States #46, 47 and 48: Oregon, California and Nevada
Exploring More of Seattle
Our Washington adventure had begun with a thrilling Seattle Mariners baseball game that left us on the edge of our seats, and a captivating tour of the iconic Space Needle that allowed us to touch the skies.
However, our appetite for exploration was far from satisfied, so we set out to unravel more of what Seattle had to offer.
Pike Place was our next stop, a bustling hub of culture where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. As we wandered through its vibrant alleys, we couldn’t resist a visit to the very first Starbucks, a pilgrimage for any coffee enthusiast.
Our taste buds danced at the Old Stove Brewery, where we savored local flavors that painted a portrait of the region’s culinary spirit.
Seattle’s Waterfront and Hidden Gems
The waterfront area whispered tales of maritime adventures, and the Amazon Spheres stood as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature within the urban jungle.
These three magnificent spherical conservatories, nestled in the heart of the city, transported us to a realm of greenery and serenity.
While downtown, we checked out the gum wall – an alleyway filled with chewed gum! Gross but also very artistic in its own way.
We also enjoyed some great pho and watched the fishmongers toss their fish at the iconic flying fish market.
A Night of Live Music
One magical evening, we hopped onto the monorail for a musical escapade.
The destination? The Seattle Center to see a fantastic show featuring not one, but three sensational bands: the melodic harmonies of The Velveteers, Band of Horses and the electrifying beats of The Black Keys.
The music swept us off our feet, making for an unforgettable night.
From Olympic National Park to Forks
After driving on US 101 circling Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we visited Forks, famous as the location for the movie Twilight.
We left the enchanting state of Washington behind and drove onward to Palouse Falls, a breathtaking cascade that reminded us of nature’s sheer grandeur.
Oregon and Family
A close cousin of Amanda’s awaited us in Bend, Oregon, where warm hospitality embraced us.
Amidst shared family dinners and jovial game nights, we found comfort in the company of cherished companions. Our hosts even extended their kindness to practical matters like laundry, making us feel truly at home.
After so many weeks on the road, having a place where we could slow down, share a meal, play games, and simply feel at home was especially meaningful.
Into California
Continuing our expedition, we found ourselves beneath the majestic presence of Mount Shasta in California.
A visit to Redding provided a celestial experience as we lay beneath the stars, connecting with the universe in a profound way.
Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters mirrored the skies above, a haven of tranquility amidst the rugged landscape of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Nevada: The Final State
Nevada marked the grand finale of our journey through the contiguous United States, and Reno welcomed us with its vibrant energy.
As Amanda embarked on the emotional trial for the loss of her beloved son, I prepared for my imminent flight to Asia, where a new chapter awaited me on a different continent.
The emotions of reaching our final state were mixed with the realization that this incredible journey was actually coming to an end.
48 States Complete
From the heights of the Space Needle to the depths of Palouse Falls, from the melodies of iconic bands to the solemnity of courtrooms, our adventure was an odyssey of experiences and emotions.
As we left the western states behind, our hearts brimmed with gratitude for the tapestry of memories we had woven.
The road ahead was uncertain, yet its promise beckoned us forward, to new horizons and new horizons of the soul.
We had completed an epic four-month-long road trip to every state on mainland America!
Where I Stayed:
Far West Motel – Forks, Washington
The Far West Motel in Forks was a straightforward roadside stay that put us right in the middle of Olympic Peninsula country. The motel is only a couple of blocks from downtown Forks, making it convenient for restaurants and exploring the town made famous by Twilight. Our room provided the basic comforts we needed after driving around Olympic National Park and the surrounding area. It was another of those practical road-trip stops that allowed us to spend our time exploring rather than worrying about where we would sleep.
La Quinta Inn – Tacoma, Washington
The La Quinta in Tacoma was another convenient stop during our travels through Washington. After spending the day exploring the area, it was nice to have a comfortable place to settle in and recharge before continuing our journey. It was the kind of straightforward hotel that worked particularly well during our four-month road trip. With so many miles still ahead of us, convenience and a good night’s rest were always appreciated.
Alpine Lodge – Mount Shasta, California
The Alpine Lodge in Mount Shasta was a rustic, no-frills motel that fit perfectly into our road-trip style. Located on South Mount Shasta Boulevard, it put us right in the shadow of majestic Mount Shasta and surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Northern California. During our stay, we also enjoyed dinner and drinks at Pipeline Craft Tap House, making for a relaxed evening after being on the road. Sometimes a simple motel in a beautiful setting is exactly what a road trip calls for.
Hampton Inn & Suites – South Lake Tahoe
The Hampton Inn in Lake Tahoe gave us a comfortable home base for enjoying one of the most beautiful areas of the Sierra Nevada. After taking in the spectacular scenery around the lake, we headed to 50/50 Brewing Company for dinner. Returning to the hotel afterward gave us a chance to relax and recharge before continuing our journey. It was another convenient stay in a destination where the scenery outside the hotel was really the star.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Seattle Everett
The Delta Hotels Seattle Everett was much more than a quick overnight stop. I stayed here for about 10 days as I prepared for my flight to Asia and the next chapter of my travels. The full-service hotel offered an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant and bar, laundry, and spacious accommodations, making it a comfortable place to settle in for an extended stay. After four months of traveling through all 48 contiguous states, having somewhere comfortable to organize everything and prepare for my next adventure was exactly what I needed.
Courtyard Seattle North/Lynnwood Everett
The Courtyard Seattle North/Lynnwood Everett gave me another convenient base north of Seattle. Its location put me within easy reach of both Seattle and the communities farther north toward Everett. Lynnwood is a useful transportation hub for exploring the region without having to stay in the middle of Seattle. It was a practical stop as I continued exploring Washington.
Courtyard Seattle SeaTac Airport
The Courtyard Seattle SeaTac Airport was an ideal final stop when I needed convenient access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The location made it easy to deal with the practical side of travel while still leaving time to enjoy the Seattle area. Airport hotels can sometimes feel purely functional, but this one served as a comfortable place to finish a leg of my journey. It was a fitting stop as my travels through the Pacific Northwest came to an end.