See Washington State’s National Parks in 9 Days
Washington is lucky enough to have three national parks, each with its own allure. If you have the time, spending a few days in each one is worth it. The best time to go is July-September, as all three parks will be open, and your chances of encountering snow are minimal.
Note: Timed reservations are required for entering the Paradise and Sunrise areas of Mount Rainier National Park during high season (for more information, visit recreation.gov).
North Cascades National Park
Day 1: Seattle to North Cascades
100 mi/160 km/2 hours
From Seattle, make the 2-hour drive northeast via I-5 and Route 20 along the North Cascades Highway. Your first stop is in Concrete at the Lower Baker Dam Overlook for views of this mighty dam. When you’re hungry, take a lunch break at Annie’s Pizza Station, known for its freshly made pizzas. After refueling, head to the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center to spot local birds and have a chance to see bald eagles.
Continue driving to North Cascades National Park. Your base will be in Marblemount, but continue past here for the afternoon. Start with the Trail of the Cedars, a short loop hike that takes you over a suspension bridge and through an ancient forest of towering cedar trees. For a more challenging hike, try Heather-Maple Pass Loop, known for its alpine views and wildflower meadows. After a day of hiking, head back to Marblemount and enjoy a hearty dinner at the Upriver Grill & Taproom.
Day 2: North Cascades
114 mi/183 km/2.5 hours
Drive to Newhalem to stock up on food for the day at the Newhalem General Store. From Newhalem, head to the Diablo Lake Overlook to get stunning photos of the turquoise lake. See more of the lake by going on a Diablo Lake Boat Tour.
Enjoy the lunch you packed from Newhalem while taking in the surroundings of Diablo Lake. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Lake trailhead for an easy, rewarding hike that ends at a beautiful lake. Later, make your way to Washington Pass at the far edge of the park for more spectacular views of the North Cascades. Return to Marblemount for the night and enjoy dinner at Mondo’s.
Olympic National Park
Day 3: North Cascades to Port Angeles
160 mi/260 km/4 hours
Start your morning early and head toward Olympic National Park. To get here, retrace the North Cascades Highway to I-5 then drive south to Edmonds where you’ll catch the ferry to Kingston. From Kingston, take Route 104 west towards the Olympic Peninsula. Continue driving until you reach Sequim. Have lunch at the Oak Table Café.
Continue to Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park and spend the afternoon strolling around the lake’s perimeter or go for a hike, such as Marymere Falls, an easy hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. If you’re up for something more challenging, head up Mount Storm King for incredible panoramic views of the lake.
In the evening, drive to Port Angeles and settle in for the night. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Fiesta Jalisco, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
Day 4: Port Angeles to Forks
56 mi/90 km/1 hour
In the morning, head toward Neah Bay to visit the Makah Cultural and Research Center and learn about the culture of the Makah Tribe. After, enjoy clam chowder at Warmhouse Restaurant.
Drive south to the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the park’s most mystical areas. Stop at the visitor center to learn about the region’s ecosystems, and then hike the Hall of Mosses trail, a short loop through a forest draped in vibrant mosses and ferns. For a longer hike, check out part of the Hoh River Trail, which follows the river deep into the forest.
In the evening, drive to Forks and stay overnight. Enjoy burgers and fries at Sully’s Drive-In, and go on a self-guided Twilight tour around town if you have time.
Day 5: Forks to Lake Quinault
67 mi/108 km/1 hour 20 minutes
Your last day in Olympic National Park is all about discovering its coastal beauty. Start with a visit to Rialto Beach and its dramatic sea stacks, and the Hole-in-the-Wall hike, a popular trek that leads to a unique rock formation offering stunning coastal views. After your morning hike, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at River’s Edge Restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the tide pools and sea stacks on Ruby Beach, and continue south on US 101 to the iconic Tree of Life, a large Sitka spruce precariously perched on a cliff, held in place by its roots.
Continue to Lake Quinault in the southwestern part of the park. To immerse yourself in the lush environment, drive the Quinault Rain Forest Loop or hike the Quinault Loop Trail. End your day with dinner at The Salmon House for baked salmon and a view of the lake.
Mount Rainier National Park
Day 6: Lake Quinault to Ashford
145 mi/233 km/3 hours
Start with an early-morning departure from Lake Quinault, heading toward Mount Rainier National Park. The drive is approximately 3 hours, and you’ll stop at Rainier BaseCamp Bar & Grill in Ashford for lunch. This town will be your base, so you could also check into your accommodation before going into the park.
In the afternoon, head to the Paradise area of the park and stop at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Begin your exploration with a hike on the Nisqually Vista Trail, an easy loop with close-up views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. For a second short hike, drive down Stevens Canyon Road to reach Bench and Snow Lakes, where you’ll hike to a lake you can swim in.
Head back toward Ashford and visit Reflection Lakes for a few pictures. Stop at Christine Falls or one of the many other waterfalls on the way back. Once in Ashford, enjoy dinner at Copper Creek Inn.
Day 7: Ashford to Sunrise
107 mi/172 km/2 hours
Start your day with a quick breakfast at the Ashford General Store and embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to the Sunrise area, following Stevens Canyon Road and Route 123. If you’re up for a hike, make your way to the Silver Falls trailhead in the Ohanapecosh area, known for its beautiful waterfall. Continue north to Sunrise, making sure to stop at some of the many viewpoints along Sunrise Park Road.
Once you arrive at Sunrise, visit the Sunrise Visitor Center to get information on any hikes you’re interested in. Sourdough Ridge Trail has expansive views of the park’s terrain, or hike to Mount Fremont Lookout to visit a historic fire lookout.
Have lunch at Sunrise Day Lodge and relax for a bit. You can explore another trail around Sunrise, such as the easy Sunrise Nature Trail, or head back toward Ashford. Stop in the Ohanapecosh area to hike the Silver Falls Trail. Have dinner at Wildberry in Ashford.
With More Time
Day 8: Mount Rainier to Mount St. Helens
70 mi/113 km/2 hours
Start your day with a scenic 2-hour drive to Mount St. Helens. Make your first stop at the Mount St. Helens Interpretive Center at Silver Lake to learn about the history and impact of the eruption. If you’re up for a hike, Hummocks Trail is an easy one, or Harry’s Ridge is a longer but rewarding route. Note: The Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed until 2027; see www.fs.usda.gov for updates.
End your day by driving to the town of Castle Rock, where you can settle in for the night. Enjoy dinner at Parker’s Steakhouse and Brewery.
Day 9: Mount St. Helens to Mount Adams
136 mi/219 km/ 2 hours 15 minutes
Set off toward Mount Adams. Your first stop is the Mount Adams Ranger Station, where you can learn about the best hiking trails and scenic spots and pick up maps.
For lunch, head into the town of Trout Lake and enjoy a filling meal at Mt. Adams Pizza. In the afternoon, go on the Crofton Butte hike, a moderately challenging trail with views of the surrounding forests and Mount Adams. Return to Trout Lake and dine on sandwiches at the Station Café. The return trip to Seattle is roughly 4 hours (250 mi/402 km), so it’s worth staying the night at Trout Lake Valley Inn and driving back the next day.
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