Rt.101

Last time we drove it from Astoria to Vancouver, no issues... Nice route.

Once you cross into WA it is mostly 2 lanes, one in each direction with pullouts for slow moving vehicles. It does have some elevation at times but nothing like a mountain pass. It is also somewhat winding as it generally follows the coastline. All this adds up to an amazingly beautiful drive. My advice is to take Highway 1 from Raymond to Westport which will get you closer to the ocean. North of Hoquim your only choice is 101. You shouldn't have any issues towing a trailer other than cars wanting to pass you. The only issue you may face is finding a campground as this route is very popular in the summer.

Where do you plan on catching 101??
Coming down from Vancouver where do you plan to catch 101, taking a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula and follow around west then south through the Coast of Washington over then down to the Astoria-Meglar bridge?
The other method would be south on I5 to Olympia then head west on HY12 to Aberdeen and Westport then south to Raymond.

Or I5 south to Longview, west on US30 to Astoria and US101 south. This is probably the fastest way to the coast. 101 in WA state, at least the parts I have driven, (north of Aberdeen to the border) is mostly inland with very few views of the ocean. Around the Olympics has some nice scenery.

Excellent route! There is no part of it that ought to be avoided our experience towing a TT. Don't expect to see much ocean anywhere. Yes, where do you plan to get onto 101?

If heading south from Vancouver, taking the ferry from Whidbey Island (turn right off I-5 at Burlington) over to Port Townsend is VERY nice and highly recommended. The 101 drive around the Olympic peninsula is a lovely drive but you won't see much ocean. Taking 101 down the east side of the Olympic peninsula is also very nice, a much shorter and direct route and you'll see Puget Sound in parts. To do the latter, head west just past Shelton. If you've got the time, I suggest taking a side-detour over to Ocean Shores for at least a part day while heading down to Astoria. Camping next to the ocean in Ocean Shores is a great experience.

Unless you are planning to visit Seattle, avoid it like the plague as traffic is pretty bad 24/7 and not fun when towing a TT.

The Astoria area is great - have fun!

Or...Gary throwing his two bits worth in..if you are not going via the Olympics...down I-5 to Olympia and hang a right. Catch the 101 just around Montisano. That'll get you to the State park at the Columbia River bar in one day.


Gary Haupt

"Camper93".....There is a must do in Astoria. In the middle of town, there is an open lot that has an old "Bow Picker" boat sitting in the center of it. Two women, inside the boat cook up fresh fish and chips, made with tuna. It's some of the best fish you'll ever eat.

Thanks everyone
We have been to Astoria a couple of years ago but took rt.30, thought we would try a different route this time.
DSDP Don, we had the fish and chips the last time we were there and can't wait to have them again.

DSDP Don wrote:
"Camper93".....There is a must do in Astoria. In the middle of town, there is an open lot that has an old "Bow Picker" boat sitting in the center of it. Two women, inside the boat cook up fresh fish and chips, made with tuna. It's some of the best fish you'll ever eat.

x2 on that


Gary Haupt

If you are coming south and want to miss traffic on I-5 and have the great trip also, come down I-5 and cut across to Whidby Island and take the Port Townsend ferry. There are some really nice places to see on the island and then you pick up 101 south of Port Townsend. The ferry is gonna run you about $70 if you are in the 40'-50' range. It actually can be a wash between going south on the 5 with mileage,time and Seattle drivers as against taking the ferry and having a nice relaxing ride. Besides, Coupeville and Port Townsend are two not to miss places.