Family Trip to Pacific Northwest
 

I'm planning a large family vacation and we're interested in the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to hear recommendations on resort type places that are great for family vacations. There's about 18 of us and we like to either get a large house or several condos together and we like to be near the ocean or within easy access to beach, nature and diverse activities that appeal to a variety of ages and interests. I know the Seattle area has a lot to offer but I'm not sure where we could stay that would fit the size of our group. We DON'T want hotels. Any suggestions?

My sister-in-law's large family like to go to the Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie Falls. It's a rather rustic but great service place and there is lots of nature around. There are also lots of small B&Bs around which is fun if you can take one over entirely with your group. Look at Whidbey Island.

Pretty upscale, but you might consider the Port Ludlow resort, located on the Olympic Peninsula 90 min. or so from Seattle. From the resort, there are lots of easy day trips to Olympic National Park, Port Townsend, Hood Canal, or Victoria BC via the Port Angeles ferry (as walk-ons). http://www.portludlowresort.com <BR> <BR>For more affordable accommodations for such a big group, I need to find my thinking cap. Oh, I know - how about you book several cabins on a sailing of the Alaska State Ferry and have your vacation on the ship - say to Juneau and back? Not a lot more expensive than a resort, considering no need for rental cars, etc. http://www.dot.state.ak.us/external/amhs/home.html <BR>Just a thought.

I know you said at the beach, but would you consider a place like Sun River in Bend, Oregon. The weather is dry with lots of sun most of the year and they have a variety of accomodations, motel/condos/great homes. There is swimming, bicycling all over the place, the Deschutes river to raft or canoe, mountains to climb, trails to walk, caves to explore and in winter some great skiing. Central Oregon is a wonderful vacation spot.

You may want to realize that the ocean in the PacNW is unlike other places - you really can't swim in it unless you have a wetsuit. It's COLD! However; you may want to consider the San Juan Islands. The only downside to Salish (and I love the place!) is that it is EXTREMELY expensive. I also consider it to be a hotel. <BR> <BR>You may want to look at Cannon Beach ORE as well - lots of oceanfront condos available.