A big trip need some ideas
Hi, me and my girlfriend want to tour the northwest some. Help us out with some ideas on things to do, places to stay, cool drives, etc.
Champaign IL to Rapid city SD, visit Mt. Rushmore etc, a few nights there.
Rapid city SD to Yellowstone, 2 days in the park
Yellowstone to Seattle, 3 nights there somewhere
Seattle to the Oregon coast, 3 nights along there somewhere
Oregon coast to Redwood National Park, 2 nights around there
Redwoods to Sanfrancisco, 2 nights there
Sanfran to Reno, 1 night
Reno to Champaign IL 2 days or so to get home
I left out a few nights in between them places but thats the main points of the trip. Thanks
More than 12 hours per day
We generally recommend that people stick to 500-550 miles each day so they have time to enjoy the sights, make a few stops, while still covering some miles.
Those of us who regularly contribute here have driven a combined million miles-plus throughout North America and generally agree that people will normally average about 53mph east of the Mississippi River and 57mph west of it. This is the average for the entire day when quick stops for food/fuel/bio needs, traffic congestion, potential slowdowns for construction, and other factors are considered. Yeah, some days you might drive faster and some days a bit slower but, overall, this is a good average. Thus, 2000 miles will take more like 36 hours on the road, meaning three 12-hour driving days.
If you're up to it due to being used to driving a lot for your job, that's cool. But it's better to have realistic expectations. Even professional truckers are limited in the hours they are supposed to be driving in order to maintain alertness and, thus, driving safely. I caution you to keep this in mind and be realistic about what you can safely do. Just because you can do it...or think you can, doesn't mean it's the best or safest option.
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Champaign IL to Rapid city SD, visit Mt. Rushmore etc, a few nights there.
Cool other places to see here are: Wall Drug, Deadwood, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave, and more.
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Rapid city SD to Yellowstone, 2 days in the park
On the way, you might want to visit Devil's Tower (seen in Close Encounters...) and a stop in Cody, WY, is a lot of fun with all the Buffalo Bill stuff there, good museums, etc.
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Yellowstone to Seattle, 3 nights there somewhere
Spokane is a nice city with beautiful Riverfront Park. A visit to the Grand Coulee Dam should be a must-see, imho. It's amazing. In the summer months, they do an amazing laser-light show on the dam once it's dark. From Grand Coulee to Seattle, you might want to stay on Hwy ____ and visit Dry Falls near Coulee City (the biggest waterfall in the history of the planet) and then drive through the picturesque farm country going over Steven's Pass to Seattle. I think this is a far prettier drive than over the more heavily-traveled Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. Make sure you stop in the charming Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth on the way. It's well done; not tacky.
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Seattle to the Oregon coast, 3 nights along there somewhere
After leaving SEattle, drive south on I-5 and, at the town of Castle Rock, take the 1-hour drive east to see Mt. St. Helens (a big must-see!). Near Portland veer over to the coast and enjoy 101 the rest of the way south. There are so many things to see along the coast, and the driving is rather slow as it's a 2-lane, windy road, that you should plan at least 2 days for the Oregon section. Another day would be better if you have it. Some highlights are Astoria, Seaside, Tillamook, Depoe Bay, Newport, Bandon.
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Oregon coast to Redwood National Park, 2 nights around there
In addition to the Redwoods, enjoy the lovely town of Eureka.
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Redwoods to Sanfrancisco, 2 nights there
If you have time, take CA-1. It's absolutely incredible. If not, stick to 101. Still a lovely drive.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
It's all a matter of personal preference
Crazy Horse has a lot of admirers but it isn't fully finished and Mt. Rushmore is more of an icon. If it was me and I had to choose, I think I would pick Mt. Rushmore.
I'm not familiar enough with Spokane nightlife to give you tips on that. Sorry. The couple of recent times I've been there it's been for conventions and they had our evenings jam-packed so I didn't have to venture out. Maybe the Spokane tourism website will give you some ideas.
I think I would rate this as a beautiful drive, with varying scenery, that should be a great trip!
I actually think we agree with you!
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Originally Posted by
MrsPete
I know people disagree with this all the time, but my family is FINE knocking out a 12-hour day in the car -- we even did it when the kids were small -- we just can't do it two days in a row. In fact, I want a couple "easier days" in between 12-hour days, but IF a long drive is in the best interest of the trip, my family wouldn't hesitate.
When we talk about avoiding 12-hour days, most of us are talking about multi-day trips. I have done numerous trips requiring 12-15 hour drives to reach my destination. But the key is, that I'm going to a destination where I will stay for multiple days before turning around and making the same long trek home. I would never want to drive a few days in a row like that though. Oy veh!
Some people can't even handle one day so it sure doesn't hurt to advise people of the reality of a long driving day either.
And, since this particular thread is discussing a multi-day trip, the admonition against such long driving days is appropriate, imho.
