Washington Vacation Ideas

[StealthRabbit]

If you like Mtns, then be sure and spend some time in Olympics, and also the North Cascades Highway. Do an overnight in Leavenworth or, cheaper in Wenatchee or Cashmere (You can drive / bus to Leavenworth (certainly worth a day or afternoon). Chelan, Stehekin ferry? Lady of the Lake, Lake Chelan

[Landy]

I'm considering speding a night/day in Leavenworth, then taking a river raft trip on the Wenatchee River. We go river rafting every summer in Colorado, so this would be enjoyable. I also like the boat trip on Lake Chelan.

Also, I'm still unclear on the San Juan Islands kayaking activities. Apparently, there are more than just one island that offers kayaking tours. Which island would you recommend and why? If we're staying in Seattle, can I drive to the Anacortes ferry terminal, walk on, and get to the selected island for the kayaking trip all in the am? Would I want to stay overnight on one of the islands?

Lastly, I still don't have a feel for the time needed to see some of the Olympic Pennisula. I'd like to visit the Hoh Rainforest, some beaches with tidepools, etc., Hurricane Ridge. What else is a must see? What towns might I spend a night in?

Thanks!

[JasR30]

When in that area I would spend the night in Port Townsend. It is a beautiful 19th century town in the north east corner of the Olympic Peninsula. It is one of my favorite small towns in Washington.

[StealthRabbit]

An alternative to conventional lodging near Port Townsend

Accommodations at Fort Worden State Park

other fun lodging options... fire lookout towers

Region 6 - Recreation

[Jalhop]

It's possible to get a San Juan island and back in one long day. Check the ferry schedule and get to the dock an hour early.

Olympic NP is a two day event. You could stay in Port Angeles after seeing Hurricane Ridge. Sol Doc Hot Springs is not a must see but there is a nice waterfall there, a short walk from the parking lot. The springs pools are nice too. The other thing to see, but not a must see, is the Quinault Lodge area. That's about it. The interior of Olympic NP is wilderness.

[rantiquity]

Originally Posted by Jalhop

It's possible to get a San Juan island and back in one long day. Check the ferry schedule and get to the dock an hour early.

Olympic NP is a two day event. You could stay in Port Angeles after seeing Hurricane Ridge. Sol Doc Hot Springs is not a must see but there is a nice waterfall there, a short walk from the parking lot. The springs pools are nice too. The other thing to see, but not a must see, is the Quinault Lodge area. That's about it. The interior of Olympic NP is wilderness.

Interesting but you overlook such places as Cape Flattery which is the most Northwest point in the Continental US. Hoh rainforest, Crescent Lake and Marymere falls, Salt Creek tidal pools, Dungeness spit and lighthouse trail, Olympic Game farm just outside of Sequim which in July has one of the biggest festivals in Washington called the Sequim Lavender Festival, Ocean Shores area, Hoodsport and Lake Cushman area, just to name a few. Driving around the Peninsula on highway 101 most of the above can be seen with with little or no effort.