Hey guys, been away from the forums for a while... We're looking at heading up to the Olympia Peninsula for a month.
I-10 to I-5 is the most logical routing, but with fuel prices where they are, the notion of driving half the trip via California has me looking for alternatives.
One is to do a TUS-PHX-LAS-SLC-BOI-SEA all on interstate (save the PHX-LAS section)
Another is to do TUS-PHX-LAS and then up the middle of NV on US-93/NV-318/US-93
Since there are dozens of others I haven't considered, I thought I'd turn it loose here for some of y'all to offer your suggestions...
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Nevada 93 or 95 are the best routes--both smooth, low-traffic two-lanes. I personally prefer 93 (although it's a little higher in elevation than 95 and more apt to have snow in April). Catch I-84 in ID which, in Oregon, becomes one of the nicest, smoothest and most scenic freeways in the West. Also, NV and ID have some of the best fuel prices around.
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mockturtle wrote: Catch I-84 in ID which, in Oregon, becomes one of the nicest, smoothest and most scenic freeways in the West. Also, NV and ID have some of the best fuel prices around.
Here's my choice.... TUS-PHX-LAS-SLC-I-84..
As mockturtle says, I-84 is very good and you'll certainly enjoy traveling along the Colombia River.
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My advice, for a scenic and much less traveled alternative to I-15, is to come up through the middle of Nevada. Fill up your tank in Las Vegas and get off of I-15 Northbound at Exit 64 to catch U.S. 93 North, then Nevada 318, to U.S. 6. Pass through Ely, continuing North on U.S. 93 through Wells and Jackpot into Idaho. If you must, fill up in Twin Falls if necessary, but you will find better prices in Boise. Get on I-84 to Boise. There's a Flying J on Federal Way (Exit 54) that's an easy off/easy on.
Take your time going through the Columbia River Gorge on I-84 to Portland. Definitely take the old, original Scenic Road at around (I'm not too sure on this one) Exit 35. Parts of this scenic road are narrow but it will be well worth it. Points of interest are the Vista House lookout and numerous spectacular waterfalls.
Past Portland, continue to Astoria on U.S. 26, then head North on U.S. 101. Veer West at Hoquiam to head North along the coast through Moclips. An excellent side trip would be to go to Neah Bay on the Makah Indian Reservation. There's a lighthouse on a tiny island there that takes a hell of a beating. Scenic!
Then you can take the Black Ball Ferry to Victoria, BC, and that's a whole new adventure! Just to be sure in case you decide to go there, don't forget your Passports.
A whole month, huh? I'm envious. I absolutely LOVE this trip! Have fun and be safe.
Many folks says that taking U.S. 101 going North to South from WA through OR makes it far easier for an RV to pull over at the scenic vistas, etc than going North on 101 (although from Queets to Hoquiam it is inland).
If the OP likes that then they can take I-84 to Portland, then I-5 north to Olympia Exit 104 (101 North), then up the west side of the Sound, across the top, 101 South down the coast then to Aberdeen, in Aberdeen take 105 to Raymond, then back on 101 South to Astoria, OR
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Thanks all. Looks like NV/ID it will be. Wish it were a month of fun & sightseeing for me -- my wife & kids are spending part of their summer break up there. I'll still be working, albeit from the table in the Winnebago instead of my office at the house...
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