Route 66/Highway 101 Scenic Spots?
 

This December I'll be driving west on Route 66 from St. Louis to L.A., then straight up Highway 101 to my final desintation, Seattle. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for sights to see along the way? So far I've heard the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Cadillac Graveyard (?), etc., but I would appreciate any insight. <BR>Thank you!

Get a copy of Michael Wallis' book "Route 66: The Mother Road" for history, photos and ideas along Route 66. Great book, we've done Route 66 in bits and pieces and we always bring that book.

There's another book callled "Driving the California Coast" which might be helpful. Keep in mind that it could have started to rain in the Bay area and north by that time of year. That will cut down on how fast you'll be able to make the drive and might necessitate cutting over to 101 in spots. I'm assuming you want to take Hwy 1 as much as possible rather than 101. How long to do you have to do this?

I plan to take a "leisurely" drive - maybe 2 weeks?

If the timing works out, look at Tucumcari, NM, as an overnight. Has a whole strip of once-fancy kitschy theme motels from the glory days of Rt. 66, and a Denny's that serves Huevos Rancheros as a special which - surprisingly - are terrific.

Washington and Western Oregon are probably going to be very wet. If it is not wet watch for ice on 101. Because of its proximity to the ocean 101 will probably be wet. Where will you be switching from 101 to I-5 to get into Seattle. You do realize that 101 doesn't go to Seattle? If you go up 101 you will end up in Port Angeles, Wa. If you stay on 101 and go up the outside of the Olympic Peninsula go through Port Angeles and follow signs to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island. A ferry from Bremerton makes a nice ride and is longer than the ride from Baingbridge Island. This is a car ferry. Remember that on 101 on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula is very sparsely populated. There is a long stretch where you will not be able to use your cell phone. Make sure that your vehicle is in good shape. If you are there at night, you might have a long wait before help arrives. You will enjoy seeing the ocean and Olympic National Park tho. The hike at Lake Quinault is worth the trip.

We lived in a small town on Rt. 66 for a few years. You'll go through a little town on Rt. 66, Kingman, Az., and just after that make sure to continue on the old 66 and go through to Oatman, Az. You'll be on the original winding road up to this quaint old mining town (still working) with a local population of about 100. It's a fun ride! Park your car and enjoy watching the mules walking on the street, couple of good stores to buy gifts and check out the hotel and go upstairs to see the room where (it is said) Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spend their honeymoon night! The hotel is open, but you won't want to stay there! Follow Rt. 66 on to Bullhead City, Az. on the Colorado River and if you'd like to roll the dice or play a few machines, Laughlin, Nevada is just on the other side of the river with several hotel casinos. Enjoy the road!

There's a pretty nice Route 66 museum in Rancho Cucamonga, CA--about 20 miles west of San Bernardino. Definitely worth a stop.