Hi. We are thinking about taking a trip to the Pacific Northwest ~ Spokane and to the west for late July. We are pretty open. We're thinking of Seattle/Vancouver. Like history, culture, nature, we like to be active and not sit on a bus. So far the only thing for sure on the list is Pike Place Market. My concern is friends who I have mentioned this to tell my they are super dangerous places and not to go. So... what must sees do you suggest and how to stay safe?
Thank you so much!!!
I think Vancouver is much nicer than Seattle, although I like both. But the upside of Vancouver is you get more bang for your buck (assuming you're a US traveler) due to the exchange rate. You can drive between both or pick just one, it really depends how much time you have. Vancouver has excellent travel resources on the web, such as: https://www.destinationvancouver.com
British Columbia in general is absolutely stunning, but you really need more than one week there at a minimum (https://www.hellobc.com). I would check out the various websites and hit the travel books in your local library focused on the region or cities you are interested in.
I don't think you need to worry much about safety, but you may see homeless people some of whom are not pleasant. I had no problems going to Seattle on my own and enjoyed my trip, especially the Chihuly Glass Museum and some neighborhoods such as Ballard and Queen Anne.
I’m sorry but who are your friends and have they ever been to Seattle or Pikes Market Place?
Unbelievable advice.
I have lived in the Seattle area all my life & there is plenty to do. I will refer you to a recent article that addresses some of your questions & concerns. Like any city, it’s all about being aware of your surroundings. July is lovely in the PNW. The Market is a wonderful introduction to our city.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwinkuTpxev8AhXFJTQIHZzZDEgQFnoECBkQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravellemming.com%2Fis-seattle-safe%2F&usg=AOvVaw2tJeZrc1UvHKc1mEPegzLB
Edited to add: I sent you a PM
Seattle or Spokane, super dangerous? Is this a joke?
Where do you live? I have never found Seattle intimidating in many years of traveling there and there is a lot to do. July is lovely!
Are you driving? If you cross the state from the east, and if you like wine, take a detour to Walla Walla.
If you plan to drive your personal car in BC, be aware that BC law prevents you from making a claim against the at fault party. If you rent a car in BC, make sure you know what coverage is included.
A 2021 change to B.C. auto liability law prevents U.S. drivers who get into an accident while driving in the province from making a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance,
More info here-https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=3985bbad-58f6-4bc9-ab2a-c717e1cc8f02
No idea where you are from but Spokane/Eastern WA. has temps in hi 90s+ in late July
I don’t think that people should “poo-poo” this quite so fast. One simply has to watch the local evening news to hear about multiple shootings on an almost daily basis. Are there more than other metropolitan areas? I don’t know, but I do know that it is not unreasonable to ask questions about safety.
The main tourist areas should be fine for the average visitor. However there are certain areas that have higher crime rates than others. In fact, one such area (3rd and Pine) is just a few blocks from Pike Place Market. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I tend to avoid downtown Seattle because of how the downtown area has changed in recent years. Major retailers have fled. Is it too dangerous to visit? I don’t think so, but I’m not going to pretend all is well when there are issues.
I agree with what Carol has said. It's changed in the last couple of years, and not for the better. I wouldn't say it's dangerous to visit, but definitely not what it used to be in the safety category.
I lived in Edmonds, Washington for a short time and Portland, Oregon for about 5 years. The only dangers were occasional aggressive homeless people, so just avoid them. Aside from that, I had no issues and there is a lot to explore and eat! Of course, as a single woman, I wouldn't go anywhere at night alone, no matter what city I'm in.
@AMann . I am not talking about a few anecdotal reports ( I went there and I didn’t have any problems), but actual crime statistics.
I do think tourists can safely visit the city. I don’t think it is fair to say that there aren’t any issues with crime.
Thank you all. Sorry to strike a nerve.
No need to apologize. There was nothing wrong with your question. I'm sorry that your safety concerns are being dismissed by many instead of advice being given. But all that aside, I do believe you can have a wonderful and safe trip to the PNW.
Hi, I sent you a PM. And no need to apologize to the forum. You asked a perfectly legitimate question as a tourist to this area.
July is a great month for the Pacific NW! My favorite is nearby Vancouver, BC & Whistler, too.
From Spokane to "the West" you have three main routes; Interstate 90, Hwy 2, or the southern route, Hwy 395 to Pasco and then along the Columbia to the Pacific. They are very different drives.
90 is the fastest way, and it's 8 1/2 hours minimum, but can be done in a day. There's stuff to do along the way, but mostly it's used just to get from one side of the State to the other.
Hwy 2 is very different. It's mostly 2 lanes, cutting across the scablands to Grand Coulee Dam, the foothills up into Leavenworth, and the scenic drive through the Cascades. This is a 2-3 day trip (because you'll want to stop along the way).
If you're thinking of Vancouver, BC, you'll want to take one of those routes. But if you're thinking Vancouver, WA, and the Pacific Coast, you want to go down the gorge. The route to Pasco also cuts along the scablands (interesting geology story). Once it gets down to Pasco/Kennewick (Major Wine Country) you can follow the Columbia all the way to the ocean, another scenic drive with waterfalls.
I wouldn't worry about visiting any of the cities (I go to them all with frequency),
Which Vancouver are you considering-Washington, or British Columbia?
I visited Seattle for a conference in September 2021. I took a morning tasting tour of Pikes Place Market that was quite good. We were there early before the big crowds and there was no need for lunch when we were through. I also enjoyed the underground tour. http://www.undergroundtour.com/. I learned some history of Seattle that I hadn’t picked up elsewhere.
Enjoy the trip.
Seattle to Spokane is 277 miles ( not 227 ) via I-90. Most of the way it is posted 70MPH so 4 to 4.5 hrs +/- is easily done in July, barring some unforeseeable event/condition. You can make it an 8+ hr journey if you want, but as a direct commute it is NOT "8.5 hrs minimum."
How safe is Seattle? So far this year, as of 1-21, there have been 5 homicides, out of a population of 700K. One occurred at 3rd and Pike, 3 blocks from the Pike Place Market. The first homicide there since Aug 2022. Draw you own conclusion.
Things to do-- Ballard Locks--- Mt Rainier-- ferry day trip ( as foot passenger) in the San Juans ( out of Anacortes)---Hurricane Ridge on the penisula ( near Port Angeles)--- if you do do Spokane as well as Seattle, stop over in the Bavarian style town of Leavenworth ( US hwy 2) --- Grand Coulee Dam is another destination between Seattle and Spokane--
For consideration during Seattle portion of your PNW visit and fingers-crossed the finest blue-bird skies with mild breezes and temps no higher than 82 are part of the equation, I'd offer as well as the must-see/shop/taste Pike Place Market, the Seattle Underground Tour for some very time specific history of the city; Seattle Art Museum, Museum of History and Industry, MoPop; Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, Discovery Park; Ballard (Hiram M Chittenden) Locks; Golden Gardens; the Arboretum; UW's Waterfront Activities Center for canoe or kayak rentals. Great neighborhoods to check out in no particular order: Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, Ballard, Queen Anne, Georgetown ('specially if brew pubs are your thing). Seattle is incredibly gorgeous in great weather, in spite of suffering from current ills that do include grime, graffiti, unhoused populations, mental health issues, drug dealing/street usage. For the most part, your visiting activities will be in high traffic areas and with the sun not setting until nearly 9 pm, I'll wager you will feel comfortable with your surroundings. Wherever you roam, have a great time planning and even better time enjoying your travels.
I would take the ferry from downtown Seattle over to Bainbridge Island. Short walk to the town for a nice lunch and visit. There's also the Boeing museum, and of course, Mt Rainier if you want to spend time in the mountains.
I'd stick with the I-5 corridor and skip Spokane. Book your hotels sooner than later however because July is a glorious month here in the PNW.
I'll just add that if you can arrange your trip to be in Spokane or Coeur d'Alene on the 1st Saturday you'd be welcome at our Rick Steves meet-up. We have a fun and interesting group!
I'll also say I prefer CdA to Spokane and yes, I avoid downtown Spokane. There are some areas that feel skeevy to me. AMann is braver than I am, lol!! There are also some areas in the area I avoid at night between CdA and Spokane
