Route dilemma - from Port Townsend to Astoria

[DavidH]

I would appreciate opinions on the best way to go from Port Townsend to Astoria please (am doing Vancouver to Oregon Coast).  I have the Adventure cycling map which takes me down Washington across Columbia  River on a ferry and then to Astoria.  Also have the excellent book by Spring and Kirkendall on Cycling the Pacific Coast.  This takes me to down 101 west of Hood Canal and across to Washington Coast and then crosses the Columbia River on highway 101 over a long bridge.
The bridge sounds difficult.  So, to coast and down across tough bridge or follow Adventure Cycling map.

I would really appreciate some help in comparing routes so that I can decide.  Many thanks.  

[valygrl]

The Astoria Bridge really isn't THAT bad.  I camped not very far north of it, and then rode accross very early in the morning.  I didn't die.

[DavidH]

Glad you survived...  Many thanks for responding.  That helps a lot.