I have not travelled much and never to the PNW. While looking at pictures of huge ferns and trees in Olympic NF I was inspired to
go. I am a birdwatcher though not particularly skilled (I'm quailinga bit at the thought of so many shorebirds).
My goals would be to see the natural beauty of western Washington (I would love to see eastern as well but that may have to wait till retirement)
in terms of coastline, forests, rivers, mountians
Bird watch, no particular tgt birds other than birds I have never seen before and will unlikely see anywhere else OR will see in numbers or long close observation which is better to me than seeing a single fleeing glimpse of a rarity (primary birding Michigan, Ohio)
Mammals - like many people I think River Otters are just incredible and I've only gotten a brief glimpse once. I would love the opporunity to observe River Otters. Mustileds in general are a favorite (mink, weasels) also American Marten, Fisher (maybe out of range) and all tough so these are more of a dream list.
1) Need help picking a week in Sept or October to optimize bird watching and specific fall migration info seems harder to find than spring
2) I need help with where to go in the amount of time I have. I am thinking flying sat to sat so that would be approx 5--6 days.
Do I combine the birding trail highlights of both the Olympic and South West Loop? Will that be enough time? Or should I concentrate on one versus another based on fall migration?
3) Not to be missed areas, spots (a night on an island? driving to Mt. Rainer?)
4) travel tips, hotel recommendations
Other pertinent info, I get motion sick at the drop of a hat so no pelagic trips, I'm 55 and not in the greatest shape so places with difficult access, long hikes, etc.would be hard. I could maybe do easy kayaking.

Thanks you,
Marie in Ohio
reply to marys1000 at woh.rr.com