redwingfans..when I say food, I am thinking of all of the funky joints and fresh things to buy, cook and eat. I don't eat at the chains places, not ever. You can find fresh oysters and crabs all over the place. I have a fave memory, Going south out of Florence, just before the bridge, driving by a bar at 9am, it's got a sandwich board sign...oysters on the 1/2 shell..and it's open. In I go...I don't care...1/2 dozen oysters and a good beer, is good anytime! Port Orchard has a great food place down on the pier. But really...there are so many.
The best suggestion I can make is to just cruise around and take every side road you can find, thru towns.
Washington, as has been mentioned, Ilwaco is the town closest to Cape Disappointment. As you drive into and thru town, a stop light with signs to the park. Ignore that...go left right at the corner. Follow the road. Cut about 5/7 miles off the run to the Park. Disappointment is a pretty neat spot with the Jetty running out a long ways and the beach for combing. If you are wanting the best spot ever...reserve or claim 167 (167 first) or 168. There is a path right at the campsite that is maybe 20 paces to the beach. You get the sounds..the wind...and not to far to drag back your finds. These are both tent/primitive sites. No power. Shower just down the paved road tho.
When you head north up the Washington coast..it's..uhmmm...ahem, not 'wonderful' on the southern portion. Carry on up to Aberdeen and follow the signs for 101 northbound. Over the bridge and looking for #109, Hoquiam. Carry on up to Pacific Beach St park. You will need to make a reservation. It's the only Wa park on ON the beach. It is parking lot camping, for the most part but geeez, it is so fabulous.
You have to back track..to 101 and head north for the Olympic Peninsula. If you are going to do this, do it right and hang a left at 112, just before Port Angeles. I mean, ya gotta go to the most northwestern point in the Continental US, Cape Flattery. Most people don't go.
After all of this, you'll drive over to Port Townsend. Two great campgrounds..one at Fort Worden and the other across the ferry you'll be taking anyway, and if you are lucky, a waterfront spot at Fort Casey. If you do this, as you leave the ferry, you'll see direction for Oak Harbour to the right...don't do that. Turn left. That's where the cg ground access is, but if not staying there, just carry on. Cuts about 30 miles off the drive up to the highway at Coupeville. Then left and off we go again. That is now Wa #20. That will take you over the North cascades Highway. More awesomeness.
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I had forgotten a place...going up 101 towards Aberdeen, you will be passing thru South Bend, If you like fresh oysters..right across the street from the Museum, a nameless wooden faced bar on the river side? Fresh on the 1/2 shell and good Oregon beers.
Yes..you may have noted, that many of my fave things revolve around food and drink. Not excessively, for either, but, I do enjoy my opportunities.
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Gary Haupt
