I will be traveling from Salt Lake City 9/10/97, through Idaho, Oregon, Washington State and then the return loop will be along the coast of Washington, Oregon and northern California. Any suggestions for "must see" places and nice, neat, moderate B&B to stay in, especially along the Pacific coast?

I lived in the pacific northwest all my life. Was recently transplanted to Raleigh, NC. Was feeling a little homesick, so decided to reply. Your question
covers alot of territory, so I'll try and be as brief as I can. First of all you cannot go wrong whatever you do if your goal is to enjoy a beautiful unspoiled part of the country. I don't know much about southern Idaho, since I was born in Sandpoint. Hiway 95 north thru Idaho, ( see it's easy, it's the only road) Is a beautiful scenic drive with many views of the Salmon river. McCall is a great mountain resort town to visit. Continuing north to the panhandle, Coeur d'alene is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The town is great too. East on hiway 90 takes you thru Spokane, a big city of 250,000. I lived there for 15 years. May not be worth a stop for sights. Continuing east to Seattle you will go thru 175 miles of desert. If you like dams, be sure to visit Grand Coulee, not too far off the beaten path. I would spend at least a couple of days in Seattle. Downtown, and the waterfront area have the most flavor. Do go to Pike Place Market. There are boat rides that you can go on that leave from the harbor-wharf. I like the Lake Union boatride the best $20.00. Then head south into Oregon. Washington beaches are nothing to write home about. Start in Astoria Oregon, and hug the coastline on hiway 101. Take your time it's very slow and relaxing this time of year, unless there's a storm. Stop where you see towns and state parks of interest. There is so much. Since you're going offseason you will be able to get some good deals just by stopping and asking the locals or visitor centers along the way. You should be able to get an ocean view at reasonable rates. I know there are lots of B&B's but have'nt stayed in any.Seattle is pretty expensive, I'm afraid I don't have advice for you there on reasonable rates. The only other place I love in Oregon, but it takes a long time to get there is Bend and vicinity. High mountain desert with snow covered peaks surrounding you. Sorry don't know anything about northern California. By the way there are tons of campgrounds in Oregon along 101. If you have a little tent and a sleeping bag you can make out fine. These are deluxe campgrounds with all the amenities. Have a wonderful time. Slow down, don't worry about reservations...unless you're in Seattle or Portland or on the coast on the weekend when the weather is sunny. You will always find a place to stay a little further out of someplace that is popular.

THis was one of my all time favorite vacations. Here's a list of what I would not miss: Cascades Natl Park, Victoria and Buchart Gardens, Mt. Rainier, Portland and the drive along the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, Bend and Sun River Resort, Crater Lake, Redwood Natl Park (northern CA) the entire drive up the OR coast. One place we stayed that we loved was The Adobe in Yachats. I agree with the comment that the coast of WA isn't that great especially compared with OR.

If you're traveling I-80 through southern Idaho, you won't find the nice scenery that you'll find as you travel north through the state. If you do go through McCall, be sure and stop at Shore Lodge, right on Payette Lake, for lunch or dessert - you can eat outside and the view is great! A couple other places I recommend: through Columbia River Gorge, stop in Hood River and take the Mt. Hood Railroad - what a fun train ride!; I agree with the last post, Yachats in Oregon is nice; also stop off in Gold Beach Oregon. We stayed at the Beachcomber Inn (Best Western), pretty low rates and right on the beach - you can walk for miles; and definitely visit the Redwoods. You'll have a great time - a beautiful trip!

Try and strech your route by a few hours north and go to Vancouver, British Columbia. This VERY cosmopoitian city is a nice balance between town and country. If I had a choice of spending some time in a "major" Northwestern city (Vancouver, Seattle, Portland)...I'd choose Vancouver in a heartbeat. Breathtaking scenery and GREAT exchange rate!

I also have lived in PNW all my life and I have to take issue with Pat. It is more than just a few hours to Victoria. Oh and did he forget to mention the ferry ride? If your on a tight time schedule forget Victorian and spend your time in Seattle and Portland or on the Oregon coast or Hoodriver or the Columbia Gorge. Have a great time and drop me a note when you get back.

I am a western Washington native having lived here for 49 years now. I disagree with the coments about the Washington coast. True the Oregon Coast is beautiful and very easily accessable by car, and it is complete with cheesy T shirt shops and tourist traps (along with wonderful sights too) On the Oregon coast don't miss the aquarium in Newport, Yaquina head lighthouse, Cape Perpetua and for some history Hug point where the highway was carved out of the rocks around the point. Cannon Beach is my favorite town. See the history of Lewis and Clark at fort Clatsop near Astoria and the Maritime museum in Astoria. Cross the bridge into Washington and travel north...true the southern coast is sandy and populated with resorts and T-shirt shops but take the time to travel north and into the Olympic National Park. There are several resorts at Lake Quinalt. Northward stop at Kalaloch for a cold beer and lunch at the lodge. When you get to Forks see the logging museum (small but worth a stop) and stay at the Miller Tree Inn, a great little B & B three blocks off the highway. The next day go to Lake Ozette and take the 9 mile hike to the ocean. It's all flat, very easy hike. Don't let the distance scare you...take a lunch and plann to spent 6 to 8 hours for your journey at least. I guarantee you will never see anything like it on the Oregon coast. We encountered lots of raccoons, deer and birds. We saw Indian petroglyphs and the most beautiful beach I have ever been on. Rugged and unspoiled...no T-shirt to be seen!! The next day take the trip to Neah Bay and see the Makah Indian Museum and take the short hike to Cape Flatery, the most northwestern spot in the continental US. We saw puffins and bald eagles fishing for their dinner...something we never saw in Oregon! Travel on to Port Angeles where you can take a day trip to Victoria Canada. Next to the Olympic Park again and Hurricane Ridge. Port Townsend in a wonderful old town with lots of B & B accomodations. Visit Fort Worden. Take the ferry to Whidbey Island and travel north to Annacortes where you can leave your car and catch the ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. If you travel off season go ahead and take your car and visit American Camp and English and learn about the Pig War, then visit Roche Harbor...watch for Killer Whales and visit the Whale Museum. When you get back to Annacortes travel north and then back east over the North Cascades Highway to eastern Wa.

Have fun!!!

My wife and I went on our honeymoon down the Oregon Coast (we're from Vancouver, B.C.). My recommendation for B&B's would be to stay at either the Sandlake B&B in Sandlake, OR, or else the Beechwood B&B in Seaside, OR (fabulous breakfasts at both). If you want more info on the other B&B's we stayed at, or looked at staying at, drop me an email.