seattle to Washington's Long Island. Next day cross the Columbia into Astoria, Oregon and detour into Portland or the Oregon wine country around Dundee. Go back to the coast at Tillamook, Stay on 101 until you can get over to Route 1 in California. In Fort Bragg there's an interesting steam train ride thattakes you from the coast to the mountains. Stay on Route 1 and visit Fort Ross. At Jenner, swing inland through the Russian River wine country. A couple of B&Bs, Ridenhour Ranch Inn near Gureneville or the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdburg. If you've got the time, doublback to Point Reyes National Seashore and then follow Route 1 into The City. Roundstone Farm Inn near PointReyes is another, if pricey, excellent B&B. Have fun.

malka

Thanks folks,

After having read all your suggestions, and done a bit of homework too, I think that we shall opt for the train form Vancouver to Seattle, if the rental car option does not work out. We are also still checking if we can do Vancouver-Vancouver Island-Seattle without having to drag our luggage along the way...

Our second dilemma is whether to include one day of San Juan Island to the itinerary. If one day is not enough, maybe we shall just pass.

The third issue is Oregon: I understand that there are different opinions on this issue: whether to take the road from Columbia River (Dalles, Multnomah Falls) to Crater Lake or the coastal road. We shall in any case do the southern Oregon coast.

Another question is: if we fit in some of the wine regions either in Oregon or Washington, would it be important not to miss out either Napa or Sonoma?

Thanks again,

John

One day is not enough time to see much of the San Juan Islands, although you can ride the ferry as foot passengers out to Friday Harbor from Anacortes, walk around for awhile, then take another ferry back, which at least will let you see the scenery from the ferry, which is grand.

The road along the Columbia runs east-west, Crater Lake is way to the south. If by your question you mean should you travel down the east side of the Cascades (US 97 for example) to Crater Lake instead of the northern part of the Oregon coast, that's a fine trip, very different from the coastal scenery, obviously. From Crater Lake west to the So. Oregon coast entails some doubling back, since there are few roads from I-5 across the Coast Range (a parallel set of hills/mountains to the Cascades) south of Roseburg. If you don't mind doubling back, we think the road from Drain to Reedsport (SR 38) is by far the prettiest. For what it's worth (very little) we think Crater Lake is vastly overrated and frankly not worth the big time detour required to get there. Others surely disagree. Still, the landscape on the east slope of the Oregon Cascades is lovely, real old west stuff, lodgepole pines, ranches, some fine resorts like Black Butte or other places around Bend or Sisters, etc.

As far as the wine areas, obviously the Napa/Sonoma valleys are the most popular, have the greatest number of wineries, B&Bs, etc. The area is quite beautiful, but its proximity to the SF Bay Area also makes it very popular, expensive, and sometimes disappointing to visitors. Also just our opinion. The Washington and Oregon areas are much less "mature" when it comes to tourism or visitor facilities. Nice, but not the same. You won't go terribly wrong either way.

Happy planning.