Week Three on the Road
This week of travel looked a little different for us, starting off with three cozy nights on Whidbey Island, Washington. We were visiting family, and since their home was under construction, they surprised us with the sweetest gift—an Airbnb cabin. It came with a jet tub (which we definitely took advantage of) and a big bed that the dogs immediately claimed as their own.
The island had so much to offer—great restaurants, scenic trails, and a stop in Coupeville where the dogs scored their new “drug rugs.” The highlight for them, though, was meeting Serbie, my cousin’s dog, and chasing waves together on the beach.
From there, we made a quick stop at the How Not 2 headquarters in Issaquah. Ryan, the owner, wasn’t around, but Shawn left behind some of his Duchess Drinkware mugs—handmade from actual retired climbing rope. After that, we camped just outside Olympic National Park. The smoky air from nearby fires made for a hazy night, and our tent setup barely qualified as a tent because the stakes would not go in (we crossed our fingers it wouldn’t rain).
Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge was breathtaking, though we were a little bummed to find the paved trails weren’t dog-friendly. With cougars in the area, it made sense, so we stuck to the rules.
After a quick visit, we detoured to High Steel Bridge for some jaw-dropping views, then moved on to Trillium Lake for a hike with stunning views of Mt. Hood.
That night’s campsite was a win—perfect for cooking—though Shawn learned the hard way that our Sea to Summit pot handles get dangerously hot.
Rain followed us the next day, making Umpqua Hot Springs a soggy adventure. We tried sleeping in the car to avoid pitching the tent, but two people and two dogs in a small space turned into a sauna. Once the rain let up, we set up camp and braved the steep hike to the hot springs. They were beautiful but crowded, and a word to the wise—expect nudity. Between the people and the pups barking in the car, our visit was short but memorable.
Our week wrapped up with a stop at Crater Lake National Park, a place that’s been on my bucket list for years. The chilly wind didn’t bother us too much as we took in the views of the impossibly blue water. After studying the park in college, it felt surreal to finally stand at its edge, bundled up and grateful for the quiet
From the cozy comforts of Whidbey Island to the dramatic views at Crater Lake, this week was a mix of family time, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable scenery. Not every campsite cooperated, and not every plan went smoothly (wet tents and burned fingers proved that), but each stop added a layer to the adventure. That’s the beauty of traveling this way—sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s magical, and often, it’s both.
