We've updated the Topics page of our website to better organize and share our expert content. Read more about it here.
Another travel question road trip Washington state
mom60
7844 replies504 threadsRegistered User Senior Member
in Parent Cafe
My H and I have finally decided on the location for our road trip.
When- likely August
Place- Washington State- most likely flying to Seattle and renting a car.
Length of trip 10-14 days
Washington went to the head of our list as H has been invited to visit a friend at his place on Lopez Island. I also have a friend in Gig Harbor that we will see if she is in Washington during our visit.
We have been to Washington several times so this won’t be our first visit, but it will be our first trip to the state minus kids since we were in our young 20’s. I’m thinking a couple of nights in Seattle. We have been to Olympic National Park so this trip I’m thinking the Cascades. We also haven’t been to Mr Rainier. I am still struggling with knee issues so we would just be looking at easy hiking.
Give me some ideas for a loop that includes the Cascades and Lopez Island. We have considered going to Vancouver island but we have been several times. Places to stay and things not to miss.
Some remote possibility that we will drive from California and make it a true road trip. In that case we would also do some camping and also spend a few days in Oregon.
65 replies When- likely August
Place- Washington State- most likely flying to Seattle and renting a car.
Length of trip 10-14 days
Washington went to the head of our list as H has been invited to visit a friend at his place on Lopez Island. I also have a friend in Gig Harbor that we will see if she is in Washington during our visit.
We have been to Washington several times so this won’t be our first visit, but it will be our first trip to the state minus kids since we were in our young 20’s. I’m thinking a couple of nights in Seattle. We have been to Olympic National Park so this trip I’m thinking the Cascades. We also haven’t been to Mr Rainier. I am still struggling with knee issues so we would just be looking at easy hiking.
Give me some ideas for a loop that includes the Cascades and Lopez Island. We have considered going to Vancouver island but we have been several times. Places to stay and things not to miss.
Some remote possibility that we will drive from California and make it a true road trip. In that case we would also do some camping and also spend a few days in Oregon.
Replies to: Another travel question road trip Washington state
For a Cascades loop head over to Leavenworth via Route 2. It’s a Bavarian themed town and kind of kitschy but if you explore the Icicle Creek area you will see some of the natural beauty. Then head over to Wenatchee where you can walk along the Columbia River and visit Ohme Gardens, which is an unusual hillside garden. Then head north to Chelan where you can visit some wineries or take the boat to Stehekin. If anyone is into electricity, stop at the Dam between Wenatchee and Chelan (forget the name) where they have an extensive electricity museum (really). From Chelan head NE to Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama. You can tube down the Methow River which is fairly gentle on August. There are some relatively easy and short hikes west of Mazama with the trailheads on Route 20. Cutthroat Lake Trail is around 4 miles RT and very gradual. Then continue on the North Cascades Highway for some spectacular scenery.
When you hit I-5 head south to Anacortes where you get the ferry to Lopez Island. You can make reservations for the ferry through WA State Ferry website if you know in advance when you will arrive. Try to avoid the San Juan Islands over the weekend as the wait times for the ferry are crazy.
Speaking of Leavenworth... Our Bavarian-born and raised exchange student said Leavenworth had a pretty authentic Bavarian look. The content of those Bavarian houses is another story.
https://www.andreaskellerrestaurant.com
We explored driving routes today but I think that we fly. Driving adds 2 1/2 days on each end minimum if we just drive straight through.
What are some must sees in Seattle aside from the basics of Pikes Market, waterfront and Space needle?
Kayak on Lake Union or canoes at the UW
Walk through the Arboretum
Wine tasting in Woodinville
Brewery hopping in Ballard
Ballard Locks and fish ladder. Impressive marvel of engineering!
SAM. A couple of blocks from the Market.
Olympic Sculpture Park and the waterfront.
The Norwegian Museum.
Is interesting. If you are down in Tacoma, there is also a good glass museum there (Museum of Glass). There is a pretty good Nordic Museum in Ballard, too.
The only nonstop flight from our airport gets to SeaTac at 445 pm.
Do we head to Seattle or out towards mt Rainer or straight up to cascades? I also am struggling with how many nights in each location and where to stay on the cascade loop. I don’t want to be moving every night. Also is Whidbey island worth a few nights? Should we skip Mt Rainer and concentrate on Cascade loop?
Another thought is to fly to Lopez island on Kenmore Air and pick up rental car in Anacortes after our stay on the island.
Appreciate any thoughts on my ramblings.
Some thoughts....totally agree with staying away from the San Juans on the weekend, insanely long ferry lines. Also stay away from driving in downtown or on freeways during rush hour, yuck!
I don't think I would land at 4:45pm, rent a car and then start driving longer distances. You might be starting your trip in rush hour traffic, and take hours to get to your destination. I think I'd start out with the Seattle area first. I wouldn't bother with Whitney Island, it's nice but unless you have a good reason to go there, don't know if it's worth it.
Mt Rainier is exceptional, I don't think I would miss it unless it was a huge hassle.
You are going to hit bad traffic at that time of day so make sure you are not starving when you leave the airport.
Also, maybe someone here can explain how the express lanes work (unless you already know).