Me and some friends, have decided to go on a road trip this summer. We've decided to go on the West Coast (Cali, Oreg., & Wash.) starting in southern Cali, ending in Seattle or Northern Washington's whereabouts. We are coming all the way from Southern Indiana, we are jsut curious as to for the road trip places to stop, things to see, and activities to do. any input will be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind we have a 1 week, 1 1/2 week TOPS to do this.
Thanks.
Reply to this Nick, the 101 is a great road, at its best between Big Sur and the Oregon/California border. I would not bother to drive South of Big Sur, for the matter, and start there. Really great places to camp along the N california coast. Washington is a bit tricky, because the 101 stays W of the Olimpics (great place), so it's a choice betwen the olimpics and the volcanoes (Raineer and Hood). After so much see I'd rather stay inland.
Overall the 101 is one of the best you can chose. You can budget 5 days from Big Sur to Seattle, then stay around northern washington. After all, there are not so many places to stop at... just drive and enjoy.
Not to miss in Oregon: Full Sail Beer
If you give up San Diego and Lo Angeles, you can put in Vancouver. Now, THAT is a place to spend some nights in...
Fair winds
M
Reply to this Make sure you stop in Mendocino, California, especially if that'll be some place in the middle of your trip. That whole region is not only gorgeous, but it's so laid back it'll give you a break from the drive (even though the drive is a reason to go in itself as swancadeau as said). I'll also second spending the majority of your time from Big Sur and northwards. Keep in mind though that even though you'll be in California, next to the coast can get chilly, even in the summer. San Fran can be in the upper 50s as a high on a typical August day when the fog rolls in from off the ocean; however, inland will be much, much warmer.
Reply to this North of San Francisco is Humboldt Redwood State Park and Avenue of the Giants (road)-- the most beautiful and some of the tallest redwood
trees are here--don't miss this area! Continuing on north, you will drive through other areas of redwoods and the Redwood National Park.
If time permits, go to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. If you are not familiar with this park, go to www.googles.com and click on Images
and put Crater Lake in the search - look at this most beautiful place!
Hope you have a great trip!
Reply to this The drive up I-5 is great - lots of geographic diversity. The stops become sparse at some points, but having made the drive in under a day before (not recommended unless you really want to spend most of your time on one end or the other), you should have no trouble. Activities really depend on what you like to do. There should be plenty of good shows (concerts) in Seattle, maybe even Portland, which is just a couple hours south of Seattle. (Check out the KEXP website if you're into the Indie scene.) Camping options are plentiful throughout the Pacific Northwest. When you finally do get into Seattle, have a drink at Ballard Bait and Tackle - you can sit out on the dock, listen to live jazz and watch the tug boats pull in and out of the locks. (Just ask a local how to get to Golden Gardens Park, go to the park to watch the sunset, and on your way back, stop at the Bait and Tackle which will be on your right somewhere before you get to the Ballard Boat Locks.)
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