Pacific Northwest - 2TravelDads

Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska are each beautiful states, and they also are wildly different. From the Arctic Circle to the dry fossil beds of the Oregon plateau, the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful adventure to explore.

The Pacific Northwest of the USA is an incredible place to explore, whether it be for hiking, a luxurious resort or great beer. Between the National Parks and the beaches, the rain forest and the Columbia Gorge, what’s not to love? The PNW as we call it, includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho and (I think) British Columbia.

If you’re looking for information to plan a trip to Olympic National Park or if you think a brisk beach trip is a great idea, we’ve got you covered. Looking for mountain goats on Mount Rainier? We can help with that too!

And don’t forget Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge. Endless waterfalls, wine country and even more National Park sites make Oregon a treat to explore. Check out our road trip plans all around the Pacific Northwest for great travel ideas.

Fairbanks in Winter: One Week Itinerary for a Beautiful Alaska Experience

Fairbanks in winter is a trip you have to take with your family or friends. Experiencing the Alaskan cold, the Northern Lights and fall in love with sled dogs is all a part of embracing this awesome winter destination. Try our one-week Fairbanks winter itinerary for a complete experience.
Two Week Alaska Itinerary: Unforgettable Road Trip from Homer to Fairbanks

This two week Alaska itinerary is great for visiting the National Parks, Homer, Seward, Anchorage, Palmer and Fairbanks. See the things to do, hiking spots and great tours for an epic Alaskan road trip.
Travel to Alaska: Tips for Having a Great Experience on Land or Cruise

Travel to Alaska takes some planning, so we’ve put together our best tips for packing, making an itinerary and being prepared for all sorts of weather. From when to visit Alaska to that sweet spot between seasons, see everything you need to know for a visit to AK.
7 Day Alaska Itinerary: Epic Road Trip, Beautiful National Parks

This 7 day Alaska itinerary is perfect for seeing epic wildlife, national parks and enjoying some of the most beautiful hikes around. From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park, this Alaska road trip will show you amazing sights and experiences.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge – Rustic Stay and Fun Things to Do in Talkeetna

The Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge is a great home base for enjoying the town of Talkeetna, exploring Denali State Park and having an adventure in the Alaska wild. See what the lodge is like and what things to do you’ll find in the Talkeetna area of Alaska.
Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: Sights and Fun with (or without) Kids

Visiting Juneau from a cruise ship or on your own is a great way to experience Southeast Alaska. Take a look at all the great things to do downtown and around Juneau to immerse yourself in nature and the Native Alaskan culture.
Staying at the Seward Windsong Lodge on the Beautiful Kenai Peninsula of Alaska

The Seward Windsong Lodge is THE place to stay for experiencing Kenai Fjords National Park and the best of Seward, Alaska. From comfortable Alaskan rooms to really good dining at the lodge, it’s a top pick for where to stay in Seward.
Amazing Photography and Wildlife Watching in Kenai Fjords National Park

The wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park is precisely why people make the journey to Alaska. From humpback whales and sea otters to moose and porcupines, these are the best tips for what wildlife to watch for and how to get the best photos during your visit to the Kenai Peninsula.
Everything You Need to Know about Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska

Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska should be on everyone’s wildlife adventure bucket list. From amazing humpback whales and orcas to watching glaciers calve off into the fjords, it’s incredible. Guide to boat tours, hiking and planning Kenai Fjords NP.
UnCruise Wilderness Legacy: Awesome Kids in Nature Family Alaska Cruise

The UnCruise Wilderness Legacy is an amazing way to do an family Alaska cruise. Engaging kids in nature and taking in astounding wildlife and views, this small ship cruise on the Inside Passage to Glacier Bay National Park is unique and unforgettable.
Complete Olympic National Park Guide – Best Hiking, Beaches and Where to Stay

Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington State and a little tricky to visit. Our guide to hiking, beaches and where to stay at Olympic NP will help you plan a unique, memorable visit to this gem of a place.
Best Kayaking Spots in Bellingham and Whatcom County

Bellingham and Whatcom County have tons of great places to kayak. From Lake Whatcom to Birch Bay, the Northern Puget Sound is a beautiful summer kayaking destination.
Kayaking in the Tri Cities Area of Washington Wine Country

Kayaking in the Tri Cities of Washington’s wine country is a mix of epic cliffs and rolling farm country. Top spots to kayak on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Washington.
Best Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park: Beautiful, Kid Friendly hikes

Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park is a great summer activity. These are the best hikes with kids or for a reasonable challenge. From Paradise to Sunrise, Ohanapecosh to Lake Mowich, great hiking trails for any skill level.
10 Best Family Friendly Willamette Valley Wineries Close to Portland

Best family friendly Willamette Valley wineries near Portland are easy to get to. Map of wineries and top picks for wine tasting when you’re with kids in Oregon’s premier wine region.
20+ Awesome Things To Do in Victoria BC Kids Will Love

The best things to do in Victoria BC with kids includes everything from really cool (and strange) museums to scavenger hunts around the city. Boat rides, Chinatown and Butchart Gardens await in Victoria BC.
Best Scenic Drives in Washington State: 10 Mini Road Trips You’ll Never Forget

With such a diverse landscape, there are so many mini-road trips you can do around Washington State. We’ve picked our favorite scenic drives that can be done in a day to see some of the best sights in Washington.
Cape Disappointment State Park and Ilwaco, a Beautiful SW Washington Escape

Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco is NOT a disappointment at all! An awesome destination for hiking, biking and lighthouses, Cape Disappointment is great to visit in summer or storm season. Check out things to do and where to stay here!
Oregon’s Painted Hills: When To Visit, Best Tips You Need To Know

Oregon’s Painted Hills are a unique natural wonder. See how to get there, when to visit, where to stay, and hiking trails at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Most incredible National Park in Oregon.
Hiking Hurricane Ridge in Beautiful Olympic National Park

Hiking at Hurricane Ridge is one of the best day trips to the Olympic Peninsula. We’ve rated the trails rated from easiest to most difficult and included tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge any time of year.
Best Things To do in Leavenworth: Washington’s Year-round Playground

The best things to do in Leavenworth, Washington are Bavarian, outdoorsy and uniquely Pacific Northwest. Find out more about the fun lodges and camping options, unique tourist activities, and great food that make it a year round vacation destination.
Cross Country Skiing in Leavenworth: Exploring the Backcountry

Cross country skiing in Leavenworth is a great way to explore the snowy backcountry in winter. Find out where to ski, where to rent skiing gear and what to expect on the ski trails of Leavenworth, Washington.
15 Fun Bavarian Activities to Love in Leavenworth, WA

Bavarian Leavenworth is a great Pacific Northwest getaway. Here are 15 fun Bavarian things to do in Leavenworth that will take you back to alpine Europe without ever leaving Washington State.
Great Things to Do in Portland for a Weekend Trip

A Portland weekend getaway is easy to plan with tons of things to do in summer or on a rainy day. Wine country, city parks and gardens, museums and for for a great trip to Portland, Oregon.
25+ of the Most Beautiful Lighthouses in the USA You Have To Visit

There are more than 100 lighthouses in the USA. These picks are beautiful, easy to visit and make for picturesque road trip adventures, from the Florida Keys to the Oregon Coast.
Best hotel for fitness: IHG’s EVEN Hotels for frequent travelers

Staying fit while traveling has always been important to us. We make sure that wherever we go we stay active and when available, we take advantage of hotel fitness centers…
Hiking Cape Flattery: Land’s End on the Olympic Peninsula

Cape Flattery on the Olympic Peninsula is a bucket list place to visit in Washington State. Hiking, wildlife, epic views and even a lighthouse make this a great weekend trip from Seattle.
Lewis and Clark National Park: off the beaten path Pacific Northwest

Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always been familiar with the history of the area and some key figures in its settlement, including Lewis and Clark, the famous…
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area – Awesome Things to Do Year Round

Visiting Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the United States is an adventure. From jet boats to hiking, camping to staying in wine country, complete guide to exploring Hells Canyon ID / WA / OR.
Port Ludlow, Olympic Peninsula: Beautiful Sunsets and Foodie Paradise

Port Ludlow on the Olympic Peninsula is a gorgeous weekend getaway from Seattle. An easy stop on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, amazing food and outdoor activities wait in Port Ludlow.
Oregon Coast Camping: Getaway to the KOA Astoria Campground Resort

We have had our first Kampgrounds of America (KOA) camping experience and are thrilled to share it with you. Before this trip we didn’t really know what to expect at…
Washington / Oregon Road Trip: West Coast Itinerary from Seattle Southward

A Washington / Oregon road trip is the dream of travelers around the world. From mountains to beaches, cities to small towns, this itinerary down the coast is easy and features National Parks, wine country, waterfalls and the best cheese.
Exciting Oregon Adventures For Your PNW Travel Bucket List

Adventures in Oregon are everywhere. These are the best, must see places, things to do, places to drive in Oregon and more.
Best Year-round Hiking in Olympic National Park you CAN’T MISS

Olympic National Park is a year-round hiking destination. Top hiking trail picks from the beaches to the rainforest, and even what to do in winter at Olympic National Park.
Smith Rock with Kids: Awesome Hiking in the Oregon High Desert

Visiting Smith Rock with kids or without is an ideal Central Oregon experience. Hiking, wildlife, rock climbing and the beautiful landscape make Smith Rock State Park one of the wonders of Oregon.
Sleeping Lady Resort: the Perfect Beautiful Leavenworth Mountain Getaway

Leavenworth’s Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is the perfect getaway from Seattle. Review and details for staying at the Sleeping Lady, including things to do and best nearby sights.
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: Everything You Need To Know For An Unforgettable Visit

The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is one of the best things to do when visiting Washington’s Bavarian village. See what to expect and things to do and then plan a visit to this unique Pacific Northwest farm.
Lake Chelan: Best Things To Do and Beautiful Views

With so many things to do at Lake Chelan, it’s no wonder this part of Washington Wine Country is so popular with locals. Wine tasting, hiking, boating and more, plan a fun vacation to Washington’s year-round playground.
Leavenworth Sleigh Rides: the Ideal Winter Family Activity

A Leavenworth sleigh ride is the perfect addition to a trip to Leavenworth, Washington. See what to expect and how to plan for getting out on the snow with kids during the Pacific Northwest winter.
Icicle Brewing Co in Leavenworth: PNW Microbrew Heaven

Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth is one of the best breweries to visit in the Pacific Northwest. With interesting and consistently good beers, it’s a must visit when you’re in Leavenworth, Washington
Taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle: everything you need to know (and a Victoria itinerary)

Having visited Vancouver Island and more specifically Victoria many times we definitely have some good advice for planning a trip to Victoria BC. With four different options for getting there,…
Best Fall Colors in National Parks: 10 Beautiful Autumn Trips to Love

National Parks are a great place to enjoy fall colors. From the mountains of Glacier National Park to the hills of the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway, these are the best National Parks to find autumn leaves and fall fun.
Kayaking San Juan Islands: Best Launches, Thrilling Beautiful Kayak Tours

Best kayaking in the San Juan Islands of Washington. Kayak tours and best places to launch in the San Juans, including kayaking with orcas and bioluminescence near Seattle.
Year Round kid friendly hikes in Washington State: perfect PNW outdoors

As the snow stops falling up in the mountains we start to get excited about hiking. There are so many easy, kid friendly hikes in Washington, so actually picking where…
Awesome Places in the USA to Visit for Fall Colors

The best places for fall colors in the USA, from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to Napa Valley. 15+ picks for easy weekend getaways for autumn foliage across the United States.
Planning a 3 Day Getaway to Victoria BC: breweries, gardens and more

We are fortunate to live in Seattle, Washington. It’s close to the ocean, mountains, countryside and several other metropolitan areas. One of our favorite cities to visit locally is Victoria BC. …
Top Hotel Recommendations in Victoria BC (and some unique stays!)

There are tons of hotels in Victoria BC, but after 15 years of visiting we’ve picked out favorites, from family friendly hotels to luxury stays in Victoria.
Pacific Northwest Kayaking: Most Beautiful Places to Kayak in Washington

Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, and more specifically Washington State, is a fun and sustainable summer activity. Yeah, you could plan paddling in the Puget Sound area in the fall…
Road trip through West Coast National Parks: exploring the mountains

Perfect West Coast National Parks road trip plan, from Joshua Tree to Olympic National Park. Stops in the Sierras, Central Oregon, and the best of Washington State’s mountains.
Lake Cushman: Seattle’s Beautiful Mountain Escape on the Olympic Peninsula

Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula is basically the Tahoe of the noth: warm water, beautiful setting, and so much family fun! Everything you need to know from best things to do at Lake Cushman to camping and vacation rentals near the lake.
Olympic Peninsula Road Trip: Beautiful Towns and Best of Olympic NP

An Olympic Peninsula Road Trip is a great weekend getaway or local vacation near Seattle. See the best stops around Highway 101, waterfalls and hikes in Olympic National Park, beautiful small towns and the rugged Washington Coast. Perfect Pacific Northwest vacation itinerary.
Oregon Road Trip: Adventures in the Beautiful Cascades

We love our road trips, you know that, and living in the Pacific Northwest, we’re at the gateway to some of the best road trips in the United States. Oregon…
Ultimate Oregon: Awesome 10 Day Road Trip Adventure

10 Road Trip plan for the best of Oregon, from the rugged Oregon Coast to the mountain waterfalls and the colorful high desert. Oregon’s best sights in 10 days of epic road trip.
Oregon Caves National Monument: Amazing Adventure You’re Sure To Love

Everything you need to know to visit Oregon Caves National Monument, including cave tours, hiking trails and details of the Oregon Caves Chateau. Cave Junction, OR is worth the drive for this fascinating road trip stop!
Oregon Coast Road Trip: Most Beautiful Oregon Beaches and Lighthouses

There is nothing like an Oregon Coast road trip. With beautiful sights, unique things to do and epic views, the drive along the Oregon Coast highway from Portland to Brookings…
The Truth About What To Expect At A Korean Spa

In this podcast episode we share our Korean spa experience, and apparently it was rather different for each of us. Have you ever been to a Korean spa or had…
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula: Best Free, Beautiful Things To Do

The best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, including Olympic National Park sites, beaches, lighthouse and more. When to visit the Olympic Peninsula, free activities, and epic views in Washington State.
Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park: everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, from how to get there to wildlife to watch for. Best things to do at the Olympic National Park coast.
Painted Hills Of Central Oregon: Remarkably Beautiful Hiking

A day trip from Bend or a weekend getaway, the Painted Hills are known for the views, the hiking and the geology. Colorful mounds and trails make a unique National Park site and easy trip for any traveler.
Best Things to Do on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, from Cranberries to Lighthouses

The Long Beach Peninsula is famous across the northwest as an incredible beach getaway during Washington summers, but did you know there are amazing things you must do on the…
Domaine Madeliene review: our favorite Port Angeles Bed and Breakfast escape

We love sharing accommodation reviews and recommendations, and we have a place we must share: Domaine Madeleine on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. It is the most awesome and perfect…
Awesome Columbia Gorge Road Trip: Beautiful Oregon Waterfalls

Details of how to explore the Columbia Gorge Waterfall Area on a road trip from Portland. Visiting waterfalls, Hood River and more is an ideal weekend plan and one of the best things to do in Oregon.
Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Road Trip: everything you need to know (and a plan)

Everything you need to know for exploring the Columbia Gorge Waterfall Route in Oregon. Pacific Northwest hiking and waterfalls on a lush green road trip itinerary. #hiking #waterfalls #oregon
Seattle with out of town guests: 14+ ways to explore the Emerald City

Having lived in Seattle for the majority of our lives we know the city like the back of our hands. It’s been fun to discover new things and see things…
Seattle Hyatt Hotels: our favorite Seattle getaways and recommendations

When we spend a weekend away in Seattle, we want it to be relaxing, fun, and convenient. We also love to do it on a budget because let’s be honest,…
The best breweries in Bend Oregon: family friendly brewery tours and brew pubs

Bend, Oregon, brewery tour is not only family-friendly but filled with lots of local fairs and some really cool places to hang out. There may be non-family friendly breweries, but we didn’t find any. We’ve pared down the countless brewpubs and beer halls to our favorites.
Bend Itinerary: Hiking, Breweries, and LOGE Camps

Bend, Oregon with kids is an ideal vacation plan. Seriously. We just returned from a week long fall trip to Bend and enjoyed the culture and outdoors of Bend so…
Planning a Trip to Westport: super chill Washington coast

If you grew up in the Seattle area you know that going to the ocean is a production. You have to plan it out, get up early, pack up everything…
Amtrak Train to Glacier National Park: the Beautiful Empire Builder Route

Train travel is so common around the world, but here in the United States most of us always opt to fly places. Our first family train travel was taking Amtrak…
Hiking Sol Duc Falls and the northern rainforest of Olympic National Park

When you visit the Puget Sound area or more specifically the Olympic Peninsula, you’re bound to want to make a gazillion stops. We could tell you that every stop is…
The Grove of the Patriarchs: old growth forest hiking in Mt Rainier National Park

We’ve got another great, easy hike with kids to share! Our favorite hikes take us places with sweeping views and unusual sights, but we also love huge trees. The Hoh…
Biking in Seattle: bike routes and using bike sharing apps

One of our favorite things to do with the kids when we’re traveling is to go biking. We try to do it anywhere possible and it turns out that it’s…
Camping at Kalaloch and exploring Olympic National Park

The Pacific Northwest is a dream destination for so many. Sure, we have our rain and grey skies, but we also have incredible mountains, beaches and forests. Olympic National Park…
Exploring the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park

Unless you grew up in the Pacific Northwest you probably think right away of tropical destinations when you hear the term “rainforest.” We actually have several protected, temperate rainforests here…
West Coast Weekend trips: exploring new cities one weekend at a time

It’s no secret that we love the weekends. I mean, who doesn’t? With or without the kids we try to break away to a new city or visit one of…
Things to do in Hood River, Oregon: relaxing with family time

There are days or weeks when we are just worn out; sometimes it’s from traveling a ton and sometimes it’s just because life can be a lot to deal with.…
A weekend in Port Townsend, Washington: Victorian charm meets the outdoors

More often than not we find ourselves visiting places we’ve been 10,000 times. We don’t live far from Port Townsend, Washington and that’s where a lot of our family is…
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge: PNW nature at its finest

We love our hikes. Winter, summer, whenever. We also love visiting beaches. Have you ever done beach hiking? Beach hiking is an awesome challenge because it is so different than…
Seattle’s Volunteer Park: a perfect break within the city

When you’ve lived in Seattle for a long time, you stop trying to find new things to do or you forget the fun things you used to do. When we…
Fall traditions: travel and pumpkins

Since summer keeps us going going going we are always a tiny bit excited for fall. Fall is the perfect time to chill for a bit (for at least three…
Local learning at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center

We’ll never get tired of sharing certain types of things with the world. We have our favorite destinations and activities and we’ll share lots of different ways to experience them.…
The prettiest spots in Washington State

We recently put out an itinerary for doing a road trip loop around the Puget Sound here in Washington State. With that, we got a few emails and questions about…
Destination Dining with the Pretty Fork: an Orcas Island food escape

Okay, new favorite thing to do on a Thursday afternoon: destination dining. Whaaaaa? Yep, it’s the coolest and most unusual, but most Pacific Northwest thing you can possibly do. The…
Our Annual Family Reunion Trip – #HowWeFamily

Every year we get together with our family for a big family reunion trip. Hold up, that’s a vague statement because our family is enormous. We get together annually with…
Puget Sound Itinerary: Things to Do and See for 2 Weeks in Washington

Want to know how to spend 2 weeks in Washington State and get a taste of the Pacific Northwest? This perfect Pacific Northwest itinerary will keep you on track and get you into nature while still enjoying all the amenities of city life.
Silver Falls, Mt Rainier Nat’l Park: not to be missed

We’re going to do a stereotypical and highly ridiculous thing. A lot of writers will tell you about the “only sight you need to see in…” or the “absolute most…
A not-so Northern Exposure weekend in Roslyn, Washington

Roslyn, Washington may be ell know for fiming of the show Northern Exposure, but there is so much more! After a foiled attempt at camping up at Lake Easton in the Cascade Mountains, we ended up in Roslyn and found love in the Quirky and Adorable setting that makes this town great!
A beautiful day at Deception Pass, Whidbey Island

Deception Pass is one of the most unique hiking spots in the Puget Sound area. The state park includes a jagged island, deep swirling waters and beautiful beaches. Find out more about this easy weekend getaway from Seattle.
A weekend at Washington Park in Anacortes

Apparently our new hangout is Anacortes. We’ve now had several trips up, all for different reasons and love it. We just returned from another awesome trip, this time specifically camping…
Family Friendly Wine Tasting AniChe Cellars

Family travel usually keeps us doing things like hiking and animal related activities, which we completely love, but what if we said that a new thing happening in Washington State…
A visit to Fort Casey: more beaches and bunkers

The Pacific Northwest has countless spots where you can look around and say “Wow, I love it here!” Seriously, every view is different and beautiful. It’s also a place where…
Staying at the Majestic Inn of Anacortes

So, if you read our article about Anacortes, you know that the town totally surprised us. We always thought of it as a town that we just had to drive…
West Coast Road Trip Itinerary: lighthouses and National Parks

Growing up in Washington with family in both northern and southern California, the West Coast road trip was guaranteed at least once per year… if not three times. This meant…
Anacortes, Washington – Gateway to Whidbey and the San Juan Islands

Once upon a time we wrote this great article about why you shouldn’t write off a destination and basically said that you should always give a place a second chance…
Rustic heaven at the Chateau at the Oregon Caves

If you know me (Rob, Hi!) you know that I use the word “magical” in 50% of my sentences… and so does Oliver… because he’s my mini-me. Blame it on…
the Southern Oregon Coast’s Pacific Reef Hotel

Sometimes family travel is so tiring that all you want to do is check into your hotel, take off your shoes and sit on a balcony. With the door closed.…
Family boating in the Pacific Northwest

You see us mostly heading to the mountains or the beach, but we like to do so many other things. Something we enjoy and do with our whole family every…
Things to do at Fort Worden State Park in Beautiful Port Townsend

Fort Worden State Park is one of the coolest places to visit on the Olympic Peninsula. Located in Port Townsend, it’s THE place to go when you visit, whether you’re…
The Westin Seattle and Why We Found it Lacking

We pride ourselves on giving honest and positive reviews of the hotels we visit, the parks we go to, the restaurants we dine in… but now it’s time to share…
Snoqualmie: the best day trip with kids. Ever.

If you live in Seattle you know that you’ll never be bored and that there are 10,000 day trips you can take in and out of the city. Well, do…