The Perfect Family Trip: West Coast Edition

Busskipper wrote:

tragusa3 wrote:
Here is a revised map. It eliminates most of California, which I agree is a trip of its own. I took suggestions on the Oregon coast and thank you to Orion for your advice on the Canadian portion of the trip.

I believe I have 3-4 days I could use up elsewhere (or keep as a cushion).

Once we settle down on the loop itself, I will dig into researching best places to stay, specific sites and hikes. I imagine I'm okay on reservations now, but would like to have them nailed down by mid January.

Pacific Northwest Loop Option #2

Map out with some options - :) - Busskipper's MAP - Pushed the days/Milage a little more -as you will find it so much easier in the "A".

Long days to get you to Colorado (I pushed the mileage but I still think it's not that Bad for YOU), with a stop in Golden Clear CreekHere you can dump and Enjoy a day in the Town of Golden - Coors if needed - Creek for the Kids - Ball Fields - Town rec area just a block away with a pool and everything you could possibly want - Get a spot right on the Creek - and leave the next day - made it a short drive so you could have some time in Golden.

Next day to Dino NM - Through Berthoud Pass - Grand Lake - Rabbit Ears Pass - Steamboat - Craig - Dino Spend the night on the Green River in the Park.

Then you are on your own - IMHO skip SLC - catcher it later when you revisit the Upper Rockies again (Hard for me to say this as if I use all my Fingers and toes I still don't have all the WEEKS we have enjoyed SLC/Surrounds - Skied there for Years with the Kids).

Get on to the Redwoods on the Coast - As you get into the Northwest the List will Grow and you will still only see a fraction of what is there.

Don't Miss the Pacific coast at Every opportunity as it is just Beautiful.

Think saving Cali to 2020 is a sound decision - save it all but the Redwoods - :)

Will be fun to see how this develops,

Thanks for this. It is so hard to just blow through Colorado, but being central like it is, I know we will pass through many more times. I don't feel like I want to sacrifice Pacific coast time for Colorado stops this time. But it is hard.

I'm slow this morning...what is SLC?

Busskipper, you are one of the few that has confidence in how easy the miles will come. I hope you're right. You probably are. I wish winter wouldn't have come...it would be nice to get out on a few medium sized trips to get a feel. We will when spring breaks through.