Welcome to the start of our brand-new blog series on our 2-Year North America Road Trip, 2015-2016. This journey was the grand finale of our five-year nomadic adventure, and it came at a time of massive growth for my blog, the end of my marriage, and the start of a whole new chapter for Mia, Caius, and me.
This wasn’t just any road trip – it was the road trip to end all road trips, packed with family adventures, laughter, epic discoveries, and unforgettable moments across the US and Eastern Canada.
We’ve road-tripped in Ireland, Wales, Bulgaria, the Mediterranean, Turkiye, and Australia, but nothing compares to the sheer scale and adventure of this family odyssey across North America.
We’ve taken plenty of road trips before and after this adventure, but this series focuses on our biggest and most unforgettable journey across North America in 2015–2016. During this time, we explored 48 US states and 7 Canadian provinces, creating what we consider some of the best USA road trips for families. To make it easy to follow, we’ve broken the journey into 12 phases, each covering a different region and experience.
- Eastern Canada Road Trip
- Midwest USA Road Trip
- Pacific Northwest USA Road Trip
- Western Canada Road Trip
- North Coast-To-Coast USA Road Trip
- Northeast to Southeast USA Road Trip
- Southeast to South USA Road Trip
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part I)
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part II – RV Adventure)
- California Road Trip – Sacramento to San Francisco (6 Days)
- Nova Scotia Road Trip (2 Weeks)
- Florida Road Trip Finale
We hope you’ll join us for every phase, sharing in the adventures, the chaos, the fun, and all the memories that make this family road trip truly unforgettable.
Phase 3 – Pacific Northwest
Dates: 26th August – 15th September
Total approximate miles: 1,827 miles (2,940 km)
Total fuel: US$340
Phase 3 continues our epic 2-Year North America Road Trip. After exploring Eastern Canada in Phase 1 and the Midwest USA in Phase 2, we decided on a California Road Trip, making our way from Oregon up to Washington and into British Columbia, Canada. This section is all about giant trees, wild beaches, quirky stops, and beautiful landscapes perfect for a family roadtrip.
Check USA Hotel Prices Here
Best Things To Do on the Pacific Northwest
Salem, Oregon – First Night in the Pacific Northwest
Dates: 26th August
Accommodation: Best Western Pacific Highway Inn – US$120
Best Attraction / Tour: Take a walk through Salem’s riverfront parks in the morning for a quiet, refreshing start to your Pacific Northwest road trip.
We arrived late in Portland and picked up our brand new Kia Sorento SX 2016 from the park shuttle. Despite the late hour, it felt amazing to finally have a spacious car I could drive for hours without cramping. We made it as far as Salem before pulling into our hotel at 1 am, ready to crash.
Crescent City, California – Redwood National Park and Beach Days
Dates: 27th – 29th August
Accommodation: Curly Redwood Lodge – US$198
Best Attraction / Tour: Explore the Redwoods National and State Parks, with family hikes and beach stops along the way – perfect for road trips with kids.
The morning after, we explored our new Kia. GPS, cameras, sunroof, park assist – all of it. Interstate 5 south from Salem to Grants Pass was full of laughs and “whoa” moments as Mia and Caius marvelled at the trees.
In Northern California, the Redwoods engulfed us. The kids disappeared into the greenery, and I followed slowly, soaking in the peacefulness of these ancient giants.
The next few nights we explored the Redwoods with our friends, lay on sunny Oregon beaches and celebrated a birthday.
It was a wonderful weekend of recuperation, hanging out with friends and a much slower pace than what we had been doing the last 2 months.
Grants Pass, Oregon – Co-Living and Chill Time
Dates: 29th August – 3rd September
Accommodation: Friend’s House
Best Attraction / Tour: Check out Ashland’s Lithia Park and theatre scene for a mix of culture and outdoor fun.
Staying with friends in a cozy granny flat with a massive yard for the kids was perfect. Days were spent shopping, chatting, cooking, and taking a road trip to Ashland, Oregon, which felt like a mini-Switzerland. The days flew by before we hit the road north again.
Bend, Oregon – Crater Lake Revisited
Dates: 3rd September
Accommodation: Econo Lodge – US$85
Best Attraction / Tour: Don’t miss Crater Lake National Park – a classic Pacific Northwest road trip highlight.
Driving to Crater Lake in a brand new Kia on a sunny Autumn day was magical.
Afterward, we picked up a borrowed car from generous friends – “Big Red” – to continue the trip. Bend was perfect for an overnight stop and dinner before heading to Portland.
Woodburn, Oregon – Pool Days and Scooters
Dates: 4th – 7th September
Accommodation: Super 8 – US$300
Best Attraction / Tour: Pick up scooters or bikes for kids – a simple way to keep energy levels high on a family road trip.
We spent a few relaxed days shopping at outlets, scootering in the hotel car park, and enjoying time with Mia and Caius. Being on our own schedule felt luxurious after the structured tours.
Port Angeles, Washington – Olympic Peninsula Magic
Dates: 7th – 10th September
Accommodation: All View Motel – US$295
Best Attraction / Tour: Spend a day exploring the Olympic National Park, from beaches to mountains – unforgettable for a road trip with kids.
Port Angeles was a nature lover’s dream.
Stops at Voodoo Doughnuts, Ruby Beach, Forks Twilight, and then Hurricane Ridge gave us a perfect blend of quirky and scenic adventures.
The kids even became junior rangers while we spotted salmon at Salmon Cascades and enjoyed a self-driven safari at Olympic Game Farm.
Views from Mount Saint Helen were… wow!
Ellensburg, Washington – Quick Stopover
Dates: 10th – 11th September
Accommodation: Econo Lodge – US$75
Best Attraction / Tour: Quick stop at local diners for kid-friendly meals and stretching legs.
A short stop on our way to Spokane, Ellensburg gave us a chance to rest and grab a classic Olive Garden meal. Perfect for a pause on long Pacific Northwest road trips.
Spokane, Washington – Archery and Laid-Back Fun
Dates: 11th – 14th September
Accommodation: Fairbridge Inn – US$210
Best Attraction / Tour: Take a side-trip to Palouse Falls – nature meets adventure in Washington.
We explored Palouse Falls before staying with friends for their annual archery tournament.
Three nights of laid-back fun, learning American drinking games (for adults!), and shooting arrows with the kids made this a memorable part of our family roadtrip.
Bellingham, Washington – Last Stop Before Canada
Dates: 14th – 16th September
Accommodation: Quality Inn – US$158
Best Attraction / Tour: Enjoy Diablo Lake and the Northern Cascades – an Instagram-worthy Pacific Northwest road trip highlight.
Bellingham was a slow, scenic stop before Vancouver. Driving through the Northern Cascades, we marveled at Diablo Lake. One day was spent exploring charming streets, coastlines, and catching up with readers.
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary – Phase 3 Summary
California road trip with kids Route Overview:
Portland → Salem → Crescent City → Grants Pass → Bend → Woodburn → Port Angeles → Ellensburg → Spokane → Bellingham → Vancouver, BC
Duration: 21 days
Highlights:
- Crater Lake National Park for stunning scenery
- Olympic National Park beaches and mountains
- Ruby Beach, Forks, and quirky Twilight stops
- Palouse Falls side trip
- Family-friendly co-living and activities
This stretch of the Pacific Northwest road trip offers adventure, nature, quirky stops, and plenty of opportunities for a road trip with kids.
Top Tips for Families on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Planning a Pacific Northwest road trip with kids? Here are my top tips to make the adventure smooth, fun, and memorable:
- Pack Layers – The weather can change fast from beaches to mountains. Light jackets, raincoats, and hats are lifesavers.
- Snacks & Drinks On-Hand – Kids get hungry (and cranky) fast. Keep a stash of healthy snacks, fruit, and water in the car for long drives.
- Kid-Friendly Sightseeing Stops – Mix nature and quirky fun. Beaches, national parks, and small towns like Forks (yes, Twilight fans!) are perfect for stretching legs.
- Plan Extra Time – The scenery will slow you down. From Diablo Lake to Crater Lake, don’t rush – take plenty of photos and short hikes – soak in the outdoor adventure.
- Book Accommodation Early – Especially near Mount Saint Helens in Olympic National Park and popular towns like Bend and Bellingham. Family-friendly hotels with pools are gold.
- Involve the Kids – Let them pick some stops, choose playlists, or spot wildlife. Mia and Caius loved becoming junior rangers at the parks – it’s educational and fun.
- Car Comfort & Fun – Long drives need comfy seats, games, and maybe a little tech time. Our “Big Red” Kia made trips enjoyable with all the space and gadgets.
- Flexibility is Key – Unexpected detours can be the most fun. From hidden waterfalls to quirky diners, some of our best memories came from unplanned stops.
- Safety First – Keep first-aid kits, sunscreen, and bug spray handy. Some of the trails are remote, and the weather changes fast.
- Document Your Journey – Even if you’re not on social media, a family travel journal or photos will be cherished later for your Pacific Coast family adventures.
These tips will help your road trip across the Pacific Northwest run smoother, keep the kids entertained, and create memories that last long after the journey ends.
Binge More Of Our 2-Year North America Road Trip Adventure
Loved Phase 3? Don’t stop now. Follow along with the rest of our epic North America family adventure. Here are more of our road trip experiences:
- Read Phase 1 – Eastern Canada Road Trip
- Read Phase 2 – Midwest USA Road Trip
- Read Phase 4 – Western Canada & Alaska
