Fun Family Trips in the Pacific Northwest

Whether you’re looking to experience the Pacific Northwest for the first time or you live here and are looking for some new pacific northwest family vacation ideas, there are endless fun possibilities in this corner of the country for pacific northwest family vacations.

Keep reading to see some of our favorites that span the region — from Oregon family vacation spots to Washington state spring break ideas — delivering memories your family will treasure for years to come.

 While many people think of the big cities and wet weather, one of the best pacific northwest family vacations is east of the Cascades in cowboy country. Rafting the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde Rivers is one of the best ways to experience this unique area — a perfect blend of pacific northwest float trips, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and a true wilderness getaway. 

Featuring thrilling white water, side hikes, and nights under the stars, rafting the main Salmon River in Idaho, floating the Salmon River, or exploring the Grand Ronde River is an experience your family will remember forever.

When your family joins Winding Water River Expeditions for a rafting adventure, you’ll be leaving technology behind to spend time with family and friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Our crew will do all we can to make your trip enjoyable and comfortable—we’re the white water rafting experts — just come to Joseph, Oregon, sit back, and relax.

With all of our trips, you’ll receive:

 Located west of Seattle but seemingly a world away, Olympic National Park is a must-visit for any family looking to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest. With its rugged coastline, ancient rain forests, and snow-capped mountains, Olympic offers a range of pacific northwest vacation ideas for families of all ages.

While this area experiences lots of precipitation during the winter months (which offers its own unique experience), summers are much drier and offer a pleasant reprieve when temps rise inland  — a perfect time to explore hiking trails, discover wildlife, or enjoy Scenic drives through the park. You can hike through the Hoh Rainforest, explore the beaches along the coast, or climb to the top of Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking views of the park.

 If you’re looking for an island adventure, the San Juan Islands are a great choice for families. These islands are located just off the coast of Washington State and are only accessible by just a ferry ride from Anacortes or Seattle—offering a unique blend of Pacific Northwest getaways, whale-watching, kayaking, and small-town relaxation. Some of the more popular islands include:

• Orcas Island
• San Juan Island
• Lopez Island
• Sucia Island
  

All of the islands offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including kayaking, San Juan Islands whale watching, and hiking. You can also visit the charming towns of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor (both located on San Juan Island), where you’ll find unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

If you’ve ever visited Seattle, you’ve probably noticed Mount Rainier in the distance, looming over the city. This active volcano is a delightful destination that offers camping, quaint small towns, and plenty of hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

Mount Rainier National Park is the best way to experience this beautiful area and offers endless opportunities for family fun. From wildflower meadows to snow-capped slopes, there’s something for everyone—whether you want to go hiking near Rainier (for experienced only), see a waterfall, explore historic lodges that dot the park, or appreciate the rich national parks near Seattle.

For families who love outdoor adventure, the Columbia River Gorge is a fantastic destination. This scenic area — close to Portland, Oregon — offers Columbia River Gorge tour options, miles of hiking trails, incredible waterfalls, and amazing views of the Columbia River.

Formed by molten lava pressure 40-60 million years ago, the Gorge is now home to small towns on both sides of the river, some of the best hiking in the area, and stunning views at every turn. You can also go windsurfing, fishing, or take a scenic drive along the historic Columbia River Highway. Nearby Hood River is one of Oregon’s best cities for food, beer, and wine, and is worthy of a trip all on its own!

Sandwiched between Oregon’s Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s North Coast is home to beautiful seaside towns in Oregon, dramatic forests, and charming coastal communities. From Cannon Beach, OR, to Astoria, there’s something for every kind of family vacation — whether you want relaxation, sightseeing, or wildlife spotting. Similar to Olympic National Park, Oregon’s North Coast is wet in the winter but springs to life come summer with lots to see and do.

Astoria, located at the mouth of the Columbia River, is a historic town and a great destination for families who want to experience the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. You can visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, explore the historic downtown area, or take a ride on the famous Astoria Riverfront Trolley.

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, Leavenworth is a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest. This charming Bavarian-style town offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including live music, festivals, and outdoor recreation. You can also explore the nearby hiking trails in thew Cascade Mountains, where you’ll find endless opportunities for hiking and skiing.

This is a particularly fun trip in October when the city celebrates its German roots by hosting the Leavenworth Oktoberfest. With beer gardens, music, dancing, and food!

While California might be known as the wine country, the Pacific Northwest is no slouch when it comes to wineries, including the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This is Oregon's wine region in the United States, and is known for its world-class Pinot Noir.

Families can take tours of local wineries in Willamette Valley, sample delicious wines with local ingredients, and learn about the winemaking process. In addition to wine, the region is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, with many restaurants and markets featuring locally sourced ingredients.

 At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we want to provide your family with the best rafting experience anywhere — not just in the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to lead fully supported rafting trips down the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde Rivers. Our guides will do everything we can to make your experience a comfortable and rewarding white water rafting trip in the Pacific Northwest. We also offer private charters for families who want a fully customized river adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the most fun and family-friendly destinations in the Pacific Northwest — from rafting the Salmon River to exploring coastal towns, national parks, and charming mountain getaways.

Get in touch to learn more about our white water rafting packages and to book the experience of a lifetime next summer!

Hear it straight from the river! Read what other rafters had to say about Winding Waters in our Google Business Profile Reviews—your next adventure awaits.