I didnt go to college so I could do exactly what you are about to, I had a blast and learned so much that I have never even looked back and questioned if I made the right decision or not.
1 thing I would pick up if I were you is a map of every hot spring in north america, we did that and found some truly amazing places that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Peanut butter and jelly, it keeps and does the job. Pretty much always have this on hand.
Really get out there, dont sleep on states like montana and idaho, amazing stuff to find in both states.
One last thing, talk to people! Wherever you are the locals can put you on to something you would have definitely slept on otherwise.
reminds me of: http://totalruckus.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=39030
korean kid who rode around the us in his ruckus. camping out doors, lived on ramen and canned food. stayed with totalruckus members to help him along his journey
I feel like such a slave to my life of conformity after reading this thread.
If i wasnt engaged, saving for the wedding and a home afterwards, id seriously think about doing something like this.
Regardless, OP if you end up near Seattle ill cover the tab for a night of drinking and telling stories of your travels. Real talk. My email is my username at gmail. Best of luck my dude.