Baker Lake, Lake Diablo, North Cascades, Olympics Family Adventure

[Jimmy]

My kids are getting old enough (9-year-old twins and a 5 year old) to start joining Mom and Dad on adventures. In July 2018, we did an 11-day journey through Washington including 6 bag nights. The trip started with 4 nights kayak camping in Baker Lake and Lake Diablo, car camping in the North Cascades (during a monsoon), followed by 3 nights at a beach house overlooking the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the Olympics, and capped off with a short backpacking overnight on Second Beach on the Olympic coast. The Advanced Elements tandem kayaks held up extremely well and will definitely be in our checked luggage on future adventures (48 lbs with pump!). We had them ready for the water until the last night of our trip. Our family created memories for a lifetime, and we're already researching where our next adventure will be.

 

[wabenho]

What a cool trip! Thanks for sharing!

 

[andyjaggy]

Awesome. Makes me feel like a slacker looser for not getting out with my kids more.

 

[Ugly]

Created memories indeed. I am very glad you shared this. Excellent.

 

[wsp_scott]

That looks like a great trip.

I need a pack for my soon to be 10 year old, what are your kids carrying and were there any issues with those packs?

 

[Deleted User]

Great trip report! I'll be on the Oregon Coast this weekend. Those beach shots have me missing home badly! Can't wait!

 

[Jimmy]

That looks like a great trip.

I need a pack for my soon to be 10 year old, what are your kids carrying and were there any issues with those packs?

I couldn’t find any “kids” backpacks, so my 9 year olds have small women’s packs. My daughter’s is a Deuter Act 45 (w/ 10L detachable patch) and son’s is an Osprey Ace 50. Frankly, both are still too big for them, and we would not want them to have more than 10-15 lbs in their packs since the hip belt still doesn’t quite fit, so their shoulders take a lot of the weight. They got these as Christmas gifts, and I think they’ll be fine once they grow into them.

 

[Yvonne]

what a great and fun trip.
Many of the places are on my bucket list

 

[Miya]

What an amazing trip! I am sure your kids will always remember it.
There are some extra special photos you captured. Can't wait till your next family trip report!