Washington - Pitstops for Kids

Where to stay on Orcas Island: a review of Doe Bay Resort and Retreat

October 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Popular Orcas Island, WA can get busy during the summer season, and lodging on this less developed San Juan Islands vacation destination can fill up fast. Families will find they don’t have too many options: only a few established hotel resorts, lots of B&Bs (not all of them kid-friendly), and two campground choices exist. Camping at Moran State Park and Doe Bay Resort fill up as fast as the rest!

Doe Bay Resort is located right on Doe Bay, and resort grounds directly overlook the bluff. The whole property has a friendly, communal feel, from the general store selling organic local produce, vegan snacks, and sundries to the small restaurant to the group fire pit surrounded by an eclectic mix of cabins, yurts, and camp sites. In fact, the resort is known locally for their music scene: supposedly, they played host to a number of successful alternative bands in recent years. Most of the cabins and yurts are listed as two-person accommodations, so we chose a drive-in camp site (walk-in sites are also available, and if you don’t have too much stuff to cart, would be worth it: sites sit right on the bluff). If you have young kids, I’d opt for something on lower ground.

On resort grounds, families will find a nice grassy area, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, and friendly lounge with plenty of games, books, and free wifi, a nice playground, views of the bay (we saw a harbor seal enjoying a morning swim) and most interestingly, natural springs soaking tubs and sauna. Note: the latter is clothing-optional, and they mean it. Children are only permitted in the tubs during certain hours (at the time of our visit, it was 11 am to 5 pm) and they should be prepared to see nudity. In fact, every adult enjoying the tubs were in the nude (apart from me, should you be wondering). I felt it was a good travel experience for my kids, but should you feel differently, you’re now aware. There is a beautiful view from the tubs (with deck area) and a lovely waterfall adjacent, next to which our boys loved climbing and playing.

A word on Doe Bay campsites: Families should be aware that some sites are very small. We were given ‘Antelope’, which was large enough only for a 2-3 person tent, and situated dangerously close to a sharp decline overlooking the common grass area and fire pit. Had we not arrived at the resort after midnight (due to ferry schedules), we would have avoided a very uncomfortable night. Instead, we requested a change in the morning, and were given a far more adequate location for our size party. In general, sites on the right-hand side of the camping loop are larger and flatter, while sites on the left-hand side are smaller and higher up.

Rates and reservations:

Get reservations well ahead of time, particularly for summer weekends. At the time of our visit, we paid $45 per night for a tent site. Yes, this is high, but nearby Moran State Park has similar pricing, and is very hard to get into without far advance reservations.

Amenities:

A laundry room is available for a charge, and camp sites are near a full bath house, which has showers, wash rooms, and flushing toilets. A communal kitchen is also available adjacent.

Dining options:

Families can use the communal kitchen to cook meals (individual fire pit are not available and families are not permitted to make fires. We didn’t eat in the Doe Bay cafe, but it is available (and boosts stunning views in a very relaxed setting). The store also offers some necessities.

Directions:

From the ferry terminal, take Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road through Moran State Park, then Pt. Lawrence Road to Doe Bay. You’ll see a sign for the resort on the right.

Five things to do with kids in Moran State Park, Orcas Island WA

September 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Orcas Island is a great destination for families in the San Juan Island network. Kids will enjoy kayaking or exploring the numerous farmer’s markets and two public beaches, but the highlight for us was Moran State Park. Located on the Doe Bay section of the island, Moran includes two lakes, numerous hikes, beautiful cascade waterfalls, a wonderful nature center, and swimming beaches.

What to do with kids in Moran State Park:

1. Start by orienting yourself with a view from Mount Constitution: Families can opt for a long hike to the top of Mount Constitution, but driving is also available. From the base of the state park, drive up to the summit and park at the educational outreach center (more on that in a minute). From there, it’s only a short walk to the observation tower, which affords visitors with incredible 360 degree views of the San Juan Islands in fair weather. Kids enjoy climbing the many stairs in the tower, and it’s safe at the top for little ones. Along the way up, displays teach about the early history of the island.

2. Check out the Friends of Moran educations outreach center: At the base of the tower on Mount Constitution, a great little nature and science center teaches kids about local wildlife (including newts) and island history. Best of all, families can ‘check out’ a fully-stocked backpack with binoculars, wildlife and plant life guidebooks, and more. A deposit is taken, and returned upon return of the pack at end of day.

3. Hike the Cascade Falls Trail: This easy quarter mile trail leads families directly to a coastal rain forest waterfall. The hike is easy, and the base of the falls makes for fun exploration (beware of nettles though). If you’re up for a longer hike, the Cascade Creek Trail takes you from the falls down to the Mountain Lake picnic area.

4. Swim at Cascade Lake: On nice days, the picnic and swimming area at Cascade Lake is perfect for a long afternoon. Kids can swim in the designated swim area, and a snack shack (open seasonally) offers treats and drinks. There’s a nice playground, and a fishing dock. Small watercraft can also be rented.

5. Take a side trip to Obstruction Pass: This 80-acre park a short drive from the main Moran State Park campus offers Orcas Island’s largest public beach and another interpretive center and more trails.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Lodging information:

Camping is available at Cascade Lake, nearby Mountain Lake, and Obstruction Pass (the latter is primitive). Sites at the lakes have water and bathrooms, and some have hook-ups. Expect to pay more than typical for standard state park sites, and reserve early for the summer season!

Dining options:

Besides the snack shack, no dining exists in the park. The nearby town of East Sound offers more, and has a large market for supplies to make your own meals at a camp site.

Directions:

From the Orcas Island ferry dock, drive up Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road into the state park.

Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

December 7, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they’re out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, wherever that may be.

Fun contests like the #LuvRitzSweepstakes get this, and help parents take the pressure off travel and add the fun. After checking out our favorite destinations for 2015, let us know where you’d like to go, for a chance to win $5000 in Southwest gift cards. (More info below!)

In the meantime, here are our top travel experiences for 2015! We logged over 70 travel days in 2015. We visited many good destinations, a few just ok ones, a couple of duds, and a handful of absolutely amazing ones. Picking just five for our top travel picks proved hard, as usual!

Three Bars Ranch, Cranbrook BC:

Snagging the top spot is an all-inclusive dude ranch tucked into the Canadian Rockies. Three Bars Ranch eclipsed even our already high standards when it came to dude ranch vacations (Wyoming’s Triangle X Ranch made our top five in 2014). What made it so special: somehow, the team at Three Bars have managed to find that perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere. It’s 1/3 summer camp, 1/3 cruise, and 1/3 mountain lodge. A week at Three Bars actually leaves you feeling refreshed, instead of needing ‘a vacation from your vacation’.

Black Hills, South Dakota:

Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know we like our vacations rugged, usually with some mountain air thrown in. I didn’t expect to enjoy South Dakota as much as I did. What made it special: beyond Mt. Rushmore, much more history awaits, ready to be peeled like layers on the proverbial onion. Badlands National Park doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves (think of it as a less crowded Canyonlands), and Custer State Park sports over 1000 buffalo, making us wonder why more families don’t opt to come here in lieu of Yellowstone.

Hanalei, Kauai:

I haven’t met a Hawaiian island I didn’t like, but I fell in love with Kauai. With a less touristy and more artsy feel than any other tropical island I’ve experienced, Kauai also offers some of the best hiking I’ve seen. We recommend basing a stay in the small town of Hanalei (or in a home rental in nearby Princeville), and spending the majority of your vacation on the wilder, rainier North Shore. Hit an authentic farmer’s market, swim, and try surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, or tubing. Check out all our Kauai coverage.

Palm Beach, Florida:

Families on the East Coast wanting sun, sand, and Caribbean waters can find all of the above within an easy flight or drive into West Palm Beaches. (There is something to be said for accessibility!) I liked the way city and ocean meet in West Palm Beach, making it easy to spend a full day in the surf followed by a night out with kids in one of the many open-air restaurants. Plus, there are excellent harbor waters in the area, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. This part of Florida has interesting history, too: we liked checking out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Hands down, stay in a Marriott Vacation Club property like Oceana Palms for the convenience of in-room kitchens.

San Juan Islands, WA:

If you want one location that combines family-friendly activities, outdoor exploration, fine dining, and quaint town life, and you’re on the wrong coast for a visit to Nantucket, head to San Juan Islands, WA. What we love: the natural beauty of the islands, the ferry-entrance, the many state park beaches and coves, the cute towns, and the excellent lodging options. To up your adventure a few notches, book a 2-3 day kayak trip with Crystal Seas.

Honorable mention: Idaho Panhandle

We have to give this awesome region of Idaho a shout-out, because it never fails to surprise us…in great ways! In summer, families can base themselves in either the mountain lake towns of Coeur d’ Alene or Sandpoint, or tuck themselves into the mountains at Kellogg or Wallace. This entire area is rich in mining history and abundant with outdoor opportunities: bike on the newly constructed Hiawatha trail, kayak or swim, or fish. In winter, the skiing is excellent (and affordable) at Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass.

Where would YOU like to go?

Ritz and Southwest Airlines want to know where you want to go and how you enjoy Ritz Crackers. One lucky winner will win $5,000 in Southwest gift cards! Just Tweet or Instagram your response along with #LuvRitzSweepstakes to be entered. (Example: “I want to go to #Dallas for the holidays and enjoy Ritz Mint Thins #LuvRitzSweepstakes”) Personally, the peanut butter, banana, and honey snacks get my vote!

Need more inspiration? Read about our best trips of 2014 and top experiences of 2013!

I partnered with Southwest Airlines and Ritz Crackers on this post. All opinions and destination picks remain my own.

Mount Rainier National Park two-day itinerary

August 31, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

On the right day, Mount Rainier National Park can rival the scenery beheld at National Park greats such as Glacier and Canada’s Banff or Jasper.

Often hidden in cloud, the mountain framed by blue skies is nothing short of breathtaking, and on clear days, the views from the Paradise end of the park reach from Mt. St. Helens to Mt. Hood to Mt. Baker. The day we arrived, looking from volcano to volcano across the Pacific Northwest, we felt awe and respect standing along the famed Ring of Fire.

Mount Rainier National Park is large, but 97% of the park is dedicated wilderness, which means families can reasonably see the best day hikes and visitors centers in two full days, or one full day and two half-days. The order in which you tackle these attractions will depend on how you enter and exit the park. We entered from the north (Seattle) through the White River Entrance, and exited to the south via the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Our lodging was located on the south end, so we toured what we could on the north end (Sunrise) after we arrived, then concentrated on the south end (Paradise and Longmire) for the remainder of our trip.

Mount Rainier two-day itinerary suggestions:

Day 1:

Arrival through White River:

We enjoy entering the park at White River, as this milky-white river gives a good introduction to the volcanic activity on Mount Rainier. The river gets its name from the chalky powder that rubs off granite higher up due to glacial activity. Stop for a picnic at any one of the White River turnouts along Mather Memorial Parkway toward the Sunrise Road turn-off.

Sunrise area hike:

If you’re staying in the Sunrise area, skip the Sunrise Road for now, and head south to sample some Ohanapecosh or Paradise hikes, which will enable you to concentrate on Sunrise on Day 2. However, if you’re staying on the Paradise side, as we did, take the time to detour to the Sunrise Road now, to avoid needing to backtrack tomorrow.

The Sunrise Visitors Center is a good one to hit up for Junior Ranger booklets. Afterward, head to the Sourdough Ridge Nature Trail, which is an easy one-mile loop starting near the Sunrise complex parking lot. You’ll get nice views of Rainier and interpretive signs educating on the flora and fauna. As an alternative, Silver Forest is a two mile out-and-back hike, which starts with informative exhibits en route then moves through an area once-damaged by forest fire. What still stands are the ‘silver sentinels’; long-dead but erect trees that are surprisingly beautiful.

If you want a longer hike, the Naches Peak loop is about five miles, and offers small lakes, views of Rainier, and plenty of subalpine forests. Plus, it takes hikers on a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which can be fun.

Ohanapecosh-area hike:

As you drive through the park toward the south, plan to stop for a short hike at either Grove of the Patriarchs or Silver Falls, near the Ohanapecosh Campground. The Grove of the Patriarchs is best if you’re short on time or have very young kids; it’s an easy one mile walk to see old-growth forest along the Ohanapecosh River.

For a longer and more satisfying hike, go into the Ohanapecosh Campground to the day-use/trailhead parking. Take the Silver Falls loop hike, which is about three miles. At the very start, you’ll be rewarded with hot springs activity. Feel the water temperature of the various springs as you go…they get progressively warmer as you get closer to the source of the hot springs. Be sure to detour onto the hot springs loop trail about a quarter mile into the Silver Falls loop, just to the bigger pool that’s jacuzzi-hot. Continue along the Silver Falls trail to the thundering falls along Ohanapecosh River; it’s absolutely worth the mileage! The loop will deposit you back at the campground.

Day 2:

Paradise Visitors Center:

For the Paradise portion of your visit, start early, as the Sunrise parking lots fill up fast in summer. (See below for best time of year to visit.) The Visitors Center offers a nice area of exhibits upstairs, and a 20 minute video that plays several times per hour. We always recommend watching videos to introduce visitors to new parks.

Skyline Trail hike:

Right outside the Visitors Center, a network of trails are on offer. The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and while we usually shy away from potentially crowded areas, this one is worth it. This loop is over five miles, and takes hikers up in elevation from the Paradise parking lots seemingly to the edge of Mount Rainier itself. The first two miles are steep, but the continuous views of Rainier make this workout less painful, and the crowds drop away the further you go. There are a number of turn-around options in these first few miles; hikers could detour onto the Dead Horse or Alta Vista Trail, and return to Paradise. Everything is well-marked, and rangers are often on-hand at junctions to explain options. Note: the beginning and end of this loop are paved trail, to accommodate shorter hikes for all visitors.

For those wanting to go the distance (recommended if possible), continue up Skyline to Panorama Point, where you can opt between the Low Skyline Trail or High Skyline Trail. Either will continue your loop, but in early season, only Low Skyline is open. When we hiked in June, Low Skyline offered lots of snow across the Nisqually Glacier, which the kids loved. Cramp-ons are not necessary for the Low Skyline Trail, but be prepared to walk through snow (trekking poles are useful).

The Low and High Skyline trails merge again to start the long descent back toward Paradise, with an option to cut 1.5 miles off your loop by taking the more direct Golden Gate Trail down to Myrtle Falls, then the lodge area. We opted to stay on the Skyline loop, and were not sorry. The views continue to be spectacular, with creek crossings and wildflowers in the early season. At Myrtle Falls, the trail becomes crowded with visitors for the final few tenths of a mile. Look for marmots along the entire hike: we saw 4-5!

Rampart Ridge Trail Hike:

If you have time to venture further from Paradise to the Longmire section of the park, or if Skyline is simply too crowded on the day you’re visiting, the Rampart Ridge Trail is a good alternative. This trail is often hiked in summer by the many visitors who do not receive Wonderland Trail permits, and in early season or fall, it’s blissfully empty. The 4.6 mile loop begins at the Trail of the Shadows trailhead, and takes hikers through both wetlands and old-growth forest. The climbs along the loop start out quite gentle, then progress to a series of switchbacks. The reward: views of the valley below and Tumtum Peak. Further along the trail, the views continue, offering sweeping vistas of Longmire and Eagle Peak. When families reach the junction with the Wonderland Trail, a steep descent returns them to Longmire.

Best time to go:

The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is mid-June, early July, or September. While coming in June is a gamble (not everything will be open yet, depending on snow pack), it’s far less crowded. Mid-July through August are peak season. Come in fall, and the park will be yours alone!

Where to stay:

Campgrounds:

The campground facilities in the park are fantastic. We really liked the relative isolation and quiet of Ohanapecosh Campground, which is set apart from any visitors centers. The White River Campground is one of the most popular, but with the river nearby, we understand why. Check the national park site for campground information, including which can be reserved ahead of time.

Paradise Lodge:

This national park lodge is beautiful, but located in the thick of things. You’ll get pristine views of Rainier, and have immediate access to some of the best trails (no parking worries!) but also be staying in the midst of the crowds.

Packwood area:

We opted to stay three miles outside the Stevens Canyon park entrance, in the Timberline community of seasonal cabins outside of the town of Packwood. We rented our cabin via VRBO, and were cozy in a retro cabin sleeping six. Renting in the Timberline community, we had access to a community outdoor pool and tennis courts, and enjoyed a nice deck and mountain views, plus a full kitchen for cooking our own meals. There are a few dining options in Packwood (we tried the Blue Spruce Cafe, which served traditional pub food like burgers, fish and chips, and pizza), but you’ll want to do some grocery shopping. Note: AT&T customers will have no cell service in this area.

Have you visited Mount Rainier? Where did you hike and stay?

Exploring Mukilteo, WA with Kids

July 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We partnered with Staybridge Suites on the post below. While sponsored, all opinions are our own.

Seattle, Washington is a well-known vacation destination for families, and for good reason! But venture just a bit further north and parents will find a wonderful outdoor playground in Mukilteo, north of the city near Everett, Washington and Whidbey Island.

This past June, we were able to spend several nights in this area, as we were en route to Whidbey Island. Mukilteo wasn’t our final destination during this trip, but we found lots to do here and in Everett with our kids. That was a happy surprise!

As we often do during road trips, we looked for a hotel with plenty of space to spread out plus a complimentary breakfast or kitchenette to make our own. With three kids (two of whom are teens); we highly value the ability to make meals in our suite. We found a Staybridge Suites hotel that fit the bill – Staybridge Suites Seattle North-Everett – and we were even able to use our IHG points to book during this popular tourist time.

What to do in Mukilteo and Everett with Kids

Imagine Children’s Museum

It’s perfect if the weather turns on you, as it often does in this part of Northern Washington. The Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett includes two floors of hands-on learning in science, movement, art and theater. Kids can step into a bus, farm or store.

Harborview Park

Located in Mukilteo, Harborview Park allows kids to get a real feel for where they are located by being able to see the Puget Sound! The ocean vistas are lovely on clear summer days, and it’s possible to see the ferry coming and going, which builds excitement for a trip to the island. It’s likely you’ll see military ships passing along Possession Sound here as well, which was fun for our teens.

Whidbey Island

To get to adjacent Whidbey Island, families take the Clinton ferry (ferry terminal is easily located right in Mukilteo). This ferry ride takes less than an hour and it’s easy to bring a car onboard (recommended for Whidbey Island touring). Be sure to get a ferry reservation during the summer months.

Coupeville

Coupeville is my favorite Whidbey Island town because of its historical nature and lack of suburban sprawl. It tends to be less crowded, too. When we visit, we like to head to the pier and check out the quaint stores along the water. There’s a great toy store and book store there. Families can take a free farm tour from Coupeville, following a self-guided farm trail that takes them to lavender farms and organic beef cattle ranches.

Whidbey Island State Parks

There are multiple state parks on this relatively small island. Our favorites include Deception Pass, where you can take a jet boat ride under the bridge to the sea lion habitats (we even saw dolphins). At Fort Casey State Park, the kids can climb on old fort batteries and everyone can tour the lighthouse. The windswept beaches are great for fort building with driftwood, kite flying, and beachcombing.

Ebey’s Landing

Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve encompasses the town of Coupeville, and multiple acres in each direction, preserving the historical sites in the area. We love to head to Ebey’s Prairie, where the Ebey homestead and Fort Ebey are still evident. You can read about the founding Ebey family here. All sites are self-guided, which is nice for spontaneous visits.

Why Stay at Staybridge Suites?

When we plan a vacation that takes us outdoors and around town – location, space, easy parking and free breakfast top our list of must-haves when it comes to our hotel. As a family of five, we need as much room as we can get and plenty of food because it is always being consumed by our crew! We don’t necessarily need a pool or complimentary Wi-Fi, but those are sure nice, too.

Staybridge Suites is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group family, which means we could use our earned points. Staybridge Suites Seattle North-Everett was especially clean, with friendly staff, great breakfast choices and in the perfect location. It put us close enough to the ferry that we could easily get to the island, but also very close to I-90, so we could hop in the car and be in Seattle in no time.

As an added bonus, it’s always nice to have an indoor pool!

When your family is on their next getaway, check out Staybridge Suites for all the comforts of home while out of town.

Downtown Spokane and Hotel RL Spokane at the Park

July 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

After moving to Oregon from Spokane, Washington over 10 years ago, we try to get back to the Inland Empire every few years. This year, we spent two different weekends in Spokane, both of which at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, with lots of time to explore downtown with our (now) teen kids.

What’s so special about downtown Spokane?

Spokane is one of those lucky cities that figured out early on the importance of a vital downtown. We watched it bloom from a ghost town of a downtown to the fun, trendy, popular place it is today, and every time we return, we like to spend some time here. Downtown Spokane feels urban without the noise, stress, or safety worries of a larger city. Riverfront Park shines as a beautiful green space filled with activities for kids, and the Riverfront Square offers shopping, dining, and movies.

In winter, ice skating reigns at the rink in Riverfront Park, but in summer, this area is transformed into a carnival space, with kiddie games, bouncy houses, a ferris wheel, and rides. There’s an IMAX theater, a carrousel, and bike rentals. Families can take a gondola ride over Spokane Falls, though for our kids who ski regularly, we opted to walk over to the falls instead to take in the view.

At Riverfront Square, we enjoy taking in an AMC movie or eating at Sushi Maru. The Mobius Children’s Museum is located on the bottom level.

Be sure to keep an eye out of for seasonal festivals or events going on at the park and downtown area during the summer months…it seems Spokane has something artsy and outdoorsy going on every weekend! During our latest stay in Spokane, we lucked into the Bazaar, featuring local artisans downtown. With live music and food trucks, it was quite the party.

Why stay at Hotel RL Spokane at the Park:

This Red Lion is located right next to the Spokane River and Riverfront Park. It’s easy to walk directly from the lobby into the park, which means the car can stay parked. There are three restaurants on-site, including causal dining on the patio overlooking the pool area. Breakfast is not complimentary, but offered for about $10/person buffet-style. It’s a bit overpriced, but quite good. Each room has a mini-fridge, too, making it easy to make breakfast in-room.

The best feature of Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, other than the location, is the large outdoor pool overlooking the river. This pool includes a fast waterslide and kiddie/toddler pool, and a small pool-side concession stand. There’s also an indoor pool for the winter months (open in summer, too).

We stayed in a premium two-queen room in a newly remodeled section of the hotel, which was above-average in size and overlooked the pool. We had a nice balcony and while the bathroom was small, it was perfectly comfortable. Room rates vary of course, but families can expect to pay under $200 in summer.

Directions:

The Red Lion is located at W. 303 North River Drive, Spokane WA. The hotel’s ‘sister’ hotel, the Red Lion Riverside, is located directly across the street, and is also along the river.

Disclosure: As we always disclose, we stayed at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park free of charge, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

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Suncadia Resort review with kids

July 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Suncadia Resort, located right off I-90 in the Wenatchee National Forest southeast of Snoqualamie, WA, is your quintessential four-season, multi-activity contemporary resort.

We stopped by for two nights during a long summer road trip through Washington State, and compared it to Bend Oregon’s Sunriver Resort or Redmond Oregon’s Eagle Crest. Suncadia boosts the same offerings, including golf, an upscale spa, dining, and on-site amenities like pool complexes, tennis courts, exercise facilities, and bike trails and walking paths, all on the site of a historic coal mining operation.

We enjoy including resorts like Suncadia during multi-week road trips to get a little R&R: it’s nice to have a jetted jacuzzi tub, comfy beds, and fun pools for a day or so. If we lived in the Seattle metro area, or Yakima or even Spokane, we’d consider coming back for a weekend getaway. How did we spend our two days here in mid-June? There’s a whole calendar of activities for kids during the peak summer months, most of which involve an extra fee, but a few that come with the cost of your stay. Here’s what we tried:

Swimming and relaxation:

The pool complex at Suncadia includes a large free-form outdoor pool and kiddie splash/wading pool, a large indoor pool, plus indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room, and a full exercise area. The outdoor area includes plenty of lounge space, and we spent the majority of our time here. Our room (a one-bedroom condo) was located in the Lodge at Suncadia, which meant we also got access to the smaller outdoor pool and hot tub right outside the lodge building.

Both mornings of our stay, I enjoyed the chance to work out in the exercise room, followed by a session in the sauna. By the time I emerged, the kids had found their way to the pool. There are exercise classes on offer daily, too, for an extra cost. A ‘resort fee’ is added to your room rate for use of the pool complex, so you might as well enjoy it!

Note: indoor and outdoor pools have different hours, as well as the pool slides. Check hours of operation for the time of your visit before promising anything to kids!

Tennis and bike rentals:

The tennis courts are located at Dawson Park Recreation Cabin, in one of the Suncadia vacation home neighborhoods inside the resort, and can be reserved (though we found them locked in mid-June). Also on-site are soccer goals to shoot on, basketball courts, ping-pong tables, and other recreation-based games, plus a nice playground.

The bike rentals are located at the Village Pavilion, by the small pond across from the pool complex. Here, you can rent bikes and electric scooters (16 and up) and watercraft like stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats (though don’t bother with older kids…the pond is small and uninspired). We opted for mountain bikes, to try out the miles of dirt trails through the wooded areas surrounding Suncadia. Once we found these trails, we really enjoyed them, but for about 45 minutes, we had our noses in the map, trying to figure it out. No one on staff seemed to know how to direct us, which was somewhat frustrating. However, we finally found the trailhead for a network of single track and dirt roads perfect for mountain biking, and had a good time riding near the river. To save you time, head down Swiftwater Trail (road) to the end, where you’ll find the trailhead. You can ride along paved bike paths to this point from the lodge or the bike rental area.

Movies in Roslyn:

Suncadia’s address is in Cle Elum, but the little town of Roslyn, best known as the setting of the TV show Northern Exposure, is just as close…only 10 minutes away by car. The Roslyn Theater is a cute one-screen affair with cushy seats and a friend staff. We saw an evening movie there, paired with dinner at the Roslyn Cafe (absolutely try their tater tot casserole!). We found the dining options in Suncadia to be a bit limited to higher-end dining, so we took advantage of the full kitchen in our unit and cooked our meals in-house when we didn’t eat in Roslyn. If my husband had been with us for this trip, he would have loved the fact that Suncadia has a winery on-site: Swiftwater Cellars.

Golf:

We didn’t golf this time around, those the boys do enjoy a round of nine holes most of the time. We noticed that Suncadia seems to do a good job of offering affordable green fees to students and kids, plus twilight tee times. We were psyched to see they’re offering foot golf (soccer golf) on the first nine holes (you get to play it twice for 18 holes), but were bummed to learn this was not opening until July.

In addition to the activities we tried, Suncadia offers plenty in the way of rafting and fishing on Cle Elum River, plus horseback riding and ATV-riding. In winter, snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing reign.

For younger kids, there’s CampCadia with programmed activities, and there’s a whole page of activities for the toddler set. There’s even a junior ranger program of sorts for kids starting in the end of June (all of the above include extra fees, though none are astronomical).

Lodging options:

We stayed in a one-bedroom Suncadia Lodge unit (in the main lodge). We liked being in the main building, and our unit included a full kitchen, full-sized washer and dryer, and large bathroom with jacuzzi tub. Our family of five was perfectly cozy here. We could have also opted for a two-bedroom unit, but for an extra $100 or so, we were happy enough with a rollaway. During our stay in June, our unit rented for about $250/night, which we felt was a good value. The lodge also offers standard hotel rooms.

The Inn at Suncadia is smaller and higher-end, apparently, though we didn’t get a chance to peek in. There are also condos and vacation homes in the resort. All have resort privileges to the pool complex and recreation facilities.

All-in-all, there’s a lot going on at Suncadia, but we did feel frustration that several things were not up and running by mid-June (while advertised that they were operational), such as foot golf and tennis. We asked a lot of questions during our stay, and found that many employees were uninformed. Everyone was friendly, but many lacked basic information such as when activities opened, where to sign up, etc. We had to figure most things out on our own, a daunting task when there’s so many activities on offer.

Disclosure: as we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Suncadia hosted by the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Where to stay on San Juan Island with kids

July 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you read our post last week, you’re all set with your San Juan Island with kids itinerary! Now, where to stay on San Juan Island with kids: while it’s true that the San Juan Islands are known as a destination for B&Bs, other options do exist. Read on for our top lodging experiences on San Juan Island, with a wide range of options for your family.

Lakedale Resort: Kid-heaven on three lakes

If the kid-friendly factor is #1 in your book, but you don’t want to sacrifice quiet and tranquility while you enjoy island life, head to Lakedale. This island resort is located inland on a network of three small lakes, but is still only 4.5 miles from Friday Harbor. Entering Lakedale feels like entering summer camp: past the lodge and cabins is the general store, a crafts tent (usually with tie-dye t-shirts hanging to dry), and a swimming beach plus multiple docks with kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and paddle-boards. Lodging includes log cabins, ‘glamping’ tent cabins, a retro Airstream, and a full campground. (There’s also a lodge with lodge rooms, but these are for guests 16 and up.) The Lakedale log cabins include kitchens and separate bedrooms, and their glamping tents include full beds, luxury linens, and even room for four (instead of the usual two per tent).

We stayed in a cabin, and had plenty of room for our family of five. With the full kitchen, we were able to make meals in-house (though a grocery run pre-arrival is important…the general store is limited). We loved the back porch with lovely shaded views of the woods and lake, plus the space to start our own campfire in our fire ring. We also had a BBQ and lots of space for the kids the play. Listening to the bird song in the trees on the back porch in the evenings couldn’t be beat, even by ocean views.

Kids have the run of the place at Lakedale; there’s a very comfortable, friendly atmosphere here. We rented paddle-boards for our kids, gave them ice cream money, and didn’t see them until dinner time. (Note: they were old enough to play unsupervised, but young kids do need an adult, of course.) The resort is located lakeside, but is also within easy drive of both Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.

Location: 4313 Roche Harbor Road

Island Inn: Friday Harbor ‘city’ life

Want to stay in the heart of it all instead? Located in Friday Harbor, right across the street from the pier, Island Inn is self-described as ‘off the coast of ordinary’. This boutique-style hotel has a forward-thinking approach to room rental: singles and couples can reserve small, view-less ‘euros‘ (private rooms), which include access to a ‘view share’: communal room with windows looking out over the harbor, kitchenettes, and living space. These rooms are available for families, too, but kids must be 16 and up.

Families with younger kids can opt to reserve ‘sweets’ or ‘penthouses’, with up to nearly 1500 square feet. In all Island Inn lodging options, families can cook their own meals and relax in a home-like setting. Plus, those views? Are out of this world. Nightly rates range widely depending on season and room type, but in the off-season when we visited, they started under $200/night.

Location: directly on Front Street!

Roche Harbor Resort: Family-friendly, lively atmosphere

If you’re interested in all the amenities kids love, from an outdoor pool to lawn games and lots of space to play, but also want to be in the thick of things, you’ll want to head to Roche Harbor Resort. Many options exist for families here, ranging from a stay in the historic Hotel de Haro or historic cottages to village homes with 2-3 bedrooms. The lodging ranges drastically from new to old, but all are within easy walking distance (and view) of the harbor or bay.

Roche Harbor is a busy marina, with lots of kids to see and do, and several dining options. Families will need to have a car, however, to explore Friday Harbor and the rest of the island.

Location: Rueben Memorial Drive, Roche Harbor

Snug Harbor Resort: Graceful, gorgeous, and welcoming

Snug Harbor Resort is one of those rare losing options that manage to be all things to all people. At first glance, it appears this sleek all-cabin and suite resort nestled on the tucked-away cove of Mitchell Bay would be suited only for yoga enthusiasts, cyclists, or couples seeking peace and quiet. This is perfectly true, but with its communal fire pits, complimentary kayak and paddle-board rentals, and green spaces, it’s also ideal for families with kids.

The cabins themselves have been newly remodeled and are absolutely beautiful. I stepped inside ours and sighed with utter contentment. Each has wood accents throughout, a gas-powered stove for heat, ample windows facing the bay, and a full kitchen. Ours had two bedrooms plus a pull-out couch, perfect for our family. We kayaked, paddled, ate s’mores, and yes, I practiced yoga on my porch overlooking the Salish Sea in the morning.

There’s even a coffee shop on-site for your java-fix, and Roche Harbor is only about five minutes away by car, should you want an evening out.

Snug Harbor Resort is located at 1997 Mitchell Bay Rd.

The Kirk House: the place to book for a couples-only getaway

Located just a few blocks from the heart of Friday Harbor, The Kirk House is owned by Doug and Roxy Kasman, who are warm, welcoming, and as far from the ‘fussy’ B&B type as you can get. Their property is a beautiful bungalow with a comfortable sitting room with four bedrooms leading off of it. Each has their own bathroom. While family groups can reserve the whole house (Doug and Roxy live off-site), this lodging experience is best without the kids.

Each room at the Kirk House has its own character and own amenities. If booking just a few rooms (not the whole house) it’s recommended kids are 14 and up, as rooms are not baby-proofed, etc. Definitely call before booking to see which will be best for you. Some have tubs, others have large walk-in showers. All have wifi, and comfortable robes and heavenly beds. The neighborhood is quiet, even though the high school is across the street. The house features a lovely wraparound porch with rocking chairs, and some grass out front and gardens out back.

Breakfast is included at the Kirk House, and it was fabulous. We started with yogurt and fruit parfaits with local berries and homemade granola, which would have been enough to fill me up! We were then served a delicious upside-down apple cake (again, locally sourced) and a honey-baked ham. Coffee, tea, and juice are available, and throughout the day, little snacks and goodies are set out. Call for room rates, and consider visiting in the off-season, when rates are lower and town is quieter!

Location: 595 Park Street, Friday Harbor

Where do you stay on San Juan Island? Check out our related post on nearby Orcas Island!

Multi-day kayaking in the San Juan Islands

July 17, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Families will always see more detail of the area they’re traveling by car rather than by plane, and even more by bicycle than by car. In the San Juan Islands, there’s no better way to explore this vast network of islands than by kayak.

On our previous trips to the San Juan Islands, we arrived by ferry, then visited two islands: Orcas and San Juan. This time, we decided we were ready for the bigger adventure of a multi-day kayak trip in the San Juan Islands, camping on remoter islands en route. We embarked with Crystal Seas Kayak, setting out on a perfectly sunny June morning. For two nights and three days, nothing stood between us and the tides, islands, sea, and sky.

What to expect on a Crystal Seas Kayak trip:

After booking our Crystal Seas trip, we were emailed a detailed packing list and FAQs, so we’d know what to bring. In a nutshell, we needed personal items such as clothing, sleeping bags, headlamps, sun protection, and toiletries. Crystal Seas provided everything else, including all food (and meal preparation), tents, sleeping pads, kayaks, and of course, guidance in the form of two guides.

We met our guides, Brett and Corey, at a designated pick-up location on San Juan Island. This location is usually the ferry dock at Friday Harbor, but Crystal Seas will work with you if a different pick-up location is more convenient. Both Brett and Corey are local to the islands; having grown up in the San Juans, they knew all the ins and outs of the many islands, currents, and tide flows. We were happy to spend three days with both of them.

We shuttled by van to our put-in spot, the San Juan County Park campground and kayak launch on the east side of the island. We transferred our gear to dry bags, and learned how to load our sea kayaks (they’re like clown cars…it’s amazing how much gear fits!). We headed off by mid-morning, paddling to adjacent Henry Island for our first lunch. We then continued across a few miles of open water to reach Stuart Island, our home for the next two nights.

We paddled approximately 14 miles from our launch site on San Juan Island, but we took most of the day to do it, stopping to look at interesting sites in our kayaks and taking occasional land breaks. As an occasional kayaker (not a total newbie), I didn’t find the distance too strenuous, but we did find it satisfyingly challenging.

Our kids, ages 16, 13, and 10, fared just as well, if not better, than me and my mom, who joined us for this multi-generational trip. The paddling was less challenging for the teens of course, but it was crucial that they listen to instructions by our guides, because while the water looks calm in this part of the Salish Sea most of the time, the currents and tides are to be respected. Without our guides, we absolutely would have made big mistakes, even though we could see land of some sort at all times.

The ‘marine trail’ campsites at Stuart Island’s Reid Harbor are dedicated for human-powered watercraft only, which means kayaks, not motorboats, sailboats, or yachts. The latter can anchor in the bay, and we enjoyed seeing all the watercraft there, but appreciated that the campsites were more isolated, tucked away in the trees just past the beach.

We set up camp before dinner, each group of two finding a spot for their tent and setting it up. We explored the beach and dock, the kids taking a swim (brrr!) and spotting seals, sea stars, and seabirds of all sorts. After appetizers (yes, really!), we sat down to a dinner of salmon, freshly mashed potatoes, and salad with local greens and homemade dressing. Dessert was a pecan pie brought from a local bakery in San Juan (more on food later).

We settled in for the night by 10 pm (when it starts getting dark at this time of year), and while I woke at first light, the kids all slept in. We planned to remain camped in cozy Reid Harbor, taking a day paddle to explore nearby islands and hike. We enjoyed this more leisurely day, but Brett and Corey also offered an alternative itinerary, which would have included packing up and camping at another island, Jones. While Crystal Seas has a general itinerary set for each trip, we found there was a lot of flexibility when possible.

Our Day 2 included a beautiful paddle around Johns Island, where we floated past a colony of seals and looked for orcas in the strait (no luck this time!). We picnicked lunch on a tiny island (I’m sure it has a name, but I don’t know it, and my map shows it only as a speck!), then paddled ‘home’ to Reid Harbor, where we rested (and they kids played on the beach) before our hike up the nearest ridge to view the islands from 800 feet above sea level. This may have been one of my favorite moments on the trip: the view looked like the most perfect 3D map of the islands I could have asked for. In the sunlight under a blue sky, we could see all the way to the Olympics in one direction and Mt. Baker in the other. We spotted all the islands we’d paddled by, and Brett and Corey pointed out Roche Harbor, on the east side of San Juan. It looked surprisingly close, which is a lesson we learned kayaking in this area: distances are very hard to gauge on the water.

We enjoyed another amazing meal, then rewarded the kids with a full buffet of s’mores ingredients. Our teens loved making campfires each night, and having the freedom to explore the campsites and nearby trails.

One of the things that makes backcountry trips, of any sort, so special for our family is the together-time. Without electronics, friends, or schedules in the way, the kids play together like they used to when they had less responsibilities and less social life. This trip was no different. Our youngest got his brothers back, and the teens got their childhood back.

They made swords out of sticks, skipped pebbles, spotted schools of fish, jumped off the dock, and wrestled on fallen logs. In other words, they had untethered ‘boy’ time.

Our last day, we packed up camp early, in order to paddle back to San Juan with the current in our favor. Thank goodness for Brett and Corey, who know these things! We paddled hard the distance back, with few breaks, necessary in this direction, but again, it felt satisfying to accomplish a hard day’s paddle in just a morning! We picnicked lunch back at the put-in spot, then shuttled back to our car. Looking out over the view of the Salish Sea while we ate our last meal together, we weren’t quite ready to leave!

Food on Crystal Seas trips:

In a word, the food is fantastic. We’ve been on several multi-day rafting and kayaking trips, and the food is always good, but Crystal Seas takes it a step further, serving as many local foods as possible. I’d estimate 70% of the foods served were locally sourced or grown. In addition to our salmon meal, we had a wonderful meal of beef and veggie tacos, plus lunches of caprice sandwiches and salmon wraps and breakfasts of bagel sandwiches and yogurt parfaits. There was always fresh fruit, fresh veggies, and snacks like organic chips, top quality trail mix and bars, and spread and dips.

Note: no alternatives to the meal served were offered to children, so if you have a pick eater, let them know ahead of time. They absolutely accommodate all dietary needs, so I’m sure they could accommodate a child who needs a simpler meal. Our teens ate everything in sight, and our 10-year-old like 90% of the meals, but would have been happy with a plain PB&J a few times.

Helpful planning tips:

If you book at multi-day kayak trip with Crystal Seas, here are a few tricks and tips we learned along the way:

If you have a car, but you’ve checked out of your accommodations, park at the courthouse parking lot in Friday Harbor. We parked here on recommendation of Crystal Seas, and our car was secure without a parking fee. They picked us up here, too.
Organize your gear the night before. While you won’t have your dry bags until you’re at the put-in spot, you don’t want to be organizing your gear from your suitcase or duffle full of clothes at the dock. We set aside all the clothing and personal items we’d need for each person, and packed them in one large packing cube per person. They we only had to transfer the packing cube to the dry bag.
You’ll get a separate dry bag for your sleeping bag. The best type to bring is a lightweight down or down alternative bag, which packs down smaller than a camping bag.
Don’t forget any medications you might need. We all needed allergy medication during the trip, and luckily we had it with us. The guides will have a medical kit, so we probably could have left ours in the car.
Be prepared to get dirty! The campsites are rustic, and there are no showers (though there is a composting toilet at the campground). We brought Wilderness Wipes with us to freshen up a few times.
Be prepared for all weather. We lucked out with three perfect days, but we all had rain jackets and down sweaters with us, as well as gloves and beanie knit hats for everyone. On the flip side, we also had sunglasses (a must on the water!) and sun hats.
You’ll have a ‘skirt’ on in the kayak, keeping your lower half dry, so don’t worry about being wet and cold while paddling. Arms will get a bit wet from the paddles, but if it makes you cold, wear a rain jacket under your life vest.
Don’t forget to tip your guides. Our worked so hard…they definitely deserved it!

Disclosure: we experienced Crystal Seas on a media rate, for the purpose of review. As always, all opinions are our own.

Visit Whidbey Island with kids: Exploring Coupeville

November 12, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Whidbey Island may be small, but it’s tall, as my sons have noted after a map study. When families come to visit Whidbey Island with kids, it’s useful to stay in the center of the island, within easy access of attractions such as Deception Pass to the north, and the Clinton ferry landing to the south. The best home base: Coupeville.

Coupeville WA is located within the boundaries of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which means its historical buildings and landmarks have been preserved. What remains is a beautiful little town on the shore, with quaint shops, fun eateries, and a lovely pier. We recommend spending at least one full day exploring the island’s many state parks, then at least one more visiting its many farms, agricultural stands, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Every year, Whidbey Island plays host to a free farm tour. Can’t make it? That’s ok: there are Whidbey Island farms perfect for kids at any time. Start at Greenbank, located in Loveland near Coupeville in the heart of the island. Greenbank has its own organic farm school, and 151 acres of public farmland as well as historic farm buildings. Families can visit the gardens, but kids and adults alike will really love checking out the shops onsite. Kids can sample pies, farm cheese, and numerous other artisan, local food items in the farm store.

If you can’t get enough farm store goodness, make 3 Sisters Market your next stop. Operated by 3 Sisters Beef, this shop sells the sisters’ (yes, they exist and we met them!) grass-fed beef and also showcases many other farm fresh products from around the island. It’s located on Holbrook Road in Coupeville.

In the town of Coupeville, visit Lavender Wind Farm, where you can not only buy island-grown lavender products, but kids can get a feel for the many uses of this plant. Sample lavender tea, lavender cookies, and lavender lotions. Across the street, stop by Bay Leaf for an artisan sandwich and a chance to see gourmet food products from France. They also sell Penn Cove Shellfish mussels, which are harvested right on the island.

Stroll through town, and take time to walk the pier and see marine exhibits at the end. Coupeville also has a nice bookstore and toy store.

Where to stay:

In Coupeville, we stayed at Blue Goose Inn, a bed & breakfast in the heart of town. Blue Goose is comprised of two historic Victorian homes (side by side) and has beautifully appointed, comfortable rooms. The sitting rooms are historic but cozy to utilize to read a book or work on your computer (there’s wifi throughout), and the breakfast is served in a sun porch overlooking the water. The food was all homemade and primarily locally-sourced…another good hands-on lesson for kids learning about farm-to-fork eating.

If you have young kids who cannot stay in a B&B room solo (rooms are double occupancy only at Blue Goose), there is a garden suite with kitchen and more space. We also recommend the family-friendly lodge units at Captain Whidbey, an historic inn just outside of town. This property is right on the water, with beautiful grounds and an on-site dining room for a nice meal in.

Have you toured Whidbey Island? What did you like best?