r/PacificNorthwest • u/wizofoz057 • 3d ago
Traveling to the PNW
I love Seattle's vibe and the beauty of Mt.Ranier, as I have traveled to the PNW for work many times. From the Space Needle and Mopop to hiking the Grove of the Patriarchs, I really enjoy what I have seen.
I am planning a summer trip 9-12 days, flying out from NJ to Oregon? or Seatac?
I would love to take in a few National Parks, maybe span from Oregon to Vancouver. Stay in a vrbo for a few days to chill and enjoy the surroundings but do some driving and stay in a few hotels to make it all work.
Trying my best to pack in as much as possible, but again, get a few days to enjoy it and chill somewhere and not make the vacation a nonstop sprint.
Where are the must sees for the family that hasn't visited the west coast? What towns are a can't miss? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
edit: to add insight, itll be July/August and we'll be traveling with a HS and MS aged children. They have done some 6,7 mile hikes, but that is NE hiking, which tends to be flatter.
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u/Menaciing 3d ago
If you’ll be here for that many days, it would be worth flying into Portland and checking out the gorge, then finishing your trip in Washington and flying home out of SeaTac.
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u/wizofoz057 3d ago
this is a great idea, i have been searching the net for the past few hours, throwing together a loose plan to start getting there. (this has been baking for 4/5 years now).
this comment has me looking into Cascade Locks, any other surrounding areas. Oregon is all research, never been. Thank you!
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u/Menaciing 3d ago
Around Cascade Locks it would be worth checking out Multnomah Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Latourell Falls, then crossing the bridge of the gods. All of this could be done in about ~5 hours.
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u/tractiontiresadvised 3d ago
I've heard that Cascade Locks is one of the wettest areas in Oregon, yet only about 40 miles away in The Dalles is one of the driest. Going between the two areas is definitely an interesting experience.
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u/davemarks58 3d ago
Cascade Locks, then head east to Hood River and d Rowena Lookout or south to Mt. Hood/ Government Camp. So much to do in Portland city, great zoo, OMSI, Powelll's bookstore, amazing food.
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u/loztriforce 3d ago
I’d suggest going to Paradise at Rainier.
Depending on what time of year, maybe check what’s happening at the Puyallup (Washington State) Fair.
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u/lyndseymariee 3d ago
Don’t forget to make your timed entry reservation if you choose to go to Sunset or Paradise during the summer season.
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u/loztriforce 3d ago edited 3d ago
Yeah a good point, I hear the lines become massive nowadays.
My advice would be to get there before 7AM to avoid the need for a reservation.
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u/lyndseymariee 3d ago
That would be my move as well 😄
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u/wizofoz057 1d ago
Thank you. Lines at NPs are the worst.
We did some hiking at Acadia NP (Maine) and it is an amazing place, no doubt. The trams that take you from visitor center to the next made so much sense, but also gave the packed parking lots, and single file hikes feel more Disney than an outdoor adventure.
Will make sure we register ahead of time (as we did with Cadillac Mountain) and get there early.
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u/PNWBeachGurl 3d ago
Travel along the Oregon Coast - Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Depot Bay. Nothing Is better than the beach!
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u/wizofoz057 3d ago
this will def. part of the trip!
i have seen so many shots over the years of these beaches and have been longing to go.
Thank you!
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u/laurie0905 3d ago
If the Johnston Ridge Observatory is opened back up by then (there was a landslide that closed the road), I find Mt St Helens to be an interesting visit. The movie in the visitor center is informative and there are some hikes. I also like to stop at the Forest Learning Center is also a good place to stop along the way for some nice views and a talk with a docent about what’s happening with logging these days.
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u/wizofoz057 1d ago
Thank you. My focus has been Ranier and I completely forgot about Mt.St.Helens.
Checking more into this now
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u/CilantroHats 3d ago
The Oregon coast and the Olympic Peninsula are absolute musts. I just did part of the Oregon coast for the first time this summer and will be going back as many times as I can in 2025. Between the beaches, cliffs, elk on the beach, sunsets, sunrises, views, it's the most beautiful place, and I am saying this as someone being from Vancouver Island. I loved Astoria and Fort Stevens State Park as well. We also visited Cape Disappointment, Long Beach, Ocean Shores, USCG Loran Station Point Grenville (Decommissioned) in WA, and everything in between. My favorite was Long Beach out of the touristy places. It's such a cute town. But USCG Loran Station Point Grenville was absolutely breathtaking and was such a surprising highlight of our trip as we stumbled upon it by accident as it's quite out of the way. My favorite area in the Olympic Peninsula is Neah Bay. So much to see and do. All beautiful.
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u/wizofoz057 1d ago
Thank you for the insight.
The Oregon Coast will be done for sure, looks like Cannon Beach up to Fort Steven and over to Astoria, am I missing anything key?
Olympic Peninsula looks to be a large area overall, but photos of Neah Bay do look amazing
Thank you!
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u/uwmillertime 3d ago
Go to Olympic NP and then head to Port Townsend. Take the ferry to Whidbey Island from PT on your way up to the San Juan Islands. Hike Mount Constitution (Orcas Island). Then ferry to Anacortes and drive up to North Cascades NP.
I’d do Seattle for a day or two before or after.
Check out this itinerary if you like National Parks and cool historic little towns. Aside from Mount Rainier, you would be hitting a lot of the highlights of Wa State. Enjoy your trip!