Seattle to LA
 

October 1 - 9. We fly into Seattle and want to do a scenic drive of PCH 1 / 101. Several questions - what is worth seeing on the Washington coast? Is Port Townsend worth driving North before heading South. The Oregon coast looks like a great drive and looks like 101 hugs the coast most of the way. We are quite familiar with the CA coast - just need help with the WA and OR parts. We'd like to see some lighthouses but don't want to let that rule the trip.

Appreciate any advice!

We usually travel the Oregon coast on our way back from the south. We like to go via Mendocino and the stretch of California cost north of Eureka. Highlights in Oregon are:

• Sand dunes.
• The beach at Bandon.
• Near Coos Bay: Sunset SP, Shore Acers SP and Gardens, and Cape Arago SP.
• Yachats.
• The Sea Lion Caves north of Florence.
• Lighthouses.
• Cape Perpetua.
• Nye Beach and Aquarium at Newport
• High tide at Depoe Bay.
• Cape Meares SP.
• Tillamook for ice cream.
• Hug Point SP
• Cannon Beach. Ecola SP.
• Fort Clatsop National Monument.
• Astoria

If we are in a hurry, we usually spend the nights in Brookings, Newport, and Cannon Beach.

I meant to say that, considering your time limitations, I'm not sure you would want to include Port Townsend and the Washington coast. However, if I'm wrong, it would be possible to visit Port Townsend and to spend one night in the Olympic National Park before going to Cannon Beach. The routing might be: Port Townsend, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent with walk to Marymere Falls, Ruby Beach, and Lake Quinault Lodge for the night. I have not included the Hoh Rain Forest because you will walk through a rain forest on your way to Marymere Falls.

I think Ocean Shores and other Washington shore towns are not worth a detour considering you are headed for the Oregon coast.

I hate to be stupid - but what does "SP" stand for?

I'm sorry: State Park.

If you see "ttt" in a post, it means "to the top" and has been posted by somebody who brought a meassage from the bottom to the top of he list.

The Oregon coast and beaches really are much more spectacular than Washington's. I'd concentrate my time there.