Howdy folks, I'm looking at travelling through your fair state this summer, probably around the end of August. I'll be in Victoria BC, and needing to get back to Alberta somehow. Probably enter in either Port Angeles or Bellingham, and head north at Northport or Metaline.
I'll be towing a little trailer, and I won't be in a big hurry. But time won't permit me to dip too far south.

- Any suggestions for good camp spots?
- Any scenic roads I should aim for, or boring ones to avoid?
- and for the wife, any good shopping I should plan to spend a day at? With the way the exchange rate is going, everything is quite a bit cheaper in the USofA.

 

Bellingham is a great town, especially Fairhaven. La Conner and Anacortes are also fun to visit for the day.

The North Cascade Highway is probably the most beautiful road to travel in Washington. It is a haul, with steep inclines and lots of two-lane roads. You're basically right at sea level when you turn off I-5 and the pass peaks over 5,000 ft. But it worth the trip for sure, especially if you're not in a hurry. The views are amazing. There are a ton of places to camp on either side of the pass, including private joints and State and National Parks.

Winthrop and Twisp are fun towns to visit once you get into the Methow Valley. From there you can just keep heading East until it is time to turn North.

I like using the website RV Park Reviews :: Home to scope out possible places to stop.

Have fun!

 

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One tip I have is bring your umbrella. Gonna need it.

 

Port Angeles is cool, you can take a trip up to Hurricane Ridge, or head west on 101 and see the Hoh Rain Forest, the only temperate rain forest in North America. There's also La Push or Cape Flattery, if you want to satisfy a craving for the Pacific coastline.

As for a good camp spot, avoid Dungeness Recreation Area (Sequim) as the park ranger is a *****. He's a fun ****. The hike to Dungeness Spit is fun though. I've camped at Salt Creek (Camp Hayden), and it's a great place. There's spots for most every size RV and some tent spots IIRC. You can also hike down to the tidepools when the tide's out and look at starfish, urchins, etc. Great fun if you have kids.

Not too sure where to send you for shopping other than maybe Kitsap Mall or Tacoma Mall. If you're into outdoor/hunting supplies, there's a Cabela's in Lacey, just north of Olympia. As I'm sure you can tell, I'm not too into shopping

For a scenic drive, Hwy 101 around Lake Crescent is nice, especially since you can head toward the coast and follow 101 along the coast.

That's about all the info I have to offer, if you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

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when you're on hwy 101 east from Port Angeles,
wait till Discovery bay, and stop at Fat Smitty's for a burger


Port Townsend is a nice little tourist trap

you could do some "Ferry hopping"
and hit the PT-Keystone Ferry, drive across Deception Pass (very nice drive)
maybe go up to the islands

if you like Beer,
stop in to Valholl brewing in Poulsbo Facebook
or 7 Seas in Gig harbor Facebook


let us know when you expect to be in what town/city
depending on when you're comin' thru,
maybe we could meet up for a beer or something.

 

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I agree with Russ and Casey on that. Fat Smitty's is a must. Your heart will stop, but it's worth it.

 

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That burger looks amazing. I don't know why, it always seems that Hamburgers taste better on your side of the border.

 

If you pass through Ellensburg, have a Screamin' Jack burger at the Palace Cafe. Good stuff, just had one last night. It will be on my to-do list every time I come back.

 

If you can't go too far south, the North Cascades highway is definitely the way to go. But while you're this close, take a small detour and check out Grand Coulee Dam. See the big ol' river plug that backs up water all the way to your side of the property line.

Grand Coulee Dam Area Attractions and Information: Grand Coulee Dam WA 99133

 

Just wanted to bump this thread for reccomendations as to the best ferry to take to get to Victoria. Any thoughts on Port Angeles Vs Anacortes?
I figure my rig will be right arounf 40 feet long, which means this is going to be an expensive crossing no matter which boat I'm on.

Could always drive back to Canada and take the ferry there, but that's not really saving me much, and I think it'll be an extra hassle.

 

my son's first visit to Fat Smitty's


he looks like he's ready to take it on !!!