Sunday, April 3, 2011

5 Great Pacific Northwest Driving Adventures-best auto zone


Some like to experience the Pacific Northwest while hiking or biking the trails. Others prefer to watch it streak by the window of a luxury sports car. Rocky coastlines, dense forests, purifying deserts and all kinds of interesting communities in between can be experienced during a jaunt through the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. If you're new to the area or have just rolled off the lot of the Wilsonville Porsche dealership, you may not know the cornucopia of interesting scenic driving routes available in the Pacific Northwest. This guide will provide a great start to driving excursions in the Pacific Northwest. All you need is your Porsche or Audi, some good friends, and a sense of adventure.
1. The Columbia River Historic Highway
Car commercials are often shot along this stretch of road because it is so jaw-droppingly beautiful. Known for its intricate, elaborate stonework, the Columbia River Historic Highway is almost ninety years old, and follows the Columbia River through the Cascades. This route offers beautiful views of as moss-covered forests, rocky cliffs and breath-taking waterfalls.
Starting from Portland, take I-84 East toward Troutdale. From there, take the Columbia River Highway to Dodson, then loop back on Oregon 35 and take US 26 through Hood River Valley back to Portland. For a real treat, drive this route during the spring when the fruit trees in the Hood River Valley will be in bloom.

2. Scenic Beach Route from Bremerton
A little slower-paced, this route makes a wonderful day-trip. Amazing views of Port Orchard bay and the Olympic Mountains are the main attractions of this stretch of road. A bonus is that with the weather's cooperation, this trip has the potential to end with a relaxing picnic on the beach.
From the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, travel north on SR 303 to the Central Valley Road exit. Take the exit west to Northwest Bucklin Hill Road, then head south on Bayshore Drive Northwest. Take Northwest Byron Street west to out of Silverdale, then head south on Silverdale Way Northwest, which becomes Chico Way Northwest. From there, take Seabeck Highway Northwest west, then veer north on Seabeck Holly Road Northwest. Take a left at Miami Beach Road Northwest and another at Scenic Beach Road Northwest to your destination.
3. Bear Lake, Pioneer Country, Idaho
This stretch is located in Southeastern Idaho. It's a fairly distant venture from your Wilsonville Audi service center, so make sure everything's ready for the long trip. With this in mind, it's definitely worth the experience if you get the chance. In the fall, you'll see spectacularly colored cottonwoods and aspens. Bear Lake, one of the main attractions of this route, is commonly referred to as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its bright turquoise color. Absorb some local culture in the quaint towns like Paris that dot the path along the way.
From Preston, Idaho, take Idaho 36 to US 89 and head south. There's no real set route here; just drive and enjoy the scenery until you decide to turn back.
4. Explore the Central Cascades
This is another great part of Washington to explore. The spectacular scenery of Washington offers waterfalls, apple orchards, canyons, and miles of wild forests of evergreens, maples, and larches. Stop for lunch in the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, and enjoy some tasty cider in Wenatchee.
This one's nice and simple: Just follow US 2 from Skykomish to Wenatchee.
5. The Oregon Coast via Highway 101
This is a 400 mile drive along the Oregon coast. It features 70 parks, scenic side loops, lighthouses, marinas, boardwalks, aquariums, and, of course, beaches. If you're coming from the Wilsonville area, you first need to take US-26 West to Astoria. From Astoria, take Highway 101 South. If you're starting in Southern Oregon, start at Brookings or Harbor and head north. Be gentle with the throttle, as it's a winding road.
If you start in Astoria, take Highway 101 south. If you're coming from Brookings or Harbor, head north on Highway 101. How long the trip is depends on how much time you have. This could be anywhere from a few hours for a quick day trip to an all-out 400 mile drive over the span of a couple of days. Be sure to stop and check out as many coastal towns as you can along the way.
There are so many great driving routes in the Pacific Northwest, you're sure to find one to tickle your fancy regardless of whether you're a Vancouver, Portland, or Wilsonville Audi owner, or from anywhere in between. Take one of these great driving routes and see what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions to whet your appetite for adventure. The Pacific Northwest offers limitless places to explore and experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6107219

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