# Washington state, Oregon, and BC dopers, seeking travel opinions **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 8, 2023, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369 "2023-04-08T06:12:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/61 "2023-04-11T17:42:43Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > We’re driving through Wyoming, northern Utah, and Idaho, so we might be nothinged out by then. Out of curiosity, what route(s) are you planning to drive through these states? I’m asking because I may be going through that region later this summer. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/62 "2023-04-11T18:04:45Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Out of curiosity, what route(s) are you planning to drive through these states [This is the Columbia River Gorge variation of the route](https://abetterrouteplanner.com/?plan_uuid=db661f7d-ea4f-486c-a5ed-8bb059e6fae7), because that’s what’s loaded in the other tab. Click “All plan settings”, and it should calculate my route for you. I’ll probably take US-287 to Laramie, but I-25 to Cheyenne is a possibility, too. Then I-80 all the way across Wyoming, and switching to 15/84 in Ogden, UT. Then it’s I-15/84 up through Utah, into Idaho, through Boise, and into Oregon. The linked version of the route is 84 all the way to Portland, and then 5 and eventually 101 north. The alternate version takes 82 north near Pendleton, and then I-90 into Seattle. The big change, which I’m not considering unless there are major freeway closures, is a far north route through Montana that would come into Washington at Spokane. This route is almost all freeway, to stay on the supercharger network, but through the mountains in particular, there aren’t any other options, anyway. Other places there are some back roads and state highways, if you’re into that kind of thing. I generally prefer to stay on the interstates, unless I’m cutting a big corner on smaller roads. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/63 "2023-04-11T18:15:10Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > Click “All plan settings”, and it should calculate my route for you. Yep, worked like a champ…thanks! In my recent travels, I have tended to avoid the interstates, as time isn’t as big of a factor as it used to be. And I don’t have an electric car. For the above reason, I would certainly take 287 to Laramie, rather than I-25 to Cheyenne and getting on I-80 there. I’ve driven both routes, and I prefer 287. Time-wise, however, there isn’t much difference. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/64 "2023-04-11T18:21:30Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > [This is the Columbia River Gorge variation of the route](https://abetterrouteplanner.com/?plan_uuid=db661f7d-ea4f-486c-a5ed-8bb059e6fae7), because that’s what’s loaded in the other tab. Click “All plan settings”, and it should calculate my route for you. As an aside, they have you driving to around 5% remaining charge and then charging to around 60%. I know this is the most “efficient” way to do it. If it were me, I’d stay another 5 to 10 minutes and charge to 70% or so at least. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/65 "2023-04-11T20:49:06Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > If it were me, I’d stay another 5 to 10 minutes and charge to 70% or so at least. As I’ve discussed in some of the EV threads, generally I just plug in, we do the stretching of legs, emptying of bladders, and negotiation of snacks, and usually by then the car is past the desired charge. Occasionally we have to wait for the car to finish. Each stop is generally 20-30 minutes to take care of the humans, regardless of what is necessary to charge the car. Exceptions being the first stop of the day (shorter) and lunch (longer). So I almost always do stay an extra few minutes. Particularly on the 7 minute stops and such, where people haven’t even finished in the bathroom by the time the car has reached the necessary charge. > [@Railer13](#): > > I would certainly take 287 to Laramie, rather than I-25 to Cheyenne We live much closer to 287, so excepting construction or something, we’ll go that way. Timing the routes on the map, 100% 287 adds maybe 30 minutes. Google prefers to split the difference, and do I-25 to Ft. Collins, and then cut over to 287. I might do that, but crossing Ft. Collins can add considerable time, even for a relatively small city. > [@DorkVader](#): > > If staying at one of the airport hotels you immediate choices are the TA, dennys, or whatever is down Vista Avenue It looks like downtown is 10-15 minutes away, which is plenty close to go for a good restaurant. Or rather, not worth an extra $50-100 to stay 15 minutes closer. > [@Smapti](#): > > As an Olympia resident, I don’t really know that there’s much here that would be of interest to a tourist I think they main thing we’ll be interested in is the 5 to 101 interchange. > [@garygnu](#): > > I would recommend the Seattle-Bremerton route for visitors because it lasts longer and you go through Rich Passage. I’m thinking that regardless of how we get to Sequim, I’ll take the Bremerton to Seattle ferry back, assuming we are traveling while it’s running. I’m guessing the lower cost traveling east represents much less crowding and demand. Thank you again everybody for the advise and discussions. I know the trip is 100+ days away, but now is the time when I need to be making reservations for the places where there aren’t lots of options (Tremonton, UT, etc), and the timing of those depend on sorting out the other things. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/66 "2023-04-11T20:57:27Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > I’m guessing the lower cost traveling east represents much less crowding and demand. No. Actually they charge for passengers only one way (West). So, that accounts for the difference. I guess on average, people eventually do about the same number of crossings each way, and this way they don’t have to deal with passenger tickets for walk ons in Bremerton, Bainbridge, Kingston, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/67 "2023-04-11T21:10:10Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > What’s good on the east side of Olympic National Park? What’s the interesting stuff in the state parks all over the area? Anything in Sequim or Port Angeles that might entertain a 10 year old? She might be natured out by the third day. I am very familiar with Sequim. I work for state government in Washington, and I am personally responsible for 3 government field offices. One of them is in Sequim and I visit it on a regular basis. You said you are traveling the end of July? That will coincide with the Lavender Festival, which is a huge event in the area, it’s a big thing that people come from all over to see. I’ve been there with my family and it was pretty neat. > **[Sequim Lavender Festival 2024 in Washington - Dates](https://rove.me/to/washington-wa/sequim-lavender-festival)** > > Every July, lavender fans from all over Northwest gather to see stunning fragrant violet fields in Sequim, Washington, about two hours away from Seatt > **[Home | Sequim Lavender Fest](https://www.lavenderfestival.com/)** > > Join us for the annual Sequim Lavender Festival hosted the 3rd full weekend in July for live music, farm tours, vendors, food and all things lavender. It’s three days starting July 21. They have vendors and tours. I actually had a pretty good time even though I didn’t expect to. I picked up some neat things from the vendors, and we had kids with us and they had fun as well. (My daughter was probably 6 at the time, we also had teenagers with our group that enjoyed themselves.) If you weren’t aware of the festival, it’s a funny coincidence that your trip might take you there when it’s happening. Oh, also Sequim tends to be very nice at the end of July. You probably picked the best time to go. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2023, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/68 "2023-04-11T21:12:34Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Here’s their menu if you feel inclined to drool over it. Adding this to my list for our next visit to Seattle. > [@echoreply](#): > > Day in Seattle probably at the aquarium I’d recommend the aquarium. My wife and I love it and have been several time when looking for something to do with our younger nephews and nieces. Lots to see and touch, and watching the different feedings is great. Walking the waterfront is fun, and the big ferris wheel is right there, although I’m not sure I’d really recommend it. We did it once with a young nephew and it does give you great views, but not something I would ever do again. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2023, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/69 "2023-04-12T04:30:26Z")
Ah, well then, downtown has an area bound roughly between 11th and 5th on the east and west and Idaho St and Grove St on the north and south that is peppered with bars and eateries, such as Humpin Hannahs and the Ha’Penny Pub and restaurants such as The Gallo Giro, Chris Ruths, Tupelo Honey…there are a couple of others, the names escape me at the moment. It’s a one way grid, there are a couple of parking garages, on the street parking can be problematic sometimes. Oh, on Broad Street between 6th and Capitol Blvd is the Basque District, if you’re in the mood for Basque cuisine. Here is a [link](https://boisebasquefood.com/) to the restaurant if you like. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2023, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/70 "2023-04-12T17:33:44Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Sequim tends to be very nice at the end of July We’re there the weekend after the Lavender Fest, so no vendors, but I’m sure still plenty of flowers and such. > [@DorkVader](#): > > if you’re in the mood for Basque cuisine Is the smooth and thin gazpacho from Barcelona that I liked Basque, or just a Barcelona thing? I’ve never really looked for it, but I greatly prefer it over the “chunky” kind that I’ve found elsewhere. It’s good to know that Boise has some culture. > [@garygnu](#): > > I’d go through the Columbia River Gorge Thanks again for this advice, as it was a winner with my fellow travelers. We’ll take the gorge route on the way there, and the volcano route on the way back. I do appreciate the opportunity to use you all as a sounding board, because that is how I plan things. If I annoy people here you can mute the thread or put me on ignore, and I’ll never notice. When my wife puts me on ignore because I’m fixated on some topic there are repercussions. This is the plan so far 1. Tremonton, UT 2. The Dalles, OR 3. Sequim Bay State Park 4. Explore Sequim area 5. Elective day 1. Olympic National Park 2. more Sequim area 3. emergency kid pacification at the Tacoma Children’s Museum 6. Leave Sequim either early or late in the day, and spend the night in Victoria, BC 7. Leave Victoria either early or late (depending on previous day), use Bremerton ferry to go to Seattle 8. Day in Seattle with one of 1. Aquarium 2. Chihuly - possibly on previous day, if it was a half day in Seattle 3. Flight musum 9. Boise, ID 10. SLC ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2023, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/71 "2023-04-12T17:55:29Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > Day in Seattle with one of > > 1. Aquarium > 2. Chihuly - possibly on previous day, if it was a half day in Seattle > 3. Flight musum You could probably get two of these in one day without a problem. (although July is peak tourist season). Given your wife’s affection for Chihuly, and you’re bringing kids, I’d go with 1 and 2. (although the flight museum is great too) The Aquarium is on the waterfront and it’s worth a walk around the area. (would not take long). Chihuly is at Seattle Center (of Space Needle fame) and there is also a cool fountain and things to see and eat. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/72 "2023-04-12T18:42:49Z")
Before booking a hotel I look through the reviews, because consistent negative comments is a warning sign. I usually sort reviews by the most recent, because the highest rated review from 6 years ago is not relevant when the hotel had a different owner and a different general manager. Sometimes the reviews get me to move on - Multiple reports of people diving in the dumpster outside the room and aggressive panhandlers in the parking lot (I don’t want to seem insensitive to people experiencing homelessness, but that’s a problem that won’t be corrected by letting some random guy “help” with the luggage) - Turning away brown guests, even though they have a reservation - Multiple reports of staff yelling at guests, which is funny when it’s John Cleese, not so much otherwise Anyway, some of the reviews are so incredibly petty - Dust on the AC vents, with a photograph of some dust stuck to the AC vents - Night manager away from the desk at 10pm - “old” - floors are uneven - small rooms (in a hotel well below the average price for the area) My favorite though, was one where several guests reported that hotel staff came into their room unannounced while they were eating a late dinner. Based on the the several guest reports, I was correct in my guess as to what really happened, and was explained in the hotel’s reply: It was 1am and we’d received multiple complaints, your music was so loud you never heard us call or knock, and the door was open anyway, so we had to come in to get your attention. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2023, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/73 "2023-04-13T04:38:54Z")
If you’re looking for a hotel in Seattle, the two places I usually stay are Mediterranean Inn and Marqueen Hotel, which are located a block apart from each other in Lower Queen Anne a few blocks west of the Space Needle. The former is more of a modern hotel, with mini-fridges and microwaves in every room, a subterranean parking garage, and a Starbucks attached to the lobby, whereas the latter is a historic building dating back to the 1910s with rooms that resemble suites or small apartments, with full-size fridges and (in some of the rooms) full gas stoves fully equipped with kitchenware. The latter has a lot more character and a vintage feel to it, though it has one big con in that there’s no elevator and you’ll have to carry your bags up to the 2nd or 3rd floor, though they do have valet parking which is very nice. Ted Bundy lived there in the '70s, though they don’t rent out his room anymore. Aside from that, I like to stay in the Airbnb at Merchants Cafe in Pioneer Square. It consists of four one-bedroom apartments and two studios, each of which have a full kitchen, in a 133-year-old brick building above the Underground, which used to be a brothel and is reputedly haunted. Very historic feel and very homely, but there’s only one bed in each unit and you’re on your own when it comes to parking, which can be dodgy in that neighborhood. I don’t drive so I don’t have to deal with it, but you might be better off with a proper hotel if you’re worried about your car getting broken into. They also don’t have an elevator. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2023, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/74 "2023-04-13T19:48:32Z")
Re: Wildhorse casino. There’s no “there” there. Nothing at all in the immediate vicinity. If gambling is not your thing, it is Boring. (But not [Boring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boring,_Oregon).) Pendleton’s a short drive away and could be interesting if the few things of interest there are your thing. To the east is Cabbage Hill which has great overlooks of that part of the Columbia basalt flood plains. Good camping up in the Blue Mountains. There’s a dearth of good, modern, motels between The Dalles and Pendleton. To bad. There’s small, interesting things like Maryhill Museum and the Stonehenge replica N. of the John Day Dam area. But those aren’t probably worth going out of ones way for most people. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2023, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/75 "2023-04-13T21:16:14Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > There’s a dearth of good, modern, motels between The Dalles and Pendleton We decided to drive along the Columbia River Gorge, so we’ll be staying in The Dalles at Cousins Country Inn. The reviews seem fine, the price is right, and the supercharger is in their parking lot. > [@Smapti](#): > > the two places I usually stay are Mediterranean Inn and Marqueen Hotel Thanks for the tips. Those places seem nice, but are a more than I want to spend. That’s sent me down the into the woods trying to find a place to stay in Seattle. There are plenty of options, but I’d really prefer not to be spending $700 for two nights. My original plan was to stay near the airport where the hotels seem inexpensive, and there is easy access to the train. Unfortunately most of the reviews are discouraging. Multiple people reporting having their cats stolen or getting their car broken into really make me want to avoid a property. Then I realized I’ll have a car. If I’m staying 15 miles away from downtown, it isn’t really that big of a deal. Parking in the Pike Market lot is only $4/hour, not the $20/hour I was expecting from other big cities. Traffic may be bad, but I don’t have to deal with it every day, just once or twice. So, now I’m looking at hotels and airbnbs in the outlying neighborhoods and suburbs. Any tips for places to avoid? All I really care about is guaranteed parking (even if I have to pay), where my car is unlikely to get broken into, and as economical as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2023, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/76 "2023-04-13T21:25:31Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > So, now I’m looking at hotels and airbnbs in the outlying neighborhoods and suburbs. Any tips for places to avoid? I have no idea what airbnbs cost, but I’d look at Ballard and Wallingford neighborhoods. Close to downtown (and the Ballard Locks!) As you discovered, avoid Seatac area if you can. You could stay in Bremerton and take the fast passenger ferry (Kitsap Transit) and be right at the aquarium in 30 minutes) There’s a Hampton Inn right at the Bremerton ferry terminal. It’s not great, but safe and probably clean. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2023, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/77 "2023-04-13T21:49:41Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > Is the smooth and thin gazpacho from Barcelona that I liked Basque, or just a Barcelona thing? I’ve never really looked for it, but I greatly prefer it over the “chunky” kind that I’ve found elsewhere. > > It’s good to know that Boise has some culture. As far as I know, gazpacho is a spanish dish and not basque. Yeah, the Basque Community is a pretty fundamental part of the identity of the city of Boise specifically and to a lesser degree, Idaho more generally ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2023, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/78 "2023-04-14T22:11:12Z")
Speaking of Basque folk in the region … When I was a kid I lived in an area so remote that there was a “Bombing range road” just outside of town. (And they sometimes had “oopsies”!) Sagebrush as far as the eye could see. Once in a while the Basque sheepherders drove their flocks thru town. Just a few herders and dogs but an unbelievable number of sheep. They’d swarm thru town. All over the yards and such. And then they were gone. Very scary for a kid. But they provided the wool for the Pendleton Woolen Mills back in their heyday. If you really, really want to get away from it all and visit an old Basque town, try [Arock, Oregon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arock,_Oregon). They got some old stuff from the big Basque sheepherder days, etc. To say it’s nowhere near I-84 is an understatement. If you ever see a nighttime sat image of the US and notice a big blank area in the west, that’s where it is. Closer to I-84 there’s a cultural [museum](https://4rcc.com/the-museum/) in Ontario, OR has some stuff on local Basque history. One of Oregon’s more interesting place names is Whorehouse Meadow near Steen’s Mountain (a really amazing natural area itself). Named after the women who “comforted” the local Basque herders and others… ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2023, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/79 "2023-04-14T22:26:54Z")
> [@DorkVader](#): > > As far as I know, gazpacho is a spanish dish and not basque. Indeed, I was confusing my Catalonian and Basque regions. > [@ftg](#): > > they provided the wool for the Pendleton Woolen Mills back in their heyday I think the last thing that we’ll need on this trip is more wool and fiber! The purpose of the whole endeavor is my wife’s three day fiber festival, yarn camp, stitch and bitch thing in Sequim. After shopping hotels from Ontario to Mountain Home, we’ll be staying at a pig themed Air BnB in Boise proper. > [@ftg](#): > > Once in a while the Basque sheepherders drove their flocks thru town. Just a few herders and dogs but an unbelievable number of sheep. They’d swarm thru town. All over the yards and such. Many years ago, [before Texas became a pariah state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reluctantly-fuck-texas/933289), I was traveling in Europe, and told people I was from Texas. They would ask if there were cattle drives through town, so of course I would answer yes, and tell them about how it wasn’t that big of deal, you just had to know to take a different route to work that day. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2023, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369/80 "2023-04-15T15:54:04Z")
In recent years I’ve still seen small herds (\<20) of cattle being driven down roads just on the fringes of places like La Grande and Baker. (These cities have an advantage over places like The Dalles and Pendleton in that there is good pasture around them so there’s many small cattle ranches just outside the city limits.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washington-state-oregon-and-bc-dopers-seeking-travel-opinions/982369.md?page=5)