Arizona to Washington: An Epic Road Trip with Stunning Scenery and Rainy Adventures

Ah, the open road! There’s nothing quite like packing up the bikes, hitting the highway, and leaving the scorching Arizona heat behind for cooler adventures up north. Our latest family road trip took us all the way from sunny Arizona to the lush landscapes of Washington State. So, buckle up and join us on the first half of our thrilling journey filled with breathtaking rainbows, unexpected hotel adventures, and a dash of déjà vu!

Hitting the Road: Rainbows and Mountain Views

We began our trip enthusiastically, eagerly anticipating a fun biking adventure with family up in Federal Way, Washington. The weather was beautiful as we set off, but soon enough, Nevada threw a few surprises our way. Dark storm clouds rolled in, bringing rain and some impressive lightning shows on US 93. But as they say, every storm has its rainbow—and did we ever get rainbows!

Never before had we seen such vibrant and vividly colored rainbows arching gracefully across the sky. We even caught sight of the elusive "end" of a rainbow and briefly wondered about that mythical pot of gold (spoiler alert: no gold was found).

The rain created spectacular shadows on the Nevada mountains, making the long drive much more enjoyable. Well, except for that short construction snag that delayed us by about ten minutes. But hey, a quick stretch never hurt anyone!

Hotel Hiccups and Happy Endings in Twin Falls, Idaho

We encountered our first true road trip hiccup when we arrived in Twin Falls—Priceline had overbooked us! Thankfully, the front desk hero at The Hampton Hotel quickly arranged accommodations at My Place Hotel, a spot we'd never tried before. And guess what? It was delightful! Our room was spotless, cozy, and had a handy kitchenette. Crisis averted—thanks to some stellar customer service. We would happily stay at My Place again.

Déjà Vu at Snoqualmie Pass

The next morning, refreshed and ready, we resumed our journey, heading straight for our cousin’s home. But as we approached Snoqualmie Pass on I-90W, a sense of déjà vu washed over us. Memories of our previous adventure (you can read all about our snowy escapade here) came flooding back as we encountered yet another traffic jam! Thankfully, this one was due to construction rather than a blizzard-induced pileup, and after an hour, we were rolling again.

Approaching our destination, another storm greeted us, leaving branches scattered across the roads, but it did little to dampen our spirits. Soon enough, we were safely unpacked at our cousin’s, stretching our legs with a refreshing bike ride around their neighborhood.

Serenity in the West Hylebos Wetlands

The next day, we decided to explore the nearby West Hylebos Wetlands in Federal Way. Spanning over 120 acres, this lush natural oasis is a hidden gem, home to an impressive diversity of plants and wildlife. The wetlands feature a network of boardwalk trails, making it easy to wander deep into its serene heart without disturbing the delicate ecosystem beneath. As we walked, we spotted colorful birds perched among cattails, frogs softly croaking from hidden ponds, and vibrant wildflowers dotting the landscape. It's amazing how quickly you forget you're in the middle of a bustling city when you're surrounded by such tranquility. Wetlands like West Hylebos are vital for maintaining water quality by filtering pollutants through their dense vegetation, a fact that deepened our appreciation for this remarkable place. Surrounded by intertwining roots, rich greenery, and the subtle sounds of nature, we were reminded of the simple pleasures of outdoor adventures.

Rainy Day Fun and Beautiful Bellevue Botanical Gardens

Our plans to visit Bellevue Botanical Gardens were initially thwarted by gloomy skies, leading us to an impromptu trip to the movies. Debbi experienced her first 4D film—a thrilling tornado flick complete with moving seats, gusts of wind, and misty rain effects. She was thoroughly entertained (and maybe just a tad startled at times!).

When the weather cleared, the Bellevue Botanical Gardens exceeded all our expectations, especially since there was no cost to get in. Spanning an impressive 53 lush acres, these gardens are a botanical haven divided into distinct sections, each offering its unique charm and beauty. We wandered through the carefully designed Rock Garden, filled with hardy plants that thrive in mountainous conditions, creating a rugged yet picturesque landscape. The vibrant Fern Collection surprised us with its diversity—not just shades of green but also rich purples and silvers, showcasing the remarkable versatility of ferns. The Japanese-inspired Yao Garden transported us with its serene water features, carefully pruned shrubs, and thoughtfully placed stepping stones. Informative signs guided us through each area, explaining gardening techniques perfectly suited to the Pacific Northwest climate, from native plantings that encourage wildlife to water-wise gardening tips. Each turn revealed new botanical treasures, making our visit both educational and delightfully inspiring.

Reflecting on the Journey So Far

The first half of our epic road trip delivered not only beautiful sights and unexpected twists but also laughter, adventure, and invaluable family time. From dazzling rainbows to serene gardens, each stop enriched our experience and strengthened our appreciation for the beauty and diversity that road trips inevitably uncover.

Stay tuned for part two, where the adventure continues, bikes roll further, and we set sail across international waters!

Coming up next: "Washington and Beyond: Bikes, Boats, and Discoveries in Canada!"