#Oregon Coast Scenic Byway

[cascaderv]

Discovering the Best Adventure: Truck Campers in Hillsboro and Washington

Embark on a journey of unparalleled adventure with truck campers Hillsboro and truck camper Washington. Truck campers redefine the way we experience the great outdoors, offering a perfect blend of mobility, comfort, and versatility. At Cascade RV, we're passionate about empowering outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the spirit of exploration, and our selection of premium truck campers is crafted to elevate your adventures to new heights.

Discovering the Charm of Hillsboro

Experience Nature's Magnificence

Nestled in the heart of Oregon, Hillsboro beckons with its enchanting landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. From the serene tranquility of Rood Bridge Park to the breathtaking vistas of Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint, Hillsboro offers a myriad of natural wonders waiting to be explored. With a truck camper from Cascade RV, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Hillsboro while enjoying the comforts of home on the road.

Embracing Outdoor Adventures

Hillsboro is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of activities for every interest. Whether you're an avid hiker, a passionate angler, or a leisurely stroller, Hillsboro has something for everyone. Hit the trails at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, cast your line in the pristine waters of Hagg Lake, or simply unwind amidst the lush greenery of Noble Woods Park. With a truck camper as your basecamp, the possibilities for adventure are endless.

Conquering the Landscapes of Washington

A Tapestry of Scenic Beauty

Washington is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a tapestry of landscapes that captivate the soul. From the rugged peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the tranquil shores of Puget Sound, Washington's diverse terrain is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With a truck camper from Cascade RV, you can traverse the scenic highways and byways of Washington with ease, soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds you.

Embracing Outdoor Thrills

Washington is renowned for its abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, catering to adventurers of all stripes. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful moments of solitude, Washington delivers. Embark on a thrilling hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, paddle through the serene waters of Lake Chelan, or embark on a scenic drive along the iconic North Cascades Highway. With a truck camper as your trusty companion, you can indulge in all that Washington has to offer, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Experience the Freedom of Truck Camping

At Cascade RV, we believe that the journey is just as important as the destination. With our premium truck campers, you can embrace the freedom of the open road and embark on unforgettable adventures in Hillsboro and Washington. Whether you're chasing sunsets along the coast, exploring rugged mountain trails, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature, our truck campers are your ticket to unparalleled adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your spirit of adventure and embark on the ultimate journey with a truck camper from Cascade RV. Your next great adventure awaits!

#rv sales #top quality travel trailers #travel trailer #cascade rv #convenience #rv truck campers hillsboro #unforgettable rv experiences #washington #premium truck campers #truck camper

[oregonbeachvacations009]

Charms of Seaside, Oregon: Finding Your Perfect Beach House for Rent

Nestled along the picturesque Oregon coast, Seaside is a charming seaside town known for its stunning beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and array of recreational activities. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a fun-filled adventure with friends, renting a beach house in Seaside, Oregon, offers the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of this coastal gem. In this guide, we'll explore the allure of Seaside, Oregon, and provide tips for finding your perfect beach house rental.

Discovering Seaside, Oregon

Seaside, Oregon, is a popular destination for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families seeking a fun-filled vacation by the sea. Here are a few highlights of what Seaside has to offer:

Pristine Beaches:

Seaside boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, picnicking, and building sandcastles. Visitors can stroll along the shoreline, dip their toes in the Pacific Ocean, or watch the sunset over the horizon for a truly unforgettable experience.

Vibrant Boardwalk:

The Seaside Promenade, also known as the Prom, is a scenic boardwalk that stretches along the beachfront, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. The Prom is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it the perfect place to stroll, bike, or rollerblade while soaking in the sights and sounds of the seaside.

Outdoor Activities:

In addition to beach activities, Seaside offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can explore nearby parks such as Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park, or embark on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway for stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Finding Your Perfect Beach House Rental

When searching for a beach house for rent in Seaside, Oregon, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the perfect property for your vacation needs:

Location:

Consider the location of the beach house in relation to the beach, boardwalk, and other attractions in Seaside. Whether you prefer an oceanfront property with direct beach access or a quiet retreat nestled in the coastal hills, choose a location that suits your preferences and desired activities.

Size and Amenities:

Determine the size of the beach house and the amenities you require for your vacation. Whether you're looking for a cozy cottage for a romantic getaway or a spacious villa for a family reunion, make sure the rental property has enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Budget:

Establish a budget for your beach house rental, taking into account factors such as rental rates, cleaning fees, taxes, and security deposits. Consider whether you're willing to pay extra for premium amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, or ocean views, and adjust your budget accordingly.

Booking Your Beach House Rental

Once you've found the perfect beach house rental in Seaside, Oregon, it's time to book your stay. Here are a few tips for booking your beach house rental:

Research:

Do your research and read reviews from previous guests to ensure the property meets your expectations and standards. Look for rental listings on reputable vacation rental websites, or consider working with a local property management company for personalized service and assistance.

Book Early:

Beach house rentals in Seaside Oregon, can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons such as summer and holidays. To secure your preferred dates and property, book your beach house rental as early as possible, ideally several months in advance.

Review Rental Agreement:

Carefully review the rental agreement or contract provided by the property owner or manager before making a reservation. Pay attention to terms and conditions, cancellation policies, payment schedules, and any additional fees or charges.

Enjoying Your Seaside Getaway

With your beach house rental secured, all that's left to do is pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable seaside getaway in Seaside, Oregon. Whether you spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the town's attractions, or simply relaxing with loved ones in your beachfront retreat, cherish the moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Renting a beach house in Seaside, Oregon, offers the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty, charm, and relaxation of a seaside vacation. By following these tips and guidelines, you can find the perfect beach house rental for your next getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime. So why wait? Start planning your Seaside adventure today and prepare for an unforgettable seaside escape by the Pacific Ocean.

#beach house for rent #seaside oregon

[muhmmadiqbal]

Historical Landmarks and Heritage USA

Exploring historical landmarks and heritage sites in the United States can be a fascinating niche for YouTube content creators. Here are some ideas for content within this sub-niche

Virtual Tours of National Parks: Provide immersive virtual tours of iconic national parks in the United States, such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Acadia. Highlight the natural beauty, wildlife, and geological wonders of these protected areas.

Historic Sites and Monuments: Visit and document visits to famous historical landmarks and monuments across the country, such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Independence Hall, and the Alamo. Share insights into the history, significance, and architectural features of these sites.

Colonial Era and Revolutionary War Sites: Explore the East Coast's rich colonial history by visiting sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Boston's Freedom Trail. Discuss the events leading up to the American Revolution and the legacy of the Founding Fathers.

Civil War Battlefields and Museums: Tour Civil War battlefields, such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Vicksburg, and discuss the strategies, key battles, and significant figures of the conflict. Visit Civil War museums and artifacts collections to delve deeper into this pivotal period in American history.

Industrial Revolution Landmarks: Visit industrial revolution landmarks and heritage sites, such as Lowell National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and the Henry Ford Museum. Explore innovations in technology, transportation, and manufacturing that shaped American industry.

mmigration and Ellis Island: Document visits to Ellis Island and other immigration museums to explore the immigrant experience in America. Share stories of immigrants' journeys, cultural diversity, and contributions to the nation's growth and development.

Civil Rights Movement Sites: Visit sites associated with the Civil Rights Movement, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Discuss the struggle for racial equality, landmark events, and the ongoing fight for social justice.

Presidential Libraries and Museums: Tour presidential libraries and museums dedicated to the lives and legacies of past U.S. presidents, such as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Historic Trails and Scenic Byways: Follow historic trails and scenic byways, such as the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Share travel tips, scenic views, and insights into the people and events that shaped American history.

#history #medieval #historical

[premiograndesmulheres]

Faça uma viagem de carro cênica ao longo da deslumbrante costa do Oregon

Faça uma viagem de carro cênica ao longo da deslumbrante costa do Oregon

De suas impressionantes pilhas de mar a seus santuários de vida selvagem, a costa do Oregon é um destino de viagem muito procurado nos Estados Unidos. Shutterstock A rota costeira cênica também é conhecida como Highway 101 ou Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, onde se pode maravilhar com a vista notável do Oceano Pacífico e parar em várias atrações. A rota cênica se expande cerca de 362 milhas, e a…

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[emersonmanandnature]

January 15, 2022

Kite Flying

#Cape Sebastian #Highway 101 #Oregon Coast #Pacific Ocean #Scenic Byway #Southern Oregon coast #Pacific Notthwest #sunset light #low tide #young girl running #photography #cjcorwinoriginal

[flyingiseasy-landingnotsomuch]

Lovely views from St. Perpetua Trail.

Music: Xavier Rudd, Follow The Sun

#personal #oregon #pacific coast scenic byway #pnw #hike

[rabbitcruiser]

Trees (No. 56)

Oregon Coast

#Oregon Coast #pacific ocean #sea #waves #water #tree #nature #pinales #broadleaf tree #flora #cape sebastian #vista point #view #rock #Pacific Coast Scenic Byway #arch rock #beach #sand #woods #forest #landscape #seascape #west coast #oregon #usa #summer 2017 #travel #fog #cliff #green

[hollycrowned]

Hey Holly, I know you live in the PNW area (or at least have been there?? it's possible i've forgotten which) and I wanted to know if there are any Must See attractions/parks/locations in northern cali, oregon, and washington. I'm going to visit bill for the first time this summer and then spend a few weeks camping around in those states. I know I want to see crater lake, but there're so many cool places up there that I can't decide what else to see

I do live in the PNW! actually, I’d recommend not getting too caught up on ‘must-see’ locations and instead thinking more about what kinds of things special to the PNW you’d like to see the most. do you want to see mostly mountains, or cliffs on the coast, or waterfalls? are you looking to do hiking or fishing or cycling as well as camping? do you want to stay to the west where it’s green, or see the east where it’s more like a desert? those kinds of questions should help you pick the places you’d like to visit.

I wrote this post some time ago about visiting Bill, and one of the sections covers how to hit all the tourist traps Alex and the crew visited on their own tour of the PNW. I’ve visited all of those locations except the Benbow Inn, and each location was worth the visit. there’s also tips and resources on how to plan your own road trip. here are a few things I’ve learned since writing that post:

be prepared for zero cell reception in most areas!

be ready for a lot of driving, especially if you’ll be taking roads that aren’t the interstates. give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

if you’ll be camping, call ahead and reserve a spot. camping and hiking are popular in the PNW in the summer, and campgrounds fill up fast—especially around holidays like the 4th of July. this goes double for hotels.

check local news reports about wildfires and other hazards in the area before you set out for the day.

sadly I haven’t gotten to see any of Washington since I moved out here, but I’m happy to recommend some places to visit in Oregon and northern Cali!

Oregon:

Detroit Lake—since you’ll be in middle of Oregon to visit Crater Lake.  the town is small but it’s got gas and a general store, there’s some campgrounds and hiking trails in the area, and it’s not far from Three Fingered Jack to the southeast and Silver Falls to the northwest.

Mt Hood—I…am a fake Oregonian, and have not actually been out to Mt Hood yet myself, but I can tell you that it looks absolutely unreal viewed from far away. at least getting close enough to see it on the horizon is something I highly recommend. the surrounding forest is massive and very pretty, but you might find it busy in the summertime.

The Columbia River Gorge—this is the canyon that divides Oregon and Washington. lots of opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and some camping, and there are a few waterfalls along the gorge too. if you want to eat some locally grown fruits and berries (Oregon is famous for it’s berries!), check out the Hood River County Fruit Loop. the area harvests several types of berries in the summer, and there are fruit stands, wineries, cideries, orchards, bakeries, and u-pick farms along one long, looping road just off the gorge that are open all season. check the website closer to your trip for updated info on openings and events.

NorCal:

Trees of Mystery—of all the stops on Alex’s Mystery Tour, this one and Confusion Hill are my favorite. this park is enormous, so plan for your visit to be a couple of hours.

Avenue of the Giants—scenic byway with an entrance just north of Confusion Hill and another just west of a tiny town called Pepperwood. lots of campsites, as well as one of the famous “drive-thru trees.” very likely you’ll see some elk along the way too.

Fern Canyon—if you like hiking and want to camp near the Pacific, try the Gold Bluffs Beach campground. located not far away is Fern Canyon, which is as pretty and green as it sounds.

Newton B Drury Scenic Byway—this byway cuts right through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. an easy drive with plenty of chances to stop and stare at those real big trees.

finally, some of the prettiest country I’ve seen yet is a little area in NorCal, on US 199 just outside of Crescent City.  the road stretches all the way into Oregon, but the real pretty part is between Crescent City and the border.

it’s also some hazardous driving, but the nature can’t be beat. there’s campgrounds and fishing spots along the way, too. the 199 connects Crescent City to Grant’s Pass, OR, which is in the vicinity of the Oregon Vortex, covered in the post linked way above (and very worth a visit, especially if you want a Mystery Shack-grade tour experience).

I hope this helps! have fun and be safe on your trip—and say hi to Bill for me!

#ask replies #pineque #long post #now I want berries.........

[eyeofhorus237]

Willow Creek (formerly, China Flat)[3] is a census-designated place (CDP) in Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 1,710 at the 2010 census, down from 1,743 at the 2000 census. Residents of this small mountain town are commonly referred to as "Willow Creekers." The town is located around 30 miles (48 km) as the crow flies inland from county seat and harbor city Eureka, with the two places vastly differing in climate.

Willow Creek sits along the Trinity River. Willow Creek is described as a "rugged mountain community nestled in the heart of the Six Rivers National Forest." This area of California is located in the Trinity/Shasta/Cascade Region, near the Oregon border, and is easily reached via State Routes 96 (the "Bigfoot Scenic Byway") and 299.

The town, where the Patterson-Gimlin film was made, calls itself the Bigfoot capital of the world, has a Bigfoot Museum, and holds an annual "Bigfoot Daze" festival in September in honor of the creature, followed by various festivities in a local park.[4] The roadhead of the Bluff Creek / Fish Lake Road, near which many alleged Bigfoot sightings and footprint finds occurred, is about 46 miles northeast, along Route 96.

The region is the location of the Willow Creek American Viticultural Area. Organic gardens and vineries abound and welcome travelers to try their wares. The upper Trinity River offers a classic Class III river rafting run with moderate rapids, followed by the Burnt Ranch Gorge, which is one of the toughest runs in the entire state.

An Amazon reviewer[5] of the 2013 found-footage horror film, Willow Creek, says, "The endearing quirkiness of the town is captured very well in the iconography, the interviews (particularly with Steven S., the bookstore owner), and the food." The Wikipedia review says, "The two stop off first in Willow Creek ... where various locals talk to Jim's camera, warning them to keep out of the woods, singing ballads about Bigfoot, and generally enjoying their 15 minutes in the spotlight while Jim and Kelly have a blast ...."

Willow Creek was served for many decades by the weekly Klamity Kourier newspaper, which closed in 2006 and was quickly replaced by the Bigfoot Valley News also based in Willow Creek. The Bigfoot Valley News has since closed, but the regional newspaper, Two Rivers Tribune (www.tworiverstribune.com), opened in 1994 and is still going strong. Its news coverage area is from Burnt Ranch all the way to Happy Camp, 97.5 miles[6] (by Routes 299 and 96) to the north.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 30.6 square miles (79 km2), of which, 30.3 square miles (78 km2) of it is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) of it (0.98%) is water.

At the census of 2000, the CDP was considerably larger with a total area of 204.5 square miles (530 km2), of which, 204.4 square miles (529 km2) of it being land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) of it (0.07%) water.

Climate

This region experiences much warmer summers than locations near the coast such as county seat Eureka, but retains high winter rainfall associated with coastal locations. Daytime highs in summer are representative for areas with hot-summer-mediterranean climates, but is moderated by cool nights, causing high diurnal temperature variation. Willow Creek has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.[7] Summer highs are extremely hot when compared to areas of the county that are affected by coastal fog.

#extraterrestrial

[jordankwalker]

Here's a new painting I have avaliable! The sandy forests surrounding the Oregon Dunes are marvelously surreal. I was captivated by this tiny illuminated clearing between some stands of gnarled shore pines. There are yellow signs all along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway that simply say 'ELK', and while I didn't see any on this particular day, one did happen to wander into my painting! You can buy this painting, as well as many of my other originals, on my Daily Paintworks page. Follow the link in my profile, and look through my "landscapes" gallery to see what's avaliable! #landscape #painting #wildlife #oil #elk #oregon #pacificnorthwest #dailypaintworks https://www.instagram.com/p/BnjUzSnB7TL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hho718olb4t7

#landscape #painting #wildlife #oil #elk #oregon #pacificnorthwest #dailypaintworks

[olympianpandback]

May 10

We headed to Crater Lake fairly early because it is a 3 hour drive. It is always a scenic drive On the Volcano Scenic Byway.  We parked behind an RV from Alaska and the lady who was in that RV came up to talk to us about our RV. She has friends who are looking for a leisure travel Van. We head a nice long chat and went over to look at Crater Lake.  It's impossible to really describe and I am sure the pictures won't do justice for the sights we saw. There is still up to 8' of snow around the buildings.   We found a campground along a river that was nice and quiet until after we went to bed.  We had no idea about any train tracks somewhere near us, at least 4 trains rumbled through that were not very loud, except for the train whistle. We met our neighbors who are from Beaverton. He is a retired financial guy and his wife Faye finally retired from part time work at the church so they could travel. He was in the army from 59 through 61 and extended for a year because of the Berlin wall and the Cuban missile crisis. He was supposed to go to Germany but got a fever 3 days before the unit shipped out and the shipped unit out without him and 2 of his buddies. He never worked in his MOS (military occupation specialty), in artillery again. He spent 2 years in the active reserves and  2 years in the inactive reserves and got called back to active duty again. What a “lucky” guy. His wife worked as a ground crew member for American Airlines for 10 years then took a leave of absence for 5 years so she got credit for 15. They flew a lot to Europe mostly to France and travelled as much as they could on her D1 pass. The campground owner Steve has Scottish Highland cattle on his 140 acres because they eat the BlackBerry bushes and all the other brambles that no normal cattle will eat. He doesn't even have to feed them during the wintertime because they just disappear into the BlackBerry bushes and stay healthy during the weather. If he gets a male cow, they eat it. On the way to this campground South of Roseburg Oregon. we saw a great deal of devastation from recent for fires. It actually looks like it happened in the last year not later than 2 years. There is a lot of cleanup and trying to salvage usable lumber. We rounded one curve and there was the stump of a tree lying across the guardrail that was at least 2' in diameter that had just been cut out of the road not long ago from the looks of the cut. I can't imagine how long the delay had been before they got a crew out with the right equipment to move that log off the highway. Just another trip of discovery for us seeing such beautiful scenery and meeting so many nice people it's hard to describe in words or pictures.

May 11

We left mid-morning after another good conversation with Rich and Kay. We headed for the coast and got here midafternoon after stopping to get some to die for Apple walnut fritters at a local bakery. On the way here, we saw a spot that is called the Dean Creek Elk viewing area. Supposedly up to a 140 elk use this area as grazing ground. We didn't see any when we stopped on the way to the next campground. The campground is nice, but the bathrooms are closed and it's only private campgrounds that are having their bathrooms closed according to the host. We found out later that was probably a cop out to keep from cleaning them. This is an RV resort that people stay at year-round a lot of time. After dinner we went back to the elk viewing area Around 7:15 and saw about 40 or more cows grazing in the field. We hung around for about 20 more minutes hoping to see a bull, but none showed up. At least we can say we have seen elks and cross that off our list of wild animals. Tomorrow we head north a couple of hours to depot Bay. We hope to see some whales from the shore and will definitely take the 1 and 1/2 hour whale watching Tour, if we can book one.

May 12

On our way out of town we decided to go by the viewing place one more time period There were 40 or 50 cows out there but again no male elk. We headed North to Depoe Bay to try to do a whale watching cruise. We had checked with a campground just North of there who said their bathrooms were open. It was one of campgrounds in our group for big discounts. We drove there and found out that they had no cell phone signal. Even though I don't keep up with the blog as much as I would like to, we still need cell phone signal. We came back to town to another campground. Their bathrooms are open and it was a nice campground. They didn't offer a discount for veterans and I started to leave but Elizabeth wanted to stay there so we signed in. Marilyn gave us a 10% discount because I was such a nice man. Her words not mine. She also suggested a whale watching tour with a marine biologist area We were going to book a 12 o'clock tour, but we would have been on the boat for an hour and a 1/2 without anything to eat so we pushed it forward to the 10 o'clock tour. We got a text later saying that the 10 o'clock tour had been pushed up to 9:30 because they expected heavy seas that afternoon.

May 13 Whale watching trip

We were worried about a place to park the RV so we got there very early and parked in front of the jump off point. The leader was a very nice marine biologist who was passionate about her work we got a 15 minute lecture on whales before we went down to get on the boats . We got on the big boat which is a navy seal assault boat that had been retired. They asked who wanted to sit up front and we volunteered. It was a raw day and going to be cold and windy no matter where you were sitting. There are a group of whales come North from Mexico and hang around Depoe Bay while others continue on to the Alaskan water for feeding in the summer.ie Carry the biologist had named all the whales who stay around the area.  It was foggy and around 46 degrees when we left. Sees were chopping but not too bad at first.  We went buoy that had some sea lions on it. Then we meandered around following the other boat and listening for spotters looking for spouts. Carrie had also trained a dog that she rescued to smell the whale spouts which smell like the worst fart you've ever smelled and the dog Coda had been trained to detect those smells from an early age. Coda ran all around the boat from side to side and front to back sniffing the air, but we never saw a whale. We saw a lot of kelp and birds. The marine biologist says if we come back in August-September, the whales will be swimming up next to shore and we heard the same from locals later. So much for good timing. The Internet said whales should be here now!  We will head north trying to find some more whales because they only move at 4 miles per hour and we can overtake them. As we came back into the dock area we saw a mama seal and her baby seal who just been born that morning. On the way back to ,the dock Carrie asked if we were ready for some bumpy rides. We had no choice but to say yes and she opened up that seal boat with its twin 200 (I guessed at the size) HP Evinrude engines. We were hitting the bottom of some waves and riding over the top of many of them. It was a very fun ride for me and Elizabeth enjoyed it somewhat. We decided to eat in town and got to a restaurant just dead opened so we didn't have to wait area I had a seriously good clam chowder Elizabeth had a beer-based Tillamook cheese soup. It was in a brewery so we had craft pilsner for lunch. Everything was very good and I took a nap we got back to the camp after setting the RV up.  I spoke to our neighbor to our South who is a retired Air Force avionics technician, meeting his children here for the weekend into two other RVs.  We had a nice chat about the military, his travels around Europe and working on F-15s and 16s. He also gave me some insights into the Olympia peninsula where he and his wife had lived for many years. Our neighbor to the North is a retired civil servant, mechanical engineer who helped build the submarine base in San Diego and worked there most of his career. We briefly discussed COVID and his wife who is a nurse says they were waiting to get the Johnson and Johnson shot because it doesn't use MRNA to send signals to your body to protect yourself from the virus but actually uses a strain of the virus to make you immune to it like a flu shot. He said it wasn't really worried because it only affects a minor percentage of the population who have comorbidity issues most of the time. He and his wife have been full timers for several years in their 5th wheel. Again, you meet some of the most interesting people just by casual conversations. You know how shy I am so it's hard to meet strangers.

May 14

We drove north to the Washington border and found refuge at a National Guard base with an electric only hook-up for one night $15.  It’s clean, quiet and near the “latrine”.  Elizabeth prefers bathhouse/restrooms.

[stuffedsuitcaselove]

CALI ROAD TRIP • REDWOODS As promised I’m starting my series from our California coast road trip during spring break. We traveled from Seattle to Grant’s Pass, Oregon for our first stop. The next morning we headed towards Crescent City, CA and Hwy 101. Our stops for the redwoods on this trip were along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy and around the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. They have some of the biggest trees in the whole park. I also recommend driving along the Avenue of the Giants which is another scenic byway off the 101 but further south. There are lots of great family-friendly hikes throughout the parks so make sure you pack good walking shoes, snacks, and water. I wanted to share some@of the photos of the massive trees we saw in the parks however cropping and formatting them for insta just don’t do them justice. Instead I’m sharing this pic to show how intricate and lush the forests are. They’re also scarily silent and still! . . Have you ever visited a forest of giant trees? Where? . . . #hwy101 #redwoods #redwoodsnationalpark #wildcalifornia #californiacoast #rawcalifornia http://bit.ly/2G4BM2z

#IFTTT #Instagram

[rwimages]

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RW ❏ IMAGES | FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERIES | INTERIOR DESIGN ART SOURCE http://www.rwimages.com READY TO HANG LARGE WALL DECOR ART | FINE ART PRINTS | LICENSING | CUSTOM FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENTS | Home & Office Interior Design Art | Residential, Hospitality, Healthcare, Commercial, Corporate Interior Designer and Art Consultant Fine Art Source Print sizes available from 8" x 12" to extra large 40" x 60” Shipping to United States, Canada, Europe and Worldwide Working with Interior Designers and Art Consultants worldwide Inquire about Interior Designers / Art Consultants Discounts View Index of All Galleries: http://www.rwimages.com/index Read more about fine art prints and wall art here: http://www.rwimages.com/fine-art-prints Read more about licensing & digital downloads here: http://www.rwimages.com/licensing-info Read more about custom fine art photography assignments here: http://www.rwimages.com/assignments Read client testimonials: http://www.rwimages.com/testimonials CONTACT: http://www.rwimages.com/contact ❏ A Acadia National Park, ME Acadia National Park, ME Black and White Adirondack Mountains, NY Adirondack Mountains, NY Black and White Arches National Park, UT Arches National Park, UT Black and White Arizona Assateague Island National Seashore, MD Assateague Island National Seashore, MD Black and White Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Austin, TX Black and White B Bandelier National Monument, NM Beaufort, SC Big Sur, CA Big Sur, CA Black and White Boston, MA Boston, MA Black and White Botanicals Botanicals Black and White Brazos Bend, TX C California Cannon Beach & Oregon Coast, OR Canyonlands National Park, UT Canyonlands National Park, UT Black and White Cape Ann, MA Cape Ann, MA Black and White Cape Cod, MA Cape Cod, MA Black and White Charleston, SC Charleston, SC Black and White Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Black and White Chicago Marathon Colorado Columbia River Gorge, OR Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA D District of Columbia Door County, WI Door County, WI Black and White E Everglades National Park, FL Everglades National Park, FL Black and White F Florida G Galveston, TX Garden of the Gods Colorado Springs, CO Gateway Arch National Park St.Louis, MO Georgia Gloucester, MA Grand Canyon, AZ Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO Black and White Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC Black and White H Houston, TX I Illinois J Joshua Tree National Park, CA K Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, NM Kettle Moraine Forest, WI Key West & Florida Keys, FL Key West & Florida Keys, FL Black and White L Lake Geneva, WI Lake Martin, LA Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA Long Island, NY Long Island, NY Black and White Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA Black and White Louisiana Louisiana Plantations, LA M Madison, WI Maine Martha's Vineyard, MA Martha's Vineyard, MA Black and White Maryland Massachusetts Mesa Verde National Park, CO Mesa Verde National Park, CO Black and White Miami, FL Miami, FL Black and White Michigan Milwaukee, WI Missouri Mount Evans Scenic Byway, CO Mount Rainer National Park, WA Mount Rainer National Park, WA Black and White N Nantucket, MA Nantucket, MA Black and White Napa Valley, CA Napa Valley, CA Black and White Natchez, MS New Hampshire New Mexico New Orleans, LA New Orleans, LA Black and White New York New York City, NY New York City, NY Black and White North Carolina O Olympic National Park, WA Olympic National Park, WA Black and White Oregon Outer Banks, NC Outer Banks, NC Black and White P Pecos National Historical Park, NM Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Pinnacles National Park, CA Point Lobos, CA Point Reyes National Seashore, CA Portland, ME Portland, ME Black and White Portland, OR Portland, OR Black and White R Rockport, MA Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Black and White Route 66 S Salem, MA San Antonio, TX San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, TX San Francisco, CA San Francisco, CA Black and White Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara, CA Black and White Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico, NM Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico, NM Black and White Saratoga, NY Saratoga National Historical Park, NY Savannah, GA Savannah, GA Black and White Seattle, WA Seattle, WA Black and White Shenandoah National Park, VA Shenandoah National Park, VA Black and White Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI Smoky Mountains, NC Smoky Mountains, NC Black and White Sonoma Coast, CA South Carolina Starved Rock, IL St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine, FL Black and White St. Louis, MO T Taos, NM Texas U Utah V Valles Caldera National Preserve, NM Vermont Vermont Vermont Black and White Virginia W Washington State Washington, DC Washington DC Black and White Western Massachusetts White Mountains, NH White Mountains, NH Black and White Wisconsin Y Yosemite National Park, CA Yosemite National Park, CA Black and White NEW IMAGES (in All Galleries)

[usfwspacific]

9 Must-See Photos of Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges

The six National Wildlife Refuges along the Oregon Coast provide for some amazing images. Check them out and learn more about the Oregon Coastal National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Face Rock at Bandon, Oregon, is part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  From nearly every viewpoint on the Oregon coast, colossal rocks can be seen jutting out of the Pacific Ocean. Each of these landforms is protected as part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge includes 1,853 rocks, reefs and islands and two headland areas and spans 320 miles of the Oregon coast. Photo by Peter Pearsall/USFWS

Sanderlings forage infront of haystack rock at Pacific City, Oregon, which is part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  Protected from human disturbance, 13 species of seabirds nest here, including common Murre, tufted puffin, pigeon Guillemot and black oystercatcher. harbor seals and steller sea lions use the rocky islands as a place to rest and give birth to their pups. Photo by Peter Pearsall/USFWS

View from Cannery Hill at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The verdant pastures around Nestucca Bay harbor six subspecies of geese, including the world's entire population of Semidi Islands Aleutian Cackling geese, a subspecies of the Aleutian Cackling Goose. Also found here is the only coastal wintering population of Dusky Canada geese. Photo by Peter Pearsall/USFWS

Long a Jesuit retreat, this 100-plus-acre parcel known at the Cannery Hill headlands became a part of the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge on September 6, 2013.

An early fall morning view of the Ni-les'tun Unit at Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects the largest remaining tidal salt marsh within the Coquille River estuary. Located near the mouth of the Coquille River, it is an oasis for migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and Coho Salmon. Photo by Roy Lowe/USFWS

Aerial View of Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge with Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge in the background. Designated as the first National Wildlife Refuge west of the Mississippi River, Three Arch Rocks Refuge lies half a mile offshore of the community of Oceanside. One of the Oregon coast's best-known landmarks, the refuge consists of three large and six smaller rocks totaling 15 acres. It's also a National Wilderness Area, one of the smallest in the country. Photo by Roy Lowe / USFWS

Old-growth forest surrounded by a tumultuous ocean set the primeval scene at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge. Its cliffs support nesting seabirds and peregrine falcons, a species recovered from the brink of extinction. Photo by Roy Lowe/USFWS

The Coast Trail at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.  Established in 1938, Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge consists of vertical coastal cliffs, rock outcroppings, and rolling headlands with old-growth forest dominated by Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock. This small refuge protects one of the last stands of old-growth coastal forest in Oregon.

Representing some of the most photogenic estuarine habitat along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge was formerly pastureland, diked against the tides to accommodate dairy cows. These days, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and other raptors roost on salt-killed snags, and a variety of estuary-dependent birds including great blue heron, great egret and many species of waterfowl forage in the tidally influenced waters. Photo by Peter Pearsall/USFWS

#pnw #pnwlife #NWR #conservation #wildlife #USFWS

[wikitopx]

On the Pacific Ocean in northern California and southern Washington, Oregon is a lush and slightly wild state that offers many beautiful tourist attractions.

US 101 runs along the coast, connecting many resorts, beautiful beaches, and beautiful coastal scenery. At the northernmost point, the coast meets the mouth of the Columbia River, which marks the state's northern border. This major river leads inland, paralleled by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with many fun things to do, including waterfall hikes and windsurfing or kiteboarding in Hood River.

[toc]

1. Crater Lake National Park

With scenery unlike any other, Crater Lake National Park is located in the Cascade Mountains of southwest Oregon. It is not actually a crater, but rather an ancient caldera of an extinct volcano, Mount Mazama, and its lava cliffs rise to heights of up to 2,000 feet around the intensely blue and extremely deep lake.

Just a short distance from the edge of the crater, Rim Drive circles the lake in a clockwise direction. It starts at Rim Village and is only accessible by car during warm weather months. Throughout winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers can use the unplowed road for winter travel.

Lake Crater National Park is a popular weekend trip in Oregon, and camping is available at two developed campsites, with most locations found at Mazama Campground. Extended hiking and backpacking opportunities can be found in the national park away from the rim, and stunning trails like Watchman Peak give great views of the caldera.

To explore the lake during the summer months, head to Cleetwood Bay, where the cruise departs to Wizard Island.

Official site: https://ift.tt/NjBAsI

2. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area follows the course of the Columbia River as it cuts through the Cascade Range. The boundary line between Oregon and Washington, the gorge is known for its spectacular views and numerous waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls — the tallest waterfall in the state.

The area has a range of hiking and biking trails, plus camping facilities. This is one of the most popular day trips from Portland, and one of the many great destinations to aim for in the gorge includes Punchbowl Falls on Eagle Creek.

3. Cannon Beach

A popular tourist area on the north coast of Oregon, Cannon Beach offers a wide range of sand and spectacular views of jagged coastal boulders. The largest of these monoliths, Haystack Rock is an impressive feature that dominates the background of any visit to this coastal community.

As one of the best small towns on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach also delivers on cultural appeal with restaurants, boutique shops, and great hotels. To the north of Cannon Beach, the enchanting Ecola State Park and Tillamook Head offer historic and scenic landscapes to explore.

The charming city of Seaside can also be accessed from the other end of Ecola State Park, adding even more family-friendly attractions to visit on the Oregon coast. For more historical interest, the Lewis and Clark Saltworks gives insight into the challenges and lifestyles of the Corps of Discovery.

4. Washington Park, Portland

Portland offers a bevy of delightful parks and gardens, but none has quite the density of attractions as Washington Park. Within park grounds, the famed International Rose Test Garden is located near the impressive Portland Japanese Garden. Each displays exceptional horticultural expertise and are favorites with green thumbs.

For families, the park offers exciting adventures at the Oregon Zoo, as well as the Portland Children's Museum. With plenty to explore in a day, including some of the best hiking trails near Portland, Washington Park delivers on something new with each visit.

5. Mount Hood National Forest

With a peak rising to 11,239 feet, making it the highest mountain in Oregon, Mount Hood is an unmistakable landmark of the state. On its slopes are downhill offerings at Mount Hood Skibowl, picturesque hiking paths like the Timberline Trail, and scenic viewpoints accessible via the Mount Hood Scenic Loop.

The historic town of Government Camp and the nearby Timberline Lodge are also big attractions in this mountain landscape. The surrounding Mount Hood National Forest fans out from the peak to encompass waterfalls and hot springs.

Official site: https://ift.tt/2kEJC7p

6. Bend

  Surrounded by a blend of national forests, volcanoes, and dry plains, Bend is located in the heart of Oregon. The city's High Desert Museum has informative displays about the surrounding arid regions.

Popular things to do in Bend include rafting trips on the Deschutes River, excursions to the volcanic landscapes of Lava Butte and Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and skiing at the large Mount Bachelor Ski Area. Also nearby, Smith Rock is famous for climbers for its many routes and long history as a rock-climbing destination.

Hiking trails around Bend are a great way to explore the scenic areas and mountain biking trails can also add to the excitement. For a more laid-back approach, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a popular auto-touring route through the Deschutes National Forest.

The drive passes through lakes, mountains, and spectacular scenery with plenty of picnics and camping available along the way. For an iconic waterfall of the area, Tumalo Falls can be reached from Bend in just over a 10-mile drive.

7. Astoria

In the northwest corner of Oregon, adjacent to the Columbia and Pacific Rivers, Astoria is a charming coastal city with inspiring surroundings. It's the backdrop for the 80s cult-classic movie, The Goonies, and visitors to Astoria can learn more about this movie and other Oregon productions at the Oregon Film Museum, located in the old Clatsop County Jail.

Nearby, the Flavel House Museum in Astoria provides historical insight into this well-aged city. Other top attractions of Astoria include a scenic Riverfront; vibrant downtown neighborhood; and the Astoria Column, with great views of the area.

8. Hood River

The scenic city of Hood River is located on the banks of the Columbia River just over an hour east of Portland. Although well known as a destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing, Hood River is a great place for a full range of outdoor sports, including hiking, biking, and camping.

Tourists who want a little less physical activity can easily hop on the historic Columbia River Walk or Mount Hood Railroad. Cultural attractions, great restaurants and hotels, local shops, live music venues, and aromatic coffee spots and a few reasons to stop at Hood River.

9. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Brookings

Located between Brookings and Gold Beach on the southern Oregon coast, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile linear park, which exhibits some of the best oceanside scenery in the state.

Easily accessed from US 101 and named after the first Oregon Parks superintendent, the Oregon Coast Trail and various pull-off parking spots connect the beaches, rock formations, and natural beauty that defines this part of the coast.

Popular pitstops along this scenic corridor include Arch Rock; Indian Sands; and one of the best beaches on the Oregon coast, Lone Ranch Beach.

10. Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne

An international climbing destination in central Oregon, Smith Rock State Park, near Bend, has more than 1,000 screwed sports routes along with a beautiful river canyon environment.

It's not just climbers who flock to this outdoor playground just outside of Bend, though; mountain bikers, hikers, and photographers can be found exploring throughout the extended high-desert warm weather season.

Smith Rock is home to one of the best hiking trails near Bend, and despite its foreboding name, Misery Ridge at Smith Rock provides an absolutely stunning view of the Crooked River and canyon walls.

Official site: https://smithrock.com/

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Orange County

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-oregon-703630.html

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[hollycrowned]

Take A Trip: Advice on How to See Bill, From Someone Who Went a Long Way to See Bill

since Cipher Hunt ended and the statue of Bill was moved to Confusion Hill, I’ve gotten to visit the park and the statue twice. when folks reblog the post I made about my first trip, I often see added comments along the lines of “I want to visit so badly!” or “I want to go there someday!” so I thought I’d put together a post with information, tips, and resources that will help you get to Bill when you finally take your own trip.

If you have any questions after reading this post, feel free to ask! just remember that you’re liable for your own experiences when traveling. I’ll update this post if I find any other helpful resources. younger fans, you’re welcome to show this post to parents if it’ll help them plan the your family next vacation. 

planning your trip to Bill all depends on how far away you are from Confusion Hill, what your budget is, how many days your trip will be, if there are other things you want to do while you’re vacationing, where your trip will end, and how you want/need to travel. the rest of this post is broken down based on that last factor, because I think it’s the most important factor to decide on when planning a trip to this area. so, without further ado...

when to travel

I’ve found that late spring to early summer is best. while you may find some rain this time of year, mid to late summer days can be very hot, and the roads are treacherous in winter when the most precipitation falls. late April through June will give you good weather conditions, longer days than you would have in the fall, and will help you avoid the holidays, when campgrounds fill up and hotels increase their prices.

what the area is like

first of all, northern California is beautiful. the area around the 101, especially, is easily some of the most incredible nature I’ve ever seen.

your drive may take you through the Redwoods National and State Parks, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and the Klamath National Forest. a couple of scenic byways run along parts of the 101, taking drivers through hidden patches of towering redwoods. the number of parks in the area means are many campgrounds around Confusion Hill, so if you and your travel party are avid campers, you have a ton of options. 

northern California (and southern Oregon) is also conservative. you may see confederate flags and Trump/Pence signs. I want to include this so that anyone who feels scared or uncomfortable in this kind of environment will know about it ahead of time. I hope this doesn’t stop anyone from taking a trip they’d really want to take, but if the knowledge of this atmosphere will help prepare you for your trip, then I’m more than willing to offer it.

if you gotta fly

first of all, you have to have a car to get to Confusion Hill. NorCal is notoriously unpopulated, and because Confusion Hill is pretty far from anything, you’ll have to have a vehicle to get to there. this section is for folks who would rather fly most of the way than drive, or who are visiting the area from out of the country.

There are two obvious options when it comes to flying: Portland (PDX) to the north or San Francisco (SFO) to the south, but just driving to Bill from those airports present some logistical problems.

PDX is pretty far from Confusion Hill, about a 9 hour drive. If you choose this route, consider splitting up the journey over two days. The 101 is not well lit and is a difficult drive even in ideal conditions, so it’s not a trip you want to rush unnecessarily or a drive you want to make in the dark.

SFO is closer to Confusion Hill (less than 4 hours in ideal conditions), but it’s also on the south side of the city. When you land at SFO and get on the 101, you have to drive through a lot of the main part of the city (read: a ton of traffic, construction) and over the Golden Gate Bridge (cool, but narrow and kind of nerve-wracking) in order to leave the city and head north. Even though Google says it’s less than 4 hours from SFO to Confusion Hill, it will probably take longer because of traffic, so consider this when planning your route and arrival time.

If you’re okay with flying but not keen on driving a lot or battling traffic or renting a car for too many days in a row, here is the most hassle-free way to get to Bill I could think of:

Fly to Portland (PDX)

From PDX, fly to Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) in McKinleyville, CA.

Rent a car (there’s a National right next to the airport)

Here’s the route from ACV to Confusion Hill—just drive south on the 101 for a little over two hours.

Here’s where you have to make your own comparisons. Whether or not the above suggestion will work for you depends on if you want/can rent a car, how many days you want your trip to be, how many people are with you and how old they are, and about a dozen other factors. The above plan isn’t necessarily the best, it’s just the least amount of driving possible, the least amount of overall time it would take to get to Confusion Hill, and the least amount of traffic. you can use this plan as a base from which you can build your own itinerary to suit you.

for example, I also recommend the same plan but from PDX to the Del Norte County Regional Airport in Crescent City, CA (here’s the Hertz next to that airport). Crescent City is a little more conveniently located if you’re planning to spend some time both in NorCal and South Oregon. The drive to Confusion Hill is twice as long, but you’ll see some incredible redwoods and you’ll also pass Trees of Mystery and the Benbow Inn on your way. again, it depends on how much you want to/can drive and how long your vacation is.

here are some resources:

how to get the lowest airfare

secrets to booking cheap flights

low airfare comparison site

renting a car for the first time? know these things

(NOTE: in the US, rental car companies often charge people under 25 higher rates, and prefer you use a credit card when renting)

8 valuable things to check & consider before renting a car

if you want your trip to be like the Mystery Tour

the 2013 Mystery Tour was a trip that Alex Hirsch and much of the GF production team took in order to get inspiration for season 2 (and just for fun before starting work on the last season). Hirsch talks about the trip in this interview with Media Mike’s, in which he says the team rented a van and “basically went up US Route 101 and spent four days visiting this stretch of road between California and Oregon that is known for having some of the craziest tourist traps on this coast.”

that stretch of road was Highway 101, of course, and US Route 199, a highway that connects the 101 and Interstate 5. Alex mentions five locations in the article: Confusion Hill, The Benbow Inn, Trees of Mystery, It’s A Burl, and The Oregon Vortex. He also says, “We just went up to the Southern tip of Oregon and back down...” There are a few ways the crew could’ve done this: driving from LA north on I5 all the way to the Oregon Vortex and looping first west on the 199 and then south on the 101, 

flying to SFO then north on I5, west on 199, and back south on 101 (this route could also be taken the opposite way: north on 101, east on 199, south on I5, which I like to think is a little more similar to the bus trip Dipper and Mabel took from their home in Piedmont to Gravity Falls),

another possible way to hit all these locations is to fly to PDX or a smaller airport off I5 (like Salem or Eugene) and then drive south on I5 until the Grant’s Pass area, visit the Oregon Vortex, take 199 west to the 101, then south towards SFO:

you’ll pass Confusion Hill on any of these routes. for your own tour, the route that suits you will depend on factors like where you’re coming from, how many days you want your trip to be, etc.

there are more tourist traps and parks in this general area that Alex and the team visited—Enchanted Forest is a couple of hours north of the Oregon Vortex, for example (you’ll pass it if you start at PDX and go south), and the 101 is littered with other attractions, like the One Log House. it’s a beautiful drive either way, and if you’re able to spend some time exploring the region this way, I highly recommend it.

if you just wanna drive

go for it. if you really want to take a road trip, do it. I’ve road tripped across the country twice now and I am so, so glad I did. it is an incredible experience well worth having.

planning your road trip to Bill depends on where you’re coming from and where you ultimately want to end up. your route is up to you, but I can offer you some road safety info and resources I used to plan own my trip.

how to travel smart:

plot your route ahead of time and stick to it. estimate how many miles you need to drive every day in order to reach your destination by your desired arrival date. if you’ll be driving through any major cities, make sure to avoid morning and afternoon rush. if you’ll be stopping to sightsee during your trip, make an itinerary.

calculate the approximate cost of your trip, including gas, hotel, and food. put extra money aside in case something happens to your car while you’re traveling.

get your vehicle checked out by a professional before you start your trip! this includes getting your oil changed, checking your break and power steering fluids, making sure your battery is charged, and making sure your tires aren’t too old.

call your bank and let them know you’ll be traveling and using your card out of state

make sure your car insurance plan is up-to-date with the kind of coverage you need

reserve hotel rooms ahead of time. you don’t necessarily have to have this done for your whole trip before you leave; I find that, so long as your trip isn’t around a holiday and you’re not staying in the middle of a big city, you can call a hotel 6 to 12 hours before your arrival and you’ll be able to get a room. here’s how I did it:

open the Maps app on your phone (or use Google Maps on your computer) and pick the town you want to stay in. I tried to pick medium sized towns close to the mile amount I had to drive each day in order to reach my ultimate destination by the day I planned.

zoom in on that area until you can see hotels off the road you’re taking. compare them to see which one you’d like to stay at. check out reviews for how clean the rooms are, prices, pet acceptance, etc. make a selection based on what matters to you.

Call and reserve a room. If you don’t like talking on the phone, make a friend do it. If none of you like talking on the phone, reserve your next room online before you leave that morning. If it applies to you, don’t forget to ask if a hotel offers AAA, military, or other discounts.

Speaking of AAA, if you can afford it, get it. for those not familiar, AAA is a roadside assistance program that provides a fast and easy way to get help when something happens to your vehicle, from running out of gas to locking your keys in your car. it is a fantastic service that is well worth the money, especially when taking a trip away from home.

A checklist of essentials:

car charger for your phone, and an external battery

snacks and water

spare car key, even if it’s not one with a fob

your car’s owner’s manual, your vehicle title and registration, and your insurance card

physical maps that cover your whole route

enough cash to pay for at least one tank of gas, and some spare cash for tolls if you’re expecting any

paper towels, hand wipes, toilet paper, small trash bags

a first aid kit, and if you take prescription meds, make sure you have enough to get you through your whole trip

car maintenance items like coolant, oil, windshield wiper fluid, donut, carjack, and jumper cables

flashlights, flares, and other safety equipment (see safety section)

stuff that will help you get through the drive, like coloring books, music, podcasts, crafts, etc.

resources:

gas prices per gallon per state and gas cost calculator

list of lists of travel info, including tips on how to travel with pets, driving in the US, how to save money on gas, etc.

everything you need to prepare for a long car journey or roadtrip (not really, but this article does have some good suggestions)

this website helps you make an itinerary for your trip

Roadtrippers is a highly-rated map-based travel app

Waze is an app that helps you avoid traffic, police, and accidents

Wunderground has a great weather app (with satellite)

REFUGE is an app for finding gender-neutral bathrooms

10 things to check before you hit the road

how to check the fluids in your car

these tire valve caps show you if your tire pressure is low

how to change a tire

how to travel safe:

travel with a group. whether it’s with family or friends, always travel with at least one other person, especially if you’re going a long distance.

always lock your doors if your car isn’t moving

always go everywhere with a friend. don’t go anywhere alone and don’t let your friends out of your sight for very long. if you do have to go alone, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

let friends and family members not traveling with you know where your trip will take you and when you’ll reach your ultimate destination. check in with a friend or family member throughout your trip.

don’t use your phone while driving—leave navigation to your passengers!

check your car’s fluid levels and tire pressure in the morning before you leave your hotel to reduce your chances of breaking down while on the highway.

get defensive items like whistles and pepper spray. my dad got me this sweet metal flashlight that is also a bat.

if you break down on the highway and you feel unsafe, call local law enforcement and explain your situation. this will at least let them know about your location and situation, and if you suspect danger, then request officer come out and stay with you until vehicle assistance can reach you. in any case, stay in your car, make sure your valuables are out of sight, and lock your doors. don’t walk along the side of the road and do not hitchhike.

plan your trip so that you reach your destination before sundown

when visibility is low, drive slow! if you’re driving on roads you’re not used to, or weather conditions are bad, take your time. slow down, use the right lane, use designated turnouts if someone is tailgating you (lock your doors if you do this), and take breaks or switch drivers if needed.

be aware of your surroundings. if someone gives you a bad vibe, leave. if a place looks sketchy, skip it, or if you have to stop, get in and get out as quickly as possible. get yourself to a place where you feel safe first, and ask questions/apologize later.

resources:

what to do when your vehicle breaks down

what to do when your car breaks down on the highway

how to escape from the trunk of a car

how to pack a car emergency kit

pre-packed AAA car emergency kit

here’s a good emergency escape multitool

tips on driving in hazardous conditions

in conclusion

I hope this helps you plan your own trip to Confusion Hill. there’s nothing that will make you fall in love with Gravity Falls more than exploring the places that inspired it’s creation. and this the spirit of Gravity Falls, anyway—take a trip. have an adventure. go with friends and family and see something amazing.

as always, stay weird—and if you decide to take that trip to Confusion Hill, maybe our paths will cross next summer.

#gravity falls #cipherhunt #cipher hunt #holly hush #sorry this took so long to put together #hopefully this'll be helpful to folks planning their trips next summer