familyofsix

We are taking our kids (ages 8,7,3,3) on an RV trip to Oregon and Seattle in July and August. We have 30 days to experience the Pacific Northwest. i need some guidance!

In looking at the books i have a preliminary itinerary of Portland, Cannon, Tillamook, 3 Capes, Newport, Heceta Head, SandDunes, Gold Beach, Crater Lake, Bend, Mt hood, Columbia River Gorge. Then Mt st. Helens, Mt Ranier, Tacoma, Seattle, Olympic Natl Park, Whidbey Island, Victoria, San Juan and the North Cascades.

My question is, how long should i plan for each place? what should i not miss and not waste my time on?

Thanks!

RedRock

While you are in the Mt Helens - Mt Rainer area there is a nice campground about half way between the two on FSR25. We have stayed there several times and just love the place.
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation...on-creek.shtml

happytrailstoyou

You've picked good place:

Portland, 2-3
Cannon Beach, 2-3
Tillamook, 0
Three Capes, 1-2
Newport, 2-3
Heceta Head, 0-1
Sand Dunes, 2-3
Gold Beach, 1-2
Crater Lake, 2-3
Bend, 1-2
Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge, 1
Mt. Saint Helens, 0-1
Mt. Rainier, 0-1
Tacoma, 0
Seattle, 3-4
Olympic NP, 2
Whidbey Island, 1
Victoria, 1-2
San Juan Island, 1-2
North Cascades, 1-2

Some places you might enjoy that you haven't listed include Portland, Vancouver (BC), and Lake Chelan (WA).

PhotoDad

I used to work in the woods up near Crater Lake for the Forest Service, what a wonderful area. And Cannon beach is pretty awesome too, as is the whole rest of the Pacific Northwest.

In such an amazing place don't bother trying to do everything. Don't sweat the schedule, stay longer in some places if you're having fun there. There's no sense cutting off a fun time to try to have fun somewhere else.

We've got a ton of tips for traveling with kids at our blog site, but here are the top ten:
http://familyroadtrippers.blogspot.c...%20with%20Kids

10. Use a different route on the return trip.
9. Let sleeping kids lay
8. Residence Inn and Cracker Barrel (Cracker Barrels are a little less available in the west...)
7. Travel comfortably
6. No-crash snack stash
5. Pack a flask!
4. Get a cheap digital camera for the kids
3. Don’t sweat the schedule
2. Skip the DVDs, use books and other interactive media
1. Start ‘em young: travel early and often

There are also many many more at www.familyroadtrippers.com

Have a great time, I envy you.

Dan

BWBlakely

You've already been given some good ideas on your questions, but let me point you towards some helpful tips.

Go to www.lightninrv.com and then click on "Rentals" in the menu on the left. Once there, spend some time on our "Special Event Calendar" and on our "Travel Links". You'll find a lot of great ideas, places to go/see, and many helpful roadtrip travel tips.

familyofsix

Thank you so much for the helpful feedback! i am enjoying looking through the links and setting the dates on the calendar. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us.

curmudgeon

Just be aware that the ferries for Victoria and San Juan islands tend to be quite full in summer, with possible long delays. Also be aware that the fares for RVs can be high (because RVs are longer, wider, and taller). Be cautious about planning to use the Pt Townsend -> Whidbey Island ferry; that run was cancelled for a while, and I think still has very limited capacity.

happytrailstoyou

Except for walking on, I avoid ferries in the summer. You're lucky to have thirty days.