Our Pacific Northwest Adventure

We arrived in the town of Chelan on the southern shore of Lake Chelan. The town blends small-town charm with natural beauty, nestled between the lake and sprawling vineyards. Unfortunately, the mountains were shrouded in clouds and smoke from nearby fires, obscuring what would have been a stunning view of the Northern Cascade Mountains.

The first day of our adventure into the Northern Cascades National Park started with high hopes, but as it often goes with nature, we had to adjust our plans. The Washington Pioneer Fire had closed the scenic drives through the northern parts of the park, putting a stop to our mountain exploration from the north. But if this trip has taught us anything, it's to embrace the unexpected. Instead, we explored the town of Chelan and the other communities along the lake.

On our second day, we were all set for a tour of Lake Chelan and an exploration of Stehekin, the little town that's only accessible by boat. Stehekin had been closed and evacuated since June due to the Cedar Creek Fire, but luck was on our side; the town reopened just a day before we arrived! Although our original tour boat was canceled, we managed to catch a ride on a transport boat instead. And along the way, we had an especially unexpected visit ...!

Our brief time in Stehekin, though just 1.5 hours, was absolutely worth the journey. We took a bus tour to Rainbow Falls, where we enjoyed the peaceful beauty of the falls and the surrounding area. After taking in the remote scenery of Stehekin, we headed back to Chelan, ready to embark on the next leg of our adventure: Mount Rainier.

However, as we set out for Mount Rainier on a new day, the skies cleared, and we were finally treated to an unobstructed view of the Northern Cascades in all their glory.

We found a way to make it to Stehekin!

We caught a ride on the Lady Express headed towards Stehekin.

Tom and Becky, enjoying the beauty of Rainbow Falls in Stehekin.

As we departed, we were finally treated to a full view of Lake Chelan and the Northern Cascades!

Our first sighting of a pink whale with a purple unicorn riding it!!!

Mount Rainier: The Master of Washington

Standing at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier dominates the Washington skyline, earning its title as the tallest mountain in the state and the fourth tallest in the continental U.S. It's every bit as majestic as it sounds, a colossal peak that commands your attention from miles away.

We had a timed entry reservation for 9:00 am, and we arrived right on the dot. Our journey began with a scenic drive to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, where we took a moment to orient ourselves. The center provided a perfect introduction to the park, with exhibits detailing the mountain's volcanic history and the diverse ecosystems it supports.

From there, we took our time exploring the park, stopping frequently to admire the towering presence of Mount Rainier. The landscape, as carved out by ancient glaciers, is a mosaic of lush forests, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers, each element contributing to the park's breathtaking beauty.

As we ventured deeper into the park, we were struck by the diverse vegetation thriving in this rugged environment. The subalpine meadows, known as "flower fields," were in full bloom, offering a contrast to the stark, icy summit above. The wildflowers carpeted the meadows in hues of purple, red, yellow, and white; hard to believe that such delicate beauty could exist in the shadow of a massive volcano.

We also marveled at the surrounding forest, where towering evergreens stood as sentinels, their thick trunks and dense canopies creating a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The forest floor, covered in a rich tapestry of mosses, ferns, and fallen logs, added to the park's serene atmosphere.

Of course, no visit to Mount Rainier would be complete without appreciating the geology that makes this place so unique. The mountain itself is an active stratovolcano, and the evidence of its fiery past is everywhere—from the lava flows to the pumice-covered trails.

After a day of immersing ourselves in the beauty and grandeur of Mount Rainier, we capped it off with a Prime Rib dinner at Paradise Inn. The meal, enjoyed in the cozy historic lodge, was the perfect ending to our day—allowing us to reflect on the wonders we had seen while savoring a delicious feast in one of the most iconic settings in the park.

Our first full view of majestic Mount Rainier; Becky was in awe.
Across Reflection Lake and over the surrounding forest, Mount Rainier towers.

We hiked through the dense, serene forest enjoying the peace and beauty.	Box Canyon, carved out by the river below over millennia of work.
The rugged terrain.	The smallest of creatures are important to Mount Rainier's overall ecosystem.

A view down the valley.

As the day drew to a close, the clouds still didn't diminish Mount Rainier's beauty. But as the day drew to a close, so did our exploration of this majestic landscape.

From Mountains to the Pacific Ocean

Leaving the mountains behind, we made our way to the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon. Here, we spent a day delving into history at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, which is just across the bridge in Washington. Astoria's blend of coastal charm and historical significance made it a perfect first stop as we journeyed down the Oregon Pacific Coast.

The next day, we continued our journey down the Oregon Coast from Astoria to Coos Bay. Along the way, we made a much-anticipated stop at the Tillamook Creamery, a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Touring the creamery was a fascinating experience, as we learned about the intricate details of their cheese-making process—from the fresh milk brought in daily from local farms to the careful aging process that gives their cheeses such rich flavor.

After the tour, we couldn't resist indulging in some of Tillamook's famous offerings. Becky savored a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich, oozing with melted Tillamook cheddar, while Tom enjoyed a hearty cheeseburger made with their delicious sharp cheddar. To top it all off, we both treated ourselves to thick, creamy ice cream shakes, made with Tillamook's own signature ice cream. It was a lunch to remember and a perfect way to fuel up before continuing our drive along the coast.

As we made our way from Tillamook to Coos Bay, the coastal scenery unfolded before us—a mix of rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and towering redwoods. The views were beautiful, but after so many days on the road, we found ourselves quietly reflecting on the journey we had and the comfort of returning home. Each stop along the way reminded us of the natural beauty that had been a constant companion on this trip, yet there was a gentle pull toward the familiarity and restfulness of home.

The drive was peaceful, offering a final opportunity to soak in the sights of the Pacific Northwest. We paused at a few viewpoints, not with the eagerness of the first days of our trip, but with a sense of appreciation and nostalgia, knowing that the end of our adventure was near. The Oregon coast, with its mix of wild landscapes and quiet moments, seemed like the perfect backdrop for the closing chapter of our journey.

The lighthouse at the mouth of the Columbia River.	The view of the port at Astoria from the balcony of our hotel room.
Our view of the rugged Oregon Coast on our drive south towards home.	A view of an Oregon beach as we made our way south.

The Tillamook Creamery with its new viewing and visitor's center.
From the viewing platform, guests can watch the fascinating process of milk being transformed into cheese.
After the cheese ages in the warehouse, it is sent through the cutting and packaging process.
As we continued down the coast, the beaches became calmer and more serene.

Home

This trip has been a journey of contrasts—mountains and oceans, fires and serenity, the bustle of Victoria and the quiet of the wilderness—but above all, it has highlighted the unpredictable, breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. As we head home to Folsom, we carry with us memories of Victoria's glamour, lush forests, towering mountain peaks, and the irresistible lure of the Pacific Ocean.