Washington Travel Guide
Visit Washington to experience a captivating blend of natural beauty and diverse outdoor adventures. With snow-capped peaks, rugged coastline, evergreen forests, wildflower fields, and abundant wildlife, this state offers an endless array of thrilling pursuits for those who seek the great outdoors.
Washington Itinerary
Washington Road Trip Itinerary: 7 to 14 Days in the National Parks
This Washington itinerary is geared to visiting the three national parks in Washington state: Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades. But you also have enough time to visit Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed town, go wine tasting at Lake Chelan, visit Mount Baker, and go on a day hike in the Enchantments.
Washington National Parks
There are three Washington national parks: Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades. In this guide to the Washington national parks, get an overview on the best things to see and do in each park, important planning advice, and a sample itinerary to help you plan your Washington road trip.
Washington National Parks: Travel Guide & Itinerary
Mount Rainier National Park
From the top things to do in the park, to the best trails to hike, and sample itineraries to help you plan your time, here are our articles about Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guide
In our Guide to Mount Rainier National Park, learn about the best things to do, the best hiking trails, where to eat, and where to stay.
Tolmie Peak Lookout Hike | Mount Rainier National Park
This fun hike takes you through dense forests and past several alpine lakes before delivering you to the Tolmie Peak Lookout, for a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier. This hike is located in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, and due to its more remote location, gets less visitors than many other places […]
The Perfect Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary
How do you plan the perfect Mount Rainier National Park itinerary? The answer to this question depends on how much time you have to spend in the park and how much you like to go hiking. At a minimum, you need two days in the park, in order to visit the highlights and hike a […]
Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap Hike | Mount Rainier National Park
In Mount Rainier National Park, hiking the Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap is on the longer and more difficult side, but it has a little bit of everything…old growth forests, fields of wildflowers, views of Mount Rainier, the chance to spot wildlife, high alpine views, and panoramic views out to Mount Adams. I wouldn’t classify […]
Skyline Trail Loop & Panorama Point, Mount Rainier National Park
For jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier National Park, it’s hard to beat the Skyline Trail Loop. The entire hike is a beauty. Starting in Paradise, you will hike past lovely Myrtle Falls, through pine forests, and then ascend the slopes to the base of Mount Rainier. From Panorama Point, enjoy spectacular views over the park, […]
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail Guide | Mount Rainier National Park
The Mount Fremont Fire Lookout hike was our introduction to Mount Rainier National Park and what a great first impression!! Without spending much effort, you get awesome views of Mount Rainier for most of the hike, not to mention stunning views over the Sunrise side of the park. If you are looking for a hike […]
How to Hike the Silver Falls Loop Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
The Silver Falls Loop Trail is a wonderful short hike in Mount Rainier National Park. What it lacks in views of Mount Rainier it makes up for in its easy walkability and breathtaking views of Silver Falls. This short, easy trail is perfect for all ages and ability levels. Less than 4 miles in length, […]
15 Epic Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
One of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park is from a hiking trail, of which there are many. Some of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park are short and sweet, offering jaw-dropping views with very little effort. But for those who crave more adventure or want to journey deep into […]
14 Amazing Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is a glacier-capped, active volcano that can be seen from hundreds of miles away. In the summer months, the lower slopes are carpeted with wildflowers. With its old growth forests and network of hiking trails, this is an outdoor paradise for many travelers. In this post, we cover the best things to do […]
Olympic National Park
17 Great Hikes in Olympic National Park (+ Map & Photos)
One thing that makes Olympic National Park so unique is its wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems. In this one park, you can hike to mountain peaks, stroll through lush, temperate rainforests, and explore the rugged, rocky coastline. In this post, we list 17 of the best hikes in Olympic National Park…17 great ways to […]
Best Things to Do in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, with its mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, and rugged coastline, is one of the most diverse national parks in the United States. In this post, we share with you interesting facts, important planning tips, and the best things to do in Olympic National Park. Interesting Facts about Olympic National Park Olympic National Park […]
Hiking Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park
The hike to Mount Storm King is a short but grueling hike in Olympic National Park. From the peak, you get a spectacular view of Lake Crescent. On this hike, it is a steep, relentless climb up to Mount Storm King. Just before reaching the summit, where the trail somehow gets even steeper, you’ll pull […]
Hiking the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles, Olympic NP
The hike from Hurricane Ridge to Mount Angeles is a spectacular day hike in Olympic National Park. Along the Klahhane Ridge Trail you have panoramic views over this side of Olympic National Park. To get up onto Mount Angeles, it’s a tough hike that ends with some tricky rock scrambling, but you are rewarded for […]
How to Hike the Staircase Rapids Loop in Olympic National Park
The Staircase Rapids Loop is an underrated trail in Olympic National Park. On this short, easy hike, you will walk along the North Fork of the Skokomish River, through a temperate rainforest, with views of waterfalls and rapids. Just under 3 miles long, this trail loops up and around Staircase Rapids. With waterfalls, dense forests, […]
North Cascades National Park
Everything you need to know to plan your visit to plan your visit to North Cascades National Park.
North Cascades National Park Travel Guide
In our Guide to North Cascades National Park, learn about the best things to do, the best hiking trails, where to eat, and where to stay.
Exactly How to Hike the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades
The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everything…wildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. Although it is not located in North Cascades National Park, you bump right up against the park border. From the highest points along the trail, […]
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Hike: North Cascades National Park
For outstanding views of the North Cascades, put the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike on your list. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. You’ll hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain […]
9 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
Wild, rugged, remote…North Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. The scenic drives and overlooks give you a glimpse of the beauty of this place, but to truly discover the majesty of the North Cascades, you’ll have to hit the hiking trails. Here are the 9 best things to do […]
12 Great Hikes in North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is not a place that easily reveals itself. Sure, the drive along Highway 20 is lovely. And the viewpoints over the lakes and mountain passes are gorgeous. But, to really see this park, you are going to have to invest some time on the hiking trails. If you only saw the […]
Enchantments Thru Hike
The Enchantments Thru Hike: The Complete Guide
The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. There are two trailheads and from both of these starting points […]
How to Hike the Enchantments in One Day: A Step-By-Step Trail Guide
If you are a hiker, the Enchantments is a destination that belongs at the top of your list. Turquoise, emerald, and aquamarine alpine lakes are scattered through the jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks. Wildflowers bloom along the edges of the trail, mountain goats graze on the grasses, and the larches turn brilliantly yellow in the fall […]
USA Travel Ideas
Ultimate US National Parks List for 2024 (+ Printable Checklist)
The US national parks are one of this country’s best ideas…land set aside for the preservation of the natural world and the enjoyment of the people. Every few years, another park gets added and the US national parks list grows a little longer. Over the past 150 years, 63 national parks have been created in […]
Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure
One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big […]
Best National Parks in the USA: 15 Amazing Parks for Your Bucket List
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
15 Great Places to Work Remotely in the USA
The COVID-19 pandemic brought huge changes to how we live and work. With lockdowns and social distancing, employees of many businesses began to work remotely. Home offices, kitchens, and spare bedrooms became the new office space for many people. What we thought would be a temporary adjustment has now become a more permanent aspect of […]
Top Experiences in Washington
Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier is a glacier-capped, active volcano that can be seen from hundreds of miles away. In the summer months, the lower slopes are carpeted with wildflowers. With its old growth forests and network of hiking trails, this is an outdoor paradise for many travelers.
Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park, with its mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, and rugged coastline, is one of the most diverse national parks in the United States. Hikers will enjoy traversing Olympic’s high peaks and various ecosystems, and vacationers will long to stop along Olympic’s unique pacific coastline.
North Cascades National Park. Wild, rugged, remote…North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. The scenic drives and overlooks give you a glimpse of the beauty of this place, but to truly discover the majesty of the North Cascades, you’ll have to hit the hiking trails.
Mount Baker. Mount Baker lies to the north of North Cascades National Park. In the summer it is a hiking destination and in the winter it is a skiing destination. Even if you are not an avid hiker, the area’s scenic drives and short hikes will attract visitors to Mount Baker’s stunning views.
Mount St. Helens National Monument. Mount St. Helens is one of traveler’s favorite Washington excursions. Made famous from its infamous explosion over 4 decades ago, visitors flock to the still-steaming volcano to catch sight of this destructive force. Hiking trails bring visitors to its summit, and viewpoints and educational resources surround the blasted peak.
Leavenworth. Leavenworth is a small but picturesque town modeled after a Bavarian village. Sadly, it has become populated with tourists and can often feel more like a theme park than a traditional town, however it is still an adorable place to visit and has many renowned restaurants and German culture. Leavenworth is the perfect place to stay if you plan to hike the Enchantments.
The Enchantments Thru Hike. If you are an avid hiker, the Enchantments is a destination that belongs at the top of your list. Turquoise, emerald, and aquamarine alpine lakes are scattered through the jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks. Wildflowers bloom along the edges of the trail, mountain goats graze on the grasses, and the larches turn brilliantly yellow in the fall months. This hike is not easy, but every view will feel like a fairytale.
Lake Chelan. Lake Chelan is a scenic lake at the southeast end of North Cascades National Park. The lake is a common vacation spot, and is best known for its watersports, fishing, and wine tastings. Travelers can cruise on the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin valley, a remote gateway to North Cascades National Park.
Ride a Seaplane over the Puget Sound. The Puget Sound extends along Washington’s urban core, and its waters boast a variety of islands and small state parks to explore. But the best experience to be had here is to ride a seaplane on the open waters and sight orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales.
Seattle. Home to the Space Needle, birthplace of Starbucks, and headquarters to many major tech hubs: Seattle is a fascinating city to explore. Experience Seattle’s vibrant music scene at the Museum of Pop Culture, visit the Seattle Center to capture the city’s love for science, and stroll through Pikes Place Market for authentic meals.
Snoqualmie Falls. Snoqualmie Falls, a top attraction in Washington, lies just outside of Seattle. This remarkable natural wonder showcases an impressive 268ft waterfall cascading down a horseshoe canyon. Awe-inspiring views are accessible through a brief hike to its upper and lower observation decks.
Deception Pass State Park. Deception Pass invites you to embrace the rugged beauty of Washington’s coastline. This park covers Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island, with the iconic Deception Pass bridge connecting the two. You’ll find a range of activities including hiking, kayaking, relaxing on the beach, wildlife spotting, and camping opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Washington
The best time to visit Washington is in the summer months July through September, when the roads in all three of the national parks are open. Outside of these months, you risk encountering road closures, especially in Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks.
If you wish to see wildflower blooms, plan your visit around mid July to mid August.
US National Parks
US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.