RE: Vancouver Island to Laughlin
If you come across at Port Angeles you could take the caost, Hwy 1/101 down
to about Atascadaro then over Hwy 58 to Mohave, check the maps for
specifics.  Slower but a nice drive though Hwy 1 in California is slow and
twisty.
Another route to the general area is down I-5 to Shasta then 85 to 44 to
395 at Susanville.  395 from there south is a nice drive.  But cold at this
time of year at night.  You could turn left at Lone Pine and go through
Death Valley but limited accommodations in Death Valley if not driving your
Westy.