Good to know you liked it! It’s a must do for me when I get out that way again.
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If only I had known you then! 
@LZurg I am in Tacoma, but not sure if I have too much knowledge to add since I don’t vacation around here. Mostly day trips. I do agree with @janamelia that Mt. St. Helen’s is worth a visit if you can fit it in! And please don’t skip Mt. Rainier! She’s a beauty! But there can be crowds in the nice weather times of year.
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This is so like Mesa Verde. On one trip I was watching the park website daily. As we drove into Durango from Bayfield I saw lightning off to the west. Sure enough, by morning Mesa Verde was closed due to wildfires. The entrance road goes up on a tall arid mesa with limited access anywhere. The times we have been able to visit we’ve seen fire trucks everywhere.
As for Lassen, my last visit was in the south entrance up to some mud pots which worked. Also threw some snow balls and then back the way we came. Early June. Crater was a complete by pass due to snow.
We camped at Kings Canyon to visit both that park and Sequoia and then camped in a forest service or Recreation area campground to visit Yosemite - only 30 miles away. They all 3 were so congested 20 years ago. I can’t think what they’re like now. 
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Thanks all! Sounds like I definitely need to add the Winchester House to my list. Any vineyard recommendations?
Following because this is a trip I’ve been trying to plan for my family since the Before Times!
Looks like your question got answered- I don’t have access to the forums when I’m working. Yes, we liked it but I also just like old houses. As you heard it’s not so much “mystery” as “interesting”- the woman who built it made some unique choices.
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Thank you! I love old houses so I definitely think I will like this one!
Anything else in the San Jose area that might appeal? I’m contemplating not necessarily going north of San Fran.
We really only drove through San Jose, the Winchester house was on our way to Monterey. That is a gorgeous area if you head down that way. Point Lobos Natural Reserve is really nice for some easy hiking (plus of course the aquarium is top notch).
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I didn’t think there were any vineyard/wineries in the San Jose area, but I guess there are!
By the way, San Jose is my birthplace!
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Thanks!! I like J Lohr wines! This seems like a better alternative to driving up to Sonoma for a day. I’m looking forward to San Jose!
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I live in CA and did a road trip up to Monterey last year and I’m planning a trip to Yosemite for next June.
First, for Yosemite, like someone mentioned earlier - the reservations go fast! The website says to book 366 days in advance, but I think it’s actually 367. For example:
Today is June 21. Looking at the website, June 23 is no longer available. When I check the website at 6am PST tomorrow, June 24 will be completely booked.
I haven’t managed to figure out exactly when they release reservations, but it’s sometime after 2 am PST.
Luckily, we are going in early June, so I was able to get the reservations I wanted by checking throughout the day, but I haven’t seen much availability open up during the day now that we’re into late June.
Also, I’ve heard people do leading reservations like with wdw adrs. They will book a reservation starting earlier than they plan to arrive and then call back later and cancel the first few days of their reservation. I don’t know if that would even work in July since it’s all in high demand!
Look up Dirt In My Shoes on YouTube/instagram. I have found her videos so helpful!
For Monterey, the highlights of our trip were Point Lobos State Reserve, 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, Point Sur State Historic Park Lighthouse, and if you’re willing to drive just a little further south, Pinnacles National Park was amazing. We spent an afternoon walking through Carmel and it was a charming town. Let me know if you have any questions about our trip!
We will be heading up to Seattle/Olympic National Park in August, I would love to hear how that part of your trip goes!
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We were there in June/July a couple of years ago. August is a great time to be in Rainer! I wrote about our trip here:
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I just read your entire trip report and it got me so excited for our trip, thank you for sharing!! I was planning on skipping Cape Flattery but your pictures have me rethinking that. I loved seeing the pictures of your family in your UC clothing! My oldest is heading into 7th grade, so I have just started thinking about his choices for high school impacting his college admissions, and all of the choices ahead of us!
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It is a long but gorgeous drive out there 
! We wished the sun was out!
Best wishes for making school decisions that are the best fit for your children. Feel free to PM for CA colleges discussions.
In San Francisco, don’t miss Golden Gate Park, the Ferry Building marketplace, Fisherman’s Wharf for great seafood. For unique lodging, try the Fairmont hotel on Nob Hill or the Hotel Vitale for awesome bay views.
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I started a separate thread for a trip report on our vacation. It’s not all northern CA related, but the last half is. Hopefully I don’t take forever to finish it and hopefully it helps someone!
https://forum.touringplans.com/t/seattle-to-big-sur-ndr-family-togetherness/100488
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