The Perfect Loop | Exploring the Pacific North West with Approach
The perfect loop for an unforgettable week long journey through the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and how to maximize your trip for a family of four with an Outside Van.
A guest post by photographer Ross Kyker.
With our sights set on exploring the natural wonders of the North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park and the breathtaking coastline of Washington and Oregon, we eagerly embarked on this remarkable journey with our loved ones: my wife, our 15-month-old daughter, and my mother-in-law. Join us as we share our incredible experiences, cherished memories, and valuable travel tips.
Arrival in Portland, Oregon
Upon landing in Portland, I headed straight to the Outside Van headquarters where I got a tour of their new state of the art facility and took delivery of the van to start one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever been on! While waiting for my family to land in Seattle I took advantage of the down time and headed to Costco to stock up on food and drinks for the trip! The van has a surprisingly large refrigerator and plenty of pantry storage for food. It’s equipped with a hot plate and microwave so you can save a lot of money between cooking (instead of eating out) and not having to pay for hotels along the way. After shopping I wasted no time and headed straight to Seattle (a 2.5 hour drive from Portland) to pickup my family from the airport. The 4 seats and 2 queen sized beds in the back of the van ensured ample room for our family and all of our travel essentials.
Exploring North Cascades National Park
Leaving Seattle behind, we embarked on a scenic drive towards North Cascades National Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Northern Washington. As we entered the park, we were greeted by majestic mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and lush forests. One of our favorite hikes is Cascade pass but our daughter is just over a year old so we opted for family-friendly hikes along well-marked trails this time. This allowed us to soak in the beauty while ensuring our daughter’s safety (we have seen many bears on previous visits). The park’s diversity of wildlife and breathtaking vistas left us in awe at every turn. Most of these views are even accessible just from the windows of the van.
Journeying to the Washington Coast
We headed back west towards Seattle and took the Washington State Ferry over to the Olympic Peninsula and I highly recommend a reservation to ensure you have a spot especially for a larger vehicle. We continued our adventure into the Hoh Rainforest and along the picturesque Washington coast. Our drive took us through charming coastal towns such as Port Angeles, La Push, and Long Beach (one of the only beaches you can drive on), each offering its own unique coastal allure. We explored wide stretches of sandy beaches, hiked through lush rainforests and watched waves crashing against towering cliffs. It was a bit colder and windier than we expected but still so peaceful and beautiful. Be sure to pack layers because the weather changes quite often and quickly. Our daughter had never experienced the beach before this trip and it was so much fun to watch her splashing in the water and digging in the sand.
Discovering the Oregon Coastline
Crossing the border into Oregon, we were greeted by the rugged beauty of the Oregon coastline. Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Tillamook were just a few of the towns we explored, each offering their own hidden gems. We marveled at the iconic Haystack Rock, we did treat ourselves here to an incredible seafood dinner, and had to indulge in ice cream at the Tillamook Creamery.
Cherished Family Moments
Throughout our journey, the ease of packing up and getting back on the road in the van made it so much easier to cherish the precious family moments that made this adventure truly unforgettable. From picnics along the scenic drive to watching our daughter’s eyes light up at the sight of wildlife and our mother-in-law experience the Cascade mountain range for the first time. Every experience created core memories that we’ll keep forever. We loved having our mother-in-law with us (yes she was a blessing to help with our daughter as all the viral “hacks” suggest lol) but watching her and our daughter spend such quality time together just added an extra layer of joy, making the trip even more memorable.
Our Pacific Northwest adventure, from flying into Portland and venturing into North Cascades National Park to exploring the stunning coastlines of Washington and Oregon, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. This journey allowed us to reconnect with nature, create treasured family memories, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. We hope our experience inspires other families to embark on their own adventures, creating lifelong memories and strengthening their bonds amidst the wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
