Weekend trip to Mt St. Helens and Oregon coast..

Monday, August 25, 2008

Joe and I decided that we needed a weekend away. Our son was supposed to be going on a camping trip and we figured that it was the perfect time for a quick-dash getaway down to the Vancouver, WA area. We both wanted to see Mt St. Helens again since it had been well over 20 years since either of us had been there so after a nice breakfast at the Oak Table in Sequim on Saturday, off we went.

We elected to drive around the Hood Canal and through Quilicene rather than the usual Bremerton/Gig Harbor/Tacoma route. I'd not been on that particular road in years - it's a gorgeous drive and one we're looking forward to doing again when we have the time to stop and enjoy the fabulous views.

We arrived at the Mt St. Helens exit around 1 and stopped off at the main visitor's center to get a map. The drive from there was absolutely gorgeous, if not outright scary in some parts. Between a few tall and narrow bridges (heart attack waiting to happen for those who are terrified of height. like me) and nothing between the side of the road and a thousand foot drop-off but a flimsy guard rail, by the time we made it to the top I thought I was going to have a stroke. Joe kept pointing things out as he drove and my immediate response was to scream at him that I had two eyes and could see for myself and for the love of God, would you PLEASE keep both hands on the wheel and watch the road?! After a few failed attempts to look away, he sighed and just drove. Thank goodness. Death on the mountain was not my plan for the trip...

So, after our fun and slightly scary trip to the mountain we drove to our hotel to get washed up and then went to Saylor's Country Kitchen in Portland, OR. My family loves steak and this is the favorite steakhouse. I was not so impressed so I don't think I'll be back.

The next day we got up and went to meet up with sister #5 and her boyfriend. After a yummy breakfast at Fatty Patty's, we hit the road to Tillamook, OR to visit the cheese factory and enjoy free cheese tastings! While the previous day was beautiful with a bright blue sky and minimal clouds, Sunday was a rainfest. We got soaked just running from the car to the front door of the factory. And it was incredibly humid. Whew. But a good time was had by all and I managed to get a few photos.

Enjoy.




The Hood Canal, on our way..


Another view..


View from the road


Check out my freshly cut/highlighted hair!


An abandoned gift shop at the sediment retention dam on the Toutle River. The dam is a short (2 minute) hike from the trailhead but has been overgrown so the viewpoint now just overlooks tall bushes and trees.


You can just see the mountain in the far distance.


One of the 3 different visitor centers on the way to the top viewing area.


You can see where the snow run-off has carved deep canyons in the valley floor.


Coldwater Lake, formed from the fallen trees and mudslides that came about during the eruption.


It's a very peaceful and calm lake. No gas engines allowed on the lake.


You can just make out Castle Lake to the west of the mountain. The valley is amazing to view in real-life.


I stepped off the path to get a photo of the sign instructing visitors to stay ON the path ;)


This bridge is scary. It was built at the edge of the blast zone so tourists could access the valley and mountain.


Dinner Saturday night. It was just OK. I don't like pan-fried steak. Meh.


Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, OR. Yum!!


View of the beach between Tillamook and Cannon Beach, OR.


Driving through a wet and dense forest. Really pretty and magical there.