ROAD TRIP! Western USA

[jade]

Since the US is well represented on this forum, this might be the best place to get some traveling advice.

Let's say you had 10 days off next week and you want to go on a road trip to somewhere in the States starting in Calgary, Alberta (about 3 hours from the Montana border).

Where would you go/see? If you can throw in some must-see places and places to eat, that would be really helpful.

Rules
- Minimal marathon driving (limit to 5 hours/day)
- Avoid the Olympic Rush in Vancouver region
- Nature and hiking are a plus

Thanks in advance!

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by jade

Since the US is well represented on this forum, this might be the best place to get some traveling advice.

Let's say you had 10 days off next week and you want to go on a road trip to somewhere in the States starting in Calgary, Alberta (about 3 hours from the Montana border).

Where would you go/see? If you can throw in some must-see places and places to eat, that would be really helpful.

Rules
- Minimal marathon driving (limit to 5 hours/day)
- Avoid the Olympic Rush in Vancouver region
- Nature and hiking are a plus

Thanks in advance!

pacific coast highway,big sur.....drop down 3 to kings gate/creston,idaho,washington state,orygun,and south.....best on two wheels,but.....

[bongomania]

Maybe too close to Vancouver, but the Olympia Rainforest in WA is absolutely amazing. We stayed at Lake Quinault recently, and the hiking there was breathtaking.

[God of Rapture]

A few years ago I did from Calgary to Seattle. Then went to Canon Beach then down the coast. Went about halfway down Oregon then went inland to Crater Lake which was incredible. From there we headed back up through Oregon then to the Spokane / Coeur D'alene area.

Might be a little more driving than you want but it was so much fun.

[nortonrider]

I would suggest that you shoot for the redwoods in northern California.

[MJ5150]

You can hit the Olympic Rainforest and totally avoid the Olympic traffic.

The drive on 101 down the Oregon coast is breath taking at times.

-Mike

[Pilgrim]

Oregon coast is lovely....well worth the drive.

You might consider coming down through Montana and hitting Yellowstone, then head west through southern Idaho and see Craters of the Moon national monument - it's a bit out of the way but one of the most amazing landscapes you'll ever see.

You can continue west from there through the Columbia River gorge, pick some tourista spots like Maryhill and The Dalles, then turn south down the coast at Astoria. Don't miss the Astoria column!

This is all familiar territory - I come from the Pacific NW.

5 hours a day of driving won't get you far in the Western US. Better plan on more.

[TBird1958]

The Olympic Peninsula is well worth your drive! I end up there 2-3 times a year it's breathtaking.
This is Lake Crescent



The Pacific at Kalaloch Beach, very rugged and scenic.


Surrounded by tall trees and and rain