Road trip season is here and AAA Washington is highlighting five Northwest drives and destinations for a memorable summer. Whether you are planning a quick weekend trip or traveling to visit one of North America’s favorite destination areas, AAA is your one-stop source for summer road trip planning.
“Travelers traditionally plan trips within 600-800 miles of home around the Fourth of July weekend, with the majority choosing to drive to their destination,” said Jennifer Cook, AAA spokesperson. “AAA has more than 30 free pre-planned Northwest auto tours on our website that everyone can access. We’ve tried to make it easy for people to pick up and go, so they can focus on enjoying their trip.”
Northwest Drives and Destinations:
1. Olympic Peninsula (WA): One of North America’s scenic gems. Saltwater shores form its western, northern and eastern flanks, complimented by a dense forest of the Olympic Mountain range that covers much of the peninsula. AAA’s self-guiding auto tour explores the Olympic Peninsula in a clockwise direction, traveling via the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
2. Walla Walla (WA): There is more flavor to this region than the iconic Walla Walla sweet onion; the community is known for its vineyards, outdoor activities and local art scene. Located just five miles north of the Oregon border, and less than a five-hour drive from Seattle, Walla Walla is a must-see destination for wine tasting, cycling, golf and accommodations – including the beautiful Cameo Heights Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Touchet, WA), which was recently added to the list of esteemed AAA Four Diamond rated properties.
3. Palouse Falls State Park (LaCrosse, WA): Palouse Falls is located within Palouse Falls State Park, a 105-acre park known for its camping, wildlife and scenic views. The falls drop nearly 200 feet in a 377-foot canyon. Palouse Falls was recently designated as the official Washington state waterfall in March 2014.
4. Newport (OR): Newport has been attracting visitors since its first hotel opened in 1866. The colorful Bayfront District, with its backdrop of steep bluffs, extends several miles along the north shore of Yaquina Bay. Approximately a five hour drive from Seattle, the area is prime for camping, outdoor activities, water sports and beach adventures.
5. Canadian Rockies (Canada): For travelers that have time for a longer trip, the Canadian Rockies are a must-see destination with sites and attractions for all ages. Seattle to Banff is roughly 600 miles, with several routes to choose from including the scenic North Cascades Highway, which offers many worth-while stopping points along the way. For a more relaxed and luxurious experience, travel through the Canadian Rockies by rail via the Rocky Mountaineer. The train travels through Vancouver, Ontario and Québec, offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Canadian provinces. Information about border crossing points and documentation needed, visit aaa.com/travel for details.
AAA offers a series of local road trip itineraries and North American destination guides already packaged and ready to download, including routes to popular destinations such as Leavenworth and the San Juan Islands, or more remote escapes including the Willapa Loop or the Idaho Panhandle. AAA Auto Tour guides typically average 3-5 days and feature detailed route maps, attractions, landscapes, and informative commentary about off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Prepare Your Auto for Summer
On average, AAA provides roadside service to nearly 140,000 motorists in Washington and northern Idaho between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Auto maintenance is important to help avoid breakdowns, prevent costly repairs and improve overall vehicle safety. Reduce chances of mechanical failure with preventative maintenance including:
• Cooling and air conditioning: The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled about every 24 months.
• Batteries: AAA Washington expects to assist nearly 32,000 motorists with dead batteries during the summer driving season—replacing more than 5,500 of those batteries at the roadside. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested by a professional technician to help avoid unexpected trouble.
• Oil: Change oil and oil filter as specified in your manual – more often if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of weight, or tow a trailer.
• Windshield wipers: A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and plan ahead with extra windshield washer solvent for long trips.
• Tires: Rotate tires about every 5,000 miles. Also, examine tread and pressure. To get a true read, check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Be sure to check your spare and jack as well.
• Brakes: Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Poor brakes could increase stopping distance, causing a safety hazard.
• Engine performance: Replace filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended – more frequently in dusty conditions.
For additional tips on how to prepare your automobile for a safe summer, visit AAA.com. AAA Washington has a network of more than 250 AAA Approval Auto Repair facilities in Washington and northern Idaho that offer a full range of services that meet or exceed AAA’s high standards for quality, repairs, customer service and warranty.
