Pacific Northwest Trip

[Steverino]

Hey Folks,

I am planning a 10 day trip to the Pacific NW with my wife in mid-September to celebrate our anniversary and to visit some extended family in Seattle. So far, our itinerary includes visits to Mt. Rainier, Leavenworth, both the Olympic National Park and Forest, Seattle, and then onwards to Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia (the last two were concessions made to the wife for dragging her around the mountain tops! No...they look like fun too)

We cashed in some airline miles for the airfare and got a great deal on the car rental. For those of you that either live around the area, know the area, or have visited these areas, are there any particular places of interest or "off the beaten path" areas in these locations that you would recommend checking out?

Thanks in advance for your replies. The pictures that I have seen looked absolutely beautiful! I know that I won't want to come back.

S

[toxic111]

For Vancouver.... most of the good stuff is on the beaten path.. Check out Stanley Park, Gas Town, and English Bay. Stay away from the east side. China town used to be good, don't know how it is now. You may want to check out the Yaletown district as well, its down by the stadiums (BC Place and General Motors Place) There are a few nice shops that your wife may be intrested in.

As for Victoria, check out the provincal museum, and the Empress Hotel. There are a few places in Victoria that are tourist traps... but I don't really know them all that well. I have a buddy that lived there for a few years, I will try to get himt o come on and say where to visit.

[Beeker]

You are planning a lot for just 10 days. Some of those are 2 day trips from Seattle. For the most part trips onto the Olympic Peninsula is a 2 day trip. Same thing for Levinworth.

But they are great places to visit.

[Steverino]

Most of the trips are two day trips Beeker with the exception of Leavenworth and Seattle which will only be one day trips respectively. I realize that we will be running (probably need a vacation by the time we come back ) but I don't know when I d get a chance to return so I'd like to see as much as possible. Thanks for the reply buddy.

[Beeker]

I think you could do Mt Rainer in one day really, (not sure where you will be staying while you are here). But if you are going to do Vancouver and Victoria you really should try and do the loop around the Oly Pen. If you don't you will miss a LOT. Realto Beach up by Forks is worth seeing. As is the rain forrest.

If I can help any let me know.

[Steverino]

Thanks for your help. We are definately planning on seeing the rain forest (I believe the only existing one in North America, from what I have read) I agree that we will be cutting Victoria and Vancouver too short on time (from what I have been reading, Butchart Gardens (sp?), the mueseum tour, and the other areas within the Harbour Area alone would take a good couple of days going at a brisk pace.

I'm picking and choosing my battles with the wife when time is up, it's up. If we can, excuse the term, get -through the other areas in good time in the beginning of our trip, we will use additional time for Victoria and Vancouver at the close of our trip. From what we have both heard and read, we would have never even been able to contemplate hitting all of these destinations had we stuck to our original plan to go during July/August.

Hopefully, going in mid-September will minimize some of the tourist crowds (especially on the ferries!)

We'll see...

[Beeker]

For Mt Rainier take the road to Paradise lodge. You can eat lunch right at the base of the Mountain. A great day trip.

For everything on the Oly Pen, take Hy 16 over the Narrows Bridge (if you're not afraid of Hights ). There is another way but not nearly as scenic. Take the turnoff to Shelton, this will put you on the West side of Hood Canal, you won't be sorry. Hope you enjoy our State.

[Steverino]

Thanks Beeker!

We are very excited and looking forward to seeing your beautiful state! I'm not familiar with your neck of the woods. What part of the state are you located?

My wife's aunt lives outside of Bellevue. We're planning on visiting with her while we're out.

[Beeker]

I live about 30 miles south of Seattle, it's part of Tacoma. Lived here all my life, over 50 years uugh.

[Steverino]

Lived here all my life, over 50 years uugh

I wouldn't feel too bad friend, from all of the pictures that I have seen (which I am sure, do not do the areas justice at all!) and travel books that I am reading, you live in an outdoor paradise of a state.

Of course, with that being said, the natural tourist ignorrance always make a new place more appealing. I am sure that the scenery does not disappoint and I will greatly desire a return trip with a fishing rod and hunting bow!

S

BTW- We are planning on staying at cabins at Jasmer's outside of Ashford near the Nisqually(sp?) Pass entrance.

[Beeker]

From there Paradise lodge is the place to go to see the Mountain.

Also for what it's worth. In Sept, the king Salmon are running in the Nisqually if you know where to go . A three day fishing lic isn't too much.