Travel Q&A: The Best I-5 Stops in Oregon and Washington
Q: We’re driving to Vancouver, British Columbia, via Interstate 5. Can you suggest some interesting stops along the way? _ I.S., Pittsburg, Calif.
A: Interstate 5 is favored by drivers looking for the fastest route north. It’s not the most picturesque highway, but there are a number of worthwhile sights along the way:
In southern Oregon, consider stopping off in either Ashland, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (which runs through October), or Valley of the Rogue State Park, north of Medford (exit 45B). In Ashland, visit Lithia Park or see a play (www.osfashland.org) if you have the time; Valley of the Rogue has a lovely walking path and picnic area.
Farther north, pull over either in Eugene, where the Fifth Street Public Market (www.5stmarket.com) is great for casual dining and shopping, or Coburg (www.coburgoregon.org), a National Historic District with 20 historic homes. Walking tours are available. It’s located off exit 199.
Woodburn Company Stores in Woodburn (exit 271) is a collection of factory outlets, and Portland has plenty of parks and shopping. A personal favorite is Powell’s Books (www.powells.com), a massive shop selling new, used and out-of-print books.
In Washington, you might want to make a side trip to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the crater, plumes and newly formed domes (www.fs.fed.us). It’s 43 miles east of Castle Rock on State Route 504, north of Longview. In Olympia, visit the state capital, with the waterfront, parks and restaurants nearby. Tacoma is becoming an arts center, with the Museum of Glass and other museums and galleries (www.traveltacoma.com).
Seattle has plenty to see: Pike’s Place Market, the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project (www.visitseattle.org).
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Q: I’ll be attending a convention in New Orleans and then visiting relatives in Jackson, Miss. What are my choices as far as transportation to Jackson? _ A.T., Santa Clara, Calif.
A: Amtrak’s “City of New Orleans” route departs New Orleans at 1:45 p.m. and arrives in Jackson at 5:27, a trip of less than four hours (www.amtrak.com). Cost: $22 one way.
Greyhound bus (www.greyhound.com) is another option, but it takes longer (about 5 { hours) and costs more ($27).
Have a question? Contact Michael Martinez at travelqa@mercurynews .com.
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Michael Martinez: travelqa@mercurynews.com
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