Okay, I’m finally getting around to a full recap of our seven-day road trip in the Pacific Northwest. We had a lovely time and did A LOT in the seven days. I did a lot of research before leaving and figure that having the full outline in one place may be helpful to someone. With that said, this is pretty darn long. I won’t blame you if you get bored or just want to skip it.
Yes I will.
No I won’t.
Regardless, it’s a good way to remember all the great experiences we had in a week.
The Overview
We flew into Seattle, Wash., and rented a car to drive down to the coast. We departed from San Francisco, Calif., seven days later.
A few overall tips and thoughts if you plan to make the same or a similar trip:
- One-way car rentals can be EXPENSIVE. I waited too long to book and we took a hit because the prices went up even more. Book early, if you can.
- Plan, plan, plan. Road trips really do take some planning. I made a basic schedule and booked all our hotels with points in advance. Book early in the summer. August is the busy time for this entire area. You certainly don’t have to book all rooms ahead, but I found it helpful to know where we needed to be that night. And using all points kept our budget in check. For all nights, we spent a total of $40 and $72 in parking. That’s not too shabby.
- Don’t overplan. We had lots of things we wanted to see and do, but we also were open to changes in plans. We took in our surroundings and pulled over for attractions, viewpoints and restaurants when we were interested. And if something on our list didn’t sound great on the day of, we skipped it. A little flexibility is key on road trips.
- Use electronic resources. I found Yelp to be very helpful for finding restaurants. We had great luck by checking out reviews. And I put all my notes and directions on Dropbox so I could access it quickly from my phone.
So, with that out of the way, here’s the overview of our first three days in Washington state!
Day One – Seattle
We arrived in Seattle early in the afternoon, after a nail-biting flight change at O’Hare. Remember that scene in Home Alone when the family was running through the airport? That was Ryan and I, with all our luggage. We had two terminals to cover and it was already final boarding when our flight landed. Thank goodness they held the flight for us. We ran on and they closed the plane door behind us.
Whew!
But, once in Seattle, it was a simple experience to get our car rental (Ryan’s a Gold Club member so we just got to go into the garage and take off. No lines. No wait.) Then, it was off to lunch.
We just decided to pick something from Yelp on the way out, and chose The Shanty Cafe. It is nothing fancy and has the feel of an old-time diner. In other words, just Ryan’s style. The food was quick, yummy and inexpensive. With our tummies full, we decided to check out the EMP museum.
EMP (Experience Music Project) – This was $18/person plus $12 parking, which we both thought was really pricey. Ryan’s a big Hendrix fan, which is why we wanted to stop in and see his exhibit. It had some history about Jimi and some of his clothing and guitars.
But it was incredibly small, and little of the rest of the museum appealed to us. (It also had Sci-Fi exhibits, and we aren’t really Sci-Fi folks.) For that reason, we felt a little underwhelmed. It’s a well-designed and maintained space, and perhaps others would like it (there were also exhibits on Nirvana, Avatar, Battlestar Gallactica…). But, it really wasn’t the best way to begin the trip
After the museum, we walked around the Seattle Center and saw the Space Needle. We didn’t go up, because there was at least a 2 hour wait and it was another $18/person. We couldn’t stand to have another disappointment and neither of us were in the mood for long lines. We didn’t go to Disney World for a reason.
Since it was still early at this point and Ryan and I both wanted to see the Puget Sound, so we ended up at Richmond Beach, a Seattle city park with great views of the Sound. It was packed on a Saturday night, but we eventually found a parking spot and hung out in the sand for a while.
After beaching, we drove around a some of the neighborhoods, where I oohed and ahhed over the Craftsman-style homes.
The homes in Seattle have tons of charm and character, and certainly aren’t McMansions. I loved them.
And the views weren’t so shabby either.
We ended up eating at The Wing Dome for supper in Greenwood. It was a really cute area of town and the food was good. Plus we got to eat outside. Not a very adventurous day for eating, but it worked for us.
At the end of the day, our hotel upgraded us to a suite, so that was a pleasant surprise. We ended up crashing relatively early after a nice first day in Seattle.
Day Two – Seattle
On the second day in Seattle, we started out the day early by heading downtown. We parked in a central location (and the parking was FREE on Sunday) and walked all over Seattle. I think walking is the way to go to see the city.
We first walked down to the waterfront and strolled through several of the piers (including Pier 54).
It was around 8 or 8:30, so it was still pretty calm. And it was cold. Felt like autumn, which was a refreshing change from the 110 degree heat we’ve been having in the Midwest.
Next, we hit Pike Place Market. We really lucked out and got there right as the vendors were setting up. It wasn’t yet crowded and we got to walk around in peace.
We didn’t want to solely eat at restaurants, so we picked up sourdough bread, cheese curds from Beecher’s and some fresh fruit and corn.
And of course we saw the fish throwing.
As we were finishing up, the market was definitely picking up. It is such a fun place, but I’m happy we got to see it before it got super busy.
After Pike Place, we walked around the city, walking up to some more stores, the Art Museum and the Columbia Center. We got a workout on the hills.
We had planned to check out the Columbia Center Observation Deck for $5 since we were avoiding the Space Needle crowds, but it was closed Sunday.
So, we headed back down to Pioneer Square and paid $15 for the two of us to go to the top of the Smith Tower Observation Deck. The observation deck is really pretty and it’s open air so it’s a neat way to see the city. You can actually spot the Space Needle from the building, along with lots of other views.
The building itself is also stunning, and it’s fun to ride the old-fashioned elevator.
The Pioneer Square area is really cool. Lots of historic buildings. And some of the trees had knitted warmers, which I thought was the cutest thing ever.
After the tower, we quickly walked through the Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park. It’s in Pioneer Square and it’s free. The museum was actually pretty cool and had a really well put-together exhibits. It follows four real people through the Gold Rush. I learned a lot. Who knew that Seattle was kind of the hub to purchase supplies for the Alaskan gold rush? Not me.
For lunch, we had the chance to meet up with Keri from The Ronk’s and her sister Kimberly at Ristorante Picolinos. Keri and her family are just as lovely, sweet and kind as they appear on the blog. It was fun to meet up with another blog friend on the trip. (Let’s just pretend that I don’t look like a giant in this photo, okay?)
After lunch, Ryan headed to a few different parks recommended by Kimberly and Keri. It’s like having your own tour guides.
But before that, we had to stop at this crazy yogurt place Kimbe recommended – Menchie’s. You pay by the ounce and add whatever you like to it. It was kinda different, but fun. I learned that I have no will power and put a little of everything on mine. Not my best idea, for future reference.
Golden Gardens was a lovely park. I just have to say that I was really impressed with the state of the city parks. Just lovely places and well-maintained. Way to go, Seattle.
Golden Gardens had tons of beach volleyball players and it was more of a “beach” beach. People were swimming, but you wouldn’t have caught me dead in that freezing water. 😉
Then, we headed to Kerry Park. The city view from this location is truly magical. And it feels kind of private, which is neat. You can see the entire skyline and the Space Needle. Just like a postcard.
After all that excitement, we headed back to the hotel. What a fun day! But we were totally beat and the next day was our first big driving day.
Day Three – Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Rainier
First thing in the morning, we checked out of our Seattle-area hotel and started our drive. First, we hit Snoqualmie Falls. When I got out of the car, I couldn’t believe it was raining. Ryan quickly reminded me that we were at a waterfall. Duh.
It was a lovely view. The deck was open, but the hiking paths had closed for some work.
But, it was still a neat stop and worth the time.
After the falls, we swung by the Northwest Railway Museum, which is right outside the area of the park. It wasn’t open, but the Depot was really pretty and it was neat to check out all the trains.
Our next stop was Mount Rainier National Park. This was not on our original plan, but there were so many people on the blog that told us we must see it that we changed plans. There are three things that are important to know about Mount Rainier.
- It is gorgeous.
- This park is HUGE.
- It doesn’t have any cell reception.
I thought we could swing in and swing out, but that wasn’t the case. It took a while to even get all the way into the park to the Visitor’s Center.
Then, we got out and walked around, checking everything out. It was kind of neat to see all the snow still on the ground. And fun to explore.
You could stay at Mt. Rainier for days and not see it all. It’s truly a breath-taking place.
When all was said and done, it was too late to see Mt. St. Helen’s (which was in our original plan) and still keep our sanity. So we packed up and headed to Portland, Ore., where we were staying the night.
Over the course of the day, we drove more than 300 miles. But we stopped a lot so it didn’t seem like quite that much. Lots of beautiful scenery on the way, and much more to come.
Are any of you still there? No…. well, I understand. That was a lot to take in. But lots of pretties, right?
I’m going to try to cover the Oregon leg of our trip tomorrow. See you then!
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*claire* says
it all looks so gorgeous! i loved visiting seattle. those views are amazing – i really liked the one of the sound from the tower and of course, the falls and ranier ones 🙂 ok, ok, i liked all of them!
by the way – you have a lovely travelling wardrobe! you look adorable in every photo!
lyndsay @ Mr and Mrs says
i am LOVING these recaps. Did you try the mac&cheese at beecher’s? I think that’s my #1 food item on my list :).
we hadn’t planned on stopping at Mt. Rainier either, but seeing your pics, i just mapped it out and i think we can drive right through it!
SOOO excited :)!
Anonymous says
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Stephanie @ A Steph-Made Life says
Beautiful pictures! I especially love the houses and the flowers. Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
You guys got seriously lucky with the weather while you were here! We’ve had no summer this year :[
I’ve also had a moment like you did in the airport.. in Chicago as well haha. Not fun to say the least!
Katie Newcomb says
Looks so fun, your pics of Mt. Rainier are beautiful. Can’t wait to hear your recap of Oregon!
Kiersten says
Ahhh, you’re making me homesick! I moved to Austin from Seattle two years ago, but used to live literally just blocks from Kerry Park. I miss my jog around the top of Queen Anne that ended at Kerry Park with that fabulous view of the city and sound as my reward. I’m originally from Portland, so I can’t wait to see your pics from that leg of the trip!
Breen says
Love Seattle! Can’t wait to see what you post about Oregon. My bestie lives there and I haven’t been to visit her there since she moved. So I’ll definitely be taking notes 🙂
Amanda Sevall says
Gorgeous pictures Kim!! I looks like you had a lot of fun in Washington – I’m so glad you took the time to write it all down and share so many pics. I’ve been wanting to go to Seattle for a while now!! 🙂 I can’t wait to see the next post and to hear what you saw & did in my favorite city SF!! 🙂
Megg says
Not only do I live there, and absolutely love everything you talked about, but I literally live down the road from Shoshone Falls! (This is embarrassing to admit, but I’d have loved to meet you, haha!)
I’m happy to hear you say that you loved the houses out here (though we do have our fair share of Mckmansions…we have a friend who just moved into one, actually). I grew up on the East coast where it’s typical to see houses built around the early 1900s or even later, so these “newer” houses aren’t nearly as exciting to me. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the city! Good call on not going up the Space Needle. It’s nice but definitely not worth the money.
Katie says
Thanks for sharing…I’m going to Seattle in March so it’s great to see this play by play of a visit.
Emily says
Beautiful pics- it’s fun to see y’all in my home state!! You made me homesick- I live in Georgia now but lived 27 years in Washington (Olympia/Bellingham) before leaving. You lucked out on the weather- summer is a lovely time in the Pacific Northwest 🙂 Can’t wait to see where you went on the rest of your trip!!
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
I love Washington state. I have some family there and everytime I visit and it’s not raining or humid, I decide I want to live there for the rest of my life. Especially when I visit my Uncle Pete who lives right on the Puget Sound and has this gorgeous view of the Olympic Mountain Range and Mt. Ranier. It’s all so, so, so pretty. Then I remember that most of my family lives in VA and sadly decide to return home. *sigh*
I’m glad you guys had fun! Can’t wait to see Oregon!
(And of course BACIPP is a technical term. Duh!)
Farming Mama says
Great pictures, and definitely some new places I’ll have to visit next time we are across in Seattle 🙂 I love the fish throwing at the market, super fun, isn’t it! Rainier is pretty great although I’ve never been myself. Looking forward to Oregon tomorrow!
katy
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
Your photos are so gorgeous!! I’ve only been to Seattle once but it was awesome – I’d love to do the whole Pacific Northwest like you guys!
Melinda says
Fabulous! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
The state park was just stunning! I can’t get over how green and lush everything is. What a fun opportunity for you all to be able to share together. 🙂
Allie says
Great pics, Kim!
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
Oh man. Love it. It’s like a walk down memory lane for me! You got some incredible pictures, too. I’m so glad you stopped at Mt. Ranier…and really glad you actually got to see the mountain!
Can’t wait to hear about Oregon!
Lynne (your old roomie :)) says
I LOVE Washington state. I believe we were up there around the same time. Rob and I were only able to stay a couple of days. It is somewhere we are seriously considering moving to.
Did you check out Portland?
Heather says
I am loving going on this road trip with you guys. Looks like so much fun.
Jordan@the2seasons says
Amazing pictures! This makes me want to go back to Washington State. I biked across the country when I was in College and we ended our trip at the space needle in Seattle. Seeing the last picture of the road makes me to get on a bike and do it all again. I can’t wait to see more pictures. It is like I am getting a mini vacation without going anywhere.