Pacific Northwest Dream Vacation
 

I am in the beginning stages of planning an extensive trip to the Pacific Northwest and I've seen quite a few questions on this forum regarding this region, but not very many trip reports or final itineraries.

The trip will be mid-Sept to mid-Oct in either 2006 or 2007 (yes, very early planning stages) and can be as long as 4-5 weeks.

I would like to see Seattle, Victoria, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, Kitsap Peninsula, Port Townsend, Vancouver Island, Tofino, Orcas, San Juan Islands and any other places recommended by Fodorites within that region.

I can't even figure out where to begin with putting an order together for the itinerary...what order has worked for anyone visiting any of these places?

Also, if you have any recommendations as to lodgings, sights, etc., please post.

I enjoy cabin/cottage type accomodations, but B&Bs could be okay here and there -- as well as camping (preferably not primitive) if it's necessary.

I enjoy day hiking, whale watching, any other wildlife viewing, kayaking, sailing, and general eco-tourism things as well as the normal touristy things in the larger cities.

So, please post as to what you have done and enjoyed and what worked for you. Also, if you could take this trip, what would you do?

Thanks for all your time and help!!!

ttt If you responded before please post again as the previous one was deleted.

My post before added to your list, with what I think is most spectacular in Washington... the North Cascades highway (places in and around Winthrop, Mazama, Leavenworth, etc.)

I also mentioned that Budget Travel magazine had a great road trip mapped out in the area. I think it was in the May issue this year. They are free on the web now so you could check www.budgettravelonline.com

Mt Rainier's OK and all but I find it more impressive when viewed on the skyline in the distance from the city than when you're hiking on it. And maybe I've lived in Seattle too long but the peninsula and rain forests just don't do a thing for me.

I do love all the islands, definitely will grant you that.

Maybe would you want to include some beach time out to the Washington coast?

Hi Mr. K

Sorry that your previous posted was deleted in its entirety. That was unfortunate.

I had replied with a website (www.guidetosanjuans.com) which has info on kayaking and sailing in the San Juan islands. You'll also find many "beach cabin" type accommodations in the San Juans. It's a great destination for eco-tourism.

Early September is a wonderful time to visit the Pac. NW.

Hope you enjoy and have a wonderful trip.

Keeping this at the Top~

WOW, suze! How long have you been here? I've been here 14 years and Mt. Rainer--both from a distance and hiking--still thrill me, as do the OP and Rain Forest.

I agree about the San Juan Islands--very magical, and they're all a bit different depending on what you like. From what you're saying, I think you might like Orcas and Lopez, but they're all great.

Another area that's nearby and easy to get to and less travelled is the Mt. Baker area around Glacier. Really great hiking and gorgeous scenery.

And yes, the North Cascades are incredible too.

There are a number of websites that can provide great information, but I can't find my list now, but if you goggle Washington State, I bet you can find them. (It might be nwsource.com?)

On Vancouver Island, if you have a chance go to the Tofino area. It's beautiful. The Long Bech Lodge is an awesome resort on the beach with fireplaces. There are lots of trails and parks.

oh dear~I will try to remember some of what I posted.

Since you will be in the area for such an extended period, I definitely reecommend a stay in Vancouver,BC. We stayed at O'Canada House and loved it.
The city is beautiful, clean and is filled with great and varied places to eat.

In Victoria we have stayed at Abigail's which I would recommend all over again. You must visit the Royal Museum there. The first peoples exhibit alone will provide you with great history on the native peoples of the area pre and post "contact".

We have also spent time in the Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland. We were at the Oceanwood on Mayne but I would also suggest you check out Salt SPring Island.

Take the ferries any chance you get. It's a wonderful way to traverse the region and provides you with some stellar scenery. Consider taking the ferry across from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend and then out to the Park. We have stayed a few places on Whidbey but The Inn at Langley was the nicest.

We stayed at Lake Cresent Lodge in the motel part others have described. It was a great place from which to explore the park. I read one of the best books in my life sitting in an adirondack chair facing the lake.

Of the San Juans, I like Lopez the best. I found it to be very laid back. We stayed at The Inn at Swifts Bay. I remember taking a hot tub by the light of the moon there. We were personally less taken with Orcas. San Juan Island seems to have the most going on.

In Seattle we have often stayed at either the Gaslight Inn (B&B on Capitol Hill) or The Inn at the Market(right above Pike Market). Either would be great.Rooms at the Inn at the Market will be more$$. We recently made reservations for Inn at Harbor Steps based on lots of good reviews.(Queen standard was $200/noc).

Get the Best Places Guide to the Pacific Northwest.

Many folks can give you great tips on the region. Pay particular attention to Gardyloo's suggestions..the heartbeat of the region IMO.

Also post on the Canada board for tips on Vancouver Island and Vancouver,BC.

BTW~car rental at Sea-Tac is immensely simple. The vendors are across the sky bridge in the parking terminal.

DO NOT MISS Pure Foods Seafood in Pike Market. We always(we travel there once a year at least) bring salmon(smoked and fresh) home and have it shipped to us throughout the year for special occassions. They will wrap the fish for air transport as you leave Seattle.

I think your trip sounds perfect! I like the idea of building extra time into each area, if only to sit and relax. One of my favorite things in Port Townsend was to take my morning latte down to the edge of the pier and just watch the water, the birds, the clouds.

The Port Townsend tourist office is very helpful. Contact them; they will give you lots of good advice tailored to what you like to do. I learned a lot about the region's ecosystem from the small instructional cruises sponsored by the local Marine Science Center.

I would add Portland, OR, to your list.

Sunset Magazine has some good suggestions in their travel section. Go to:
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/travel/northwest

Enjoy!

Thank you all for taking the time to repeat your recommendations (also Kinch who replied to a different posting)...I do REALLY REALLY appreciate it.

I like every single one of them and will definitely look into all the accomodations and activities that you suggest.

BTilke mentioned a sort of educational opportunity through the Marine Science Center. Does anyone know of anything else similar throughout the region? I like to turn my vacations into hands-on learning. I'm interested in things that would be good for both adults and children.

Also, does anyone have any recommendation as to what order to see everything in? I'm wondering if it would be best to fly into Canada (for the earlier warmer weather) and then do somewhat of a circular trip?

Also, if anyone else has any favorite websites for the area, please post.

Thank you all so much. This is the first time that I'm planning a vacation by starting here rather than starting completely from scratch with absolutely no knowledge...and this is such the better way to go...especially when trying to cover so many stops.

Thanks again!!

Sounds like it will be a great trip!

A wonderful place to stay in Port Townsend is the Morgan Hill Guest Cottage (http://www.morganhilldesign.com/guestcottage/).

Is there anything specific that you are looking at the Kitsap Peninsula for?

Others have given you some great ideas, so I won't repeat them. Just keep in mind that by mid October some of the areas will have some snow. So plan for that, and possibly put those areas on the front end of the trip (unless you want the snow).

You might check out (I think this is the name) The Olympic Institute. It is part of the park system and has hands on sessions.

The Royal Museum no doubt has some interesting lectures. I repeat, the First People's exhibit is a must.

Someone else will have to come forward here but there is a fort on Whidbey (old) that probably has tours etc.

The Dungeness Spit is wonderful to walk along. Check out the city of Sequim for details. While in Sequim we stayed at the Juan de Fuca Cottages which were nothing fancy but everything comfortable.

You are travelling at a great time. I will start to rain probably but the crowds will have died down and the air will be crisp at certain points.

If you like Whale watching I recommend spending at least 3 days on San Juan island. The ferry will dock at Friday harbor. If you won't have a car - then there are many places to stay right in town. But if you do have a car - in my opinion - the best places to stay are far from town. I like 'Inn to the Woods' bed and breakfast. If you have a ton of money - stay at Highland Inn (need reservations way in advance though). Since you said you like whales - you will love Limn Kiln Point ont eh west side of the island. The whales literally pass right next to shore. Forget spending money on whale watches - I have done that and did not get near to teh exposure of whales that you can at Limn Kiln point. Sit by the lighthouse on th rocks- bring a book - relax.. Grab dinner at Kings market at Friday harbor and bring it with us to Limn Kiln - sit on the rocks watch the sunset - watch for whales... The best time of year for any of the san juan islands is July through september. Any other time is rainy and COLD! The inn keepers will tell you taht it is a great time to visit in teh winter and fall.. but -you can't kayak in teh wild winter ocean and it is just usually cold. kayaking is a can't miss. The kayaking with crystal seas is excellant - they leave from Snug harbor which is on the west side of teh island. That is close to the whales. If you kayak from Friday harbor - you will never get the chance to kayak along side the whales. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity! I've gone with 4 different kayaking companies there - Crystal seas is the best - small groups and nice comfy kayaks.

Also --- Don't miss Orcas Island. It IS the most mountainous of all the San Juan Islands. You like to hike? This is perfect. Mount Constitution is beautiful. The look out tower at the top provides breathtaking views. In town - Bilbos mexican restaurant is very good as well. I have stayed at Turtleback farm inn- it was really nice. Orcas has many outdoor potteries and metal art.

artlover- since you asked i've been here almost 25 years. i simply prefer the high mountains (clear and dry) and the north cascades highway more than the peninsula (which i find lush, mossy, damp, dreary). i also love love love the coast and the ocean.

of your list, I visited:

Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Tofino. Be sure to spend some time in Vancouver itself if you can, it's really lovely there. Victoria or Vancouver would be high on my places to live one day - and Seattle too (although Victoria gets much better weather and Vancouver I believe does as well).

I started to write a trip report but as usual got sidetracked and didn't get very far. Will start up again with restos and so on and more pictures. I have a new one for New Zealand to start up too.

If you have not already, I'd post this on the Canada board too.

I did a lot of flying - since you have more time you may wish to do more ferries, but, this area is simply stunning from the air. assuming good viz that is.

I started in Vancouver, flew to Tofino, then flew to Victoria, then flew to Seattle.

definitely read up on many nature/outdoorsy things to do. this area is simply loaded with natural beauty. If you click on my name you'll see my trip report, such as it is (a bare start).

If you want to have the trip of your life I would include the following in your planning :
- After visiting the Vancouver area drive to Jasper(Alberta) and then drive South along the Columbia icefields to Banff.One of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Then cross the Canadian-American border and take the"going to the sun" route(Glacier national park.Magnificent. Then you can return to Seattle. Paul

Hmm, why was the original thread deleted?

I had posted to the original, also. We stayed in Pt. Townsend at the Harbouview Motel, an independent across from the bay. Nice pool, private balcony. We used Captain Jack's for a whale watching tour, located on same bay across the street and were very pleased.

Also stayed in Crescent Lake Lodge, motel part. Nice decor, private balcony with partial view of lake. Try to stay there, its great for Hurricane Ridge especially.

Hoh Rainforest is a must. No food within, so plan accordingly. A 'Hard RAIN Cafe' just outside the park serves up yummy burgers and lots of interesting tourist conversations!

Another must see IMO is Mt. St. Helens. Loved Mt. Rainier too but Mt. St. Helens is a prime example of nature regeneration (or whatever the heck its called!!)

Ocean Shores, WA is a beach town, but what a beach, the widest we've seen. They also have horseback riding on the beach, unique (for us) and quite memorable. Skip Moclips...!

Oh, and try to do the Boeing Tour, just north of Seattle. Go EARLY to get tickets as they go FAST.

Have a good one!

>> BTilke mentioned a sort of educational opportunity through the Marine Science Center. Does anyone know of anything else similar throughout the region?

Also check out -
Pacific Science Center: http://www.pacsci.org
The Burke Museum: http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/
The Whale Museum at Friday Harbor: http://www.whale-museum.org/
Museum of Flight: http://www.museumofflight.org/
and more: http://www.scn.org/edu/museums/

Thank you all so much for reposting and adding to the information you provided before.

To answer why the original post was deleted, it was an accident by Fodor's - in trying to delete a post within the thread that violated guidelines, the entire thread was accidentally deleted.

You have all provided me a great amount of information that will definitely get me started in the right direction with planning...and I've e-mailed it to myself so that it won't get lost again. :)

Once I work out more details, I'll post again for comments.

Thanks again!! You are all great!

I agree you shld add Portland OR, just 3 hours S of Seattle. And you have plenty of time!
I loved Seattle until I visited Portland. Now I am planning to move there. On the drive down stop at Mt St Helens to hike and see the volcano. The city itself is great, but 20 minutes east is the beautiful Columbia River Gorge area, you can stay at some amazing places along there with waterfalls and hiking trails. Check out Hood River too.
For a slower pace, excellent Pinot Noirs and wineries are just about 25 minutes SE of Portland, I recommend Youngberg Hill winery & B&B, just amazing and they do book up ahead of time.

Most of the comments here have been aimed at the Western side of the Cascade Mountains. I would highly recommend crossing the Cascades, for a couple of reasons. First, the Cascades are really beautiful. Second, the east side is completely different! The climate is much drier, much sunnier, and it's a totally different kind of beautiful. Look at some photos of The Palouse, for instance at: http://www.palousescenicbyway.com/default.asp?PageID=1

The North Cascades Highway is an excellent idea, also the town of Leavenworth (although a touristy "Bavarian" theme village). We really like the Enzian Hotel in Leavenworth.

Please don't go home thinking that all of Washington looks like Western Washington.

The article I mentioned above is from Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine May 2005 issue, page 77. It's a "Road Trip" thru the "Cascades Loop" and includes Seattle to Winthrop, Winthrop to Yakima, Yakima to Mt Rainier, Mt Rainier to Seattle suggested as a 4 day trip.

Without trying to micro-manage your itinerary (which is a tendency of mine) I would only add a couple of things to all the good advice already posted.

First, with the time you have there's absolutely no reason to skip the "east side" - not just Washington, but BC and the Columbia Gorge too.

For example, BC Hwy 3, which runs east-west from Hope all the way to the Rockies, is a gorgeous route, and in September-October it's even better - turning leaves at higher elevations, orchards with fruit stands, good mountain scenery...

A "grand loop" is best IMO. I would start in Seattle, go out to the coast (the later the wetter), then up to Victoria and Tofino, back to the mainland via the San Juans, then north to Vancouver and east on the BC side of the border to Osoyoos (or beyond); south on US 97 all the way to the Columbia; west through the Gorge to Portland, then north via Mt St Helens to Seattle.

Port Townsend and the Kitsap peninsula (as well as Whidbey Island) can be taken as side trips from Seattle (day-trips or short overnights); Mt Rainier can either be a day trip or combined with a southern "Casdcade Loop" - Mt. Rainier to Yakima via US 12, return to Seattle via I-82 and I-90, or US 2 if you have more time, all with minimal re-tracing of the north-south journey on US 97.

The east side of the hills is great "old west" country as well as the center of apple production, and, around the Yakima Valley, wine production (harvest time for both) and I would definitely find time in your schedule for these beautiful areas.

Don't forget the Maryhill Museum down along the eastern Gorge, and have a look at www.mcmenamins.com for lodgings in the Gorge/Portland area.

Dear Folks. we live in the P. NW (seattle area) and never tire of it. Have lived all over the world, but always come back here. One trip that we take over and over is a slow waltz around the Olympic Penn. Try to book at Lake Quinalt Lodge---it is rustic and right in the heart of the forest. Lots of trails, rain forest, and beaches, and you can go up to Hurricane Ridge for a day hike...some parts of it are totally wild, need a horse to get in and out. Also, on the beach at Moclips is the Iron Springs Resort (little cabins nestled on the bluff above the sea.) ...need to book ahead. I'd skip Portland, (just another big city), but if you like cities, we have a great one, go to the Seattle ARt Museum, then have one of the most spectacular jade exhibits in the world, be sure to see Snoqualimie Falls and eat at their wonderful restaurant, go to Pike Street Market for a look at lots of good stuff. We also have a good opera, lots of parks, etc. Then take the Victoria Clipper for a few days in Victoria (you can go by ferry but long waits on weekends, and not so cheap anymore. Forget Mt. Rainer. You can see that from almost anywhere on a good day. Of course, go up in the Space Needle. If you like camping go up toward Roslyn to Salmon le Sac campground. You go thru Roslyn which is an old mining town, and where they filmed Northern Exposure.
For my money, I would get off the beaten track, take a salmon fishing vessell out of Westport and try your luck at a King salmon, camp on the ocean, visit some of the indian sights, etc. Some stuff needs to be booked, but being spontaneous is great.
Hope you have a great time. You can e-mail me if you have any questions.

Can you bump the trip up a couple of weeks? For most of your destinations (anything coastal or in the mountains), traveling until mid-October is pretty iffy. It's possible that the weather will be dry that late, but it's equally possible that the weather will be cool and dreary. If it's overcast or raining in the mountains, you will see zero scenery. This is not so much a concern on the eastern side of the Cascades as it is on the western side.

I would definitely add a trip over the North Cascades Highway to your agenda, staying in the Methow Valley towns of Winthrop, Twisp or Mazama. There's lots of great hiking in that area.

A kayak/whale watching trip in the San Juans is a must. There are lots of day trips from San Juan Island.

Someone mentioned the NW Best Places guidebook-I'll second that.

Just got back from a wonderful 2 week trip of the area. A few days in Seattle was enough, a few nights in Port Angeles got us into the Olympic penn. for hiking and exploring. Ferry to Vancouver island.- Sooke Harbor was fabulous, great tidal pools at Botanical beach, etc. Spend more time on VI, we wish we had. Then on to the San Juan Islands, both San Juan and Orcas have so much to do, great restaurants, great B&B's, art galleries, kyaking, etc. Wonderful place, wish we could live there.

Then we did the North Cascade loop, took 3 days, could have spent more time. Such a varied topography and climate. Sun Mountain Lodge was worth the splurge. End back in Seattle. If more time, would have inserted a trip to Vancouver and possible Whistler. Otherwise, the trip was magical. People are so nice, they take care of the environment, treat each other with great respect and are very laid back. The scenery is jaw dropping, especially for us Floridians. Can't wait to go back. Lucky you.

As for places to stay and itineraries, we ususally follow Karen Brown advice and the advice of Fodorites.

Even more great suggestions!! Thanks so much!! It's a good thing I'm starting to plan this early - so much to see and do.

To answer the question about changing the travel dates, yes, it is certainly possible. It's really possible to do this in the spring too, if that would be more ideal. What do you recommend for the travel dates?

If you go in spring you won't get to hike in the mountains at all. Many of the trails are under snow until mid-July, and the mountain passes can open as late as June.

September is a very nice month to travel in the PNW. You don't have the almost guarenteed warm, dry weather of mid-summer, but the crowds are fewer, the weather is still nice enough on the West (and not scorching hot on the E. side of the Cascades), and you might see some fall color in the mountains.

I agree with christy.

you could add in all of oregon if you have that long. Are there reasons why you're centered on so far north?

Lots of good ideas here.

But a strong pitch for Tacoma - or at any rate one bit of it that's very accessible from SEA-TAC.

Tacoma's Glass Museum probably offers poorer content for a higher admission fee than any attraction I've ever been to. But its "live action" glassmaking by the artists in residence is simply stunning. And although the collections you have to pay to see in the museum are pretty mediocre, the free-access Chihulis on the Glass Bridge and in the adjacent courthouse (ex-railway station) are spectacular.

Well, it's October 25 here in Seattle and it's drop dead gorgeous!!! Not too hot, or cold, no rain, and clear as a bell. I can see the lake from my home deck, and behind us is the forest, or what is left of it. Still, there are great green belts here. Mountains are getting their fall color. But all Septembers are not like this. For my money, I would come just after Labor Day...kids are back in school and yet there is still good weather ahead. Anyway, we folks fromthe PN do not count the weather in our trip planing. I spent a weekend in the Rain forest near Quinalt last year, and we hiked and biked. The rain actually adds tot he mystic. We don't usually have the drenching downpour like someplaces, but a fine mist or drizzle. One thing to remember (and we have learned this the hard way as we travel a lot) is that you can wear yourself out totally rushing from place to place. Better to just see somewhere adequately, that to catch a glimse of it as you rush from piller to post.
enjoy yourselves for sure.

hey cindyloo- you are absolutely right, the weather is *gorgeous* here now (but it's only September -LOL).

Actually, the weather matters a lot of many of us for trip planning...most of us keep a "plan B" in mind when planning a hiking trip or weekend in the mountains, since we don't want to spend all day wet, cold and miserable on the trail at high elevations, with no views beyond the 20 feet in front of us. Plan B usually means an alternate destination on the eastern side of the Cascades, and it's a good idea to have one when you are thinking about visiting Rainier or other mountain areas.

When in Forks, hike down to Beach 2. Absolutely gorgeous.

You can't talk about the Pacific NW without talking about Oregon. Absolutely beautiful!!! And not many tourists--it often gets overlooked. If I were you, I'd start or end my trip in southern Oregon and work my way up or down the coast. Oregon has Crater Lake, which used to be a mountain that erupted and later filled with water--very blue and pristine. OR has more ghost towns than any other state too--Jacksonville is a popular old town and not so much ghost town anymore if it was ever one, but it's very quaint. There are many caves to visit too, lava and otherwise. In the Multnomah gorge area there is some of the world's best wind surfering, and on the coast Cannon Beach was rated among the top beaches in the US--including Hawaii. Mt Hood has the largest night skiing in the US as well. There's not a whole lot to do in Portland itself, you have to be an outdoors person to get a lot out of your visit to OR.

Of course you should definitely visit Mt St Helens--one of the coolest active volcanoes in the US and the closest visitor's center enables you to look into the crater. Neat! You can still see the devastation too. Anyway, just a thought!!

mrkindalles,
The only comment I can find that may be a little cloudy would be what Noyes said about Portland. " There's not a whole lot to do in Portland itself". I believe Ms. Scarlett would disagree! Let us know when you move there.

They probably meant in terms of big tourist attractions (the kind of places I usually avoid). Those of us who prefer to visit parks, eat at good restaurants, walk around historic neighborhoods, etc, find much to do there.

topping for planning