r/PacificNorthwest • u/wizofoz057 • 6d 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/CilantroHats 6d 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.