Good luck down there Warren! I'm usually one of the snake road early birds who has a report by now but I haven't been able to make it down there yet this spring. I think the place will be hopping though. I saw 34 snakes here in central Missouri today and one den where I came along at the very moment a single file line of water snakes were coming out of the den all heading in the same direction. Further along another one was using a black rat snake for a warm surface to thermoregulate on. And then further along the shelf a garter snake was using another black rat the same way. Black rat snakes must absorb the heat well ;-).

Brian, Of those you want to see I would rank their likelihood in this order: Southern Black Racer, Mississippi Green Water Snake, Green Tree Frog, Mud Snake, Bird-Voiced Tree Frog. I've seen all but the Bird-Voiced Tree Frog there and Racers and Mississippi Green Water Snakes are reasonably likely finds on any given day. The swamps along the road are the best spots for Mud Snakes and Mississippi Green Water Snakes (for Mud Snakes especially the swamp near the South road block...the end opposite Winter's Pond). That entrance is also the best place for Green Tree Frogs. Racers I usually see on the bluffs.

A friend and I are coming from Tennessee and we'll try to make it by

I have done this trip(s) and agree with all of the above. However if I had to pick 2 or 3. Near Portland, I would visit Iseli's display garden, (make sure you have an extra memory card for the camera) . If you have time I would drive out to Mt Hood, (it is not a garden but it is impressive to see such an impressive mountain ). Portland Japanese Garden is also very impressive ( and a great view of the city) . If any one in your family like water falls - Some of the best waterfalls near Portland, Oregon, exist in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area east of the city. The scenic area protects at least 77 waterfalls that include horsetail, tiered and plunge formations. Five of the falls are within a 45-minute drive of Portland. The Oregon garden is very nice, but it is south of Portland and a long drive. ( save it for next time) Then in Seattle - you should visit the Market and the surrounding area, try to fit in a ride on any of the ferries. Gardens in Washington Kubota Garden, Coenosium (Nursery) , Coenosium Rock Garden at South Seattle Community College. You probably will not have time but a drive to the Olympic National Park is definitely worth it. I have the American Conifer Society to thank for introducing me to the PNW many years ago and have returned a few more times. I have seen all the many nurseries and gardens mentioned above and many I did not include. Have a great trip = Mike