Back to planning trip to Seattle and Hope, Id

[DaveNV]

No one mentioned Deception Pass State Park when you cross over from Whidbey Island on the north end. I think a stop to check out the bridge would be worth it.

Actually, it is specifically mentioned in reply #5, 6, and 17.

Dave

 

[chellej]

I agree with Dave & Steve to take a trip to the San Juans. My DD is living on Orcas currently and loves it. I actually prefer Orcas over San Juan Island (Friday harbor) but you would need a car. Mt constitution is worth a drive....the views are spectacular. Rosario resort is really nice if you want to spend a night on the island. Eastsound, the main town on Orcas is on the other side of the island from the ferry.

 

[DaveNV]

I agree with Dave & Steve to take a trip to the San Juans. My DD is living on Orcas currently and loves it. I actually prefer Orcas over San Juan Island (Friday harbor) but you would need a car. Mt constitution is worth a drive....the views are spectacular. Rosario resort is really nice if you want to spend a night on the island. Eastsound, the main town on Orcas is on the other side of the island from the ferry.

Orcas was where I lived for nine years right after I got out of the Navy. I agree, it's a beautiful place with some great scenery. But since OP only has a short time, I was trying to give her a bit of NW beauty without a lot of cost or hassle. The walk-on trip to FH seemed more reasonable - lower price, no reservations required, no car needed, and so forth. Orcas deserves more than a cursory viewing.

Dave

 

[geoand]

I like Orcas. Walk on is fine. You will be able to get a cab at the ferry landing that will take you anywhere on the island. I think there is much more to see on Orcas and DO. One thing is definite, the view of the islands is absolutely awesome from Mt. Constitution. If you need help with locating cab service, let me know and I can provide a phone number for at least one cab service.

 

[Ann-Marie]

I am back to my planning! So, we will be leaving downtown Seattle on probably Monday, June 26. We have to go to the airport to rent a car after we check out. Since we are not the earliest people in the morning, it will probably be around 11-12 noon that we get the car. Then we will drive up to the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton. This is where I am stumped. Will we have to wait a long time to get onto the ferry at this time in the afternoon? That will determine how long we stay on Whidbey Island. I'm thinking we will need 2 nights so we can spend time in Anacortes. What do you think? Get to Whidbey Island 2-3 PM, make our way to Anacortes. Spend the night, then spend the day in Anacortes, spend another night and leave the next day for Winthrop or Twisp.

 

[DaveNV]

I am back to my planning! So, we will be leaving downtown Seattle on probably Monday, June 26. We have to go to the airport to rent a car after we check out. Since we are not the earliest people in the morning, it will probably be around 11-12 noon that we get the car. Then we will drive up to the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton. This is where I am stumped. Will we have to wait a long time to get onto the ferry at this time in the afternoon? That will determine how long we stay on Whidbey Island. I'm thinking we will need 2 nights so we can spend time in Anacortes. What do you think? Get to Whidbey Island 2-3 PM, make our way to Anacortes. Spend the night, then spend the day in Anacortes, spend another night and leave the next day for Winthrop or Twisp.

Mid-day, the ferry wait shouldn't be that long, especially on a Monday. The ferry departs every thirty minutes. Once on Whidbey, if you don't stop, you can be in Anacortes in about 45 minutes. So depending on when and where you stop, your leisurely arrival in Anacortes could be late afternoon to early evening. Since you're doing this in late June, you're at the time of year when we have the longest days. It won't be dark till around 9PM, so you'll have lots of time to explore your way up Whidbey. Staying two nights in Anacortes makes a lot of sense, so you'll have time to work your way through the shops and such in Anacortes that next day. No sense rushing things, so departing Anacortes the third morning makes the most sense. Figure it's about three hours driving time from Anacortes to Winthrop, plus stops along the way. So you'll arrive in Winthrop/Twisp area by dinner time. Perfect time to arrive there, without feeling like you rushed to get there. I think your plans are good.

Dave

 

[Ann-Marie]

Mid-day, the ferry wait shouldn't be that long, especially on a Monday. The ferry departs every thirty minutes. Once on Whidbey, if you don't stop, you can be in Anacortes in about 45 minutes. So depending on when and where you stop, your leisurely arrival in Anacortes could be late afternoon to early evening. Since you're doing this in late June, you're at the time of year when we have the longest days. It won't be dark till around 9PM, so you'll have lots of time to explore your way up Whidbey. Staying two nights in Anacortes makes a lot of sense, so you'll have time to work your way through the shops and such in Anacortes that next day. No sense rushing things, so departing Anacortes the third morning makes the most sense. Figure it's about three hours driving time from Anacortes to Winthrop, plus stops along the way. So you'll arrive in Winthrop/Twisp area by dinner time. Perfect time to arrive there, without feeling like you rushed to get there. I think your plans are good.

Dave

Thanks so much Dave!

 

[geoand]

We live in Anacortes and agree that the only reason to stay here is for a side trip to the San Juan Islands. Friday harbor trip is getting off the boat right in the town (small) and visiting shops and restaurants.

Orcas trip is doable without car. I know a cab service that will take you on a tour on Orcas. The tour is made up of what you want to do. If you don't know what you want to do, the driver will suggest some options. The cab is a van. If you want the phone number for this guy (he's licensed by State) to ask questions I will gladly provide to you.

 

[MULTIZ321]

I am back to my planning! So, we will be leaving downtown Seattle on probably Monday, June 26. We have to go to the airport to rent a car after we check out. Since we are not the earliest people in the morning, it will probably be around 11-12 noon that we get the car. Then we will drive up to the ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton. This is where I am stumped. Will we have to wait a long time to get onto the ferry at this time in the afternoon? That will determine how long we stay on Whidbey Island. I'm thinking we will need 2 nights so we can spend time in Anacortes. What do you think? Get to Whidbey Island 2-3 PM, make our way to Anacortes. Spend the night, then spend the day in Anacortes, spend another night and leave the next day for Winthrop or Twisp.

Hi Ann-Marie,

Not sure why you think you have to go from Downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac to rent a car. You can rent a car in the downtown area and save yourself a lot of travel time.

I think it's possible to make reservations for your ferry trips and would highly recommend doing so. From the late 70's to the late 80's I lived in Seattle. My son lives in Seattle (Kenmore) and this past July I returned to Seattle for his wedding. Traffic is much more congested than when I lived there. I think Dave has been a bit overly generous in estimating travel times for you. So build in some leeway for your travel times.

Richard

 

[Ann-Marie]

Hi Ann-Marie,

Not sure why you think you have to go from Downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac to rent a car. You can rent a car in the downtown area and save yourself a lot of travel time.

I think it's possible to make reservations for your ferry trips and would highly recommend doing so. From the late 70's to the late 80's I lived in Seattle. My son lives in Seattle (Kenmore) and this past July I returned to Seattle for his wedding. Traffic is much more congested than when I lived there. I think Dave has been a bit overly generous in estimating travel times for you. So build in some leeway for your travel times.

Richard

I as thinking of renting from the airport because we will return to Spokane airport. I can look into the prices. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[chellej]

You will definitely want to reserve a spot on the ferry if you are driving to the San Juans. Here is a link to the web site with the ferry schedule and also where you can make reservations.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

Also, there are no chains in the Twisp area but I did see a lot of small quaint resorts that you can stay.

 

[Ann-Marie]

You will definitely want to reserve a spot on the ferry if you are driving to the San Juans. Here is a link to the web site with the ferry schedule and also where you can make reservations.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

Also, there are no chains in the Twisp area but I did see a lot of small quaint resorts that you can stay.

Thank you.