Forum Discussion
paulj
May 17, 2014Explorer II
Several years ago I worked my way north through Banff to Jasper. For the return I debated backtracking to Lake Louise, and taking 1 west. That certainly is scenic, and well worth it, especially if it is your 1st time.
But I ended up going w to Mt Robson (nice camping, and maybe views of the Mtn), then south on 5. Nice lunch stop and hike among sand dunes not too far south on 5. Then Wells Gray. It is paved to the main waterfalls (and 1st campground), then gravel to the lake.
After Kamloops I took 5A south to 3 (less busy than 5), and then 3 west to Hope.
3 east, Princeton to Osoyoos, would be a good alternative to 97 through the Vernon and Kelowna. That part of 97 is too busy for my taste (vacation and orchard country).
If coming from Keremeos, the Nighthawk border crossing is an interesting choice. It's one of the smallest and most remote border crossings.
US97 through Washington mostly follows rivers, but also has a couple of mountain passes (ridges extending east from the Cascades). Some use WA17 to bypass those. But keep in mind that the Columbia River is the low point in this area, so there will be drops/climbs as highways cross it.
But I ended up going w to Mt Robson (nice camping, and maybe views of the Mtn), then south on 5. Nice lunch stop and hike among sand dunes not too far south on 5. Then Wells Gray. It is paved to the main waterfalls (and 1st campground), then gravel to the lake.
After Kamloops I took 5A south to 3 (less busy than 5), and then 3 west to Hope.
3 east, Princeton to Osoyoos, would be a good alternative to 97 through the Vernon and Kelowna. That part of 97 is too busy for my taste (vacation and orchard country).
If coming from Keremeos, the Nighthawk border crossing is an interesting choice. It's one of the smallest and most remote border crossings.
US97 through Washington mostly follows rivers, but also has a couple of mountain passes (ridges extending east from the Cascades). Some use WA17 to bypass those. But keep in mind that the Columbia River is the low point in this area, so there will be drops/climbs as highways cross it.
About Bucket List Trips
13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025