10-Day Washington State Road Trip: North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Park
Washington State is a dream for outdoor lovers, and this 10-day road trip will take you to some of the most stunning spots. From the towering peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, to the misty rainforests and rugged coastline of Olympic National Park, you’ll experience it all—plus a ton of delicious food, quirky attractions, and plenty of hiking to keep you on your toes. Buckle up, it’s time for an adventure! Since this itinerary has you visiting 3 National Parks, I highly recommend buying a Parks Pass!
**Please note that this itinerary is geared for the summer months, July and August.
Day 1: Seattle – The Gateway to Adventure
Morning: You’ve arrived in Seattle, the city of coffee, tech, and unexpected sunshine.
First stop: Pike Place Market. If you don’t grab a pastry from Piroshky Piroshky, you’re doing it wrong. After inhaling carbs, wander around the market and watch fish get tossed through the air (because it’s never too early for a seafood show).
Lunch: Head over to Bacco Cafe for an Italian lunch with fresh pasta, or opt for something local and quirky like a Seattle-style hot dog at Seattle Dog.
Afternoon: Take a ride up the Space Needle—yeah, it’s touristy, but the views are worth it. From here, you’ll get a great view of Mount Rainier (if the clouds cooperate) and the Seattle skyline.
Dinner: Wrap up the day with a meal at The Pink Door in Pike Place Market. It’s an iconic spot with incredible Italian food and, if you’re lucky, a burlesque show. A perfect way to kick off your Washington adventure in style.
Day 2: Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park – Gateway to the Mountain
Morning: Time to leave the city behind and head southeast to Mount Rainier National Park. It’s about a 2-hour drive, but make sure to stop at a roadside diner along the way for that good ol’ greasy spoon breakfast. As of 2024, the Park is requiring time entry reservation unless you get in the Park before 7am. More info here.
Afternoon: Arrive at the park and kick things off with a hike. The Skyline Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the mountain, glaciers, and wildflower-filled meadows. If you’re up for something a little easier, the Paradise Loop Trail is a shorter, 1-mile trek that still gives you great views of Rainier. If you’d like a longer hike, check out Bench and Snow Lake Trail (2.2 miles). If you’d like to see as much of Mount Rainier National Park in a day, check out my blog here.
Dinner: You’ll be hungry after that hike, so head to Copper Creek Inn, where you can dig into a hearty meal of local salmon, steak, or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of marionberry pie. It’s the kind of pie that makes you want to cry (from joy, obviously).
Day 3: Mount Rainier to North Cascades National Park – The Wild West of Washington
Morning: On Day 3, you’ll be heading north towards North Cascades National Park (about a 3-hour drive). Along the way, stop at a local farm for fresh fruit or grab a coffee in Ellensburg—because road trip caffeine is always a good idea.
Afternoon: Arrive at North Cascades—the park that feels like it’s straight out of a National Geographic magazine. Stop at the overlook at Diablo Lake where you’ll have to pick your jaw off of the floor from how gorgeous it is! Cascade Pass Trail (7.4 miles), Maple Pass Loop (7.2 miles), and Blue Lake (1.7 miles) are some of the most iconic hikes here, with views of glaciers, jagged peaks, and the kind of landscape that makes you realize just how small you are. Don’t forget your camera—these views are next level.
Dinner: For dinner, head to The North Cascades Lodge for a homey meal with local ingredients. They’re known for their fresh fish and comforting mountain fare. After dinner, relax by the lodge’s cozy fireplace—you’ve earned it!
Day 4: North Cascades to Mount Baker Area – Alpine Bliss
Morning: Today’s adventure takes you to the Mount Baker Area (about 2.5 hours). Mount Baker is one of the snowiest places on Earth (yes, really), so be prepared for some stunning, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Afternoon: Take a hike to Artist Point for some of the best views in the area. The Hannegan Pass Trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes you through alpine meadows, with the grand finale being panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and glaciers. The scenery is so unreal, you’ll be tempted to just stand there, slack-jawed, for hours. Picture Lake is an iconic spot right next to the road (pictured below, no pun intended).
Dinner: For dinner, head to The Milano Restaurant in nearby Bellingham. They’ve got fantastic Italian dishes that’ll warm you up after a day of hiking. Grab a glass of wine and prepare for your next leg of the journey.
Day 5: Mount Baker to Olympic National Park – The Peninsula Beckons
Morning: Time to head to Olympic National Park! It’s about a 4-hour drive, so get ready to pass through more lush forests and small coastal towns along the way. Stop for lunch in Port Townsend, a charming Victorian seaport town, and grab a bite at The Fountain Cafe. If you want a more hikes for a weekend, check out my blog here.
Afternoon: Once you arrive at Olympic National Park, you’ll be treated to a wide variety of ecosystems. Start your exploration with a hike in the Hoh Rainforest. The Hall of Mosses Trail is a 1-mile loop through an otherworldly moss-draped forest. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a fantasy novel, but with fewer dragons.
Dinner: For dinner, head to The Lodge at Olympic National Park. This rustic spot has a cozy atmosphere and offers local seafood dishes—perfect after a day of hiking through misty forests. There is limited food here and Airbnb’s book up in advance here (as well as campgrounds) so plan accordingly!
Day 6: Olympic National Park – Coastal Hikes and Waterfalls
Morning: Today, you’re going coastal! Head out early to hike the Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall, a 4-mile round-trip hike along the rugged coastline with tide pools, sea stacks, and ocean views that will make your jaw drop. You might even spot some seals or sea otters—so keep an eye out!
Afternoon: Next, drive to Sol Duc Hot Springs for a soak in the natural hot springs. After hiking along beaches and cliffs, you deserve to relax in these steamy, mineral-rich waters. Just make sure to bring your swimsuit (and your sense of calm).
Dinner: For dinner, swing by The Manresa Castle Restaurant in Port Townsend. Not only does this place serve amazing food, but it’s also in a historic castle—so you can pretend you’re royalty while you feast.
Day 7: Olympic National Park to Port Angeles – Waterfalls and Views
Morning: On Day 7, head to Port Angeles, the gateway to the northern part of Olympic National Park. Along the way, stop at Marymere Falls for a short but scenic 1-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Afternoon: After your waterfall adventure, take the Hurricane Ridge drive for incredible panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The Hurricane Hill Trail is a 3.2-mile round-trip hike that gives you a 360-degree view of this wild, alpine environment. Get ready to feel on top of the world.
Dinner: For dinner, check out The Red Lion Hotel’s Restaurant in Port Angeles for an ocean view and some hearty Pacific Northwest cuisine. Pair it with a local craft beer for the perfect end to your day.
Day 8: Port Angeles to Seattle – The Ferry Ride Home
Morning: Time to leave the wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula behind and head back to Seattle. To make your journey even more epic, take the ferry from Port Angeles to Seattle. It’s about a 2-hour ride with fantastic views of the water and mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for whales—because, yeah, this is Washington, and we do that here.
Lunch: Once back in Seattle, grab a bite at Canlis (one of Seattle’s finest restaurants) for a luxurious meal to celebrate the end of your road trip. The views from this place are insane, and the food will leave you speechless.
Day 9 & 10: Explore Seattle – Last-Minute Adventures
Morning: Spend your last two days exploring Seattle. Whether it’s wandering through the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), grabbing a coffee at Victrola Coffee Roasters, or shopping in the Fremont District, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Emerald City.
Dinner: End your journey with dinner at The Walrus and the Carpenter, where you can indulge in fresh oysters, local seafood, and craft cocktails. It’s the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable adventure.
And just like that, your 10-day road trip through Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, and Olympic National Park comes to an end. You’ve hiked epic trails, soaked in mountain
