We've already been to Olympia and loved it! Any other suggestions for
a fun overnight stop between Tacoma and Portland. Thanks!

Since it's only 2.5 hours drive from Tacoma to Portland, stopping in between isn't something I usually consider doing. If you really want to see something fun, you might consider detouring somewhere like Astoria, Oregon on the way back - maybe that's an extra 2 hours out of your way. Cut over at Longview to Astoria on Oregon Highway 30 - you could then take US 26 back to Portland to go a different route instead of backtracking.

If your wallet is so full it is uncomfortable to sit on, Seattle TV has been announcing the opening of the Great Wolf water park in Grand Mound, WA, just outside of Chehalis. It looks beautiful, but from what the TV folks said it costs an arm and a leg to stay there. Something like 400 brand shiny new rooms, just waiting to be occupied at $300 or so a night.

Bob--I have heard about that place, but geez, $300 a night for that area?!

As already mentioned, the drive between Tacoma and Portland is short. Unless there is something you are wanting to stop and see, I would just keep driving.

Gosh, I never thought about stopping anywhere either, because it's only a 2-1/2 hour drive anyways.

mms, it's going to be interesting to see what becomes of the place. The locals have made it quite clear that it is beyond their means, so tourists have to be the answer...and as this thread has suggested, the trip is too short to require an overnight stop.

I've just started seeing local commercials for that "Great Wolf" place on TV and it looks horribly tacky... even in their own ads.

Bob--I actually heard a radio commercial today for Great Wolf...down here in Portland. It was a long commercial, and rather annoying. But I paid attention to it because of this thread, lol! I wonder if they are banking on teens coming from here? I know quite a few go up to Wild Waves. Will be interesting to see how it pans out. I won't say a word, but will be interesting to see if my teens mention it to me, lol!

mms, a segment on tonight's news says that the water park will be restricted to hotel residents only..."outsiders" will be admitted during slow periods. Betcha there are a lot of slow periods if they expect to break even.

suze--Too funny about the tacky comment. Somehow it doesn't surprise me though, lol!

Bob--Wow, I bet you're right!

If you want to take a long scenic route, head east over US 12 (or go via Paradise on Mt. Rainier) to Yakima, then down US 97 to the river, and stay somewhere near Goldendale or The Dalles. Then make your way through the Gorge into Portland the next day. Be sure to visit the Maryhill Museum near Goldendale for a big dose of culture out in the sagebrush.

http://www.maryhillmuseum.org

Or, head straight down and turn left at the river and spend the night at the Edgefield - http://mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=...ion%20Homepage

Oh I don't know, I have noticed for some time now that there are people who will go somewhere, expensive, regardless of tacky, just once, in order to say they went somewhere expensive

Bob, you did make me laugh.. "if your wallet is so full it is uncomfortable to sit on..." LOL

There is actually a great spot to stop from Tacoma to Portland; Woodland, WA right on I-5. It just depends on when you come.

In the evenings on
April 12, 2008, May 10, 2008, or May 31, 2008, it is well worth the drive a few miles up river to the Lelooska Family Northwest Indian Mask Dances. The Lelooska Family brings to life the masks, stories, songs and dances of the Sewide lineage of the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) in the glimmering firelight of their cedar ceremonial house. Approximately two hours in length, Fall Evening Programs begin at 7:00pm. Bring a coat as the only heat is from a small fire is the ceremonial house. IT IS INCREDIBE!!!!! Admission is $10 per person, $7.00 children 12 and under, but you have to make reservations as it sell out. www.lelooska.org

On April 19 - May 11, 2008, Woodland has its Lilac Festival, where at the farmhouse gardens of a world famous lilac breeder, Hulda Klager. The gardens are maintained very well by community volunteers and the smell from the lilacs heavenly. The house is open and it exhibits items from the Klagers and the old days.$2 entry donations asked for. You can also buy lilac plants to take home with you, some of them rare plants. www.lilacgardens.com

On weekends of April 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, Woodland also holds its tulip festival at Holland America Bulb farm. Tulip fields will be in bloom and there will be entertainment. FREE www.lewisriver.com/tulipfestival/

June 19, 20, 21 & 22nd, 2008, Woodland has its Planters Days celebration. A hometown very "Mayberry" kind of thing, with the famous firefighters pit roasted barbeque beef sandwiches right after the parade, which the locals are the first in line buying dozens directly from the firefighters and their families. www.washingtontourist.com/plantersdays

The best places to eat in town during the other times of the year are at the Los Pepe's in the old town Woodland, and on the east side of town the Teriyaki Steak House (it has only about 7 tables) Both are very, very reasonably priced. For an old fashioned hamburger place, the Eager Beaver in the old town Woodland has fed generations with hamburgers, french fries and hand made milkshakes.

There are also a several not fancy, but nice, cheap motels in town.