road trip across the USA Archives - Page 5 of 25

State Sign Challenge: Washington

I didn’t have any trouble finding the state sign in Washington. As soon as I crossed the border between Lewiston and Clarkston on Hwy 12 over the Snake River, there it was. I did, however, have trouble finding a costume at first.

I wanted to be a cherry pie and have Annie be a cherry, but each time I tried ordering the costume it either took too long to arrive at a place where I would be stationary, or they wanted to charge me $56 for shipping, four times the amount of the costume. Seriously?!?

As a result, I had to come up with something handmade. This is when I really wished my nephew Michael was around. He is an incredible artist. Check out the shoes he does on Instagram @kick_me_art.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE!

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

My final stop on my three-and-a-half-week road trip around the State of Washington, was at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. I didn’t have any intention of visiting the monument when I first arrived in Washington, but when I realized it was sort of on the way to Mendocino, my next destination to see friends, I jumped on the chance to see it.

Mount St. Helens erupted in May of 1980. I was seven years old. My mom’s hairdresser, Bill Cotton, went to see it and collected ashes. I don’t know if he went right after the eruption or much later. All I can say is I envisioned him walking on the mountain collecting them and thought it was so cool! For all I know, he bought the ashes, but at the time, it made a big impression on me when he gave me a tiny vile of them.

EXPLORE!

Things to do in Elbe

After a weekend in Lummi Island, I headed south to Elbe, a gateway town to Rainier. I’m not exactly sure how I selected Elbe, Washington. Perhaps the train cars on the main highway caught my attention as I drove through it on my way to the Olympic Peninsula the week prior.

I just knew I needed to head south for my journey back to Colorado for July and August, and it seemed like there was some hiking around. Additionally, since I’ve wanted to see Mt. St. Helen’s and that National Monument was sort of on the way to Mendocino where I planned to visit some friends for the weekend.

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A Weekend in Lummi Island

I’d be lying if I said there was a lot to do in Lummi Island. In fact, its allure is its quiet charm! As a result, each time I mentioned to the locals I was visiting friends in Lummi Island, they all replied, “Oh Lummi is great!”

The island features two restaurants, a country store, a couple public beaches, a few preserves, some Air BnB rentals, and a couple of Inns.

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In and Around Fairhaven, Washington

Fairhaven is a federally designated historic district in the southern section of Bellingham. It is known for its Victorian era architecture and features many restaurants, pubs and galleries. It was definitely the hip place to be when I visited on a Thursday night.

EXPLORE!

A Day on Whidbey Island

After my time on the Olympic Peninsula, I made my way slowly to Lummi Island to visit friends. On the way, I spent a day on Whidbey Island.

Getting to Whidbey Island

In order to reach Whidbey Island from the Olympic Peninsula, I took the Port Townsend-Coupeville Ferry. Having only ridden the Washington ferry system one time ten years ago, I popped online for a refresher.

Fortunately, I did. Apparently, this is an extremely popular ferry route and reservations are recommended. I had to get the 6:30am ferry because the others were sold out! It costs around $15 for a car and person which is paid at the toll booth.

The ferry was enormous! Somehow, I lucked out and got to park on the very front next to a semi-truck. I enjoyed a lovely view on calm seas as we spent 30 minutes crossing the Puget Sound.

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Dog Friendly Hikes on the Olympic Peninsula

With the Olympic National Park encompassing much of the Olympic Peninsula, one may be inclined to think there are not many dog friendly hikes in the area. Fortunately, there are many state parks on the Olympic Peninsula as well as National Forest where dogs are allowed to roam.

In order to let Annie off-leash and to have more solitude, Tina and I leaned toward hiking in the Olympic National Forest. Lucky for us, several trailheads lined the Hamma Hamma Road where we camped.

Below is a list of dog-friendly trails we hiked on the Olympic Peninsula.

BRING FIDO!

Things to Do in Dayton

History of Dayton

The City of Dayton was founded in the 1860’s by Elizabeth and Jesse Day. Today it is the County Seat of Columbia County and has the oldest train depot and continuously operating courthouse in the State of Washington, both dating back to the late 1880’s.

The population remains at about 2,500, though in previous years there were more seasonal migrant workers that cut asparagus for Green Gian,t and who built the Little Goose Lock and Dam northeast of Starbuck.

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State Sign Challenge: Idaho

State Sign of Idaho

After spending two weeks in Arizona, I never found the state sign. I think the only one might be at the four corners. Upon entering Idaho, however, I stumbled across it’s state sign after passing through Jackpot, Nevada. Annie and I dressed up as ketchup and French fries, because of the Idaho potato, the state vegetable. I probably should have worn my red parka to make my costume better.

VISIT IDAHO!

Things to Do in McCall

McCall is a ski resort town two hours north of Boise. The town of 3,000 is situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake in the Payette National Forest. Previously a logging town, McCall now quietly caters to tourists providing ample outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in McCall

Camping

When I visited McCall on my road trip, I camped in VANgo. While there are many campgrounds and RV Parks, dispersed camping is a little more difficult to find. There is only one spot on Payette Lake on Eastside Drive. It is next to a waterfall and a short trail out to a view, so sightseers might join you.

EXPLORE!