Suggestions for Northern CA, Oregon, and Washington
Apr 21st, 2019, 05:29 AM
#21
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Your trip has some overlap with our planned vacation this fall; perhaps there is an element or two you might find interesting. Link: Fall vacation loop Sacramento - southern Oregon - down No. California Coast.. Advice?
We are also flying into Sacramento and heading north - our first night is at Dunsmuir. At janisj's suggestion, we are staying the night in a caboose at the Railroad Park Resort, The next morning we are heading over to McArthur-Burney Falls State Park - https://www.tripsavvy.com/mcarthur-b...-guide-4155631
On another thread, Gardyloo suggested this Lost Coast Loop from Ferndale: https://www.visitredwoods.com/listin...nic-drive/148/ Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/fbSQFrRQ4rG2
We are also flying into Sacramento and heading north - our first night is at Dunsmuir. At janisj's suggestion, we are staying the night in a caboose at the Railroad Park Resort, The next morning we are heading over to McArthur-Burney Falls State Park - https://www.tripsavvy.com/mcarthur-b...-guide-4155631
On another thread, Gardyloo suggested this Lost Coast Loop from Ferndale: https://www.visitredwoods.com/listin...nic-drive/148/ Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/fbSQFrRQ4rG2
Apr 21st, 2019, 06:16 AM
#22
Let me comment on one or two parts of the revised plan.
Redwoods and Oregon coast - You can have a terrific experience in the Jedediah Smith State Park, located along US 199 not far from its junction with US 101 just north of Crescent City. (See my note above on state vs. national parks for the redwoods.) Since you're visiting that part of the California coast, it's very easy to spend a night (or longer if you can manage, of course) in Brookings, Oregon rather than Crescent City. Brookings is located just over the state line, but it's at the southern end of the most spectacular part of the whole Oregon coast, the 70-odd miles between the California line and the town of Bandon. For example, here's the view at the Meyers Creek pullout along 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach -
So to get from the redwoods to Eagle Crest, it would be very easy to detour briefly to the Jedediah Smith redwoods, then continue north on US 101 through Bandon and Coos Bay, up to OR 38 just north of Reedsport, then east. OR 38 is the prettiest and fastest route between the southern Oregon coast and the Willamette Valley; look for numerous Roosevelt elk in a reserve on the south side of the road as you leave Reedsport, then the road travels through a lovely little canyon on the Umpqua River as you head east. Then from Eugene/Springfield, you'd follow the McKenzie River east and eventually over the mountains to Sisters, a very pretty little town.
Here's a map showing these places - https://goo.gl/maps/4pSQgAejwW94epTs5
By taking this route you could avoid a long detour out to the north coast (Cannon Beach etc.) after Portland, and could instead use that time for the detour up to the Johnston Ridge overlook of the Mt. St. Helens caldera as you move from Portland to the Seattle area.
Regarding Bainbridge Island, while it's not the cliche Puget Sound island, it has its attractions, in particular Eagle Harbor, part of the main town of Winslow, and the marvelous Bloedel Reserve, world class botanical gardens in a beautiful setting. You can also include Bainbridge as part of a VERY rewarding day trip highlighting some of the things that make our region so special. Here's a map showing one of these possible - very easy - itineraries as a day trip: https://goo.gl/maps/HN2zWXUxjT6ETktB7 . This includes the Bloedel Reserve, the pretty town of Poulsbo, fiercely proud of its Norwegian heritage, the picturesque historic waterfront village of Port Gamble, and a visit to Chief Seattle's grave in the Native American community of Suquamish. It also includes the Suquamish Clearwater casino resort, built just over the Agate Pass bridge from Bainbridge to the Kitsap Peninsula. Now ordinarily I won't plug Native American casinos, but this case is the exception, for a couple of reasons. First, it's very nice, and the recently refurbished hotel is quite comfortable in its stunning setting facing Agate Pass. Second, they offer a free shuttle bus to the ferry terminal, so if you want to stay there while visiting downtown Seattle, it's dead easy, and when you look at hotel prices in Seattle during the cruise season, you'll see it's also a good way to save money, particularly if you're traveling with a car. You only pay the ferry fare as a foot passenger on westbound (Seattle to Bainbridge) sailings; the eastbound trips are free. Here's what the resort looks like (not my pictures) -
Poulsbo -
Port Gamble -
Chief Seattle's grave -
And of course the Bainbridge ferry ride to/from Seattle is pretty spectacular -
Just some thoughts.
Redwoods and Oregon coast - You can have a terrific experience in the Jedediah Smith State Park, located along US 199 not far from its junction with US 101 just north of Crescent City. (See my note above on state vs. national parks for the redwoods.) Since you're visiting that part of the California coast, it's very easy to spend a night (or longer if you can manage, of course) in Brookings, Oregon rather than Crescent City. Brookings is located just over the state line, but it's at the southern end of the most spectacular part of the whole Oregon coast, the 70-odd miles between the California line and the town of Bandon. For example, here's the view at the Meyers Creek pullout along 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach -
So to get from the redwoods to Eagle Crest, it would be very easy to detour briefly to the Jedediah Smith redwoods, then continue north on US 101 through Bandon and Coos Bay, up to OR 38 just north of Reedsport, then east. OR 38 is the prettiest and fastest route between the southern Oregon coast and the Willamette Valley; look for numerous Roosevelt elk in a reserve on the south side of the road as you leave Reedsport, then the road travels through a lovely little canyon on the Umpqua River as you head east. Then from Eugene/Springfield, you'd follow the McKenzie River east and eventually over the mountains to Sisters, a very pretty little town.
Here's a map showing these places - https://goo.gl/maps/4pSQgAejwW94epTs5
By taking this route you could avoid a long detour out to the north coast (Cannon Beach etc.) after Portland, and could instead use that time for the detour up to the Johnston Ridge overlook of the Mt. St. Helens caldera as you move from Portland to the Seattle area.
Regarding Bainbridge Island, while it's not the cliche Puget Sound island, it has its attractions, in particular Eagle Harbor, part of the main town of Winslow, and the marvelous Bloedel Reserve, world class botanical gardens in a beautiful setting. You can also include Bainbridge as part of a VERY rewarding day trip highlighting some of the things that make our region so special. Here's a map showing one of these possible - very easy - itineraries as a day trip: https://goo.gl/maps/HN2zWXUxjT6ETktB7 . This includes the Bloedel Reserve, the pretty town of Poulsbo, fiercely proud of its Norwegian heritage, the picturesque historic waterfront village of Port Gamble, and a visit to Chief Seattle's grave in the Native American community of Suquamish. It also includes the Suquamish Clearwater casino resort, built just over the Agate Pass bridge from Bainbridge to the Kitsap Peninsula. Now ordinarily I won't plug Native American casinos, but this case is the exception, for a couple of reasons. First, it's very nice, and the recently refurbished hotel is quite comfortable in its stunning setting facing Agate Pass. Second, they offer a free shuttle bus to the ferry terminal, so if you want to stay there while visiting downtown Seattle, it's dead easy, and when you look at hotel prices in Seattle during the cruise season, you'll see it's also a good way to save money, particularly if you're traveling with a car. You only pay the ferry fare as a foot passenger on westbound (Seattle to Bainbridge) sailings; the eastbound trips are free. Here's what the resort looks like (not my pictures) -
Poulsbo -
Port Gamble -
Chief Seattle's grave -
And of course the Bainbridge ferry ride to/from Seattle is pretty spectacular -
Just some thoughts.
Last edited by Gardyloo; Apr 21st, 2019 at 06:20 AM.
Apr 28th, 2019, 02:56 PM
#23
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Thank you Patty, tomfuller, Bobmrg, sludick, and Gardyloo for the new suggestions, websites, fabulous pictures, and maps. All of you have given me so much to think about, and I had to take a break and rethink my plans. I felt like I was trying to squeeze a round peg into a square hole w/ this trip. Yes, I should have made this into 2 separate trips, but when timeshares were available in several places, I thought I could do it all!
I was disappointed that Edgefield did not have availability during my visit, but I’ll be staying w/ a friend’s daughter and family in Portland. I will be there during the rose festival which I know will be exciting but swamped; I’ll be prepared! I will ck out the hostel in Seattle, but love the idea of the casino property and ferry trips. The Washington coastal islands look amazing, but time will be too limited to truly explore this trip.
As you warned me, car rentals have been surprising expensive. Nothing from Sacramento to Calgary, and I could buy a car from Seattle to Calgary for the price. SO….I re-read everyone’s advice, and made some decisions within what is set-in stone…flights, timeshare in OR and several in Canada…and re-thought my plans. As stated earlier, I enjoy driving, but I don’t want to be on the road most days but a maximum of 4 hrs.
I really wanted to see Lassen Volcanic NP, but I’ve cked their website, and it's debatable what roads will be cleared in late May. SO, I think I will head straight to the redwoods….Garberville I think for the 1st nt…and maybe return to Lassen another trip when it will definitely be open.
I then have 3 more nts (2nd – 5th) before driving to Redmond and thinking of spending it along the coast. Working backwards, I thought the 4th nt would be spent in either Reedsport or Newport, OR which leaves me about 4 hrs the next day driving to Redmond. The drive from Brookings to Reedsport to Redmond is too much for 1 day.
I thought about Trinidad the 2nd nt after Garberville and Brookings for the 3rd. What do you think of this?
I have seen the redwoods in the Mariposa Grove so wondering if spending too much time in the CA ones. However, the Av. of the Giants and Jedediah Smith SP both sound amazing along with seeing the OR coast!
I love the idea of Dunsmuir and the Railroad Park Resort, but I think I will be too far out of my way this trip. Maybe another time when I return for Lassen NP.
I reconsidered the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff, but the days don’t work. After looking at car rental prices, it now doesn’t look so expensive! However, if I take the train from Seattle to Vancouver…another one of your suggestions!...and pick up a 2nd car, I can greatly reduce my rental costs. I looked into a ferry, but nothing direct, and I don’t want to be on multiple ferries just to get to Vancouver. I also considered the bus and plane, but I think the train is the best option for me. I will also be west of Banff for almost a wk so picking up a 2nd car in Calgary to avoid the drop-charge doesn’t work.
I am checking out of my timeshare early to allow 2 full days in Portland after another day along the Columbia River Gouge. This will leave 5 days between Seattle and Vancouver. I know it’s not enough, but hope to return one day!
This is the revised plan:
Day 1…Flight to Sacramento from east coast, drive to Garberville for nt
Day 2…Humboldt redwoods, more redwoods, etc…spend nt in Trinidad,
Day 3…Jedediah Smith SP, etc. and spend nt in Brookings, OR
Day 4…Drive to Reedsport or Newport, OR,, and spend nt
Day 5…Drive to Redmond, OR for timeshare
Day 6-9…Visit Bend, Sisters, Crater Lake (limited access due to snow), Smith Rock SP, John Day fossil beds, volcanic sites, etc
Day 10…Columbia River Gouge on way to Portland
Day 11-12…Portland – Roses, Powell’s, Voodoo Donuts, Food Walking tour, etc
Day 13…Drive to Seattle w/ stop at either Mt. St. Helen or Mt. Rainier
Day 14…Seattle – Space Needle, Underground Walking tour, Chihuly Gardens, Klondike Museum, etc
Day 15…Seattle during day and catch bus that late afternoon/evening to Vancouver
Day 16-17…Vancouver
Day 18…Drive to timeshares in British Columbia for several days before heading to Banff for rest of trip
Flight home from Calgary
P. S. I have been to Glacier NP before, and it is my all-time favorite national park! I really want to spend time in Banff, but if I have time, I might drive south.
I was disappointed that Edgefield did not have availability during my visit, but I’ll be staying w/ a friend’s daughter and family in Portland. I will be there during the rose festival which I know will be exciting but swamped; I’ll be prepared! I will ck out the hostel in Seattle, but love the idea of the casino property and ferry trips. The Washington coastal islands look amazing, but time will be too limited to truly explore this trip.
As you warned me, car rentals have been surprising expensive. Nothing from Sacramento to Calgary, and I could buy a car from Seattle to Calgary for the price. SO….I re-read everyone’s advice, and made some decisions within what is set-in stone…flights, timeshare in OR and several in Canada…and re-thought my plans. As stated earlier, I enjoy driving, but I don’t want to be on the road most days but a maximum of 4 hrs.
I really wanted to see Lassen Volcanic NP, but I’ve cked their website, and it's debatable what roads will be cleared in late May. SO, I think I will head straight to the redwoods….Garberville I think for the 1st nt…and maybe return to Lassen another trip when it will definitely be open.
I then have 3 more nts (2nd – 5th) before driving to Redmond and thinking of spending it along the coast. Working backwards, I thought the 4th nt would be spent in either Reedsport or Newport, OR which leaves me about 4 hrs the next day driving to Redmond. The drive from Brookings to Reedsport to Redmond is too much for 1 day.
I thought about Trinidad the 2nd nt after Garberville and Brookings for the 3rd. What do you think of this?
I have seen the redwoods in the Mariposa Grove so wondering if spending too much time in the CA ones. However, the Av. of the Giants and Jedediah Smith SP both sound amazing along with seeing the OR coast!
I love the idea of Dunsmuir and the Railroad Park Resort, but I think I will be too far out of my way this trip. Maybe another time when I return for Lassen NP.
I reconsidered the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff, but the days don’t work. After looking at car rental prices, it now doesn’t look so expensive! However, if I take the train from Seattle to Vancouver…another one of your suggestions!...and pick up a 2nd car, I can greatly reduce my rental costs. I looked into a ferry, but nothing direct, and I don’t want to be on multiple ferries just to get to Vancouver. I also considered the bus and plane, but I think the train is the best option for me. I will also be west of Banff for almost a wk so picking up a 2nd car in Calgary to avoid the drop-charge doesn’t work.
I am checking out of my timeshare early to allow 2 full days in Portland after another day along the Columbia River Gouge. This will leave 5 days between Seattle and Vancouver. I know it’s not enough, but hope to return one day!
This is the revised plan:
Day 1…Flight to Sacramento from east coast, drive to Garberville for nt
Day 2…Humboldt redwoods, more redwoods, etc…spend nt in Trinidad,
Day 3…Jedediah Smith SP, etc. and spend nt in Brookings, OR
Day 4…Drive to Reedsport or Newport, OR,, and spend nt
Day 5…Drive to Redmond, OR for timeshare
Day 6-9…Visit Bend, Sisters, Crater Lake (limited access due to snow), Smith Rock SP, John Day fossil beds, volcanic sites, etc
Day 10…Columbia River Gouge on way to Portland
Day 11-12…Portland – Roses, Powell’s, Voodoo Donuts, Food Walking tour, etc
Day 13…Drive to Seattle w/ stop at either Mt. St. Helen or Mt. Rainier
Day 14…Seattle – Space Needle, Underground Walking tour, Chihuly Gardens, Klondike Museum, etc
Day 15…Seattle during day and catch bus that late afternoon/evening to Vancouver
Day 16-17…Vancouver
Day 18…Drive to timeshares in British Columbia for several days before heading to Banff for rest of trip
Flight home from Calgary
P. S. I have been to Glacier NP before, and it is my all-time favorite national park! I really want to spend time in Banff, but if I have time, I might drive south.
Apr 29th, 2019, 09:08 AM
#27
The Mariposa Grove has giant sequoias - Sequoiadendron giganteum - which are bigger around but not as tall as the coast redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens.
Mount Rainier is a very long detour on a Portland > Seattle drive, while Johnston Ridge (Mt. St. Helens) is less arduous. However for your volcano time, you might think about an early start from your timeshare and a late breakfast or coffee at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, then drive down OR 35 to Hood River with a stop at Panorama Point just south of town, for a great view of the Hood River Valley and Mount Hood above it. On clear days as you drive down the valley from Mount Hood, you can see Mt. Adams to the north. The most scenic part of the Gorge is to the west of Hood River. Note that things at Multnomah Falls get very crowded on weekends.
Consider the train from Seattle to Vancouver; way more scenic than the bus, and leaves when you want. https://www.amtrakcascades.com/
Mount Rainier is a very long detour on a Portland > Seattle drive, while Johnston Ridge (Mt. St. Helens) is less arduous. However for your volcano time, you might think about an early start from your timeshare and a late breakfast or coffee at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, then drive down OR 35 to Hood River with a stop at Panorama Point just south of town, for a great view of the Hood River Valley and Mount Hood above it. On clear days as you drive down the valley from Mount Hood, you can see Mt. Adams to the north. The most scenic part of the Gorge is to the west of Hood River. Note that things at Multnomah Falls get very crowded on weekends.
Consider the train from Seattle to Vancouver; way more scenic than the bus, and leaves when you want. https://www.amtrakcascades.com/
Apr 29th, 2019, 01:18 PM
#28
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Appreciate the suggestion, bbqboy, of the Rogue Valley which I am not familiar with but just googled it and did some reading. I don't think I can do it this visit but maybe another time.
Gardyloo, you have given me great directions for seeing Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gouge area so will definitely be following your advice. I am definitely taking Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver and spent several hrs reading on various websites. I thought evening to maximize time in Seattle, but 2 runs daily, and evening one will be partially in the dark and arriving 11 PM. I know sundown is late, but changed plans and will now depart in AM arriving by lunch so I can enjoy all the amazing scenery during the day.
Don't know if anyone had time to read my revised itinerary especially the beginning where I eliminated Lassen NP. Look fw to any other suggestions and to finish booking reservations tomorrow. Thanks so much!
Gardyloo, you have given me great directions for seeing Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gouge area so will definitely be following your advice. I am definitely taking Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver and spent several hrs reading on various websites. I thought evening to maximize time in Seattle, but 2 runs daily, and evening one will be partially in the dark and arriving 11 PM. I know sundown is late, but changed plans and will now depart in AM arriving by lunch so I can enjoy all the amazing scenery during the day.
Don't know if anyone had time to read my revised itinerary especially the beginning where I eliminated Lassen NP. Look fw to any other suggestions and to finish booking reservations tomorrow. Thanks so much!
May 5th, 2019, 09:44 AM
#29
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You have a great trip planned! We are based in Seattle and have driven to these areas many time and you will have a great time! Your revised plan looks good to me-like you we are a bit older now and also only like to drive around 4 hours max especially on a solo trip.
A couple of thoughts that are just more logistical for your planning:
Be sure to check the train times for the Seattle to Vancouver trip-they are surprisingly limited and they can fill up fast. Also, you might consider dropping your car on the way in at Seatac airport and taking the lightrail into downtown if you decide to stay there or on capital hill. That way you can avoid the expense of the rental car and parking for those days. Conversely, you could save money by staying a outside the city ( I would suggest north somewhere along the I-99 route also called Aurora. There are many brand name motels there that have free parking and you can get the "rapid E" bus straight downtown. So it will really depend on what kind of experience you want in Seattle-if you really want to sleep right downtown in the city or you prefer a bit a quieter experience for sleeping but that will require a bus or uber, etc. to see the sights.
Also, you might check out the clipper to Victoria and then the BC ferry to Vancouver. The clipper is more expensive than the train will be but it gives you an opportunity to see Victoria or even spend the night there. Just a thought but you might check it out.
A couple of thoughts that are just more logistical for your planning:
Be sure to check the train times for the Seattle to Vancouver trip-they are surprisingly limited and they can fill up fast. Also, you might consider dropping your car on the way in at Seatac airport and taking the lightrail into downtown if you decide to stay there or on capital hill. That way you can avoid the expense of the rental car and parking for those days. Conversely, you could save money by staying a outside the city ( I would suggest north somewhere along the I-99 route also called Aurora. There are many brand name motels there that have free parking and you can get the "rapid E" bus straight downtown. So it will really depend on what kind of experience you want in Seattle-if you really want to sleep right downtown in the city or you prefer a bit a quieter experience for sleeping but that will require a bus or uber, etc. to see the sights.
Also, you might check out the clipper to Victoria and then the BC ferry to Vancouver. The clipper is more expensive than the train will be but it gives you an opportunity to see Victoria or even spend the night there. Just a thought but you might check it out.
May 6th, 2019, 04:37 AM
#30
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I had gotten excellent advice on here concerning a very similar trip to yours that my 15 year old and I took last summer. Our trip, while a bit fast paced, was excellent. I am posting the blog sites for you, if you like so you can see pics and read about our route etc if it will help. Crater Lake was a stunner and Gardyloo and others are correct in the Redwoods at Jedidiah were incredible-I do not think I missed out on anything not going to RNP. We had a great Airbnb in Seattle that we really liked too because yes-I was blown away at the prices for hotels in Seattle (and Portland too).
Oregon
https://wordpress.com/post/totraveli...dpress.com/412
Washington
https://wordpress.com/post/totraveli...dpress.com/596
Oregon
https://wordpress.com/post/totraveli...dpress.com/412
Washington
https://wordpress.com/post/totraveli...dpress.com/596
Jul 19th, 2019, 12:33 PM
#31
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Pacific NW & Western Canada Trip Report
I appreciate all the advice that Fodorites offered in helping to plan my Pacific NW adventure. I had a fabulous time! Thanks to each of you so much.
Many of you suggested I was trying to squeeze too much in too short of a time. I thought 4 wks would be plenty, plus I was restricted by timeshare reservations made 6 months prior along with flights. Well, Fodorites were right! Activities took longer than planned plus beautiful drives lead to multiple stops along the way.
I wanted to pass along how I used the helpful advice given to me, and a brief trip report which might help others who are planning a similar trip. I have also included in parentheses thoughts on where I think I could have improved my trip.
I wrote a blog on another site which included lots of pictures if you are interested… http://adventuresofamiddleagefemale.blogspot.com/
It's a beautiful and interesting part of the country! Good luck and enjoy!
Day 1 – Early AM flight from east coast to Sacramento…rental car and drive to Garberville, CA…Best Western Plus (I would suggest spending the 1st night in Sacramento. It was an extremely long travel day w/ a 5-hr drive turning into 6-hrs due to construction traffic. The 1st night spent locally would help in case of a flight delay.) (I had wanted to spend time at Lassen Volcanic NP and other sights in northern CA but eliminated it due to time constraints. This could be achieved by adding an extra day or two after a night in Sacramento.)
Day 2 – Avenue of the Giants (pick up information when you exit the interstate) which took 6-hrs of slow driving including visitor’s center, 3 hikes, and a nap before a drive to Trinidad, CA…Emerald Forest cabins
Day 3 - Visitor’s center in Crescent City, CA for information. Jedidiah Smith SP & Redwood NP before drive to Brookings, OR…Beachfront Inn Again, this took an entire day to drive through the redwoods and several hikes. OR Visitor’s Center crossing over border on Hwy 101 extremely helpful especially brochure detailing sites along various mileposts.
Day 4 – Travel along OR coast on Hwy 101 with multiple stops to hotel in Reedsport, OR…Best Western Visit Roosevelt elks nearby at dusk
Day 5 – Travel OR coast on Hwy 101 to Newport, OR w/ multiple stops before turning east to timeshare in Redmond, OR. Drive scenic route…Over the Rivers and Through the Woods
Day 5–10 – Day trips around central OR…Sisters, Bend, Smith SP, High Desert Museum, Newberry Volcanic Monument, Beyond the Ranch Antiques. (McKenzie Pass closed due to snow.) Long day trip (3-hrs each way) to Crater Lake (I had planned to spend night here and 2-days to enjoy boat trip and numerous hikes and drives. However, all roads closed w/ snow except southern route and boat trips don’t start until July so only spent one day here.)
Day 10 – Cked out of timeshare early to spend time in Portland, OR. Drove Mt. Hood Scenic Byway and Historic Hwy 30 through Columbia River Gouge. Visited Timberline Lodge, Hood River to watch windsurfers, Bonneville Locks, fishery, multiple waterfalls on way to friend’s family for 3 nights
Day 11 – Portland…Voodoo Donuts, Pittock Mansion, International Rose Test Garden, food cart for dinner, and visit floats from Rose Festival Parade
Day 12 - Blue Star Donuts, and return to OR coast…Astoria, Fort Clatsop, Cannon Beach…Camp 18 for dinner (I CANNOT believe I didn’t visit Powell’s Bookstore so please add to your itinerary. I was scheduled for an Epicurean Food Walking Tour, but they cancelled due to a lack of people. Unable to book another tour w/ short notice. I could have spent an entire day in Astoria.)
Day 13 – Heading to Seattle with detour to Mount St. Helens and Observatory - 6.5 hrs visit here (As I noted, everything took longer than planned!) Long day w/ drive to Seattle…McMenamin’s Anderson’s School in Bothell x 2 nights
Day 14 – Space Needle and virtually bungee jumping!, Chihuly Museum, lunch at Armory Food Court
Day 15 – Return rental car, Pikes Market and walk along waterfront, coffee, Klondike Museum, free shuttle from Pioneer Square to ferry marine terminal, catch ferry to Bainbridge Island to walk around and back to Seattle, stay at The Moore Hotel downtown (I wish I had an extra day in Seattle to visit Mt. Rainier. I also wish I had time to visit Olympia NP.)
Day 16 – Early Amtrak train to Vancouver, rental car, Tropicana Suites Hotel for 2 nts, (Don’t stay here!), walk around town
Day 17 – Whale watching tour in Steveston
Day 18 – Stanley Park and horse carriage ride, drive east on Canadian #1 to timeshare for 2 nights near Kamloops…Sun Peaks
Day 19 – Lazy day w/ visit to village
Day 20 – Continue drive east to timeshare at Fairmont Hot Springs for 2 nights
Day 21 – Spend day at hot springs resort
Day 22 – Fort Steele Heritage Town and short trip to another timeshare, Panorama, for 3 nights
Day 23 – YoHo NP, Kootenay NP
Day 24 – Kootenay NP and Banff NP, Lake Louise….hotel in Canmore – Best Western x 4 nights
Day 25 – Columbia Icefields Tour, driving Hwy 1A at dusk to see animals
Day 26 – Banff Cave & Basin Tour, Banff Gondola, Bow River Falls, looking for animals-golf course, ski resort, Bow Valley Parkway
Day 27 – Banff NP – early hike in Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Parkway, boat trip on Lake Minnewanka, Moraine Lake (I did not have time to visit Jasper NP. I didn’t want to cut my time in Banff short, but wish I had 2-3 days extra to include Jasper.)
Day 28 – Return rental car, flight from Calvary to east coast
Many of you suggested I was trying to squeeze too much in too short of a time. I thought 4 wks would be plenty, plus I was restricted by timeshare reservations made 6 months prior along with flights. Well, Fodorites were right! Activities took longer than planned plus beautiful drives lead to multiple stops along the way.
I wanted to pass along how I used the helpful advice given to me, and a brief trip report which might help others who are planning a similar trip. I have also included in parentheses thoughts on where I think I could have improved my trip.
I wrote a blog on another site which included lots of pictures if you are interested… http://adventuresofamiddleagefemale.blogspot.com/
It's a beautiful and interesting part of the country! Good luck and enjoy!
Day 1 – Early AM flight from east coast to Sacramento…rental car and drive to Garberville, CA…Best Western Plus (I would suggest spending the 1st night in Sacramento. It was an extremely long travel day w/ a 5-hr drive turning into 6-hrs due to construction traffic. The 1st night spent locally would help in case of a flight delay.) (I had wanted to spend time at Lassen Volcanic NP and other sights in northern CA but eliminated it due to time constraints. This could be achieved by adding an extra day or two after a night in Sacramento.)
Day 2 – Avenue of the Giants (pick up information when you exit the interstate) which took 6-hrs of slow driving including visitor’s center, 3 hikes, and a nap before a drive to Trinidad, CA…Emerald Forest cabins
Day 3 - Visitor’s center in Crescent City, CA for information. Jedidiah Smith SP & Redwood NP before drive to Brookings, OR…Beachfront Inn Again, this took an entire day to drive through the redwoods and several hikes. OR Visitor’s Center crossing over border on Hwy 101 extremely helpful especially brochure detailing sites along various mileposts.
Day 4 – Travel along OR coast on Hwy 101 with multiple stops to hotel in Reedsport, OR…Best Western Visit Roosevelt elks nearby at dusk
Day 5 – Travel OR coast on Hwy 101 to Newport, OR w/ multiple stops before turning east to timeshare in Redmond, OR. Drive scenic route…Over the Rivers and Through the Woods
Day 5–10 – Day trips around central OR…Sisters, Bend, Smith SP, High Desert Museum, Newberry Volcanic Monument, Beyond the Ranch Antiques. (McKenzie Pass closed due to snow.) Long day trip (3-hrs each way) to Crater Lake (I had planned to spend night here and 2-days to enjoy boat trip and numerous hikes and drives. However, all roads closed w/ snow except southern route and boat trips don’t start until July so only spent one day here.)
Day 10 – Cked out of timeshare early to spend time in Portland, OR. Drove Mt. Hood Scenic Byway and Historic Hwy 30 through Columbia River Gouge. Visited Timberline Lodge, Hood River to watch windsurfers, Bonneville Locks, fishery, multiple waterfalls on way to friend’s family for 3 nights
Day 11 – Portland…Voodoo Donuts, Pittock Mansion, International Rose Test Garden, food cart for dinner, and visit floats from Rose Festival Parade
Day 12 - Blue Star Donuts, and return to OR coast…Astoria, Fort Clatsop, Cannon Beach…Camp 18 for dinner (I CANNOT believe I didn’t visit Powell’s Bookstore so please add to your itinerary. I was scheduled for an Epicurean Food Walking Tour, but they cancelled due to a lack of people. Unable to book another tour w/ short notice. I could have spent an entire day in Astoria.)
Day 13 – Heading to Seattle with detour to Mount St. Helens and Observatory - 6.5 hrs visit here (As I noted, everything took longer than planned!) Long day w/ drive to Seattle…McMenamin’s Anderson’s School in Bothell x 2 nights
Day 14 – Space Needle and virtually bungee jumping!, Chihuly Museum, lunch at Armory Food Court
Day 15 – Return rental car, Pikes Market and walk along waterfront, coffee, Klondike Museum, free shuttle from Pioneer Square to ferry marine terminal, catch ferry to Bainbridge Island to walk around and back to Seattle, stay at The Moore Hotel downtown (I wish I had an extra day in Seattle to visit Mt. Rainier. I also wish I had time to visit Olympia NP.)
Day 16 – Early Amtrak train to Vancouver, rental car, Tropicana Suites Hotel for 2 nts, (Don’t stay here!), walk around town
Day 17 – Whale watching tour in Steveston
Day 18 – Stanley Park and horse carriage ride, drive east on Canadian #1 to timeshare for 2 nights near Kamloops…Sun Peaks
Day 19 – Lazy day w/ visit to village
Day 20 – Continue drive east to timeshare at Fairmont Hot Springs for 2 nights
Day 21 – Spend day at hot springs resort
Day 22 – Fort Steele Heritage Town and short trip to another timeshare, Panorama, for 3 nights
Day 23 – YoHo NP, Kootenay NP
Day 24 – Kootenay NP and Banff NP, Lake Louise….hotel in Canmore – Best Western x 4 nights
Day 25 – Columbia Icefields Tour, driving Hwy 1A at dusk to see animals
Day 26 – Banff Cave & Basin Tour, Banff Gondola, Bow River Falls, looking for animals-golf course, ski resort, Bow Valley Parkway
Day 27 – Banff NP – early hike in Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Parkway, boat trip on Lake Minnewanka, Moraine Lake (I did not have time to visit Jasper NP. I didn’t want to cut my time in Banff short, but wish I had 2-3 days extra to include Jasper.)
Day 28 – Return rental car, flight from Calvary to east coast
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EricaHier
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May 20th, 2017 12:14 AM
