The Ultimate American Road Trip

Here are a few things that you MUST see while in Washington state:

Olympic National Park (the only rainforest in the contentental US)

US 2 over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth (Bavarian themed town) and Wenatchee (The Apple Capital of the world).

Lake Chelan- Especially uplake to the remote town of Stehikien (i doubt if I spelled that right). If you like adventure, that end of Lake Chelan will be awesome for you).

The stonehenge memorial near Goldendale, WA (in the Columbia River Gorge)

Mount Rainier NP

Mt St Helens

Here are some facts about Washington to remember when you plan your trip:
There are essentially 5 "Washingtons."

The Pacific Coast is the Rainforest part, and is much much wetter, especially around Forks

The Central Sound- Seattle/Everett/Tacoma, and even the southern areas around Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR

The Northern Sound/Islands- Marysville North, including Whidbey Island (part of WA Wine Country), the San Juan Islands Archepelago, and the Canadian Border (with the Peace Arch at Blaine).

Cascadia (The Cascade Range)- Everything IN the mountains)

Eastern Washington/Inland Empire- The 'Desert' side of the state. Much dryer, warmer, etc. Mainly farmlands, grassland, and spotty towns.

Personally, I would like to take a month and just go play in all of Washington, and visit the entire state from corner to corner, driving nearly every road, because there is always something new to find there.

For a free map of Washington, you can get one through the Washington State Department Of Transportation (WSDOT). www.wsdot.wa.gov
If you have any particular questions about Washington State, I lived there for 12 years (now I reside near Bob, in Arizona).
-Good luck, and keep us posted!
Brad M.

you STILL haven't bought me lunch!

Thanks for the Washington info.

This is just the sort of thing I need, worthwhile attractions from states I know little about, from people who've been there.

Hey, I spend most of my time working, helping our visitors to our wonderful state get off the roadway. The rest of my time I'm getting settled into my new appartment, just across Van Buren from Torvea Castle.

Perhaps if you are in the area, I'll have Subs by Jim make you a sandwhich. They are quite good by the way!

and done that. Like I said, Washington is really a state to spend a whole month in by its self. I wish I could get that much vacation time, but this 19 year old went directly from High School & College (at the same time) to work.

You don't work too far from me -- maybe we can get this together! I know a couple good BBQ places too...

I know they have a place next door to my "living box" of an appartment.

at Central and Thomas.

I'm a barbecue man, and I can't seem to stop...

Pace yourself, or else you look like me.

Here's some ideas I looked up, based on our trip's objectives, that would be suitable to see in Alabama:

Monte Sano State Park / Space and Rocket Center<BR>
Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park OR Tannehille Ironworks Historical State Park<BR>
Ft. Gaines/Ft. Morgan Historical Site<BR>
Birmingham - MLK's church, Rosa Park Museum<BR>
Moundville Archeological Park<BR>

These aren't in any order, but they are the sorts of things we'd like to see... history and the outdoors.

Any suggestions as to what to add, subtract, or revise?