Here are a few wonderfully short Western U.S. road trips recommended by Douglas Orton, a Seattlle photographer and author. Please scroll down to the adventure below or follow the blue links for more.

*ASTORIA, OREGON

*FIVE FERRY LOOP: SEATTLE, OLYMPIC PENINSULA, VICTORIA, SAN JUAN ISLANDS.

*NORTH CASCADES LOOP, WA

*PALOUSE COUNTRY, WA

*HELLS CANYON SCENIC BYWAY, ELKHORN DRIVE NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY LOOP, OREGON.

*OREGON SPRING LOOP, TULIPS! WATERFALLS! BEACHES!

*HIGH LAKES ROAD, WA, MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND LAKES.

*NORTH CASCADES LOOP, WA

*PALOUSE COUNTRY, WA

*COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE; OREGON, WASHINGTON LOOP.

*OLYMPIC PENINSULA LOOP, WA.

*VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., CANADA.

*OKANOGAN LOOP DRIVE.

*CURRENT EXHIBIT, ASSIGNMENT

ASTORIA, OREGON

Historic Astoria makes a wonderful one or two day stop. All photos here are from Astoria's waterfront walking tour (If you choose not to walk take the free trolley.). There's no need to leave this small, friendly town. However, should you choose to, the Washington and Oregon ocean beaches on either side of the Columbia River are just minutes away and Lewis and Clark exhibits honor state parks on each side of the river. As for Astoria, it's not to be missed.