• Travel Tips

    How to plan an awesome family vacation in BC, Washington or Oregon

    I’m in the midst of trip-planning right now. Honestly, I love the research and time investment in planning a great trip, from picking the best kid-friendly hotel to finding out which museums are open on the days we’re in town. Yeah, I’m a travel-research geek. I cull information from a number of sites to plan a great trip for my family. They’re sort of spoiled now, though, and if I mess up — I hear about it! One thing I’ve learned: Never rely too heavily on one site (even this one!), one friend or one guidebook. Planning a great trip takes intensive Internet time up-front, but it’s better than driving…

  • Washington State

    Family Travel: A rustic retreat at Holden Village

    I had honestly never heard of Holden Village until reader Liz Sheffield let me in on Washington’s amazing North Cascades secret. Tucked along the north banks of Lake Chelan, Holden Village is a unique and in-the-know option for a family vacation. Today we chat with writer Liz Sheffield about her experiences at Holden Village (all photos are also courtesy of Liz Sheffield). 1. Who went on your trip? How did you hear about Holden Village, near Lake Chelan? My husband, Brad, and I took our two sons, Henry (5) and Eli (1) to Holden Village. In search of a remote and reasonable get-away, Holden was the perfect place for us.…

  • Get Outdoors! Camping & Hiking Trips,  Portland

    Best Hikes with Kids near Portland, Oregon

    Today, we interview Bonnie Henderson, the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon. Let’s find out more about hiking in Northwestern Oregon. Do you have any favorite rainy-day hikes in Oregon? Is there an area of Oregon that’s particularly wonderful for family hiking, even during spring or fall? Why do you like that kid-friendly hike? Bonnie: I love hiking at the Oregon Coast in the winter when the weather is crummy. Not if it’s pouring, and not on the beach itself, but when you’re tired of the same old trails around your house and the Cascades are still snowed under, the forest right along the coast is a great place…

  • Other

    What You Need to Do in March: 7 things to put on your calendar

    Want to plan for an awesome spring and summer? Achieve a few (or all) of these items in March: Make your camping reservations for this summer, if you haven’t done so yet. Reserve through Washington State Park Online Reservation Service (Washington) or Reserve America for Oregon. They’re going fast – when I checked, availability was very limited at some popular parks. The scramble for BC campsite and yurt reservations starts on March 15 at 7 a.m. PST at the BC Camping Reservation Service (Discover Camping). Read more on camping with kids in Washington State, camping with kids in British Columbia and camping with kids in Oregon. Book your room for hot…

  • Manning Park, a great BC ski resort for kids.
    BC Family Ski Trips,  British Columbia,  Get Outdoors! Camping & Hiking Trips

    Family Travel: Manning Resort, BC with kids

    In winter, many of Washington, Oregon and BC’s ski resorts become overwhelmed with hordes of weekend ski bums (yes, that description includes my own family). For a change of pace, smart families — like Bellingham-based travel writer Joanna Nesbit‘s family — head for the quieter ski resorts. No, the resorts aren’t filled with flash ‘n’ cash, but they’re perfect for a low-key, snow-filled getaway. We chat with Joanna to find out what she loves about Manning Park Resort, set in British Columbia’s lovely Skagit Valley Provincial Park. Located a mere 2. 5 hours northeast of Bellingham (Sumas/Abbotsford border crossing) and two hours from Vancouver, BC, the area is a fine option for a…