Portland to Seattle with toddler

Question

Hello! We are visiting family for Thanksgiving in Portland for a couple days and will then be heading north to Seattle and Vancouver for 2 days each. For the day we go to Seattle, we are debating whether to rent a car in Portland and make a road trip with a couple stops on the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach and Astoria) on our way to Seattle. I’ve been reading mixed reviews on the weather, however, and am starting to wonder if it would be too much for our toddler and due to possible bad weather. I am also wondering if chains would be a necessity and how they would work with a rental.

Would you recommend taking the Amtrak to Seattle instead and just skip the road trip through the coast?

Thanks!

Would you recommend taking the Amtrak to Seattle instead and just skip the road trip through the coast?

Thanks!

kaleberg · Accepted Answer

Please go to Googlemaps, and type in Seattle as your destination and Portland as your starting point. As you will see, the coast is not on your route to Seattle. Cannon Beach would require a fairly long detour, and Astoria is not even on the coast. It's on the Columbia River. You would be adding hours to the drive.

No, you would have no need of chains. There is almost no possibility of snow; it would be freakish along the coast or even inland outside the mountains. However, there is every likelihood of miserable weather such as rain, high winds, or fog. Few things are as frustrating as trying to enjoy a nice stroll on the beach while wind is blowing horizontal rain right into your face. Just take the train.

oregonpoppa · Answer

Kids love trains and hate being strapped in car seats for hours on end. Trains allow freedom to move around and visit the snack bar (and areal drink for you if you want). There probably won't be snow. but there's no guarantee of decent weather. Save the sightseeing for Seattle and Vancouver and take the less stressful option...the train.

Mtngrl · Answer

I love the OR coast in the winter, but not everyone does and especially with a toddler that that could be not much fun. The one big thing that would detract me about this is your timeline, as it is really out of the way. From PDX to CB is 2 hours, and then CB to Seattle is 4 hours, all in regular traffic. you are talking about over Thanksgiving time, so you would need to factor in more time.

The train is easy, BUT they do sell out so if you go that route, buy your tickets like yesterday. Thanksgiving is an extremely busy time for the train.

If you drive and just go from PDX to Seattle, that is normally 3 hours, but with holiday traffic it can be anything, so you would need to pack your patience.

r c · Answer

welcome take the train and dont worry. Or Drive. Once your kid gets older you can re-create your journey if you want and or do the Coast or other route. Travel is a do over. good luck

sarahlT7104JR · Answer

Thanks everyone! We will be skipping the coast this time.

Portland to Seattle with toddler - Portland Forum

Portland to Seattle with toddler

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