Malka, whichever route you take I hope you will report back to this forum when you have completed your trip. It would be interesting to read your comments and would probably aid other travelors from Europe.

Hello,

Just returned from my first visit to Oregon and was very impressed. Such diversity within a relatively short driving distance. The Mt. Hood Jazz Fest was on the first day of my visit. Portland is such a beautiful city. I loved Washington Park (the Japanese Gardens had an interesting docent tour), and the Art Museum (ate at a little sidewalk cafe in the museum area). Interesting collection. Be sure to take the scenic byways in Oregon. They are good roads and feature terrific scenery. I traveled east on the Gorge highway, stopping at all the posted waterfalls along the way. The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson, WA (across the Bridge of the Gods) is very informative. Timberline Lodge is worth a visit (one goes from the city to the river to skiing). Then, Bend provides a high desert experience (and a museum by that name). Crater Lake is beautiful. Drove on a scenic route from Diamond Lake to Glide along the N. Umpqua River. More trails leading to waterfalls and along the river. Drove the coast from Reedsport to Florence and stopped at the Dunes Overlook. Stayed in Florence, and then went to Cape Perpetua, the highest point on the coast, but fogged in the day I was there. Spent two nights at a great b & b in Newport, Tyee Lodge. Wonderful breakfasts! Shark's on the bayfront is a good place to eat. The lighthouse, tidepools, aquarium, Nye Beach and a restaurant, April's, are worthwhile. Next went to Oceanside, a funky little community. Has one cafe, Roseanna's. Fun place.The Three Capes Area is nice, especially Cape Meares with its lighthouse and ancient Sitka Spruce.

People were very hospitable.

Have a wonderful time,
Karen

Another way to be able to see the San Juan Islands is by taking an airplane from Kenmore Air. Leaves SEA on LakeUnion, goes to several of the islands, flies back to SEA. Personally, I think you're trying to do too much. Cities and places here are a bit farther and take more time than cities in Europe. It's probably better if you try and focus on a few things so that you don't feel rushed. (IMO).

Crater Lake was ok, just wasn't worth a 4 hour detour in the snow (april) to get there. Don't miss Cape Flattery, the most northwesterly point of the contiguous USA. Not that easy to find (intentionally I think) but worth it for the views of the coastline and farther out over to Canada.

I liked Northern California, Oroville/Redding/Shasta Dam areas. Take your time up the 101 (you dont have a lot of choice on that road sometimes) and take in the sights.

Just wanted to say, there's only one train that departs from Seattle to Vancouver, and that's in the morning. There's only one train going back - and that's in the evening, so be sure you don't miss that train!

Another option incase if the train leaves at a bad time for you is the Quick Shuttle bus. They operate from about 6am until 10pm and have hourly non-hassle trips back and forth from Seattle and Vancouver. They just take you up along I-5, the road you probably would have taken to get from Seattle to Vancouver. It's less scenic, but it's also cheaper and gets you right into the heart of downtown Vancouver. www.quickcoach.com is their website.

ps. and it's true, there isn't any water transportation between Vancouver and Seattle. Perhaps the person who suggested that was thinking of Vancouver Island?

One Word: REDWOODS!!!

If you are going from SF to Vancouver, you can not imagine the utter beauty of the Redwood Forest in Northern California. Try Jedediah Smith State Park or Humboldt State Park. Both are just a few miles inland from US 101 out of Crescent City.

I also second the suggestion of spending some time on the Oregon Coast. Cannon Beach, Beverly Beach and Neskowin are several of my favorites.

In Washington, try the Olympic NAtional PArk and see the only true rain forest in the North American continent. Although, being from Seattle, sometimes I think my own back yard is a rain forest....

Enjoy your trip!

If Tony went to Shasta, Redding and Oroville in April it's true it would be nice, green and weather would be good. Mid-September HOT, DRY and BROWN. Maybe Shasta Lake might be nice but it's really low now. If malka decides to go up the coast it's not worth the detour to see these places this time of year. The beauty and cool of the redwoods will be much more enjoyable in September.

This has become way too complicated. Anyone who has attempted such a task has learned that you can't see everything in one trip. Best suggestion is to plot your course from point A to point B and just go with it. It helps if you travel off season, that way you really don't have to worry about reservations. It makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable time. Then you have fun planning the next trip back to see some of the things you missed. Lee in Austin,Tejas

Hi everyone,

We are leaving next week and wanted to thank you all for your input.

Considering everything that you have posted, some research that I did and the time limitations, we have decided on the following itinerary:

Day 1: Vancouver - Boeing Factory -Seattle
Day 2: Seattle
Day 3: Seattle - Mount St. Helens - Portland
Day 4: Columbia Gorge Drive
Day 5: Newport
Day 6: Gold Beach
Day 7: Crescent City/ Eureka
Day 8: Mendocino or Sonoma Valley
Day 9: Sonoma/Napa Valley
Day 10: to S.F

As you can see, we have given up on San Juan Islands, Olympic Park, Mount Rainier, the northern Oregon coast, Crater lake and probably more.

We are flexible between day 5(after we leave columbia gorge tour) till we get to SF, although the number of days that we can spend in the area is fixed. So, any furhter suggestions as how to plan that part is welcome.

Thanks again,

Malka