Ready to explore on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking Pacific Northwest? We’ve crafted the Ultimate Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary to help you make the most of your family adventure. While it’s impossible to cover everything this region has to offer, we’re excited to share our favorite stops, the valuable lessons we learned, and our plans for future exploration. Buckle up and join us on this incredible journey through the PNW!
Driving vs. Flying?
Coming from Colorado, we decided to take a flight, giving us the flexibility to choose distinct starting and ending points. Driving, on the other hand, would have required a loop itinerary or backtracking. The choice between flying and driving has its own set of pros and cons, impacting factors like budget, rentals, and time allocation. Discover which option suits your needs best. For this itinerary, we began in Portland, OR, and wrapped up our adventure in Seattle, WA.
Flying? See our review on if Clear security is worth it for families…
We trust you’ll discover this guide to be useful! However, keep in mind that it’s by no means the only route. Take the time to research and select the path and destination that align best with your family’s preferences.
Renting? See our review on whether a Truck rental is right for you…
Note that we went in late June to early July. The summer is a fantastic time to visit the PNW.
Day 1: Multnomah Falls
We touched down at Portland International Airport (PDX) bright and early. Instead of heading straight for the coast, we thought, ‘Why not kick off our adventure right away?’ So, we took a quick jaunt to the famous Multnomah Falls. If you’re flying into Portland and looking for a an easy adventure, don’t miss out on Multnomah Falls! It’s just a short 35-minute drive from the airport, weaving through the stunning Columbia River Gorge. This place is a real gem, boasting an epic waterfall and a historic bridge to explore. Perfect for a pitstop with the family!
A few hours were spent here. We hiked up to the famous Benson Bridge which was only 0.2 miles but mostly steps and steep grade, however, it was easy enough for our 3 year old to do it by herself. We didn’t go too far past the bridge knowing we would have to hike back down. The morning had been filled with travel, and our trip had only begun. It was a great stop and I’m really glad we squeezed this into our trip.
If you are here during the busy season you will need a Timed Use Permit.
Website: Multomah Falls
Travel: Multomah Falls to Cannon Beach
After our visit to the falls, we continued our Pacific Northwest road trip westward toward the coast, hitting the road for a scenic drive that took a little over 2 hours to reach Cannon Beach, OR. Upon our arrival at the beach, we still had daylight on our side, but after a day packed with travel and adventure, fatigue began to set in. We opted for an early night’s rest, checking into the Surf Sand Resort, gearing up for the exciting adventures awaiting us the next day.
Day 2 & 3: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach quickly became a standout highlight of our trip, drawing parallels to the coastal charm of one of our go to beaches: Hilton Head in South Carolina. In fact, I’d go as far as to dub Cannon Beach the ‘Hilton Head of the West.’ Its expansive sandy shores, shaped by the substantial tides, offer an ideal setting for leisurely strolls, bike rides, and the creation of impressive sandcastles.
However, it’s important to note that Cannon Beach boasts cooler weather compared to your typical southern beaches, so having a sweatshirt or jacket on hand, even during the summer, is a good idea. Additionally, due to the chilly water temperatures and often turbulent tides, swimming isn’t usually recommended, especially for young children. Nevertheless, there’s a plethora of activities and attractions to keep you busy in and around Cannon Beach.
Surf Sand Resort
We kicked off our Pacific Northwest road trip adventure with an incredible three-night stay at the family-friendly Surf Sand Resort, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for us. With its direct beachfront access, inviting pool, and proximity to restaurants and shops, this resort checked all the boxes.
We opted for the Beachfront Patio King room, which offered a touch of luxury beyond your standard hotel room and provided ample space for our family. The room featured a convenient pull-out bed for the boys, while our three-year-old daughter cozied up on a comfy makeshift bed we created from extra blankets. It was just the right fit for her.
The highlight of this room, without a doubt, was the private patio that opened onto what felt like a secluded grassy expanse with sweeping views of the ocean. With this setup, beach access was a breeze, and we loved soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the iconic Haystack Rock. One the highlights was making s’mores from the resort built bonfires on the beach every night. Surf Sand Resort truly added an extra layer of magic to our family getaway.
Website: Surf Sand Resort
Ecola State Park
On our first day in Cannon Beach, we set out for an afternoon exploring Ecola State Park. I’ll admit, I’ve never seen ‘The Goonies,’ but I can see why this place has been a popular choice for movie scenes, including ‘Point Break,’ ‘Twilight,’ and ‘Kindergarten Cop.’
As soon as you start the drive to the park, the scenery is truly captivating. Ecola State Park offers panoramic views that are nothing short of breathtaking. Our adventure led us to Indian Beach, where we spent a few hours as the kids had a blast searching for sea creatures, climbing and leaping off rocks, and playing in the sand.
Website: Ecola State Park
Downtown Cannon Beach
Located just under a mile north of Surf Sand Resort, Cannon Beach’s downtown is a charming coastal destination. Here, you’ll discover family shopping and delicious meals. Additionally, you’ll find Mariner Market for your grocery necessities. Some of our favorite spots were Lazy Susan Cafe, Crepe Neptune, and Insomnia Coffee Co. If you’re looking for more options, the area just south back near Surf Sand Resort has several options including Pelican Brewing.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
On our second day, we ventured to Hug Point, and it greeted us with a quintessential Oregon coast morning. Thick fog blanketed the surroundings, creating a mystical atmosphere that the kids found really cool. This site offers stunning viewpoints, intriguing caves, and even a waterfall that flows onto the beach. Be sure to check the tide schedule and plan your visit during low tide to fully enjoy all that Hug Point has to offer.
Website: Hug Point State Recreation Site
Day 4: Astoria Column & Cape Disappointment State Park
Cannon Beach to Lake Quinault
On our fourth day, we said goodbye to Cannon Beach and headed north on the 101. Our next destination: Lake Quinault, a little over a 3-hour drive away. But to make the trip smoother with the kids, we made a few detours at various scenic attractions along the way.
Astoria Column
I had no idea what to expect at the Astoria Column. This looked like an interesting spot along the way so we decided to visit upon arriving into Astoria. To our surprise, the Astoria Column is a great family spot. It offers history, art, and fantastic views. Before climbing 125 feet to the top, be sure to purchase a few balsa wood gliders to launch from the top with your kids. The kids thought this was the coolest!
Website: Astoria Column
Cape Disappointment State Park
Ok, the name is misleading. Cape Disappointment, in fact, was not a disappointment for us. The area was, however, a disappointment for British explorer John Meares in 1788 when he was disappointed when he couldn’t find the Columbia River due to poor weather and treacherous waters. Today, Cape Disappointment State Park offers family-friendly outdoor adventures with scenic coastal hikes and historic lighthouses. I felt disappointed about not being able to stay here longer, as the park offers so much that you could spend multiple days, but we wanted to reach Lake Quinault before dark.
We decided to visit the North Head Lighthouse which was perfect for our family both for the length of the trail and the short time we had. We took Lighthouse Keepers Loop Trail which was mostly flat to view the lighthouse. It is worth noting that we were only able to look at the lighthouse from the outside. Children under 7 are not allowed to climb the lighthouse tower.
Website: Cape Disappointment State Park
Aberdeen, Washington
Our last pit stop wasn’t the most exciting, but it was a necessary one. We made a quick stop at the last full-sized grocery store on our route in Aberdeen, WA, before heading to Lake Quinault in Olympic National Park. Here, we stocked up and prepared for our upcoming three-day adventure.
After a day filled with exploration and continuing our Pacific Northwest road trip with a three-hour drive, we reached the enchanting Quinault Lake area at the edge of Olympic National Park. Here we checked into our cabin at Lochaerie Resort.
Day 5: Lake Quinault – Olympic National park
Lochaerie Resort
Our stay at Lochaerie Resort might have been the most memorable part of our trip. After three days of travel, it provided us with a much-needed opportunity to relax and unwind, free from the distractions of the outside world and catch up on quality time together.
Lochaerie Resort welcomed us to a quaint world of lakeside vintage cabins, literally on the shore of Quinault Lake. Some of these cabins have been standing since the early 1900s, providing a unique and cozy atmosphere for us. Vintage furnishings and rustic charm created a nostalgic experience while enjoying some modern conveniences such as electricity and a microwave. There was no TV in the room, and surprisingly, it was quite satisfying. Playing with the variety of board games provided or just cozying up near our wood-burning fireplace encouraged the kids to live simply. Lochaerie Resort was truly a special place to stay.
The resort offered kayaks, and on our first day, we took them out on the lake to explore. The kids thought this was so cool, exploring a nearby but remote sandy beach where we spent the afternoon. On the way back, we encountered some pretty strong winds that definitely gave Jamie and me a workout, but we made it!
One of the highlights of our stay was walking down the steps near our cabin and building a fort with the abundance of driftwood on the shores. It felt like this beach was made just for us.
Website: Lochaerie Resort
Looking for another amazing cabin experience on your next trip? See our review of El Capitan Canyon Resort in Santa Barbara…
Quinault Lake – Olympic National Park
Quinault Lake in Olympic National Park is a stunning spot for family adventures. With its lush forests and mountain views, families can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and sightseeing. The lake itself was a destination but also as a perfect central point for us to explore the numerous attractions in the surrounding area.
During our stay in Quinault Lake we visited the following sights or landmarks:
Kestner Homestead
We actually did this on our first night in Quinault. we stumbled upon the Kestner Homestead which was about a 5 minute drive away. Here we saw a glimpse of what early pioneer life in the PNW was like. It reminded me a bit of an old ghost town. We loved exploring the old buildings, including a farmhouse and barn, and the kids got to connect with history for a bit. We even played hide-and-go-seek here. The kids thought it was so cool! There’s also a trailhead here so we hiked for about a half hour before returning to our car.
World’s Largest Sitka Spruce
The next day, we headed to the other side of the lake and visited the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce. You can visit this giant easily by taking the short trail. It is a short and easy one, taking around 10-15 minutes. It’s a pleasant stroll that even kids can handle.
Merriman Falls
After visiting the spruce we drove just a little further to Merriman Falls. Merriman Falls is a quick roadside stop with a short walk to view the falls. There isn’t really a trail here but you can see the falls from the road. You can decide if climbing for a better view is worth it but watch the little ones as it can be a bit slippery and rocky. Our kids loved climbing around but we did need to be careful at times about where they were going.
Lake Quinault Lodge
Later that day we visited the historic Lake Quinault Lodge. This almost 100 year old lodge is at the heart of Lake Quinault. We played a variety of lawn games laid out on their expansive lakeside green space and beach. It was a great spot to regroup and relax before taking one more adventure to the rain forest.
Quinault Rain Forest – Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop
Out of all the sights we saw in Quinault, this was definitely the highlight. We had never been to anything remotely close to a rainforst before and this really felt like another world to us. The Lake Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail Loop is a short, easy hike through the lush rainforest near Lake Quinault. It’s just .5 miles which was perfect for the kids. You’ll see big trees, ferns, and learn about the rainforest’s plants and animals from informative signs along the way.
Day 6: Kalaloch – olympic national Park
We still had one more night left at Lochaerie in Quinault but we decided to take a day trip to Kalaloch since we felt like we covered most of Quinault the last two days. Kalaloch is an easy 35-minute drive north on the 101 from Lake Quinault. In just that little span of time, it transports you from the deep forest to the Pacific coastline. Here, we took the day to explore several of the unique beaches along the coast.
Ruby Beach
We hit Ruby Beach first and we’re sure glad we did because the parking lot began to fill up quickly. This was another highlight of the trip. It’s known for its beautiful sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-covered shores. Driftwood is unusually light and gave the kids a natural playground. At just about every beach in Olympic, the kids wanted to build a fort. We literally could’ve spent all day doing this. Besides fort building, we walked up and down the coast exploring different perspectives of the shore. When you think of iconic PNW coasts, you’re probably thinking of Ruby Beach. If you are going to pick one beach only to visit in Olympic, pick this one!
Beach 4
The following beaches we explored this day were only underwhelming because of how cool Ruby Beach was. These beaches are still spectacular and Beach 4 was no exception. They just seem a little less grand and a little less interesting compared to Ruby. Beach 4 had a fun trail down to the shoreline and a unique bridge with a fun rope to help with climbing. We didn’t explore too much here but the kids enjoyed hanging out on the large rocks on the shore.
Kalaloch Big Cedar Tree
Our non-beach attraction for the day was seeing the remains of the Big Cedar Tree. In 2014 a storm took down nearly half the tree. Now it is decomposing becoming what they call a nurse log providing life to new trees and other plants. While I wish we could’ve seen it in its heyday, it was still enormous and a pretty cool site to see if you have time. The tree is visible from the parking lot, so no hiking is necessary. We didn’t opt to do additional hiking at this point and instead went back to the cost.
Kalaloch Lodge & Beach
Kalaloch Beach was further south down the coast from Beach 4. (We skipped Beach 3, 2, and 1. We just didn’t have the time or energy to do them all!). Kalaloch is famous for The Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is an iconic giant spruce tree located near Kalaloch Beach. Its name comes from the unique root system that extends out and resembles the shape of a sprawling tree. We arrived here in the afternoon and it was pretty crowded with tourists taking photos. It didn’t stop us from exploring under the tree and snapping a few photos ourselves. It was definitely worth seeing.
We spent the rest of our time relaxing at the beach and the kids played in the sand. This beach was less rocky and less descriptive than the other beaches but was still beautiful nonetheless.
We were exhausted at this point and headed back to Quinault for the night.
Thinking you’d like to travel south to California instead? We explored 3 amazing beaches in Santa Barbara, CA…
Day 7: Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, & Lake Crescent – olympic national park
On day 8 we said goodbye to Lochaerie resort and Lake Quinault and headed back out again on the 101. This time we were headed to the famous Hoh Rain Forest to visit the Hall of Mosses.
Hoh Rainforest (or so we thought)
I’ve got to confess, we made a colossal blunder during our Olympic National Park adventure. It all boiled down to bad timing – Sunday, July 3rd, probably the park’s busiest weekend. Looking back, we needed to get an early start to our day but, you know how it goes with kids, we just didn’t move fast enough.
We’d been enjoying the park without any crowds so far, but that was about to change. We were just three miles away from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center parking lot when we hit a wall of bumper-to-bumper traffic seemingly out of nowhere. The parking lot was jam-packed, and they were only allowing cars in as others left. We decided to tough it out, but after over an hour of inching forward, we threw in the towel. It just didn’t make sense to wait for hours with the kids.
If you take one piece of advice from this post take this one: Get to Hoh Rainforest really really early! Or go on an off-peak time.
While we missed out on a top-rated spot, we ended up having a fantastic day and here’s what we did:
Rialto Beach
After our turnaround, we found ourselves at Rialto Beach, just over an hour’s drive west from the Hoh Rainforest. This unplanned detour became a pleasant surprise. The kids were excited to be back on the beach after our morning traffic adventure. Rialto Beach had its unique charm, somewhat like Ruby Beach. There was an abundance of driftwood, a fort builder’s dream, and our boys embraced the opportunity. They also had a blast playing tag with the waves while running up and down the beach. What started as a change of plans turned into an unexpectedly great afternoon, making the most of our mistake.
Lake Crescent – Lake Crescent Lodge
Continuing our Pacific Northwest road trip, we hit the road for about an hour to reach our next destination, Lake Crescent, home to the charming Lake Crescent Lodge.
We arrived in the evening, still with some daylight, which tempted the kids and me to take a refreshing dip in the chilly lake waters. Jamie stayed dry– she’s not a fan of the cold! The kids had a blast swimming near the shore before we decided to up the excitement – Jumping off the dock into Lake Crescent! It was an exhilarating experience, to say the least. There’s just something about leaping into a lake from a dock, and when the water is as cold as it was, the thrill is even greater. All the kids bravely took the plunge, but we were especially proud of our fearless 3-year-old daughter.
This will always be a special family memory and one I’ll never forget.
If we had to change some things about our Pacific Northwest road trip, I probably would’ve figured out a way to spend more time at Lake Crescent. This lake and its scenery was spectacular and there are a lot of other great sights to see around this lake, we just didn’t have the time to do everything.
Airbnb – Garden Shed Guesthouse
I picked a location that could act as a “layover” or halfway point so we could travel to Seattle easily the next day. We stayed just north of Lake Crescent at this unique little Airbnb. The Garden Shed Guesthouse is a top rated Airbnb in Joyce, WA near Port Angeles. The kids thought living in a shed was pretty cool. It was very spacious and had everything we needed as a family of 5.
Website: Garden Shed Guesthouse
Day 8: Bainbridge Island & West Seattle
Day 9 was July 4th, and while we missed being back home during this holiday, we were excited to celebrate it in new places. In the morning, we left Joyce and made a brief stop in Port Angeles to see a visiting Navy ship and helicopter that were part of the city’s 4th of July festivities. After that, we headed to our next stop on our Pacific Northwest road trip: Bainbridge Island.
Bainbridge Island
About an hour and a half from Port Angeles is Bainbridge Island. I didn’t know what to expect here but I was pleasantly surprised. Bainbridge Island, is a great spot for families. It offers beautiful natural scenery, a calm atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Battle Point Park Play Area
We are always looking for great playgrounds, and Battle Point Park was no exception. This was a unique, clean, and creative playground which gave the kids a reason to burn some energy after our car ride.
Forest to Sky Trail
Connected to Battle Point Park is a scenic and adventurous hiking trail. It was only 0.9 miles which made it a perfect distance for our kids. It features a 100-foot boardwalk through a wetland area and the scenery is quintessential PNW. The kids loved pretending to hunt for Bigfoot here!
Bainbridge Downtown District
We, unfortunately, didn’t plan ahead to make it to the 4th of July parade in the downtown district but we did manage to take advantage of some of the other festivities. Bainbridge Island’s downtown district is a charming and walkable area, perfect for strolling with your family. You’ll find a variety of quaint shops, dining options, and a welcoming atmosphere to explore.
Bainbridge to Seattle Ferry
I feel like I’m repeating myself when I say we had another highlight of the trip but this truly was another highlight of the trip. While I’m sure locals probably think the ferry is just a normal mode of transportation, my family thought it was the coolest thing ever. We drove our car right on the ferry. Remember, we’re from Colorado, a landlocked state with limited water activities.
The 35-minute ferry ride from Bainbridge Island to Seattle is not only a scenic journey but also an exciting adventure for kids. They can watch in awe as the ferry glides across the water, with breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and the surrounding mountains. Our kids were especially fascinated by the gigantic ocean freight liners passing by and in the docks.
Reservations are typically not required on this route and are first come first serve. To see the schedule and for more information go to: Washington State Department of Transportation
West Seattle
After arriving in Seattle and departing from the ferry, we took a short trip to West Seattle, which would serve as our home for the last two nights. We chose this neighborhood because a good friend of mine suggested it, and he was absolutely right. West Seattle is a laid-back neighborhood with fantastic views, great eats, and a welcoming atmosphere. West Seattle was the perfect place for us to use as our base for exploring Seattle.
Alki Beach
To top off the 4th of July festivities with a bang, we joined our friends at the famous Alki Beach. Alki Beach is Seattle’s iconic waterfront with sandy shores, city views, and family-friendly vibes. Here we saw an epic display of personal firework shows from the locals, shooting off hundreds of fireworks all around us. We could see the larger commissioned firework shows around the Puget Sound including some in the distance just past the skyline of Seattle. It was a pretty neat way to spend a 4th of July night.
Airbnb: Posh Studio Suite
For our last 2 nights of our Pacific Northwest road trip I found the Posh Studio Suite on Airbnb. The host couldn’t have been more welcoming to our family and it was really the perfect set up for us. The location was great and we loved being in West Seattle.
Website: Airbnb Posh Seattle
Day 9: Seattle
West Seattle to Seattle: Water Taxi
Another reason West Seattle was so great is we could ditch the car and take the Water Taxi into the city. The is was yet again another exciting way to travel, especially for our kids. It was easy 10 to 15 minute ride and provided a panoramic view of the city.
For schedule and tickets check their website: Water Taxi
Waterfront Park
Our first stop took us to Waterfront Park, a short walk from where the water taxi dropped us off. It’s worth noting that as of July 2023, there’s a significant amount of ongoing construction in the area, aimed at creating a new waterfront. This construction is expected to continue through 2025. However, despite the construction, we found the area quite enjoyable. There are still plenty of great sightseeing opportunities and nearby attractions. While we didn’t have the time or budget to explore everything, you might consider visiting the Aquarium, taking a ride on the Great Wheel, or embarking on a thrilling whale watching adventure while you’re here.
Pike Place Market
Adjacent to Waterfront Park is the world famous Pike Place Market. If you do one thing in Seattle, this is it.
Pike Place Market is a must-visit when you’re in Seattle. It’s a bustling and iconic public market overlooking the waterfront. Here, you can explore a myriad of stalls and shops, offering everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts and artisanal foods. Don’t forget to stop by the original Starbucks store if you’re a coffee enthusiast (which we are not, and didn’t do, but worth noting). One of the market’s top highlights is watching the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market toss fish to one another, creating quite a spectacle. It’s a lively and vibrant place to soak in the local culture and enjoy some delicious treats while you’re at it.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
A friend of ours told us about Beecher’s Handmade Cheese so we had to check it out at Pike Place Market. This renowned cheese shop is famous for its delicious artisanal cheeses, crafted right there in the market. You can watch the cheese-making process through large windows while savoring their famous mac and cheese. This was an excellent option for the kids and entertaining as well!
Website: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
The Gum Wall at Post Alley
While exploring Pike Place Market in Seattle, don’t miss the quirky and bizarre Gum Wall in Post Alley. It’s basically a wall covered in layers of chewed gum, creating a unique and colorful work of art. Our kids absolutely loved this and contributed their own gum to the wall!
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
To truly appreciate the unique history of Seattle, you need to tour the underground. It’s a fascinating journey beneath the city’s streets, exploring the historic tunnels and hidden passageways that were once the heart of old Seattle. This tour offers a fun way to learn about the city’s colorful past. There is plenty of adult humor here but the tour guides do a fantastic job at making it family friendly and making jokes that sailed right over our kids heads.
Website: Underground Tour
After another packed day, we set back on the water taxi to West Seattle and headed again to Alki Beach where we had some great food at Cactus and then threw frisbees (that we got from the Cactus kid’s meal) on the beach! It was a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day sightseeing.
Day 10: Seattle
Our last day marked Day 10 of our Pacific Northwest road trip, and our flight was scheduled for a late departure so we had all day to explore. We bid farewell to the Posh Suite and decided to drive into Seattle instead of using the Water Taxi. This choice provided us with more flexibility to explore areas that weren’t accessible by water.
Space Needle
Another iconic must-do with kids in Seattle is the Space Needle. Definitely a very touristy destination but worth doing at least once. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the city, and the elevator ride to the top is an adventure in itself. Kids will love seeing the city from such great heights especially on the state-of-the-art revolving glass floor. This gets pretty crowded so book in advance and plan for early morning to save some money.
Website: Space Needle
Magnuson Cafe & Brewery
This was our one spot that was off the beaten tourist path in Seattle. We did this because my good buddy Kyle is a brewer there and it was a relaxing site. They offer delicious food and craft beer in a welcoming atmosphere. It sits right on the water over looking the Pontiac Bay at Lake Washington. It’s a great spot to rent a kayak, bike, or just chill by the lake. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Seattle for the last two days we needed a place just to relax for a bit.
Website: Magnunson Cafe & Brewery
Gas Works Park
This former gasification plant turned park offers incredible views of the city skyline. Gas Works Park in Seattle is a family-friendly spot with a great playground and plenty of grass areas to relax.
Freemont Troll
Not far from Gas Works Park, you’ll find the famous Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture holding a real Volkswagen Beetle. We have to admit though, we were tired and parking was tricky, so we just did a quick drive-by to check it out before moving on.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: SEA to DEN
This brings us to our final stop of our trip. We intentionally booked a late flight home to avoid early morning stress and have a full day for exploration. The kids are usually exhausted by this point, which means they sleep on the plane, making for a peaceful flight.
As our Pacific Northwest road trip wrapped up, we were left with wonderful memories and big smiles. Exploring this stunning region with our family was a blast, from nature’s wonders to city streets. We hope our journey inspires your own adventures whether its exploring the same path or creating your own! Stay safe and keep exploring!
Ideas for next time
Our Pacific Northwest road trip was amazing, but we’ve barely begun to uncover all this region has to offer. While I have fond memories of visiting the San Juan Islands from my youth, we couldn’t fit them in this time. We’re already planning our next adventure, and on the list are places like Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and a trip to Vancouver, Canada. Or taking the southern route down the Oregon coast and into California. There’s so much more to explore in the Pacific Northwest!
What we’d do differently
In hindsight, there’s not much we would change about our trip. The Hoh Rainforest delay was a lesson in timing, but aside from that, everything went smoothly. If we had more time, we might have extended our stay at Lake Crescent or made room for the San Juan Islands, but those adventures will have to wait for our next Pacific Northwest road trip.
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