States #44 and 45: Idaho and Washington
From Yellowstone to Idaho
Our next adventure began with more of the untamed landscapes of Yellowstone, and from there, we embarked on a captivating journey through the heart of Idaho and Washington.
Our first stop after departing Yellowstone led us to Twin Falls, Idaho, a place etched with the daring exploits of legend. Here, we stood at the very site where the iconic Evel Knievel fearlessly soared across the Snake River Canyon on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The echoes of his audacious feat still lingered in the air, making us feel like a part of history.
Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon
At the east end of the breathtaking Snake River Canyon, we encountered the majestic cascade of Shoshone Falls. Due to a drought, the falls, which are higher than Niagara, were flowing at a far reduced capacity.
Even with the reduced flow, the dramatic setting of the falls and the canyon made for an impressive stop along our journey.
Before bidding adieu to Twin Falls, we took a moment to witness an adrenaline-pumping spectacle. Base jumpers leaped off the Perrine Bridge, their fearless acts contrasting with the stunning panoramic vistas of the canyon and river below.
The scene was a thrilling reminder of the human spirit’s boundless courage.
Reuniting With Family in Boise
Continuing our journey, we set our sights on Boise, Idaho. Fate had a surprise in store, reuniting me with my brother, who was working in the city during that week.
Our stay at the same hotel allowed us to not only catch up but also enjoy a delectable feast. Armed with a grill, we indulged in the pleasure of cooking steaks and savoring dinner under the starlit sky.
While in Boise, I couldn’t resist the allure of the local university’s famed “blue” football field. Its vibrant hue perfectly encapsulated the city’s sportsmanship and energy, leaving another memorable mark on our Boise experience.
Into Washington
With our spirits rejuvenated, we pressed on to Walla Walla, Washington.
Here, a culinary adventure awaited us at the Stone Hut Bar and Grill. The “wall of flame” beckoned, offering an array of hot sauces with varying levels of heat for the daring diner.
As we savored each fiery delight, the flavors danced on our palates, creating an experience that was nothing short of enchanting.
Along the way to Washington, we also encountered a nature park with bears and other roaming animals, adding another unexpected wildlife encounter to our journey.
Seattle and the Space Needle
Our journey reached its zenith in Seattle, a bustling hub of excitement. Atop the iconic Space Needle, we marveled at the city’s skyline and the vast expanse of the Puget Sound.
But it wasn’t all about heights; we embraced the fervor of a Major League Baseball team getting their “ticket punched” to go to the MLB Playoffs.
Amid a crowd of over 44,000 fervent fans, we cheered for the home team as the Seattle Mariners triumphed over the Oakland A’s, creating an atmosphere charged with electric energy.
Two More States, Countless Memories
It was an unforgettable journey through Idaho and Washington, as we reflected on the heart-stirring moments, savory indulgences, and indelible memories that shaped our adventure.
The thrill of each leap, the sizzle of each flavor, and the resonance of every experience continue to echo in our hearts.
Where I Stayed:
TownePlace Suites Twin Falls
The TownePlace Suites Twin Falls provided a comfortable extended-stay setting in southern Idaho. Twin Falls is famous for its dramatic Snake River Canyon and waterfalls, giving the area a surprisingly spectacular landscape. The hotel’s residential-style accommodations made it easy to relax after exploring the region. It was a convenient base for discovering this part of Idaho.
Residence Inn Boise West
The Residence Inn Boise West gave me a comfortable place to stay while exploring Idaho’s capital region. Boise combines a lively downtown with easy access to mountains, rivers, and outdoor activities. The Residence Inn’s extra space made it particularly convenient for settling in after long days of driving. I enjoyed the contrast between the city’s growing urban character and the surrounding natural scenery. I took advantage of the outdoor grill and the indoor kitchen to cook steaks and enjoy time with my brother.
Hilton Garden Inn – Bothell, Washington
The Hilton Garden Inn in Bothell provided a comfortable base as we continued exploring the Seattle area. It offered the familiar Hilton Garden Inn experience, giving us a dependable place to relax after busy days on the road. The property also has an indoor pool, which was a nice amenity to have during our stay. Its location north of Seattle made it a convenient alternative to staying directly in the heart of the city.
Courtyard by Marriott – Seattle North/Lynnwood Everett
Our stay at the Courtyard gave us a comfortable base on the east side of the Seattle area. It was close to Kirkland and the location along Lake Washington made it an appealing place to stay while exploring the greater Seattle region. The familiar Courtyard setup provided a comfortable place to relax between adventures. It was another convenient stop as we worked our way toward the final stages of our epic road trip.
TownePlace Suites Seattle Southcenter
The TownePlace Suites Seattle Southcenter was a convenient base south of Seattle. Its location near the Southcenter shopping area and major transportation routes made getting around the region relatively easy. I liked having access to Seattle while staying outside the busiest part of downtown. It was a useful stop as my road trip approached the Pacific Northwest.
Courtyard Portland Southeast/Clackamas
The Courtyard Portland Southeast/Clackamas gave me a convenient base on the Oregon side of the Portland metropolitan area. Clackamas provided easy access to Portland while offering a quieter suburban environment. The location was particularly useful for continuing my road trip through the Pacific Northwest. It was another practical Marriott stop that kept me close to the places I wanted to explore.