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Pacific North West trip

My wife and 1 are planning a trip in June/July. We plan to fly into Seattle in early June, spend a few days there, then hire a car and drive to San Francisco, taking about 35 days and taking in as many sights in Washington, Oregon and Northern California as we can. I guess our route will be far from direct, we might even wander across to Idaho. I plan to advance book hotels in Seattle, San Francisco, and a few places like Crater Lake where, but I would like to leave the rest open. Anyone with any experience of holidaying in that area, are there plenty of hotels/motels ? What is a realsitic speed to expect to drive (when we are just trying to cover ground rathet than sight-seeing. I am used to driving long distances, but at European cruising speeds of about 90- 100 mph ! Do you keep to that 55mph limit in the US ? Also any recommendations for must see areas ? So far my list is Crater Lake Mt Hood Mt Ranier Oregon Coast Olympic Peninsula Hood River/Columbia Gorge Grand Coulee Dam

I have been to the Pacific Northwest many times, so your list of features is right on target. As for the speed limit, it is 65 mph on Interstates outside of the cities and people drive faster. Go with the flow. On main highways, my guess is that the average driver is anywhere from 5 to 15 mph over the speed limit. The rule of thumb I follow on Interstates is to keep a few people passing me. Hopefully the speed cop will get them first. To your list I would like to add these tidbits: take a drive down the Oregon coast. It is spectacular with beaches, rocky headlands, and 1,000 foot cliffs. The surf pounds all the time into the basaltic rocks. In California, continue on to the Redwoods. There are both national parks and state parks along US 101. The road is not a high speed highway because of congestion. If you go to the Grand Coulee Dam, stop at Dry Falls overlook. The accepted theory now is that several thousands of years ago at the end of the last ice age, a natural dam around Missoula Montana broke open and spilled a huge lake across the interior of Washington. The flood gouged out huge potholes and left ripple marks consistent with water flow. Huge boulders that are totally out of place geologically speaking were carried along on ice cakes and depostied when the ice melted. Also I suggest visiting Mt. St. Helens. There are obvervation places and a well-told story of the eruption-explosion. In Portland, visit the Rose Test Gardens on the hill to the west of the downtown area. You will see some the most gorgeous roses ever. Also, since you are taking a diverse route, go as far over as Yellowstone Park. You probably will have to stay in a motel in West Yellowstone, Montana because rooms in the park itself are already well sold. (I made my reservation 6 weeks ago for August.) In terms of what you have on your list, I would put Yellowstone, particularly when combined with the Tetons, at the top. Like Mohs' original scale of mineral hardness, the Yellowstone/Tetons combination are a 10. And nothing else rates that high on a scale that is not equal-interval. And, add Mount Lassen to your list of places to visit. It is very scenic. There is a thermal area called Bumpass Hell that is interesting and there is a trail that leads to the top. I made the hike years ago and still like to pull out the pictures and look at them. As for accommodations, as long as you stay along the coast and the river valleys you will find towns and motels. But Nevada and parts of Idaho and even northern California are not heavily populated. So look at your maps. In terms of how far you can drive in a day, it all depends on where you are. In Idaho and Nevada and Utah even on main highways as opposed to Interstates, 600 miles in one day is not out of reason. (I have done it lots of times.) But along the Oregon Coast the roads are slower and there are things to see, so 300 miles in a day would be pushing it. If you want to stay at Crater Lake, get reservations soon. There are not many motels close to the Park itself if memory serves me correctly. If I can add anything, email me. I feel like I know the area well having been there on some 15 trips in the last 20 years.

It seems Bob Brown already gave a splendid answer, but I thought I would add and augment. I echo his sentiments on Dry Falls. In general, I think it is good to plan to spend time in both sides of Washington/Oregon--the division made by the Cascade mountain range is quite remarkable, you will be amazed at the difference between the regions. Both eastern Washington and eastern Oregon are geologically interesting--first because of the glacial erosion (the Grand Coulee, Dry Falls), but also because of the volcanic activity. Particularly in eastern Oregon you can visit national monuments associated with volcanic activity. Also, there are fossil beds and painted deserts (e-mail me if you want me to dig up more names and details). Mt. St. Helens is intriguing, also there are many lava caves in that region. Other than that, I concur with Bob Brown--the Oregon coast drive is breath-taking, but you will definitely not be driving 95 mph! There are spots where even driving 55 mph is deadly. Astoria, at the mouth of the Columbia river, is a picturesque town, significant in PNW history. If you are interested in drama, you could drive out of the Crater Lake region through Ashland and visit the Oregon Shakespeare Festival--fantastic. S.

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years, I would recommend that after you see Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood and Portland, you take the highway west out of Portland directly to the coast (sorry, but I don't remember the highway's name). Once you get to the coast, take Hwy 101 south, making stops at Cannon Beach, Newport, and Bandon. These are lovely twisty roads, so give yourself plenty of time to meander. A bit further south, after you pass through Gold Beach and Brookings, there will be an even twistier highway that will take you to Grants Pass. I believe you can also get to the Oregon Caves from this highway, which is worth a stop if you have time. There are major highways that you can take to/from Crater Lake. Afterwards, I highly recommend that you get back on Interstate 5, and continue south to Ashland. If you like theatre at all, this is the place to go. There, you'll find indoor, outdoor, cabaret, black box, as well as shopping, cafes, hiking, biking, rafting trips, vineyards, breweries, and so on. At night, there are plenty of hotels, as well as some of the best Bed and Breakfasts in the country. That's as far south as I go. The speed limit in Washington is 60 within city limits, and 70 outside. The further away from Seattle that you get, the less you are able to get away with speeding. In Oregon, speed limits drop to 55 in the city, and 65 otherwise. Email me if you have any more questions!

As you can tell from the answers, we all love this part of the USA. That is why I go back year after year, even though it is a long flight from Athens, GA. But the natural wonders are spectacular and it is so easy to reach many of the wonderful sights. I am going back again this year to Yellowstone and parts of Montana because there are few other places I had rather be. Perhaps Bryce Canyon and Yosemite Valley, if I could escape the attendance problem.

I've lived in the PNW my whole life. From your list I especially recommend the Oregon coast (take you time there..it's too wonderful to rush it) and the Olympic rainforest (especially Hurricane Ridge). Columbia Gorge waterfalls also worth seeing. Mt St Helens is worth it too. Redwood Forest in California also a highlight. But watch the speeding, especially in Oregon. I-5 drops to 55 or even 50 in places. Tickets are EXTREMELY expensive in this state. And they do give them out if you are going 10 miles over the limit. I never go over 5 over the limit (and I even got a ticket years ago on I-5 for being just 5 over).

I couldn't resist adding my two cents' worth about the loveliest area in the States (and I live in Pennsylvania, 2000 miles to the east) where my family and I have spent two wonderful vacations. First, since you'll have more than a month to cover a relatively compact area (a lot of people take a month to go from coast to coast), consider a couple of days in the San Juan Islands - the ferry trip alone is something to write home about and Orcas Isalnd and the others are breathtaking. Rosario Resort on Orcas Island has great accomodations and food and you can take a sailplane ride over the islands. Second, there are a couple of lodges in Washington and Oregon that you should know about: one, Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, WA, about 1-2 hours east of Seattle (perched dramatically above a waterfall - gourmet dining room); two, Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA on the Columbia River (views across the wide Columbia, near Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood and novice-level whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River); three, the Lake Quinault Lodge in the Olympic National Forest, WA (lakeside comfort, hiking in the rain forest); and four, Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach, OR (a four-star experience, near the beach, fireplaces in every room). Salish and Salishan have the same owner and so both may be booked in one call. You should be able to find more information about these places in the more popular travel guides. Very near Gleneden Beach is a gem of a French restaurant called Chez Jeannette. The coast drive is awe-inspiring - take your time and a picnic lunch. If you haven't already reserved rooms in Seattle and SF, consider the Inn at the Market in Seattle - ask for a room with a view of the bay and the Pike Place Market - and the Archbishop's Mansion in SF (not to be confused with a dump called "The Mansions") - an early 20th century former archbishop's home (maybe the name gave that away) converted to a B&B, situated on a park across from a row of "Painted Ladies"about a 5-10 minute drive from Fisherman's Wharf, etc. This can and likely will be a fantastic vacation for you - nothing really compares to the sights in that part of the world.

John-Just to add to all the other info you've received, I love the Lake Quinalt Lodge which is in the Olympic National Forest. Another couple of places to stay at around the Olympics are the Kalaloch Lodge and Ocean Crest Resort at Moclips. Have a great trip! It's a magical place. Leslie

I was going to say "visit the San Juans before leaving Seattle" - but then Bob beat me to it. So I just came by to second his recommendation. Your trip will include so much beautiful scenery, but the ferry rides between the islands, and the islands themselves, of course, will be a wonderful addition to the book of mem'ries you'll take home with you. There is a "mini-mountain' on one of the islands (San Juan?), the guidebooks will mention it -- we had a delightful evening picnic there (p/u the goodies at a supermarket in the town on the way up the drive) -- all to ourselves, with the greatest view spread out below us. Have a great, great time!

The mountain the above person was talking of is no doubt Mt Constitution on Orcas island. That's the highest spot on the San Juan islands. We were looking at it today from our hike and could see lots of snow on the top right now but it will be snow free by June and far before that I'm sure

After looking around Seattle and the eastside (Snoqualamie falls, etc.) for awhile, I recommend you head north to Vancouver and take the car ferry over to Victoria B.C. for a couple of days -- you won't regret it. Interstate 5 (I5) runs the length of the U.S. and into Mexico. It is 850 miles from Seattle to Frisco, and takes 13 hours at 90-100kph, with one short stop for gas/food. However, that is the direct route and not the scenic venue. There are so many towns in Oregon, that the speed limit is effectively 55mph (90kph) on I5, but 5-8mph over the speed limit ""probably"" won't cost you -- per others' advice, don't trust other driver's who are in more of a hurry than you, let them run interference. Stop at Crescent City on the northwest most coast of CA to get your berings, take hwys 101 and 1 south. You will be signifcantly zig-zgging your way south to see all the places people will tell you about, but you have a month. I also suggest you visit Lake/Mt. Shasta and tour the dam there. Also include the Yosemite and Tahoe areas when you get near Frisco. Might not want to go all the way east to Yellowstone and Idaho, but that's your call -- good luck. By the way, travelling in summer you need not worry about road conditions and there are motels/gas everywhere. Just start looking for gas when your about 1/4 full, or fill up whenever you stop to eat.

Dear John: You have received lots of fabulous information before me, but just wanted to add a few more items to your already long list. You will definately want to stay a few days in Portland - it is a fabulous city. Also, on your trip to the Oregon Coast, right near Cannon Beach (a "must stop" on your agenda) is a state park called Ecola. Do not miss it!!! Also, someone mentioned the Columbia River Gorge Highway - also a "must see". Take the Columbia River Scenic Drive (off I-84 near Troutdale) and it will take you to Multnomah Falls. If it is a clear day, take an extra hour an go to Larch Mountain. You can also continue on I-84 East to Hood River and from there go to Mt. Hood and stay at Timberline Lodge (built in the 20's). Any more questions about Portland, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. Have fun!

Don't miss Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. It's the most romantic, scenic, quiet place. The lodge at Crater Lake is pretty spectacular, too!