kikiv

We are planning to fly into Seattle in mid July and have 7-8 days. It is our second visit to Seattle so we will spend one day in the city then plan to rent a car and either explore the OP or Cascades loop.
What would you suggest for a first time visit to the area for a couple in early 50's, who love cities but want to spend some time hiking, bike riding and exploring the natural beauty of WS.
Any suggestions for routes, lodging etc. are appreciated, thank you.

Bobmrg

Go west! You will have plenty of time to explore Olympic National Park, including hiking and exploring but not (in my opinion) biking. Maybe I'm wrong...if so, kaleberg will be along to straighten me out.

If you have passports and a few extra bucks, consider taking the Coho ferry over to Victoria to explore the city (no car required), visit Butchart Gardens, and ferry back to Port Angeles.

sunbum1944

Last fall I did the North Cascades and Olympic National Park.

We stayed at Lake Crescent Lodge which was very nice. Did some kayaking on the lake- both times lake was mirror smooth and stellar conditions. There is a hike to a waterfall you can do right from the grounds at the Lodge. We also drove to Hurricane Ridge which was spectacular.

In the Cascades we stayed outside of the western town of Winthrop. Winthrop is kind of fun, we had a beer everyday at the the Old Schoolhouse Inn- has a deck overlooking the water and is a nice gathering spot.

We stayed at the North Cascades Lodge which was OK - had all our meals there which were VERY healthy. I would suggest staying closer to town or in town.

We drove to Hart Mtn pass which is the highest spot in the area- it was kind of a scary drive but fantastic views with a short hike up to the lookout tower.

Also did a couple of hikes in the area - but have forgotten what there were called- lots of hiking to do - I liked both areas but think I liked the Olympic Park the most-

sunbum1944

Actually where we stayed was the North Cascades Basecamp- the staff were very helpful in helping us plan our days ( we were a group of 20)

If money is no object, check out the Sun Mountain Lodge - we had dinner there one night- fabulous views

http://www.winthropwashington.com/hotelsmotels.html

Michael

The Olympic National Park offers more variety, as it includes its rain forest, the ocean, and the mountains themselves. Neah Bay has an ineresting Museum of an excavated village. From there it is a short drive to the head of the trail that goes to the Cape Flattery headlands.

happytrailstoyou

The Olympic National Park offers more variety...

A life-long resident of Seattle, this is news to me. The Cascade Loop has mountains, rivers, lakes, wineries, islands, towns, and much more: http://maps.mustseemap.com/index.php...id=450&link=47

Were I you, I would do the loop counter-clockwise and then take the ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend (make a reservation) to check out Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, etc.

This will be an unforgettable trip. Enjoy.

HTTY

kikiv

Thank you all! I know that July is prime season and I assume that reservations are a must therefore I need to figure out our itinerary very soon.

I am seriously considering Sun Mountain Lodge and would love to stay there one or two nights depending on what time we arrive.

Happy Trails I had not thought of doing the loop counter clockwise. What would your route itinerary look like from Seattle given 8 days?

happytrailstoyou

You would drive on Highway 2 over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth (120/2:15), Chelan (55/1:15), and Winthrop (61/1:15).

Chelan is a resort town on Lake Chelan. There are several wineries in the area.

Drive to Chelan on Alt. 97 for spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Winthrop is 175 miles from the Coupeville ferry dock via the North Cascade Highway (Highway 20).

HTTY

PS We used to like to stay at Sun Mountain Lodge years ago, and we still go there for the view and a drink or light meal in the Wolf Creek Bar. Unfortunately, it has become a very precious place, the feel for which you can get from reading the dining room dinner menu: Pork Chops $41, etc.

POlson

We've done both and enjoyed very much, you are good either way you choose.

North Cascade Loop:
1 night - Seattle to Leavenworth (we stopped for the afternoon) to Chelan
2 nights - Lake Chelan (we stayed in a timeshare but lots of lodging choices) - lots of summer fun to enjoy: water sports, wine tasting, blueberry picking, lots of summer pies (hmmm!); take the boat to Stehikin and do the Rainbow Falls hike (also stop at Stehikin Pastry Co);
2 nights - Winthrop/Mazama - Old Schoolhouse Brewery, shop main street, enjoy the old west feel, go hiking (We stayed at Freestone Inn in Mazama)
drive North Cascades Scenic Highway to Whidbey island
2 nights - Langley (Whidbey island) (stop at Greenbank farms for art and more awesome pies) - in Langley - enjoy the water, shop for antiques, eat dinner at The Chef's Kitchen for a splurge.
1 night Back to Seattle

Olympic Peninsula:
arrive Seattle, drive to Lake Quinault
3 nights Lake Quinault Lodge - hike, swim (row, kayak, canoe) in the lake, take a rainforest tour (a highlight for us), enjoy relaxing afternoons of horseshoes on the expansive lodge lawn
Leave after breakfast on the third day to spend late morning and afternoon at the beach (Ruby, Second, Rialto are recommended). Have lunch at Kalaloch Lodge.
2 nights Lake Cresent Lodge - primarily so you can hike Hurricane Ridge Trail and be sure to allow time as you leave to stop in Port Townsend in the afternoon to get ice-cream on main street at Elevated Ice Cream Co. It's a cute little town too.
2 nights on Whidbey island (Langley)
1 night back in Seattle.

This ONP itinerary could have more nights at the two lodges or you could swap out one of the lodges for another. Or you can do as we did - 4 nights at Lake Quinault and visit beach as a day trip.

On both itineraries, you could expand the time in each area by dropping Langley. I just think driving Deception Pass is one of the more awe inspiring views, I love the Bald Eagle sightings, the pies at Greenbank and all the shopping and eating that the island has to offer. We actually rented a house on Whidbey for one vacation and had a terrific time on the beach and exploring the island.

sunbum1944

Check out this Youtube of the Hart Mtn pass road- it looks worse in the video than it seemed when we did it- I gratefully was not driving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Fs0VGRa0A

kikiv

Thanks again HTTY for your suggested route and information. I checked the Sun Mountain Lodge site and it appears that the only rooms they have available for the time we will be there are $300 plus, not sure if it is worth it or not...any suggestions on alternate places to stay?
POlson Wow, you've given me something to think about with your detailed itinerary and recommendations. Unfortunately we won't have time to do both ONP and CL on this trip so I must choose which way to go.
Sunbum1944 that video is inspiring, I will not be driving either!

happytrailstoyou

In Winthrop we like this place: http://methowriverlodge.com/

They offer cabins and motel-like rooms on the Methow River--a short walk from Winthrop's downtown.

HTTY

travelerfromtx

That video was great. I loved that couple! There is no way I could go on that road.

sunbum1944

The road was pretty crazy. Was glad we did not meet any other cars although there were several at the top when we got there. Views were fabulous of course- you could see across into Canada.

I think the view from Hurricane Ridge is more fabulous though and easier to get to - except that you have to hike it.

The staff at the lodge told us that frequently mountain sheep are seen on the Hart Mtn road- we did not see any.