Gold Creek Pond was absolutely worth braving the cold but it got busy quick so I’d recommend going on an off day (not the weekend) or getting there early.

Decided to bring a little camera along with me to Washington, and I’m glad I did. The hike to the actual Twin Falls was amazing and really scenic. Highly recommend going there. It’s roughly a 3 mile hike roundtrip, with some somewhat steep climbs, but it’s totally worth it.

Going camping in Tofino BC this summer (June/July) What are some family friendly activities to do? Any hidden gems?

I'm looking to plan a family vacation somewhwere in the PNW in summer 2026 -- access to both Seattle and Vancouver is preferred as some of us hope to attend one or two World Cup games

Our crew is seven adults (mid-30s to mid-60s) and four kids (ages 3-5) and I'm looking to find a good mix of hiking, water/boat activities (e.g. whale watching, kayaking), culture (food, music, art), and access to urban places -- we'll have a mix of folks that lean outdoorsy and those that do not

Anacortes is the leading candidate -- any thoughts on a week based in Anacortes and having a good mix of things for a variety of interests? Bellingham is one that has been considered as well.

Hello! 👋

My partner and I are looking to organise our second road trip in the Western US after an unforgettable Chicago -> San Francisco adventure in 2023. We've settled on the Pacific Northwest this time, and all we've booked so far are our flights (landing in Seattle on Wed 2nd July and flying from San Francisco on Sat 19th July).

We've done some basic research and have so far arrived at the rough itinerary below. I was wondering if anyone had any feedback or advice on how to improve it? Or suggestions on things to see and good stopping places on some of the drives. I realise we may be shortchanging ONP/Redwoods however we've already had to scale back quite significantly from our initial (mad) plans to include San Juan Islands, Vancouver and Yosemite NP! About us: we're a couple in our 30s from the UK, huge fans of the amazing natural beauty the US have on offer! We do enjoy hiking and sightseeing however not into camping or biking/skiing/surfing/mountaineering etc... We've hired a car in the US before and booked accommodation for a road trip so are okay with the budgeting/logistics, also we both drive so will be sharing the driving. Thanks in advance!

Day 1 (Wed 02 Jul): Land in Seattle Tacoma Airport, pick up car and drive to Mt Rainier. Overnight in Mount Rainier, WA. [unsure whether Sunrise entrance may be preferable to Paradise?]

Day 2 (Thu 03 Jul): Explore Mt Rainier, end overnight in Mount Rainier, WA.

Day 3 (Fri 04 Jul): Leave Mt Rainier early AM and drive to Seattle. Explore Seattle during day including 4th July fireworks. Overnight in Seattle.

Day 4 (Sat 05 Jul): Explore Seattle. Overnight in Seattle.

Day 5 (Sun 06 Jul): Leave Seattle very early AM and drive to Hurricane Ridge (either via Bainbridge ferry or via Tacoma Narrows Bridge?), explore then drive to Lake Crescent and visit Marymere Falls. Overnight in Lake Crescent.

Day 6 (Mon 07 Jul): Drive from Lake Crescent to Hoh Rainforest. Detour to Ruby Beach then on to Lake Quinault. Overnight in Lake Quinault.

Day 7 (Tue 08 Jul): Make way to Portland with arrival time flexible in case more time in ONP needed. Overnight in Portland, OR.

Day 8 (Wed 09 Jul): Explore Portland.

Day 9 (Thu 10 Jul): Drive east of Portland to visit Multnomah Falls and Columbia RIver Gorge NSA via Hood River. Drive back west though Portland to Astoria. Overnight in Astoria, OR.

Day 10 (Fri 11 Jul): Start from Astoria, OR, end overnight in Newport, OR.

Day 11 (Sat 12 Jul): Start from Newport, OR, end overnight in Port Orford, OR.

Day 12 (Sun 13 Jul): Leave Port Orford early and long drive to Crater Lake via Bandon/Tri-City. Arrive in Crater Lake PM and explore until evening. Overnight in Crater Lake NP.

Day 13 (Mon 14 Jul): Half day in Crater Lake then long drive to Crescent City, CA.

Day 14 (Tue 15 Jul): Redwoods day 1. Start from Crescent City, CA, end overnight in Trinidad, CA.

Day 15 (Wed 16 Jul): Redwoods day 2. Start from Trinidad, CA, end overnight in Mendocino, CA.

Day 16 (Thu 17 Jul): Start from Mendocino, CA, end overnight in San Francisco, CA after dropping car off at SFO.

Day 17 (Fri 18 Jul) and Day 18 (Sat 19 Jul): San Francisco

My wife and I are looking for a hotel in Ocean Shores, preferably as close to the water as possible. Our trip will be end of March/first week of April. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Love the small town vibes of Old Town in Florence, Oregon. Taken in 2018.

We're making a loop trip up through Tacoma (pit stop) to Winthrop to visit some friends there for two nights. From Winthrop we're heading to Leavenworth for two more nights, then back to Portland via 82 & 84. Last weekend of April

Questions: 1) What places are a must see/do in Winthrop? 2) Anything we should definitely check out between Winthrop and Leavenworth? 3) Same for Leavenworth, what is a must see/do?

We're fit and into hitting the trails. It'll be too cold for water recreation but probably not snowy anymore, or so I'm thinking - am I wrong about that? We also love art, music, food, and unique cultural experiences. And a good thrift shop.

Cummins Creek Bridge, Oregon

The Dalles, Oregon is across the river and some yellow Balsam Root is blooming on the hillside to the right. I took this a few years ago traveling on HWY 14 in Washington.