Washington coast vs. Vancouver Island
 

I'm trying to decide whether to visit Olympic's coast or southern Vancouver Island. I've never been to the NW, so as far as scenic beauty, which one wins? I wouldn't have time to make it up to Pacific Rim area of VI. It would probably have to be within 2 hrs of Victoria. <BR>Are there sea stacks in the southern part of Vancouver Island? How about rain forests? Do any compare with Olympic's? If i choose WA I will be staying on Lake Quinault. Has anybody ever been to the Quinault rainforest? If so, what did you think? <BR>Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions, but i'm very torn about this. <BR> <BR>Scott

Hi, Scott, <BR>I think you'll find the Olympic Peninsula has more of what you seek than the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. That's not to say the lower part of the island isn't spectacular, but the combination of mountains, wilderness coast and the Olympic rain forest is unique. The island has the edge on towns and accommodation. <BR>The forest around Lake Quinault is pretty impressive, but the Hoh Valley a little to the north is simply amazing. What time of year would you be coming?

Hi John- <BR>Thanks for responding. I'll be there on August 12. I've heard that the Quinault rainforest is as nice as Hoh- only not nearly as crowded. I was told it was more of the "locals" rainforest. <BR>Now I'm not so sure if i'm better off looking elsewhere, but getting accomodations elsewhere would be tough this late in the game. <BR> <BR>Dave

Actually, if you're looking more for rainforest on Vancouver Island, try Long Beach along the west coast of the island, around the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet. The Carmanah Valley and Clayoquot Sound are absolutely stunning.

Lake Quinalt, Olympic Park are the best choice (that is if you could not get to Pacific Rim park--Tofino==it is quite a trip from Victoria -5 to 8 hrs.) Even though time is fleeting I bet you could find accomodations in Port Angeles--and us that as a base. <BR>Good Luck