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MydogDallas114 t1_izo2t3n wrote

If you're sticking to the main highways, any type of car will be fine. If you plan to go into the mountains, you'll likely need tire chains regardless of your vehicle.

I'd recommend driving up highway 101 around the peninsula. Olympic National Park and Lake Crescent are beautiful anytime of the year. Mt Rainier is a great park but look ahead to make sure it's open and if tire chains are required. Ashford, right outside the Paradise entrance is a good town to stay in. And not too far away you could visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to experience PNW (Pacific North West) wildlife.

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Aurora_Gory_Alice t1_izohan5 wrote

Another vote for the 101, especially stopping at the Hoh rainforest, and what is called the "Tree of life". Ruby beach is also beautiful.

Pt Townsend is a lovely place to stay and a really cute town.

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Rocketgirl8097 t1_izpw9pv wrote

Assuming they are meaning Vancouver BC, Hwy 101 is actually quite a ways out of the way, as nice as it may be.

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MydogDallas114 t1_izq0v0f wrote

That's true but it sounds like OP wants to explore and get a good experience of western Washington and I think hwy 101 will do that better than just a straight drive up I-5. Though it kinda depends on how long their trip is.

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bernyzilla t1_izrbk7x wrote

I mean, there's the port Angeles - Victoria ferry, and another across to Vancouver.

Or Port Townsend - Coupeville. 101 would be a bit out of the way, but they would avoid I-5 and the Seattle metro area. Definitely counts as a good scenic route with cool towns along the way.

They could explore Whidbey island, deception pass, and la Conner. Then be in a good spot for the Skagit valley and North Cascades NP

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Rocketgirl8097 t1_iztj09e wrote

Depends on how much time they have. I've read the ferries are not on time these days and some are out of service.

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MarmotMossBay t1_j0bfila wrote

WSDOT webpage and app keep you apprised of ferry schedules. They are on time but you may wait longer than expected on alternate schedules

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Krystto OP t1_izo4xk7 wrote

Those are some great tips, we thank you so much

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MydogDallas114 t1_izomr5l wrote

Sure thing! I hope you enjoy your trip here!

I wouldn't recommend Seattle unless you enjoy big cities. However, I've taken a ferry from Seattle to Victoria (British Columbia) and had lots of fun. Or, you could look into taking a ferry to San Juan or Orcas Island north of Seattle. I guess it depends on your budget and how much time you have.

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insanitylevelzero t1_izrn263 wrote

You might want to clarify which Vancouver you are headed to. Vancouver, WA, which is basically Portland, OR's neighbor, and Vancouver BC in Canada. Both are accessible by driving north on I-5 and I-205.

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insanitylevelzero t1_izrmjoh wrote

Near Lake Crescent (which was my favorite place to camp in my youth) are the Sol Duc Hotsprings. I don't know if it is open or closed when you decide to go on your trip, but might be worth checking out if you're int he area.

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