sbrons

We are thinking about taking an 8-10 day vacation to Seattle/Oregon in August with 12yo children. Thinking about flying in/out of Seattle because it is most economical that way. We are coming from the East Coast. We like to do varied activities - take in a Mariners game, a little city sightseeing and then see the Oregon coast, Mt St. Helens, Mt Rainier? Not sure what we can fit in or if this is all too ambitious. Any input/ideas on how to organize this trip is appreciated!

happytrailstoyou

In ten days you could visit Seattle, Mt. Rainier, the Columbia River Gorge, the Oregon Coast from Cape Perpetua (just north of Florence) and Cannon Beach.

You could make a detour to Mt. Saint Helens on your way back to Seattle, but a better drive would be Cannon Beach-Astoria-Raymond-Olympia-Seattle.

HTtY

5alive

I think 12-year-olds would enjoy seeing the volcano. In August the sky should be clear for it.

You could see Mt. St. Helens the day you leave Seattle. Head south on I-5 and then see it on your way to Portland. Stay in Portland that night, or better yet at the west end of the Gorge. Head out to see the Gorge the next morning.

We visit Mt. St. Helens every once in a while. The first two stops are the best in terms of understanding the Mountain and what happened. The state runs an excellent one, a few miles after exiting the freeway:
http://www.parks.wa.gov/stewardship/mountsthelens/

Weyerhauser has its Forest Learning Center part way in and my kids really liked that one as well:

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/Sustaina...untSaintHelens

Fodorite018

I agree, keep Mt St Helens!!! As 5alive mentions, the visitors centers are really good, with the best one being at the end of the road up at Johnston Ridge Observatory. A must see, IMO!!! Even with living here when it blew, it is still so interesting in how the area keeps changing and coming back from the devastation. Truly a fascinating place to visit.

suze

I think your original ideas are perfect for a 10 day trip to this area (I'm in Seattle).
suze