Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
amazing wildlife. Mt McKinley (the continent's highest peak) is here, as are huge
numbers of humpback whales and bald eagles.
Thinking of stopping in? There are daily flights to Juneau, and you could always
drive (and drive and drive) - but the best way to reach Alaska is probably by ferry.
Think of it like taking a cruise ship through the inside passage, but cheaper and
more interesting. The trip from Bellingham to Juneau takes nearly three days, but
other routes are available. For more information see
www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs
.
Bicycle
Cycling is a very popular recreational activity in the Pacific Northwest, and an interesting,
inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to travel. Roads are good, shoulders are
usually wide, and there are many decent routes for bikes. Summer is best; during other
seasons, changeable weather can be a drawback, especially at high altitudes where
thunderstorms are frequent. In some areas, the wind can slow your progress to a crawl
(traveling west to east and north to south is generally easier than the opposite), and water
sources can be far apart. Spare parts are widely available and repair shops are numer-
ous, but it's still important to know some basic mechanical things, such as fixing a flat tire.
Seattle, Portland and Vancouver all have great bike paths, and many streets have bike
lanes. Some local buses in these cities provide bike racks, and you can also take your
bike on light-rail systems, trains and ferries. On the road, cyclists are generally treated
courteously by motorists. Bicycles are prohibited on interstate highways if there is a front-
age road; however, where a suitable frontage road or other alternative is lacking, cyclists
are permitted on some interstates.
Seattle, Portland and Vancouver are all considering implementing bike-share programs.
Stay tuned.
Bicycles can be transported by air, usually in a bike bag or box, although airlines often
charge an additional fee. Check this with the airline in advance, preferably before you pay
for your ticket. You can hire bikes in most cities for reasonable prices. Buying a bicycle is
another option, and the Pacific Northwest has lots of bike shops with a wide range of
choices. For used bikes check
www.craigslist.com
, but beware of stolen bikes.
In Oregon it's state law that children under 16 years old must wear helmets. In Wash-
ington mandatory helmet use varies, but most major cities or counties require them for all
ages. In British Columbia all cyclists are required to wear a helmet. In any case, helmets
are easy to wear and reduce the risk of head injury.
Wearing highly reflective clothing makes you much more visible to cars, as do night-
lights, which are required by law throughout most of the Pacific Northwest. Also, using the
best lock you can get (usually a U-lock) is a must, as bike theft is fairly common; consider
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