Driving up the curving roads of Mount Rainier we reveled in the picture perfect scenery outside our windows. How are we so lucky to live so close to so much natural beauty? With only the sound of the tires rolling along the pavement, and the dichotomy of calming music and constant chatter from our little ones bouncing around the camper van. Especially during this stressful time in our lives, we are thrilled to be getting time away. Never before has solace and fresh air been so vital to our overall sense of well being as both individuals and as a family.

With little children in tow it is always a delicate balance between getting away from it all and making certain their needs are met. We love adventures, but with little kids there is always an added layer of preparation required. I know one stumbling block for getting away can be how much stuff little ones require. It is easy to ask yourself is it even possible to get away with little ones and still have fun? The answer is yes, and I promise you will have fun too.

Once I read how Peace Van Rentals offer camper vans with running water, two burner propane stoves, storage cabinets, tables and some even with heaters I was immediately stoked at the prospect of trying one out. If you have ever camped in tent and had to hold a cold baby all night long you will appreciate the heater. If you have every changed a dirty diaper in the woods, or had your child spit up on you or even done something simple like chop up strawberries for your children then you will understand how exciting running water is. If you have ever hiked with a baby who prefers warm bottles or camped in a no burn zone then having a two burner stove is perfect. If you have ever needed to store breastmilk or kept your child’s favorite kind of yogurt cold then the refrigerator is life changing. If you have ever been to a campsite so buggy you are eaten alive or grown tired of them constantly buzzing in your ear then being able to hop into a bug tight van at night to sleep is priceless.

Dewey Lake as seen from the Naches Lake Loop Trail

Peace Vans are the perfect solution for the tired, stressed out, overscheduled family to temporarily put a pause on the frenzy of life and spend quality time together. Early one morning we eagerly packed up our Mercedes Metris and headed off for a few days of camping, hiking and reveling in the beauty only a Pacific Northwest Summer can offer. In particular, we set out to see the gorgeous wildflowers of Mount Rainier and maybe a marmot or black bear or both.

No more than two and a half hours into our trip we were all set up along side a raging river with our awning fully extended and enjoying our shaded picnic lunch. I know it sounds simple, but having a shady place to eat with little ones is pretty much a mother’s dream come true! Being able to forgo the dreaded sunscreen battle just to eat lunch was an unexpected bonus to our trip. I think every mom mobile needs an awning!

Usually, we reserve Mount Rainier for a day trip. We wake up early in the morning and spend a full day hiking and then come home late. Now with a baby in tow, it was so nice to be able to see more of the park at our own pace and not have to make the long drive home at the end of the day. We hiked two new to us and kid friendly trails: Naches Lake Loop and Snow Lake Trail. As a family we love any hike which culminates at a lake. It gives us both a good incentive to keep hiking and makes us feel like we ended up a great reward!

Several months into this pandemic and I believe it has already taught our family a lot. Gone are the days of our desire to fight crowds, wait in lines, jockey for parking spots, battle traffic, deal with delayed flights and the stress ensued by flying in general. All of this in the name of feeling like we have “escaped” the mundane. Since we are fortunate enough to call the Pacific Northwest home there are endless places to explore within a two to four hour drive. In Washington state, there are more beautiful sights to appreciate than enough time to take it all in.

Instead of fighting crowds, we drove fifteen minutes to downtown Seattle to pack up our Mercedes Metris and hit the road with only a vague itinerary in mind. With an atlas in hand and a refrigerator full of food we were ready for a few days of complete and utter disconnect from the world. With Peace Vans the vacation starts the moment you set foot inside the vehicle. Unlike an unkept rental car, these meticulously cared for vehicles provide a dizzying array of fun in the process of the journey. As cliche as it sounds with Peace Vans getting there is truly half the fun.

Peace Vans offers fully stocked vans for even the most discerning campers/adventurers. Think both big items like camp chairs, portable stove and folding table to small items like dish towels or measuring cups. Instead of having to drag out of storage our camping equipment, take inventory of what are missing and shop for additional items we just showed up. For our three day trip all we needed to do was grocery shop (which we would have to do anyway if we had just stayed home) and bring along our clothing, toiletries and a million other random items our little ones MIGHT need (think copious pairs of underwear) or want (think binoculars, books and blocks) during the duration of our trip.

The weather changes rapidly at Mount Rainier. It is best to pack more layers than you think you will need.

Peace Vans make it easy to set up just about anywhere you are permitted to camp.

Just a few of the essentials our Mercedes Metris was stocked with.

Laughter and s'mores, shadow puppets and counting stars in the night sky there isn't much required to keep both big and little ones happy in the great outdoors. Our mornings were slow with cups of steaming hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows of course). We spent our days hiking along sun drenched and wildflower laden trails. We tried our best to catalog all the flora and fauna we spotted (tiger lilies and mountain goats are the definitive favorites). We picnicked alongside waterfalls, creeks and rivers all with the beautiful background of Mount Rainier. Our nights were spent eating piping hot bowls of rice and lentils, swatting away mosquitoes and chatting around the fire.

In those rare moments where all the distractions of the outside world dissipate into the night sky- therein lies the magic I was seeking. In those moments of laughter and love and utter contentment I am reminded what fuels the hours of planning or packing or prepping. And the grand finale to each day was witnessing our children squeal with delight as they watched our van transform into a hotel on wheels.

Peace Vans is so passionate about getting locals out exploring their beautiful state they even offer a Season Pass. May through October 6 night minimum, November through April 4 night minimum.

Peace Vans: 2443 6th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134

http://www.peacevansrentals.com