Summer Road Trip 2025 – Mountains, Coastlines, and the Sweetest Blackberries

Summer Road Trip 2025 – Washington, Canada & Arnold, CA

After a busy work schedule, it felt amazing to take a few days to get away and recharge. This year’s adventure took us from California through Washington, up into Canada, and back down through the mountains. Along the way, we discovered breathtaking views, unexpected surprises… and the sweetest wild blackberries I’ve ever tasted.

From California to Washington

We kicked off the trip with an overnight stay in Woodland, CA, at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Sacramento Woodland — comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast to start the journey right. The next night, we stopped in Olympia, WA, at the Ramada. Great breakfast again.

A short stop in Vancouver, WA, gave us a beautiful view of the Columbia River from the riverfront before we continued north to Mt. Vernon.

We stayed in a cozy lakefront home — mornings were peaceful until someone took out a kayak or motorboat, afternoons were filled with splash parks and playground fun for the kids, and some evenings were spent relaxing in the backyard, enjoying the stunning view and unforgettable sunsets.

Vancouver, Canada – A Mix of Charm & Wear

On July 29th, we crossed into Vancouver, Canada. While the city had plenty of life — with people biking, walking, and filling the parks — some buildings looked like they’d been through rough times. Still, parking was easy, and Stanley Park was gorgeous with its splash park and sweeping views. We also stopped in the historic Gastown district to see the famous steam clock, a charming and whimsical piece of the city’s history that delighted both kids and adults.

Little Mountain & San Juan Island

One evening, we made our way to Little Mountain. We hiked part of the way and then drove to the top just in time for a spectacular sunset over the islands and ocean. The colors made me think of a perfect coastal staging palette — nature’s own design inspiration.

The next day, we sailed to San Juan Island, docking at Friday Harbor. We took a bus around the island, soaking in its laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Bellingham Waterfalls & the Kite Show

Bellingham stole our hearts. The waterfront views were stunning, and the giant kites — shaped like whales and other whimsical creatures — were mesmerizing. The kids were gifted two kites from local kite enthusiasts, which made the moment even more special.

Before heading to the waterfront, we spent a couple of hours in Whatcom Falls Park, enjoying the waterfalls, walking across the charming stone bridge, and taking in the peaceful surroundings

It was here that we stumbled upon bushes heavy with wild blackberries. The berries were warm from the sun, bursting with sweetness — the kind of flavor you just can’t buy in a store. It’s amazing how something so simple can become one of the most memorable moments of a trip.

Back Through Seattle, Mt. Shasta & Arnold

On our way south, we paused in Seattle to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a hilltop - it was Kerry Park. We also learned that not every grocery store has public restrooms (thank you, Safeway adventure).

Farther along, we stopped at Mt. Shasta City Park, where the Sacramento River begins. The kids played, we walked through the forest, and we filled our bottles with fresh spring water.

Our last stop was in one of the very remote cities in Calaveras County, CA. We spent three days exploring White Pines Lake, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and the charming — if slightly overworked — local supermarket (two registers for a summer crowd!). While we were at the lake, security cameras even caught three bears — a mama and her cubs — strolling nearby.

This road trip was the perfect reminder that sometimes the best memories come from the simplest moments — a quiet sunset, a handful of wild blackberries, or the sound of kids laughing at a splash park.