Land of Awe: Mt. Rainier, WA

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the fifth highest mountain in the continental 48 states. Its a beautiful 2Hr drive from Seattle. Mount Rainier National Park is a gorgeous place. Any traveler can enjoy the mountain's grandeur without having to be an experienced mountain climber. The visitor's centers offer amazing views from the comfort of a heated building. On your way to Paradise Inn, be sure to stop by various waterfalls and have pictures. However, be prepared for snow and view-obstructing clouds to move in at any moment. The clouds moved in quickly while leaving the park, making for about 15-minutes worth of white-knuckle driving on the Chinook Scenic Byway. Be sure to check the weather before you go.

Oregon Scenic Views - 101

If you plan to travel through Oregon and have the time to take the scenic route through the state along Highway 101, you won't be disappointed. It takes around 4hrs drive to reach the ocean shore from Seattle. The views and interesting day trips are many and varied. 45 miles north of the border is the Rogue River. 3 miles south of Florence you'll come to a lot of sand dunes and Honeyman Park. It is the second largest state park campground in the state. There are two miles of sand dunes between the park and the ocean.You can take a dune buggy (holds about 20 people) ride through the dunes. You can rent smaller dune buggies, too.   This is a great place for playing in the sand and freshwater lake.

11 miles north of Florence are the Sea Lion Caves. This is a natural cavern where sea lions live. There are about 200 Steller sea lions that make the caves their home. It's also a great spot to get a great picture of Heceta Head lighthouse, considered by many to be the most photographed lighthouse on the west coast.

Wifey!!

Just north of Newport Bay is Yaquina Head lighthouse and state park. There is a day use fee here, too, but it includes alot. There's a lighthouse which you may be lucky enough to tour---it isn't open all the time. Finally, you'll come to Astoria.  A beautiful hilly town with victorian houses and fishing on the Columbia River.