We've been loosely planning our next (and probably last) big adventure. The loose plan is leave Cape Cod Aug 1 and head west to Puget Sound mostly on US2, then south on I-5 and east on I-84 along the Columbia River, south on I-15 through Utah to the north rim, then east along I-40 to ABQ, north on I-25 to pick up US50, stop in KC to visit the DD and back home by the third week in Oct for my 50th high school reunion.I have a few "have-tos" on the trip; the Air Force Museum at Wright-Pat, Mackinac Bridge, Talesin in Wisconsin, Glacier NP, Grand Coulee Dam, the Grand Canyon.I know people here have been everywhere and this will be our first trip west where I'm not trying to make time. Anything I need to add to the list?

Definitely do the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfiend Village. Worth every second of your time. Also Custer Battlefield in Montana. If you have never been west, MtStHelens and the Oregon Coast should be on your bucket list. Along with Dry Falls not too far from Grand Coulee dam.

Agree with Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, and while you're on the U.P. (upper peninsula) visit the Whitefish Bay shipwreck museum. Both fascinating. Allow a full day for the Henry Ford. Also agree on Glacier. I highly recommend the full day "red bus" tour. If you haven't been to Yellowstone, definitely go (on your way back probably best)- I'd advise advance reservations, which may be found a little easier outside the park. (West side the best.) The Columbia River gorge along I-84 in Oregon for sure, and through Idaho, follow US 20 instead of I-84 east of Boise for a little bit different scenery; stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument - a nifty and very unique "little" park. They have a dry CG there in the park and there's a decent KOA about 20 miles east of there in Arco that makes a good homebase for Craters. (Unique little town on its own too.) Along I-15 in Utah take a detour to visit Bryce and Zion NPs. Sounds like a fantastic trip! Enjoy & safe travels!

Your last big adventure? Uh oh -- I hope that does not mean you will no longer be our moderator!!If you hike, the whole North Cascades area (Highway 2 and 20) is wonderful. If you are not a serious hiker, there are some great and easy pathways at the end of the Mt. Baker highway (542), at Artist Point. For example, this is a shot of Mt. Shuksan taken right from the road -- the lake is named "Picture Lake," for some odd reason: Click For Full-Size Image.And yes, those are glaciers tumbling off the cliffs on the mountainside.Be aware that late August and all through September is prime berry season -- not only blackberries but also huckleberries and wild mountain blueberries. Just be careful not to eat too many at one sitting. Please do not ask how I learned this.

donn0128 wrote:Definitely do the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfiend Village. Worth every second of your time. Also Custer Battlefield in Montana. If you have never been west, MtStHelens and the Oregon Coast should be on your bucket list. Along with Dry Falls not too far from Grand Coulee dam.Greenfield Village really takes 2 days. Glad we live close enough to get there in about 45 minutes. Parking a MH there might be an issue. I've never seen any MH's on the lot when we go. My wife and I are members of the Society.

profdant139 wrote:Your last big adventure? Uh oh -- I hope that does not mean you will no longer be our moderator!!No. I mean we'll probably switch to shorter trips over the summer and maybe a few winter weeks in the FL panhandle. But who knows? We made a few changes in our camping lifestyle and they may make things easier than it was on our first big adventure.Don - I have been west before and I agree the coast is great.Karen - Craters of the Moon is on the list. I spent time in Idaho Falls while I was in the Navy was planning on revisiting the area.Daryl - towing an Equinox this time so parking won't be a big issue. The DW has been to the Ford Museum. I will plan a day there. Thanks.

Starting to Get Serious | Good Sam Community

gbopp
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
You're not in a hurry so, get off the Interstate and travel the side roads as much as possible.
That's the best way see America.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
jplante4 wrote:
Tom/Barb wrote:
When transiting from Highway 2, to I-5 do this, leave 2 at Wilber and go to Grand Cooley then Omak, Okanogan, and catch highway 20 to I-5. That will be the prettiest part of your trip.

Wow! I looked at this route. It's north of most of the Seattle metro area which is appealing to me and if the scenery is anything like what Dan posted, I'm in. A couple of questions on this route;

1. Is the way through the mountains twisty and scary? The DW is very nervous on this type of road.

2. Is it feasible to stay on Rt 20 through Oak Harbor and take the ferry to Port Townesend in a 35 foot motorhome? I could pick up 101 and miss Seattle altogether.

We do highway 20 over the route with our 40' Newmar, It is good road all the way. but it is a mountain 2 lane road, slow down take your time, it is a beautiful drive.
Yes, you can stay on 20 all the way to Port Townsend and the Olympic Penn. and then 101 south along the coast. That also is a beautiful drive.
We usually plan a full day Spokane to Oak Harbor (home) you'll want to plan more because of stopping to take pictures.
There is a short twisty up hill climb and a long easy let down between Okanogan and Twisp, That's Loup-Loup pass (4000') an easy do.
The long pull up hill starts just west of Mazama, to the top of Mt.Washington Pass (5400) Then it all down hill to Newhalem.
ppine
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
Depends on what you like.
Make your own trip.
I would add Yellowstone and wing it.
Once you get to the West avoid interstates and truck routes.
You can't see it all. You can't even see all the really good places. So relax the pressure is off. When in doubt take a day off and hang out.
mockturtle
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
1. Highway 20 through the North Cascades area is twisty but not scary. Highway 2 is less twisty but I prefer 20.

2. Yes. It'll be expensive and you might have a long wait but, IMO, worth it. If you take 101 west around the peninsula you can avoid the Olympia area by taking 12 to I-5. Highway 101 along the Strait is very pretty.
profdant139
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
Thanks, ACZL! But in the Cascades, it is hard to take anything but good pictures. Jerry and Jeanne, I sure hope you get to spend some time in those mountains!
jplante4
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
Ed C wrote:
When you do Glacier you are less than a days drive from YELLOWSTONE, the greatest national park of all!!!!!
You can save The Henry Ford and the Air Force Museum for your later trips they are only 2 or 3 days from the Cape.

Everything I've heard and read about Yellowstone is that it's crowded. I've already seen it (albeit nearly 50 years ago) and we're trying to get away from the summer crowds (being form the Cape yourself, I know you get that).
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
we avoid the big 5 national parks between May 30 to October 1, they are over crowded, over priced, and dirty.
We find during that time we go to smaller state and national forests, boon-docking, and out of the way smaller state parks.
mockturtle
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
IMHO, Yellowstone is overrated. Glacier is far more worthwhile.
DouglasC
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
mockturtle wrote:
1. Highway 20 through the North Cascades area is twisty but not scary. Highway 2 is less twisty but I prefer 20.

2. Yes. It'll be expensive and you might have a long wait but, IMO, worth it. If you take 101 west around the peninsula you can avoid the Olympia area by taking 12 to I-5. Highway 101 along the Strait is very pretty.

X2 on both points! Consider taking Hwy 101 from the Hood Canal all the way around the Olympic Peninsula and plan to spend time in the Olympic National Park. Several sections to see including Hurricane Ridge (more glaciers to see there then in Glacier NP!), Sol Duc hot springs and the Hoh Rain forest on the Pacific side of the park. I believe that the Hoh Rain forest is the only rain forest in the entire U.S. - very unusual - - not to be missed.
troubledwaters
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2018
If you're going throuh the UP you should do the pictured rocks boat tour.

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