Chicago to San Fran via Seattle and Pacific Coast

[sam77]

Hi all,

First off must say thanks for all the info that is on both the website and the forums. Very inspirational!

This summer looking to spend 4 weeks over in the US, 2 of which will be doing Route 66. Ideally I would like to combine Route 66 with a journey along the Pacific Coast and across the northern mid-West states to make a circular route of some sorts. The Route 66 part is pretty much sorted, but I'm looking for suggestions for places to visit during the other two weeks.

A basic idea will be starting in Chicago in late August or early September. A few places I would like to visit are Milwaukee, Green Bay, Mt. Rushmore, Seattle and Portland, then down the Coast to San Francisco. Ideally I would like to avoid the Interstates (I94 and I5 etc.) to see more of the scenery, and also some of the National Parks. I am a big baseball fan so will be hoping to see at least one game in Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Seattle and San Francisco.

The 2 weeks doing Route 66 will be with two others but will probably be doing this half of the trip alone - therefore will not have the advantage of having a second person to share the driving. A quick look on Google Maps shows that 2 weeks should be enough (say 8/9 days to go from Chicago to Seattle, then 4/5 down the Pacific Coast). Doing the circular route also has the benefit of picking up and dropping the car off in the same location, so no one-way fee.

I'd appreciate any advice and tips on routes to take and places to visit on the way, and anything else to take into consideration.

Thanks in advance!