Does anyone live it the northwestern US? My family is looking at a long vacation, driving from NY to the northwest. Actually, my parents will be driving - my sister, her three sons, and I will be flying and meeting them out there. (just imagine being in a car with your parents for 2600 miles - not happening LOL).

Does anyone have recommendations on where to visit? We would like to see the pine forests, some of us want to hike, camp under the stars, and see some mountains, rivers, etc. My parents will be driving with a travel trailer, so campgrounds are what we are looking for. I think the basic idea of what we want is "salmon in the cast iron frying pan, followed by smores and singalongs, under the stars." LOL if that sounds like romanticized camping to anyone, but that's what we're about.

Thanks!

Washington is one of my favorite states to visit. Cape Flattery, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, the Hoh rain forest......and of course if you are into the Twilight thing, drive and see Forks. the ferry across the Puget Sound and then drive the coast around, nothing like it. I can't wait to go back.

I can tell you about Oregon! Crater lake is awesome, even if you only visit for the day. Diamond lake is great for camping and fishing, I caught my first fish there. there are within a day's driving of one another.

There are tons of great things traveling up the coast. Sand dunes with rented ATV's can be done on the southern coast, Coos Bay, Winchester Bay, Florence. Tugman state park has a really nice campground and they have yurts that are rented out by the night. They are less than a mile from an ATV rental place. Florence also has the Sea Lion Caves that I've heard are really cool, although I've never been. Newport has the Oregon Coast Aquarium, lots of great things to see there, if you go to Newport eat at Moe's, they have the best clam chowder on the coast. You can also go on charter boats deep sea tuna fishing in Newport. Tillamook has a cheese factory where you can take a free walking tour into the plant and watch (through windows) as cheese is being made. they also make icecream and it is awesome! Lincoln City has an outlet mall and a casino. Seaside has beautiful beaches and sunsets.

If you end up in the Portland area take a trip east and visit Multnomah Falls, they are breath taking!

Detroit Lake is about an hour east of Salem, it's gorgeous up there. great camping, fishing, lots of family activities. It's a HUGE manmade lake in the middle of the mountians

The campgrounds fill up quick in Oregon, if you know your dates I'd call and reserve spots as soon as possible if you are staying in state parks.