Folks who live on the west side of the Cascade Mountain Range often find themselves driving along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland. Anyone driving between California and Seattle or Vancouver BC will undoubtedly follow this route. Fortunately, there are lots of fun places to stop along the way to break up your trip, all of them right off the freeway.
Here are my recommendations for fun things to do along Interstate 5 between Seattle/Tacoma and Portland.
The gorgeous domed structure of the Washington State Legislative Building is a standout landmark, easy to see from I-5 whether you're heading north or south. It's well worth the time to actually stop and take some time to walk around the lovely structure as well as the surrounding buildings and park-like grounds.More »
There are several uncommon shopping opportunities along this stretch of Interstate 5 that are worth pulling off the freeway.
Centralia Factory Outlets
Centralia Antique District
Shipwreck Beads
Sports and Outdoors Stores
There are several wildlife refuges and big parks located right off of I-5. They're great places to get out and stretch your legs, let the dog and the kids burn off some energy, and sneak in a little nature time. Here are some of your options:
This indoor-water-park-resort is a family friendly destination located just north of Centralia. While you have to be an overnight guest to take advantage of the water park, during a short stop you can check out the facilities, grab a snack or meal in one of Great Wolf's eateries, or shop in the gift or swim shops.More »
If you're travelling I-5 between Seattle and Portland from mid-April to mid-May, be sure to take the time to stop at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. This National Historic Site preserves the Victorian home and garden, where you can walk among a large variety of glorious, fragrant lilacs. You'll see not only the typical lavender, white, or purple lilacs blooming, but also yellow, pink, and blue. Lilac plants are available for purchase during their annual Lilac Days festival.More »
Here are my recommendations for fun things to do along Interstate 5 between Seattle/Tacoma and Portland.
•Visit Washington's State Capitol Campus in Olympia
The gorgeous domed structure of the Washington State Legislative Building is a standout landmark, easy to see from I-5 whether you're heading north or south. It's well worth the time to actually stop and take some time to walk around the lovely structure as well as the surrounding buildings and park-like grounds.More »
•Shop
There are several uncommon shopping opportunities along this stretch of Interstate 5 that are worth pulling off the freeway.
Centralia Factory Outlets
Centralia Antique District
Shipwreck Beads
Sports and Outdoors Stores
Cabela's
Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World
•Spend Some Time Outdoors
There are several wildlife refuges and big parks located right off of I-5. They're great places to get out and stretch your legs, let the dog and the kids burn off some energy, and sneak in a little nature time. Here are some of your options:
•Mount St. Helens
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center Visitor Center at Silver Lake, part of Seaquest State Park, is one of the best and most informative of the several visitor centers. Located five miles east from the Castle Rock exit, the Silver Lake Visitor Center offers an extraordinary film about the 1981 eruption of Mount St. Helens, fascinating exhibits and artifacts, a book shop, and an outdoor boardwalk trail. On clear days you will see a view of the volcano in the distance. This visitor center is approximately 45 miles from Mount St. Helens.More »•Great Wolf Lodge at Grand Mound
This indoor-water-park-resort is a family friendly destination located just north of Centralia. While you have to be an overnight guest to take advantage of the water park, during a short stop you can check out the facilities, grab a snack or meal in one of Great Wolf's eateries, or shop in the gift or swim shops.More »
•Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
If you're travelling I-5 between Seattle and Portland from mid-April to mid-May, be sure to take the time to stop at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. This National Historic Site preserves the Victorian home and garden, where you can walk among a large variety of glorious, fragrant lilacs. You'll see not only the typical lavender, white, or purple lilacs blooming, but also yellow, pink, and blue. Lilac plants are available for purchase during their annual Lilac Days festival.More »
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