It’s been said that a picture is worth 1,000 words. This statement is surely true for our family’s long awaited trip to the Pacific Northwest.

The adventure was full of firsts! For most of the family it was their first time in the Seattle area.

Easton, Washington

We stayed at the Moulton Family Lodge 70 miles east of Seattle in the mountains just outside of the Snoqualmie National Forest in Easton, Washington.

Moulton Lodge

short hike from the lodge

Seattle, Washington

It was the first time we had used City Pass.  We were able to take in several of Seattle’s most popular attractions at a 40% discount.  We loved it, and can’t wait for our next excursion that takes us to a different city that uses City Pass.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

Elliott Bay Ferris Wheel

City Pass in Seattle gives you some options.  We went with the Chihuly Garden and Glass which was such a treat for the eyes!  There was so much color; truly astounding what can be done with glass.  It was used in garden displays as well as suspended displays and sculptures.

We also chose to go on the Seattle Waterfront Tour with Argosy Tours.  This was perfect for us.  The ocean, massive mountains and shipping yards as well as the coastal views of gorgeous cities were just breathtaking!  It was a beautiful day with great temps.  As always, it was fun to watch the kids reactions to so many things they’d never seen.

Seattle Waterfront Tour

The Space Needle was under renovations but they are still allowing tours.  In fact, as disappointing as it was to have missed seeing the famed restaurant and all that was, it was fascinating to see what is coming!  They are putting in a glass bottom among other great new improvements.

Space Needle (view from harbor tour)

Sea Lions from (view from harbor tour)

Coastal Mountain Views

Seattle Aquarium

Space Needle Renovations

Waterfront from the Space Needle

Pikes Place Market

A must see on any trip to Seattle. I found its history fascinating.  Pikes Place Market began operating in 1907 as a farmers market.  It now has several levels of unique shops that include small farmers, antique dealers, comic book and collectibles shops, numerous flower shops, fishmongers, fresh produce and world-famous restaurants.  Flying fish and the gum wall were family favorites.  I was surprised at the crowds for being just the beginning of spring but the experience was really a one-of-a-kind.

The gang at Pike’s Place Market

Danny & Jaz at the famous and disgusting gum wall

Back to the Lodge

With stunning views and lush vegetation, Snoqualmie Falls is just minutes off of I-90 about 35 miles en route to Seattle.  These 268′ falls are world famous, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year.  We spent about an hour here walking along the lookouts with jaws dropped and even took a look in the gift shop.

Snoqualmie Falls

Shoshone Falls were massive! From the moment we got out of the cars, the spray was felt and the roar was loud!  Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, Shoshone Falls is a perfect way to break up the drive if heading to the Northwest from Utah’s Wasatch Front. It was a great way to cap off a fantastic and memorable family trip! Boise, Idaho is the half-way mark from Utah County. I would recommend taking two days to make the drive.

Shoshone Falls, Idaho

A Gift to Remember!

I have wanted to take my family to the Seattle area for about 15 years, so one can imagine my surprise and excitement on Christmas morning when our kids gave us this trip. Sweet family memories seeing incredible sights and enjoying coloring Easter eggs at the Moulton Family Lodge together will always be a treasure.  For me it was more than worth the wait. I think for the kids, they feel the wait was longer than it should have been.