We returned home from the US/Canada yesterday and I just wanted to thank you again and report back on our trip.
This is what we did:
fly AMS - ORD
3 nights in Chicago
fly ORD - SLC, pick up rental car
1 night in Salt Lake City
2 nights in Jackson, WY
1 night in Cody, WY
2 nights in West Yellowstone, MT
1 night in Missoula, MT
1 night in Lewiston, ID
1 night in The Dalles, OR
2 nights in Portland, OR
1 night in Forks, WA
2 nights in Port Angeles, WA
via Port Townsend - Keystone ferry to
2 nights in Vancouver, BC
1 night in Osoyoos, BC
2 nights in Seattle, WA
fly SEA - AMS
Total distance driven: 3,127 miles
Highlights of the trip:
a. the cities of Chicago and Vancouver
b. Yellowstone National Park, Columbia River gorge, Olympic National Park, Okanogan BC/WA, North Cascades National Park
Things I would do differently next time:
1. take a shorter route from Yellowstone to Mt Hood area. Scenic highway nr 12 (Missoula to Lewiston) was OK, but not worth the detour
2. Probably skip Portland and stay one night longer in The Dalles, OR instead
3. Book fewer hotels in advance. Availability of hotel rooms was not a problem anywhere and we got the impression that prices are lower when you book last minute or just show up.
All together we had a fantastic trip! End of May / early June turned out to be the perfect time for our itinerary. The last 11 days the weather was just brilliant. Before that it was OK too. Crowds were manageable everywhere, though Yellowstone was already getting crowded and I can't imagine the crowds in July/August. Thanks again for all advice offered. ^