Yellowstone and Pacific Northwest Route

This is the route we took to explore Yellowstone National Park and the Pacific Northwest in 2015. Each of the stops marked with a letter are where we stayed overnight or longer. Locations with a pin and no letter are great little places for a longer pit stop for meals, walks, laundry, etc. All locations provided kid friendly family fun. After our stop in Lava Hot Springs (Point J) we simply connected back to point B and made our way back home!

• Point B Curt Gowdy State Park is a gem we discovered years ago on our first California family road trip. It's rocky hills are good for little ones starting to hike on their own two feet instead of a carrier. They are also loved by mountain bikers. The lake provided us with hours of fishing fun. And the stars, wow!
• Point C Madison Campground, Yellowstone was the picture perfect Yellowstone camping experience many families dream of. Just be sure to pack warm gear, even in the summer night temps can get pretty low.
  
  
  
  
• Point D Spokane KOA was a rainy one night stopover for us. Luckily the lodge has a full kitchen and lots of games!
• Point E Penrose State Park was just the right speed for our little ones who spent hours playing in the tides, swimming and beach combing. We had never experienced being at the beach and in the woods at the same time. While there was nothing fancy about the facilities, we had no complaints. Campers and rangers were friendly and very social.
  
• Point F Nehalem Bay State Park gave us first rate camping with gorgeous beach views, and an adorable beach town within walking distance.
  
• Point G Portland, Oregon was vibrant and happening as you may expect. We stayed in an economy hotel for a one night stopover. The highlight for us, as big nerds, was of course Powell's Bookstore.
• Bridge of the Gods made for a quiet place to rest and regroup.
• Point H Smith Rock State Park took us on an 8 mile hike to see and sometimes even play in 10 different waterfalls. The camping was outstanding too!
• Point I Bruneau Dunes State Park gave us an amazing evening of star gazing and black light hunting for scorpions. We also enjoyed sand boarding.
  
• Point J Lava Hot Springs, Idaho made for a great way to celebrate the 4th of July with water fun along the river. Tubing and water parks with a beautiful view!