Planninga trip to the northwest...

Hi everyone, we're heading to the northwest for our family vacation this summer. Jillian wants to fly into San Francisco and drive up the coast until we get to Vancouver, British Columbia. Jim wants to see the Redwood Forests. I want to really get to know Seattle and Vancouver because I'm thinking we're going to move to that area in the next 1-2 years. Any advice? We've got 2 weeks and we've never had an honest-to-god family vacation before so I want it to be very special for us... Ken, Dina, anyone else from those parts?? Talk to me! Maureen

The only part I can tell you about is San Francisco, lived there for about 6 years in the
80's. Great City & gorgeous, but, too expensive these days. Great place to start & all
I know it the rest up the coast will be a nice trip for you!! Enjoy. When do you plan to go? May & June are not the greatest months as the coast will get lots of fog. But the later Summer months are not too bad. Happy Traveling whenever you decide to go.

Reenie,

I haven't spent much time south of Eugene, Oregon so I can't offer much help about that.  I have spent some time in Portland and Seattle and can say I think you would have an enjoyable trip.  I don't know what your time frame is as far as month's but be aware and be prepared for some rain.

I think you would have a wonderful time and a beautiful drive.  Canon Beach in Oregon is an awesome NW beach, but even in the warmest of conditions it is not like the SoCal beaches.  Portland to Seattle is roughly 200 miles, but due to traffic take longer then you would think.  I'm not sure what other information to provide for you other then maybe just take it as it comes.  I think sometimes a vacation becomes less of one because too much is attempted to be squeezed in and it feels more like work then a vacation.  That and don't try to pump your own gas in Oregon, they don't have self serve there.