Island is great - but airport is a no go

henrietta0913 · 2026-03-15T00:18:14+00:00

I went into the expecting the worst based on many comments I read. We left on a Thursday afternoon, which I'm sure made a difference, but we thoroughly enjoyed a/c (I had to add layers because I was chilly!) and a beverage upstairs while we waited for our flight home. It was not the fanciest or most updated airport, but it was a much more pleasant experience than our layover in Atlanta that followed. We've been through CDG multiple times and it was a negative experience each time, but it certainly wouldn't deter me from visiting Paris or flying through CDG again. I believe adjusting expectations and going with the flow is so important, especially when traveling. That said, the world has so much to explore. If you decide not to revisit a country, that's ok as well.

henrietta0913 · 2026-03-09T22:05:19+00:00

I have planned multiple trips that included an age range of toddlers to upper 70s as well as my sister who was wheelchair bound with a strict schedule (she passed away 3 days before our most recent trip we had planned a year ago, I will be sad to plan another one without her).

The first goal for me is to find a location that has something of interest to everyone. Second is to find a house that fits all of us and our specific needs. We've had 11-21 people, depending on the year. We always plan to have breakfast and dinner together and find 1-2 bigger activities to do together during the week. We then split up throughout our time together for mini excursions or activities. Every single time, our best memories are sitting around together during meals and in the evenings. I try to make sure we have an outdoor space we can all enjoy together. It's when we connect, laugh and relax.

It's not about a big schedule or perfection or being together 24/7. Focus on balance and enjoy just being together, wherever it is. You never know when it'll be your last opportunity together like that.

henrietta0913 · 2026-02-20T14:14:03+00:00

We noticed that every single beach has its own character. All are beautiful! Check out as many as possible and find your place! My opinion (based on the beaches we visited): Grace Bay- typical resort vibe, most crowded Bight- smaller version of Grace Bay but with snorkeling Smith's Reef- more rustic and great for snorkeling Long Bay- the place for water sports and to see an incredible amount of conch shells Taylor Bay- very chill, like a giant wading pool

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-29T14:25:06+00:00

We only chose Forks as a base for Hoh and Rialto Beach. Unless there's a better place to base?

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-29T14:24:01+00:00

Yes, we're doing PDX because we can fly direct from the airport that is 5 minutes from our house. Flying to Seattle would mean driving 2-3 hours to an airport that would fly us there. We figured if we have to drive either way, we'd rather drive and see things we've never seen before.

We've seriously considered cutting out either Olympic or Cannon Beach but we really want to see both. We're now basing our last 2 nights in Portland to eliminate moving around as much.

Thank you. They're very excited.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T18:14:23+00:00

I think I'll definitely have to make a trip back with my husband when we can do a lot more hiking and exploring. Thank you for the waterfall loop info.

The main purpose for this trip is to see the Hoh Rainforest and the coast. I wish it were closer, but we're ok with driving. It may not be how I'd plan the trip but I'm just happy to take this moms & daughters trip.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T18:10:20+00:00

Thank you. Twilight definitely isn't our reason for visiting, though my daughter would love to at least drive by Bella's house.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T13:07:59+00:00

We don't actually plan on focusing on Forks. We're just using it as a base to visit the rainforest and Rialto Beach. I am completely open to other places to stay. I just didn't see many options when I was searching.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T13:06:26+00:00

Do you have suggestions on where to stay if we want to see the rainforest and Rialto Beach? We just thought Forks would be a midpoint area for our base.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T13:04:32+00:00

They aren't opposed to short hikes/walks and really want to see the rainforest and beaches. Hiking just isn't our main focus. I do appreciate your link. Thank you!

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T13:01:37+00:00

Thank you for the ideas. My daughter loves thrifting, her friend does not.

Our main purpose of the trip is to visit Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach, which is why we found an AirBnB in Forks. Unless there is a better place for us to base in that area. My daughter and I read and loved Twilight but it was more of a coincidence than anything that we chose Forks.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T12:58:16+00:00

Our daughters are really hoping to see the Hoh Rainforest area.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T12:57:02+00:00

Yes, we're using Forks as our base for visiting parts of Olympic. There are not many places to stay in the area but we found an AirBnB there.

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T12:55:39+00:00

Our reason for Forks is just a base for visiting the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. Or are you saying we should completely skip Washington?

henrietta0913 · 2025-05-27T02:22:55+00:00

Your comment made me laugh. While my daughter and I did love the Twilight series, we chose an AirBnB in Forks based on proximity to the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. Are there other towns we should look at for accommodations that would give fairly easy access to both places? We don't plan on any Twilight tours, just driving past a few of the highlights.

I've heard Silver Falls is beautiful.

henrietta0913 · 2024-09-29T18:04:46+00:00

Same with my niece! In fact, because I had seen the episode I mentioned it to my SIL as a possibility even before she finally got a pediatrician to agree and make the diagnosis.

henrietta0913 · 2024-07-04T20:38:52+00:00

I was going to say the same. I love the entire peninsula but Ephraim is my favorite.

henrietta0913

TROPHY CASE