Seattle Travel Forum

Hi--
I love the Rick Steves books for European travel, but can anyone recommend any good books for US travel? We're considering a trip to the Pacific Northwest. I'd especially like suggestions for the out of the ordinary, not just touristy places, although some of that is great, too.
Thanks!

Hi I really enjoyed the Lets Go I had for the USA - usually im a Lonely Planet perspon and since then the rough Guide but Im still sold on my Lets Go for the USA - did quite a bit of driving with it providing good tips for sites, sights, accommodation and quirky cultural stuff.

For the Northwest, there are SO many guidebooks that you really need to narrow it down. Below are some general ones, but there are many, many others, often tailored to specific interests, such as a whole series of books on hikes, books on bed & breakfasts, cuisine, and so forth. Here are some initial ideas to consider:

"Pacific Northwest" by Lonely Planet. Good, overall general travel book to start with. It covers Washington, Oregon, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island.
"Driving the Pacific Coast -- Oregon & Washington"
"Camping Washington" by veteran local writer/traveler Ron Judd
"Northwest Best Places" by Irving Brewster
"Hidden Idaho"
"Hidden Montana"

Good luck!

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will check that book out.

Thanks very much--I've made notes & will look all of those up.

This isn’t a book recommendation but I thought I’d give my two cents. I'm not sure what area of the Pacific Northwest you are aiming for, it's a large area, and I will always recommend Seattle! However, that's the obvious choice in Washington, another place I would recommend a visit to is the Olympic Peninsula (I grew up there), this is especially a good idea if you are interested in hikes (and there many different ones, ranging from easy to difficult) and getting way out of the city and seeing nature. You could stay in Port Angeles (PA), and then drive down to Clallam Bay/Sekiu and do some of the hikes out there, but PA itself is a great area, downtown there are many unique little shops, and on a sunny day you have a great view of Canada. If you are interested in hiking (in the this area) then let me know and I will be glad to give you more information (like books to look up etc). Good luck!