Pacific Northwest Spring Break Family Getaways

While some Seattle families are opting to spend extended time away combining remote learning and workcations at a sunny destination, many are instead reinventing what spring break means to them by exploring closer to home and enjoying the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.

Even when road tripping and hiking or cycling scenic trails, it’s important to pack plenty of personal safety essentials like face masks and hand sanitizer. As you book your campsite or hotel, be sure to review local guidelines for social distancing and verify current occupancy levels can accommodate your family.

When you’re ready for a family adventure, pack up the car and head out to one of these fresh-air destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Turn a local getaway into a weekend of wonder by trying something new like tree climbing or seeking out wildlife habitats. Or enjoy a staycation navigating regional scenic trails followed by lakeside glamping.

Washington’s Whidbey and Camano Islands

Seeking a relaxing island getaway? You’ll find one right here in the Pacific Northwest with a family getaway to Washington’s own Whidbey and Camano Islands. With new safety enhancements in place, travelers will find a vast assortment of activities and attractions again welcoming guests.

Those in need of an adrenaline rush will find AdventureTerra a great escape from ordinary. Rope up and ascend a Douglas Fir to get a bird’s eye view of Deception Pass Bridge and the neighboring San Juan Islands. Learn how to rock climb or improve upon your skills during an intermediate class where you’ll boost your knowledge of knots and anchors. Or take a sea kayak tour to combine local history stories with wildlife encounters.

For hands-on family fun, head to Arrowhead Ranch on Camano Island for a day of stress-relieving axe throwing. Or explore woodworking by making your very own birdhouse. Then enroll the family in a horseback riding experience at Pacific Northwest Riding Academy and explore 80 spacious acres on Wildwood Farm.

Families will also find plenty of low-key adventure on the islands with casual hikes and nature exploration. Take a scenic seaside stroll at Eby’s Landing National Historical Reserve and challenge yourself on the Bluff Trail. Or access more than 30 miles of hiking and cycling routes at the Kettles Trails.

Find spacious accommodations at Fort Casey Inn, home to ten private cottages conveniently located next to Fort Casey State Park. Or enjoy the gardens and old-world charm of Auld Holland Inn in Oak Harbor where families can choose between traditional guestrooms or private rustic cabins.

Open spaces in scenic Oregon

If the ocean is calling you, head to family-favorite Cannon Beach, located just 80 miles from Portland. Keep an eye out for elk as you hike trails at Ecola State Park or spend the afternoon flying a kite along the breezy shoreline. During low tide, wander near Haystack Rock to explore colorful tide pools and watch puffins and other sea birds at play. Then unwind during a stay at Surfsand Resort as you take in ocean views and enjoy nightly s’mores at the bonfire.

Enjoy an inland adventure exploring Willamette Valley, known for more than 500 wineries and boundless scenery. Turn wine country into a family-focused weekend by cycling the west Cascades and Coast Range. Or enjoy valley views during a road cycling adventure winding in and out of farmland. Explore six historic covered bridges while cycling a scenic byway or take the Buena Vista Ferry Loop and enjoy a pitstop at a wildlife refuge.

Spend your nights at The Vintages Trailer Resort to enjoy beautifully restored campers. Enjoy a glamping experience complete with open-air soaker tub or simply kick-back with the retro vibe and enjoy a family getaway complete with flat screen TVs, pour-over coffee and outdoor grilling. The resort provides cruiser cycles for exploring the area, lawn games for casual downtime with the kids and artisanal s’mores for campfire socials.

River and lake adventure in Renton

One needn’t go far for an adventurous spring break with the family. Thanks to Lake Washington and inland rivers, Renton offers an abundance of outdoor recreation ideal for low-key spring break activities.

Walk, run or cycle your way along the Cedar River Trail to enjoy 17 miles of wooded trails following a historic railroad route. Bring along the family pet to enjoy the off-leash dog park that also features an agility course for the teens. Or enjoy a birdwatching excursion in Black River Riparian Forest, home to more than 50 species of birds, wetlands, and abundant native plants.

Gene Coulon Memorial Park is a favorite local destination for exploring Lake Washington’s shoreline. Take in a whole new experience by following the park’s flora interpretive walk, combining a family stroll with nature education. If the sun greets your visit to the park, take up a game of tennis or enjoy the horseshoe pits for added recreational fun after exploring the shoreline walking trail.

Then turn this local getaway into a weekend staycation with a Hyatt Night In package at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Located right next to Gene Coulon Memorial Park and the park’s volleyball courts, guests at this Renton hotel will be in a prime spot for weekend wanderings and cycling adventures. The Hyatt Night In package transforms a seemingly ordinary getaway into in-room glamping, with an included s’mores kit and teepee, discounts at onsite eateries, and a bottle of wine for the adults.

Pacific Northwest adventures with REI

If the idea of an all-inclusive adventure getaway appeals, you’ll find a winning combination with REI Co-op Adventures. This notable outfitter takes guests beyond basic sightseeing excursions and immerses travelers in the outdoors with new and exciting challenges. Plus, with meal and accommodation plans arranged for you, all you need to do is show up with an adventurous spirit.

REI’s Washington getaways tend to start in May, so these seasonal adventures may be a great incentive for wrapping up the virtual school year. REI’s 5-day Olympic National Park hiking trip includes accommodations at Lake Crescent Lodge, park and admission fees, roundtrip transportation from Seattle, and meals throughout the journey. All the while, guests will hike through old-growth forest, explore tide pools, and ascend to take in views of Elk Mountain.

Water enthusiasts may instead prefer a San Juan Islands Family Kayak package, just three days in length and the perfect cure for weekend wanderlust. This trip includes island camping with guide-prepared meals, camp and paddling gear, and group transfers. Families will paddle the Cascadia Marine Trail, be on the lookout for marine life, and enhance chart and navigational skills.

Later in the summer, fulfil a bucket list travel wish by hiking and camping in Mount Rainier. This 4-day adventure leads guests through waterfalls and wildflower meadows within Mount Rainier National Park, with up to ten miles of hiking daily. Guests ascend to Eagle Peak, explore alpine streams and glaciers, and camp nightly in the national park. The package includes roundtrip transportation from Seattle, park fees and permits, and meals and beverages are provided throughout the journey.

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