There are so many reasons we’re looking forward to this year’s National Parks road trip. As we get ready to leave, here are 21 of them:
- Seeing a mountain goat on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.
- Getting our caffeine fix at Storyville Coffee in Pike Market.
Storyville Coffee, 2014…most amazing coffee ever! - Celebrating the 4th of July from a backcountry site on Ross Lake, North Cascades.
- Hiking Piegan Pass or Grinnell Glacier trail to see the glaciers before they disappear from Glacier National Park for good.
- Eating ALL THE THINGS in Pike Market.
Sunset over Pike Market, 2013 I can’t remember whether the ricotta/lemon curd crumpet is better than the pesto/tomato/parmesan combination, so ordering them both again is clearly the only solution.
The Crumpet Shop, Pike Market 
Blackberry ricotta crumpet, Pike Market, 2013 Piroshkies are also high on the list of must-eat-again, as well as char siu sticks from Mee Sum.
Piroshky Piroshky, Seattle, 2013 And amandine croissants from Le Panier.
Amandine croissant from Le Panier, Pike Market And seafood chowder from Pike Chowder. And so on and so forth. You get the idea. š
- Hiking through the wildflowers on the Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm trail.
- Backpacking in Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US.
- Catching a sparkly vampire in Forks, WA…or a werewolf along the beach in La Push.
- Hiking and camping along the longest natural sand spit in the US, Dungeness Spit.
- Driving what National Geographic dubbed “one of the most scenic drives in the nation,” Going-to-the-Sun-Road in Glacier. So grateful that they finished snow plowing for the season; I was hoping we’d be able to do this drive.
- Backpacking to Toleak Point (Olympic National Park) with my brother, who lives in Seattle.
Antelope Canyon 2012; I’ve had some fun road trip adventures with this guy! We don’t get to see each other often..happy to be able to spend some time with him. - Hiking to Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park…and painting the scene with icy lake water.
- Tidepooling at Shi Shi Beach at sunset, Olympic National Park.
- Linguine alle vongole at Pink Door, Seattle.
Linguine alle vongole, Pink Door, Seattle 2014. This stuff was to die for! - Paying our respects at the Japanese Internment Memorial on Bainbridge Island.
- Soaking in the Ladder Creek Falls light show in North Cascades at night, then backpacking across Ross Dam to Big Beaver the next morning.
- Playing with nostalgic toys at the Museum of History and Industry’s ‘Toys of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s exhibit.
- Sugar rush at Top Pot Doughnuts, Seattle. And Krispy Kreme!
Top Pot Doughnuts, Seattle 2013 
No Krispy Kreme on Oahu means an embarrassingly large doughnut order for this Hawaii girl every time we visit! - Riding the ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle, a la Grey’s Anatomy.
- Stargazing from our tent in St. Mary, Glacier National Park.
- Paying homage to our 2013 addition to the ABC Gum Wall.
ABC Gum Wall, Seattle…there’s not enough hand sanitizer in all the world to undo the ick factor here. Truly.
We can’t wait to get started on this list! If you have any suggestions, tips, or advice for Glacier, North Cascades, or Olympic National Park (or anyplace else on the list), we’d be most grateful for any insight you’re able to provide. See you in three weeks…Happy Travels, all!
Adventures of Five 
Nice post š
LikeLike
Thank you! š
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem:) stop by my blog when you get the chance
LikeLike
Sounds great! But do explain #8 please. Have you looked at Big Outdoors on line? They give the top 5 hiking trails in Glacier. This park is literally like a mini Switzerland ! Enjoy! And, btw, your blog made me hungry! Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! #8 was a silly reference to Twilight, which takes place in Forks, WA. Remember all that Team Edward/Team Jacob nonsense a few years back? š I must’ve been hungry when I was writing the post, too; I didn’t realize I’d posted so many food items until I read your comment, lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Toy exhibit was as the Minnesota History Museum a couple of years ago. Unlike you, we remember playing with the toys of the 50’s, and buying some of the toys of the 70’s for the oldest son. Quite a trip down memory lane.
If you were Northern Exposure fans, and if you are driving I80 out of Seattle, consider a stop in Roslyn, which provided the backdrop for the show.
Enjoy your adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Glad to hear the Toy exhibit is a good one. My husband and I are looking forward to showing the kids the ’70’s toys from our childhood. It’ll be nice to do a few city activities after so much time in the parks. Should be fun!
LikeLike
This list sounds amazing!! Right up my alley with hiking, camping and delicious food! I’ve always wanted to go to Pike Market, but now I can’t wait. Also, doughnuts are my kryptonite so Top Pot doughnuts will be a must. Ooh, hope you catch a sparkly vampire, make sure to take a picture š. OMG, that gum wall… Yikes! Definitely so much to look forward to for you and your family. Have a fabulous time and we look forward to reading about all the great adventures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks so much! My brother always tells me it’s super touristy to hang out at Pike, but I have no shame…we love that place! With all the hiking beforehand, I’m hoping there’ll be a little extra space in that waistband so I can eat more, lol. Although all that Krispy Kreme between parks might blow the deal for me. š Can’t wait to catch up on all of your amazing campervan adventures when we get back!
LikeLike
Have a great time! Looking forward to seeing your posts about Glacier since we’ll be heading that way in August.
LikeLike
So many thoughts about this post! I’ll narrow it down to just three: First, I’m now extremely hunger for something exotic! Second, Antelope Canyon is in my backyard! Just went there a year or so ago and loved it. And Third, where in the world is the ABC Gum Wall?! Sounds like you guys are going to have a fabulous time on your road trip. Can’t wait to read about it all. Safe travels! š
LikeLike
So much exciting things to do. Enjoy your holiday!
LikeLike
Looking forward to hearing about your experience on the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier, it was full of snow when we visited. Glacier has been added to my top 10 list of National Park favorites. Hope you have an awesome tip.
LikeLike