The Best Route: From Baldwin Park, California to Auburn, Washington
Are you planning to take a road trip from Baldwin Park to Auburn? Well, you’re in for a treat! While the journey is quite long, traversing through two states, it is filled with some breathtaking scenery and great places to visit. Whether it’s making a quick stop for a bite to eat or taking in a tourist attraction, there’s plenty to see and do on your drive from Baldwin Park, California to Auburn, Washington.
In this blog post, we’ve put together a list of top places to see when driving from Baldwin Park, California to Auburn, Washington. Get ready to pack your bags, fuel up your car, and let’s hit the road!
1. Portland, Oregon
As you enter the state of Oregon, you should plan to make a stop in Portland. Nicknamed the ‘City of Roses', Portland is famous for its art scene, coffee shops, and microbreweries. One of the best ways to experience the city's vibe is to grab a coffee and take a stroll through the city's famous gardens. The International Rose Test Garden boasts over 10,000 rose bushes and offers fantastic views of the city's skyline.
Portland is also known for its food scene, and you'll come across numerous food carts that offer delicious and affordable meals. Don't forget to visit Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. It takes up the entire city block, and you can easily spend several hours browsing.
2. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Washington State. It is a must-visit destination on your road trip, and you'll be blown away by the park's natural beauty. Mount Rainier, which is the highest mountain in Washington, is almost always visible from the park's many trails, and it is stunning.
In the summer, take a hike to the summit or walk one of the park's many trails to see vibrant wildflowers and cascading waterfalls. During winter, the park becomes a winter wonderland, and you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Don't forget to visit Paradise, one of the most famous spots in the park, which offers panoramic views of the mountain.
3. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
As you travel along the Columbia River Gorge, you'll be treated to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest. The Gorge is a 90-mile canyon that cuts through the Cascade Mountains and stretches through Washington and Oregon. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the stunning views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River, including the Crown Point Vista House.
If you have the time, you can hike one of the many trails in the scenic area, such as the Multnomah Falls trail, which takes you to a beautiful waterfall. If you're short on time, take a driving tour of the scenic area and enjoy the beautiful vistas from the comfort of your car.
4. Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington State and is known for its museum district, historic architecture, and beautiful waterfront area. The city's downtown area is home to many museums, including the Tacoma Art Museum, which features American art from the 20th century to the present day, and the Museum of Glass, which showcases contemporary glass art.
The city's waterfront area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. Take a walk along the Ruston Way Promenade and enjoy stunning views of Commencement Bay. Be sure to stop by Point Defiance Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and features a zoo, aquarium, and many hiking trails.
5. Seattle, Washington
Your road trip ends in Auburn, Washington, which is a short drive from Seattle. Seattle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and offers a unique mix of natural beauty, art, and culture. Make sure to visit the iconic Space Needle, the most recognizable landmark in the city, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline.
Seattle is also known for its music scene and is the birthplace of grunge music. If you're a music lover, don't miss the Experience Music Project Museum, which features exhibits on the history of rock music and a section dedicated to the iconic musician Jimi Hendrix.
Conclusion
From Portland's rose gardens to Seattle's Space Needle, there are plenty of places to see on your road trip from Baldwin Park to Auburn. These five destinations are just a small selection of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. So pack your bags, grab your map, and hit the road – there’s a lot to see and explore along the way. Safe travels!