West Coast and PCH

[Mnwild]

We have been trying to check this one off our bucket list for the last couple of years. We are planning to leave the end of Aug. from Minnesota heading for Northern Washington working our way south to northern California visiting as many National Parks as possible. Seems like there is always some kind of wheather related disaster going on out there.Is this a bad idea with all the fires going on. Also any recommendations on must sees from those who have done this. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[2gypsies1]

Just go. Don't give up your trip for 'what ifs'. There are always options.

[MaverickBBD]

Road closures due to fire are like those due to weather (almost). Check the day ahead for your route. Inquire about conditions whenever you get a chance. Use state DOT phone #'s and you will be fine.

Stay on Hwy 2 until past Spokane. Then pick up Hwy 20 to come across Cascades then down Whidbey Isl. until Pt. Townsend ferry. Then down either side of the peninsula Hood Canal or O.N.P. side. Pick up Hwy 101 and you are set to go down the coast.

[enblethen]

Yes, US 2 would be a good alternate and so is US 12.
US 2 in WA passes through Leavenworth(Bavarian motif) and a slight variation would take you by Grand Coulee Dam. Your time frame may miss laser show on dam, though.

[realladyat57]

I would take US 2 all the way across. We did it a few years ago from Michigan to Glacier NP. It's a pretty drive and a lot more relaxing than the Interstates.

[Mnwild]

Thanks for the replys and please keep them coming. We will probably take 90 at least till Washington and someone recommended 2 after that.

[enblethen]

Around here you cannot depend on any website or news station to keep up with road and highway closures.

[slickrock_steve]

Use the site; inciweb to find info about fires, and highway closures.

[the_bear_II]

In most cases you are only an hour or two away from an alternate route in case some disaster or weather issue blocks your route.

If Hwy 101 is blocked you backtrack and head east to I-5.

It's an adventure enjoy the scenery. We once were stopped for 5 hours while a landslide was being cleared off of Hwy 1 in northern California. We made a lunch and sat under a shade tree and watch the bulldozers work. Other folks joined in and we ended up with a social event.

[Big_Katuna]

North to south is the way to go so you are closet to the ocean.

We thought we would get up early, hit the road and stop all day and find a CG early. Well depending on weather, the fog often doesnt lift until noon, so early starts didnt happen. We learned to sleep in and enjoy the day.

Take your time. There is so much to see and do. Stay 2-3 nights or more when you find an area you like.

You might want to consider a motel, hotel or B&B in some areas where there are no CGs with a view.

[enblethen]

I would suggest starting around Olympia, WA and follow US 101 along the Hood Canal around the north end of Olympic Pennisula. You may want to stop in Port Angeles and take the Black Ball ferry on a day or over night trip to Victoria, BC (passport required).
Anotherr side trip is to Neah Bay and Tatoosh head which is farthest west location in continental US.
There is several rain forest on the peninsula. We like the Hoh Rain Forest.
Kalaloch Natl. Park Campground is a good place to stay.
After crossing into Oregon, Ft. Stevens State park is an interesting visit. It was shelled during WW II.
Take your time and enjoy the trip. It may get a little damp. Fires should not be an issue on the west side of the Cascades.
What route are you taking to come west?