Washington Parks Route - what's it really like?

[neil]

2 issues ago, really refreshing to read a review on an ACA route that basically said 'You know, this section isn't great'

I'm looking at going along route 101 to the West of the Olympic National Park and have read 3 reviews. 2 say trees, trees, trees. The other says there are some views south of Quinault

Is it true then that this section is
1) Mostly forest views for 2-3 days (beach section excluded)
2) Simply a 60mph single highwayed road (2 way traffic) with few places to stop

If it is please tell me now as spending 3 weeks in this area in September and would rather start by taking the ferry to the north from Seattle and going in and out of Prt Angeles where the views may? be better and there is more fixed accommodation

   Thanks
     Neil

[cgarch]

This subject has been hammered a lot in the forums. Suggest you do a search on 'Olympic Peninsula' or 'Olympic Discovery Trail' for many relevant posts. It's a great route if you want it to be.

Craig

[neil]

Thanks
I did find another thread from May that talked about this and it was either wonderful or dreadful
A friend travelled the section this year and described it as a tree lined single carriageway with little interest and that it would be 3 days of boredom. As a result of this and other reports I'm going to avoid it.
There is a wider issue and I include myself in writing articles for cycle magazines in that cyclists riding in an unfamiliar area need an honest appraisal. Far to often you read an article with all the positives of the route. Amateur blogs such as crazy guy often major on other parts so it's really tough to pick out the facts.
A recent article in the magazine did elude to a section being not that great and I respect that far more than a gushing appraisal that all is fabulous and just because an ACA map goes there does not mean it's a fabulous route.