Forum Discussion

rbrand's avatar
rbrand
Explorer
Nov 26, 2014

Need some advice from BC Snowbirds.

For many years in January, we have taken the Coho from Victoria to Port angles and then spent a day or so in Sequim stocking up on groceries and getting ready to head to Cannon Beach and on down the coast to California. However this year we have a family holiday commitment and the Coho will be in refit when we get back.
So now we will have to take BC Ferries to Tsawwassen and cross the border at Peace Arch.

So the questions are.

1.Is there a good RV park between Blaine and Seattle where we can stock up on groceries and get ready?
2.Since we have to go through Seattle what route or time, do you suggest?
3.Same question for Portland.
Thanks in advance.
Roads and Routes
  • rbrand's avatar
    rbrand
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2014
    obgraham wrote:
    There's no easy answer at Seattle. 405 would be my choice rather than 5, but both can be a complete mess. Somewhat fewer multilane merges on 405.
    At Portland, I would choose 205 over 5.


    Thank you
  • rbrand's avatar
    rbrand
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2014
    enblethen wrote:
    When do you plan on returning?
    Coho schedule
    Aren't they going to put a replacement ferry on the route?


    The Coho just goes out of service for refit. Black Ball only has one ferry. Returning in late April is not a problem.

    The last time I went through Seattle and Portland in an RV was in 1966 on my honeymoon. I've always managed to avoid them since.
  • obgraham's avatar
    obgraham
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2014
    There's no easy answer at Seattle. 405 would be my choice rather than 5, but both can be a complete mess. Somewhat fewer multilane merges on 405.
    At Portland, I would choose 205 over 5.
  • rbrand's avatar
    rbrand
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2014
    n7bsn wrote:
    Also consider the US Ferry from Sidney.

    Bellingham RV park is close enough into town to allow you to do your shopping at the various stores in town.

    Seattle and/or Portland, after 9AM but before 3PM

    Consider turning out to the coast at Olympia and continuing down to Cannon Beach from there. Be warned that 101 from Greys Harbor down to the Columbia River is very twisty. Flat, but lots of corners.


    The last Anacortes ferry for the seasonis Dec 27th.
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2014
    Also consider the US Ferry from Sidney.

    Bellingham RV park is close enough into town to allow you to do your shopping at the various stores in town.

    Seattle and/or Portland, after 9AM but before 3PM

    Consider turning out to the coast at Olympia and continuing down to Cannon Beach from there. Be warned that 101 from Greys Harbor down to the Columbia River is very twisty. Flat, but lots of corners.

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