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Epic summer road trip of Western States w/ kids

Epic summer road trip of Western States w/ kids

Old Jun 14th, 2016, 10:32 PM
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Epic summer road trip of Western States w/ kids

Hello, First time... I've been searching and reading the forums and will continue to, but was looking for some updated and concise advice on a road trip I am about to start with two kids (7-9). So far I have the following planned:
Denver to Goblin Valley/Capital Reef for 2 nights
Zion 3 nights
Lake Mead (willow beach) 2 nights
Las Vegas (conference) 5 nights
Mammoth 2 nights
Yosemite 3 nights
Monterey/Big Sur 2 nights
San Francisco 3 nights

San Francisco north to Seattle is where I need the most help!!!

I am traveling with a 25 ft travel trailer and much of it as a solo adult so I'd like to limit the long driving days and camp a minimum 2 nights at each stop to minimize set up and take down time. I fully understand that it is the summer months and many places are booked. So far I've had luck booking everything for the above itinerary.

I have about three weeks in July to make it from SF to Seattle, which would include exploring the greater Seattle area. I then have about two weeks (early August) to drive to Denver.

Questions:
What is the best route from SF to Seattle?
Is wine country worth it if I am solo with the kids at that point?
What is the right mix of ocean and mountain time? (I love mountains, but also currently live in them...)
What are the best beachfront campgrounds in CA, OR, and WA?
Can I loop in Crater Lake and Bend?
What is the best route back to Denver? I've done Yellowstone, but kids have not. That could either be a brief part or a future trip.
Should I loop in Glacier NP on this trip?
What kid highlights are "must do"? (We have active kids that like to hike, bike, fish, swim, and float.)

Thanks in advance for advice!
ColoradoMike is offline  
Old Jun 15th, 2016, 09:34 PM
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I've made some good progress today based upon feedback in other threads. After leaving the SF area I am heading to:
Van Damme SP to check out the area including glass beach - 1 night
Drive Ave of the Giants and stay in Fortuna - 1 night
Redwood NP and stay at Bullards Beach - 1 night
Diamond Lake (Crater wasn't available) - 2 nights

I am breaking my "would like to stay at least 2 nights in each location" rule because I feel there is so much to see. I tried to keep the daily driving down to 3-4 hours to allow enough time to see the sights and not wipe out me and the kids.

I'm now moving onto Bend, Portland, and back to the OR coast. Open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks!
ColoradoMike is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2016, 06:52 AM
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Are you planning on staying in Goblin Valley for 2 nights or Capitol Reef for 2 nights? I know they aren't too far apart but are you using them as a place to stop and relax?

What will the kids do while you are at the conference in Vegas, or are they going to the conference? 2 kids that age can not legally be left alone in a camper and Vegas is not a place that I would want my kids to hang out in at any case. It will probably be beastly hot there too.

Are you going to bypass Bryce, much more interesting than CR IMHO.

I would not bother with wine country with kids.
emalloy is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2016, 08:18 AM
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Hi emalloy,
I plan on camping on BLM land by Goblin given the limited availability in Capital Reef, but we will spend a day in CR. The kids are looking forward to getting a pie at the Gilford House. If I knew I could get a spot at the Fruita campground in CR then I would go there, but I will be getting there late on a Saturday and I don't want to chance being shut out.
Thanks for your concern on the kiddos and Vegas. We are joining up with my wife at the conference and staying at a hotel - and have confirmation from the hotel we can park the camper in their oversized lot.
We are bypassing Bryce. We were there last year and you are right, it is amazing!
Thanks for the feedback!
ColoradoMike is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2016, 08:46 AM
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One Hwy 138 between Crater Lake and Roseburg, there are many nice waterfall hikes- most are pretty short and easy. My favorite is Watson Falls and Susan Falls.

Diamond Lake frequently has hoards of mosquitos so bring repellent- but it's a beautiful spot!
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Old Jun 17th, 2016, 02:36 PM
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Thanks sunbum! We love waterfalls and hate mosquitos so now we'll be prepared.
ColoradoMike is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2016, 09:15 AM
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If you happen to go along the coast in Southern Oregon, I'm
sure the kids would enjoy Jerry's Jet Boat Trip out of Gold Beach and down the Rogue River. Scenic, and a few thrills.
mpflim is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2016, 04:47 PM
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Be sure and take the kids to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. Really worth it. We live in the wine country, and I think it would be a waste to take the kids here. Go up I-5 to Ashland Or. and then over to Crater Lake. You could go from Medford to the coast. Jet boat ride sounds like fun. Be aware that driving up the coast is "car sick city" and not much fun for kids. I'd also skip Big Sur for the same reason.
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Old Jun 18th, 2016, 07:42 PM
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Agree the Jet Boat is fun. And also, just south of Florence you can do the dune buggy rides which I think is a lot of fun.
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