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LONG Trip Out West
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Mar 27, 2017 06:37:43   #
vininnj2u Loc: Whiting, New Jersey, USA
 
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO. Leaving the JUNE 17 and driving the entire trip. Stopping at 2 locations in MO. to visit cousins. After the wedding we will be driving to Seattle, WA. and then heading south and hugging the coast in WA and OR, eventually ending up on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. We will take that to LA and then head East to Las Vegas. Then we will head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and after that journey on home. We plan on being gone for about 4 weeks and stopping at SOME of the sites along the way on the west coast and other locations while heading East.

My question is, without stopping at ALL the wonderful sites along the way can we do it in 4 weeks?

I know there will be a lot of suggestions but how about some keys locations to visit?

Thanks.

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 07:42:52   #
jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ
 
vininnj2u wrote:
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO. Leaving the JUNE 17 and driving the entire trip. Stopping at 2 locations in MO. to visit cousins. After the wedding we will be driving to Seattle, WA. and then heading south and hugging the coast in WA and OR, eventually ending up on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. We will take that to LA and then head East to Las Vegas. Then we will head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and after that journey on home. We plan on being gone for about 4 weeks and stopping at SOME of the sites along the way on the west coast and other locations while heading East.

My question is, without stopping at ALL the wonderful sites along the way can we do it in 4 weeks?

I know there will be a lot of suggestions but how about some keys locations to visit?

Thanks.
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO.... (show quote)


I think it would depend on how much time is spent visiting in Colorado after the wedding. My guess is that you might want to add another week.

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 10:15:53   #
vininnj2u Loc: Whiting, New Jersey, USA
 
jethro779 wrote:
I think it would depend on how much time is spent visiting in Colorado after the wedding. My guess is that you might want to add another week.


We will be spending time before the wedding in Colorado, leaving on Sunday the 26th of June.

Reply
 
 
Mar 27, 2017 16:21:45   #
Photocraig
 
Yes 4 weeks will be enough. The Washington and Oregon coasts are VERY photogenic and less crowded than those closer to LA. Also,take CA 1 directly out of San Francisco and keep in mind the following: Devil's slide, Half Mood Bay Princeton (good seafood) Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Big Sur (lunch at the Nepenthe), San Louis Obispo, Hearst Castle, All around Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu and Santa Monica. They're all worth a stop and some photos. BUTTTTT, since you're driving CA-1, you'll want to stop and relax a little, I-80 is ain't!

Look for some photo best places books and choose what you want. After 5-15 or so, all beaches seem to look alike to me. Other folks violently disagree. But there are also some architectural attractions, the lone Cypress tree south of Carmel, etc. Check the books and head home by the Southern Route and head North someplace in the Mid West where you'll find some different but interesting scenery. BTW, since you're SO close, try to fit in a trip to the Grand Canyon. I've been West for 40 years, and missing it because I was always due someplace else is a regret for me.

You might consider venturing as far south as San Diego, 1/2 day's drive South of LA by the Coast. It is a completely different scene, scenery an a favorite of most who visit. Brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado would be a great way to cap your Pacific trip https://hoteldel.com.

Have fun, maybe 4 weeks ISN'T enough.
C

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 18:46:08   #
vininnj2u Loc: Whiting, New Jersey, USA
 
Photocraig wrote:
Yes 4 weeks will be enough. The Washington and Oregon coasts are VERY photogenic and less crowded than those closer to LA. Also,take CA 1 directly out of San Francisco and keep in mind the following: Devil's slide, Half Mood Bay Princeton (good seafood) Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Big Sur (lunch at the Nepenthe), San Louis Obispo, Hearst Castle, All around Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu and Santa Monica. They're all worth a stop and some photos. BUTTTTT, since you're driving CA-1, you'll want to stop and relax a little, I-80 is ain't!

Look for some photo best places books and choose what you want. After 5-15 or so, all beaches seem to look alike to me. Other folks violently disagree. But there are also some architectural attractions, the lone Cypress tree south of Carmel, etc. Check the books and head home by the Southern Route and head North someplace in the Mid West where you'll find some different but interesting scenery. BTW, since you're SO close, try to fit in a trip to the Grand Canyon. I've been West for 40 years, and missing it because I was always due someplace else is a regret for me.

You might consider venturing as far south as San Diego, 1/2 day's drive South of LA by the Coast. It is a completely different scene, scenery an a favorite of most who visit. Brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado would be a great way to cap your Pacific trip https://hoteldel.com.

Have fun, maybe 4 weeks ISN'T enough.
C
Yes 4 weeks will be enough. The Washington and Ore... (show quote)

Thanks for the info. I have been cross country twice once in a motorhome and the second time on a motorcycle and ventured all through the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and points in Between. But we never made it to the West Coast either time. Really looking forward to it. It is our 40th anniversary and we wanted to do something special and the wedding was a good excuse to start another trip.

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 19:02:36   #
Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA
 
The bridge is out at Big Sur (Hwy 1). I don't know for how long (many months at least......).
You will have to go around.
Will you use your rv or car?

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 19:32:33   #
vininnj2u Loc: Whiting, New Jersey, USA
 
Jay Pat wrote:
The bridge is out at Big Sur (Hwy 1). I don't know for how long (many months at least......).
You will have to go around.
Will you use your rv or car?


We will be traveling by car.

Reply
 
 
Mar 27, 2017 19:44:19   #
Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA
 
vininnj2u wrote:
We will be traveling by car.


Good. Hwy 1 is a slower road.

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 22:01:22   #
Fayle Loc: Seward, Alaska and Rionegro, Colombia
 
vininnj2u wrote:
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO. Leaving the JUNE 17 and driving the entire trip. Stopping at 2 locations in MO. to visit cousins. After the wedding we will be driving to Seattle, WA. and then heading south and hugging the coast in WA and OR, eventually ending up on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. We will take that to LA and then head East to Las Vegas. Then we will head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and after that journey on home. We plan on being gone for about 4 weeks and stopping at SOME of the sites along the way on the west coast and other locations while heading East.

My question is, without stopping at ALL the wonderful sites along the way can we do it in 4 weeks?

I know there will be a lot of suggestions but how about some keys locations to visit?

Thanks.
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO.... (show quote)



Since your driving, if you happen to go through Spokane, go south to the Palouse area.
Very scenic. Drive up to the top of Steptoe Butte if you go there.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/The-Palouse/i-qjrdWsZ

In Seattle, Visit Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill for the classic city skyline and Mt. Rainier in the background.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/Seattle/i-PWGQXbW

Pike Place Market is worth a visit as well.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/Washington/i-Bfsg6Pb

From Seattle take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and head to Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula.
Be sure to drive up the Hurricane Ridge Rd in Olympic N.P.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/Olympic-National-Park/i-9TFpbDx/A
There's lots of photo ops in the park.
From Port Angels you can take a ferry over to Victoria B.C. Well worth a visit. Be sure to bring your passport.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Canada/British-Columbia/i-SPQTdQz
You can go as a walk on passenger and avoid paying for the car. The ferry terminal is right downtown by the Parliament building.
https://www.cohoferry.com

The Washington Coast is full of photo ops but it will slow you down.

In Oregon be sure to drive through the Columbia River Gorge. Take Rt. 30 out of Troutdale and not the interstate.
There's lots of waterfalls along that road so bring a tripod for slow shutter speeds.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-ggznXJ2
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-krqnBgs
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-qK4LmHq

A bit east of Salem is Silver Falls State Park. It is Oregons largest state park and is worth a visit if you can spare the time.
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=151
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-mKgZW69/A

The entire Oregon coast is spectacular. There's lots of state parks and light houses. Make sure you stop at Bandon to photo the sea stacks.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-qNqx4wd
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-T3D2NC7
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-PMHSGPg
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-f6fSdVH

You could easily spend your entire time in Washington and Oregon.

I recommend these books:

https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Oregon-guide-natural-landmarks-ebook/dp/B00NDF350Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1490666345&sr=8-4&keywords=laurent+martres

https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Washington-natural-landmarks-Evergreen-ebook/dp/B00NB857EW/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C79J1WMJ0D0S98W4913C

There are books on California and the southwest in this series as well. They are a valuable resource.

Do some armchair traveling and research before you go and enjoy your travels!

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 22:33:44   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
vininnj2u wrote:
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO. Leaving the JUNE 17 and driving the entire trip. Stopping at 2 locations in MO. to visit cousins. After the wedding we will be driving to Seattle, WA. and then heading south and hugging the coast in WA and OR, eventually ending up on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. We will take that to LA and then head East to Las Vegas. Then we will head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and after that journey on home. We plan on being gone for about 4 weeks and stopping at SOME of the sites along the way on the west coast and other locations while heading East.

My question is, without stopping at ALL the wonderful sites along the way can we do it in 4 weeks?

I know there will be a lot of suggestions but how about some keys locations to visit?

Thanks.
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO.... (show quote)

It all depends upon how many times you stop and how long you stay at each stop. You will be covering about 6 or 7 thousand miles. You could do the trip in 10 days or less if you have another driver so that you will never need to stop.

Reply
Mar 27, 2017 22:43:51   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Photocraig wrote:
Yes 4 weeks will be enough. The Washington and Oregon coasts are VERY photogenic and less crowded than those closer to LA. Also,take CA 1 directly out of San Francisco and keep in mind the following: Devil's slide, Half Mood Bay Princeton (good seafood) Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Big Sur (lunch at the Nepenthe), San Louis Obispo, Hearst Castle, All around Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu and Santa Monica. They're all worth a stop and some photos. BUTTTTT, since you're driving CA-1, you'll want to stop and relax a little, I-80 is ain't!

Look for some photo best places books and choose what you want. After 5-15 or so, all beaches seem to look alike to me. Other folks violently disagree. But there are also some architectural attractions, the lone Cypress tree south of Carmel, etc. Check the books and head home by the Southern Route and head North someplace in the Mid West where you'll find some different but interesting scenery. BTW, since you're SO close, try to fit in a trip to the Grand Canyon. I've been West for 40 years, and missing it because I was always due someplace else is a regret for me.

You might consider venturing as far south as San Diego, 1/2 day's drive South of LA by the Coast. It is a completely different scene, scenery an a favorite of most who visit. Brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado would be a great way to cap your Pacific trip https://hoteldel.com.

Have fun, maybe 4 weeks ISN'T enough.
C
Yes 4 weeks will be enough. The Washington and Ore... (show quote)


Actually the Big Sur road should be checked as well. I believe there is or was a road closure as well along with one of the Yosemite roads.
SS

Reply
 
 
Mar 27, 2017 22:57:33   #
IreneAC Loc: San Diego
 
Photocraig wrote:
... You might consider venturing as far south as San Diego, 1/2 day's drive South of LA by the Coast. It is a completely different scene, scenery an a favorite of most who visit. Brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado would be a great way to cap your Pacific trip https://hoteldel.com. ...
C


If you do venture to San Diego, after brunch at the Hotel Del (which is very expensive by the way), you might want to visit the San Diego Zoo. It has an amazing botanical collection as well as the animal exhibits, and makes for some great photo opportunities (if you're not a stickler for only photographing plants and animals in their "real, natural" habitat].

Reply
Mar 28, 2017 04:13:44   #
vininnj2u Loc: Whiting, New Jersey, USA
 
Fayle wrote:
Since your driving, if you happen to go through Spokane, go south to the Palouse area.
Very scenic. Drive up to the top of Steptoe Butte if you go there.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/The-Palouse/i-qjrdWsZ

In Seattle, Visit Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill for the classic city skyline and Mt. Rainier in the background.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/Seattle/i-PWGQXbW

Pike Place Market is worth a visit as well.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/Washington/i-Bfsg6Pb

From Seattle take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and head to Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula.
Be sure to drive up the Hurricane Ridge Rd in Olympic N.P.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Washington-State/Olympic-National-Park/i-9TFpbDx/A
There's lots of photo ops in the park.
From Port Angels you can take a ferry over to Victoria B.C. Well worth a visit. Be sure to bring your passport.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Canada/British-Columbia/i-SPQTdQz
You can go as a walk on passenger and avoid paying for the car. The ferry terminal is right downtown by the Parliament building.
https://www.cohoferry.com

The Washington Coast is full of photo ops but it will slow you down.

In Oregon be sure to drive through the Columbia River Gorge. Take Rt. 30 out of Troutdale and not the interstate.
There's lots of waterfalls along that road so bring a tripod for slow shutter speeds.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-ggznXJ2
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-krqnBgs
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-qK4LmHq

A bit east of Salem is Silver Falls State Park. It is Oregons largest state park and is worth a visit if you can spare the time.
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=151
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-mKgZW69/A

The entire Oregon coast is spectacular. There's lots of state parks and light houses. Make sure you stop at Bandon to photo the sea stacks.
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-qNqx4wd
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-T3D2NC7
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-PMHSGPg
http://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon/Oregon/i-f6fSdVH

You could easily spend your entire time in Washington and Oregon.

I recommend these books:

https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Oregon-guide-natural-landmarks-ebook/dp/B00NDF350Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1490666345&sr=8-4&keywords=laurent+martres

https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Washington-natural-landmarks-Evergreen-ebook/dp/B00NB857EW/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C79J1WMJ0D0S98W4913C

There are books on California and the southwest in this series as well. They are a valuable resource.

Do some armchair traveling and research before you go and enjoy your travels!
Since your driving, if you happen to go through Sp... (show quote)


WOW! Thanks for all the info and the time it took for you to put it together.

Reply
Mar 28, 2017 04:16:16   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
vininnj2u wrote:
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO. Leaving the JUNE 17 and driving the entire trip. Stopping at 2 locations in MO. to visit cousins. After the wedding we will be driving to Seattle, WA. and then heading south and hugging the coast in WA and OR, eventually ending up on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. We will take that to LA and then head East to Las Vegas. Then we will head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and after that journey on home. We plan on being gone for about 4 weeks and stopping at SOME of the sites along the way on the west coast and other locations while heading East.

My question is, without stopping at ALL the wonderful sites along the way can we do it in 4 weeks?

I know there will be a lot of suggestions but how about some keys locations to visit?

Thanks.
June 24 I have a wedding to attend near ASPEN, CO.... (show quote)


When we moved from D.C. to Portland, we drove out here and took us 27 days. I'd spend some time in both Wyoming and Montana. Devil's Tower and wind river canyon in WY I wouldn't miss. Bear tooth hiway in Montana is an awesome drive and of course very photogenic. And stay off the main roads. The west is so beautiful. In California, visit the redwoods. You will never forget it. Plenty of time to see a little of everything. Enjoy your trip.

Reply
Mar 28, 2017 04:23:28   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
IreneAC wrote:
If you do venture to San Diego, after brunch at the Hotel Del (which is very expensive by the way), you might want to visit the San Diego Zoo. It has an amazing botanical collection as well as the animal exhibits, and makes for some great photo opportunities (if you're not a stickler for only photographing plants and animals in their "real, natural" habitat].


Irene, no disrespect, but the OP is coming from the east coast, why would you recommend a zoo? There are zoos all over. Your state is so very beautiful, who would want to see prisoned animals? Would you suggest to a New Yorker to make sure to take a cab when visiting D.C.?

Reply
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