Heading out to WA and OR on vacation-what to see?

[johnrv4]

We are heading out to Washington and Oregon on vacation soon , and I was wondering what is a "must see" in the area? I have never been there before, and I figure Mt. St. Helens and Rainer would be a must see. Thanks for the information

 

[illflem]

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is a don't miss. Just 30 miles east of Portland on I-84. Some of the dams on the Columbia are cool to check out also.

 

[Diesel Freak]

The Ape Caves by Mt. St. Helens... . bring your hiking boots and flashlight. The Upper end is the most fun... lots of boulder piles to climb in the dark!

 

[ddesau]

Ore/Wash

A trip down the Oregon Coast would be worthwhile. Also if you have the time - a trip to Crater Lake NP would be very worth it- prettiest place I've ever been to - its also the Deepest lake in US-7th deepest in the World. 35 mile drive around the rim. Lets see Mt. Hood would also bea good trip - as would Central Oregon.



The Oregon Coast is a nice trip -lots of State Parks. Also Washington Coast -



Lots to see and do -just depends on how much time you have.



Bring lots of film !

 

[exfuzz01]

what to see

I would suggest travelling east to WA State first... tour the Olympic Penninsula (Rain Forest etc). Then over to Mt Rainier,south to Mt St Helens . After that you can drive over to the coast. Follow 101 down through WA, Oregon and Northern CA. There are thousands of campgrounds and after Labor Day very little traffic.

 

[Un-Hemi]

Of course, a side trip to Van's would be nice

 

[RThompson]

Walk on tour of the San Juan Islands aboard Wa. St. ferries out of Anacortes. Pike Place Market and waterfront in Seattle. Victoria BC on the Coho out of Port Angeles. One day trip, leave your car in Port Angeles. Vancouver BC for really big city with a neat downtown area. North Cascade highway (SR20) in the fall for great mountain views and fall colors Spokane for great town to shop in with covered walkways and nice parks. Westport or Ilwaco when the salmon are being fished. Olympia (Falls Terrace Restaurant) and a walk thru park below the restaurant to see the salmon running upstream. Ballard Locks in Seattle to watch boats travel in and out of Lake Washington and see the migrating salmon. These are the places we take our out of state vistors. Good luck in your travels out here. E-mail if I can be of further help,,,

 

[Power Wagon]

Things to see.



North Cascades Highway.



Oregon trail interpretative Center at Baker City



Grand Coulee Dam, and the ones in the Gorge



Columbia River Gorge



Stonehenge and Maryhill Museum (Stonehenge replica)



The coasts of both states



Newport's Aquarium



Mount Hood



Mount St Helens and interpretive center



OMSI



The Rose Gardens in Portland



Space Needle



Olympic National Park



Boeing museum of flight



Crater Lake



Hell's Canyon



That's the quick list off the top of my head.

 

[Power Wagon]

Sheesh, I left off the best thing there is...



NORTHWEST BOMBERS BOMB PARTIES!!!!



Join the nw bombers forum, tell us when you're going to be here, and we'll TRY to set up a BOMB party or at least a get-together, ok?

 

[johnrv4]

Thanks for all the good suggestions

Thanks for the ideas... We are leaving this Saturday, and should be out there in a few days. . I have two weeks off, so we should be able to see quite a bit... Thanks PW, I'll go on the NW bombers tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Ken B]

Johnrv4,



Everyone has done a great job of covering all the good stuff..... although one of my favorites is in central Oregon, Bend! If you go to Crater Lake you can pass through Bend, OR on your way. You'll enjoy it out here. My wife is from LaCrosse, WI and we've made the trip between Seattle and LaCrosse more times than I can remember. I sure do enjoy the trip from Western SD, west to Seattle. In fact we may make the trip again in Oct.



Enjoy yourself, travel safe. -Ken

 

[Sky]

Must see:



Oregon Coast!!!!!!! If you are going to go as low as Brookings I would also highly recommend the Redwoods out side of Cresent City, CA. Be sure and hit Beach Loop drive in Bandon, Oregon. There is also a very large petting zoo there as well thats a big attraction. Oregon Dunes start north of Coos Bay you can rent ATV's for $25. 00/ hour to see the large dunes if your interested.



Crater Lake is also a must see, providing there is no smoke from the forest fires. I would call ahead if your planning a special trip to Crater lake. If its still smoking you cant see the lake. But I think its clear now.



If you do go to Bend area check out the Lava Caves I havent had a chance to go my self yet but I hear it is a must see.



Mike

 

[ddesau]

lave caves

Originally posted by Sky

Must see:



Oregon Coast!!!!!!! If you are going to go as low as Brookings I would also highly recommend the Redwoods out side of Cresent City, CA. Be sure and hit Beach Loop drive in Bandon, Oregon. There is also a very large petting zoo there as well thats a big attraction. Oregon Dunes start north of Coos Bay you can rent ATV's for $25. 00/ hour to see the large dunes if your interested.



Crater Lake is also a must see, providing there is no smoke from the forest fires. I would call ahead if your planning a special trip to Crater lake. If its still smoking you cant see the lake. But I think its clear now.



If you do go to Bend area check out the Lava Caves I havent had a chance to go my self yet but I hear it is a must see.



Mike

The Coast is very nice and ost of the crazy tourists have gone home. Crater Lake is a MUST SEE - but like he said check with them first for smoke. The lava tubes are cool - it can be 100F outisde and in the lava cave 55F. Mt Hood would be nice also a trip thru to Bend and points South.

 

[johnrv4]

Thanks for all the good suggestions

I just printed this thread out and gave it to the navigator(wife). Thanks for all the ideas. . Oo. Oo.

 

[JR2]

I think a detour to BC would be my priority... . got to see the inside of Piers Diesel Research and watch the man work on my truck... ah that would be quite a sight... .