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Washington, the Evergreen State, is aptly named for its extensive forests. In addition to evergreen forests there are temperate rainforests, glistening glaciers, snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, turquoise lakes, fields of wildflowers, and rushing waterfalls. All of this epic scenery creates hiking opportunities galore. It’s no wonder that Washington is one of the top seven states for the most national parks.

The scenery is reason enough to visit Washington, but there are also cool themed small towns and bustling big cities. Feast on local seafood, learn the history of the state, admire artwork, and so much more in Washington.

While this Washington national park road trip is focused on visiting the state’s three national parks, it also includes other Washington highlights. It is designed for two weeks in Washington, but you can add or subtract days to fit your schedule. I included more in each day (in geographical order) than you will likely be able to do so you have options. Suggestions on how to alter the itinerary are included within the road trip. Everything is based on my own trips in Washington and personal research.

Washington National Park Road Trip

Days 1 – 2: Seattle

Whether at the start or end of your Washington road trip, make sure to include Washington’s largest city. Seattle has plenty of things to keep you busy for more than two days, but two days will give enough time to explore the highlights.

If your Washington road trip allows, spend 4 days in Seattle. My 4 day Seattle itinerary includes the biggest attractions, lesser-known sites, cool neighborhoods, the top places to eat, how to get around the city, and where to stay.

Days 3 – 5: Bainbridge Island, Kitsap Peninsula & The Olympic Peninsula

Leave Seattle by way of ferry and drive through Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula to the Olympic Peninsula. Much of the Olympic Peninsula is home to Olympic National Park. The different ecosystems of the park make Olympic NP one of the most diverse parks.

There are no roads that travel across the park. Hwy 101 forms a loop around the park. In this Washington national park road trip, drive on 101 counterclockwise from Bainbridge Island to Olympia. Without stopping or adding in the additional time to trailheads, it is about 280 miles and 6 hours of drive time. You won’t be making the full loop, but covering about 80% of it.

In this section I will be referencing my Olympic National Park hiking guide that includes hikes and accommodations by park section. If you want to hike a lot and visit all the following sections, you’ll definitely want to consider adding a day or two to this part of the road trip.

Day 3: Bainbridge Island to Port Angeles

Bainbridge Island

Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The passenger and vehicle ferry runs about once per hour. Purchase tickets on site. You’ll find restrooms, a small cafe, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating aboard. Thanks to the great views, the 35 minute journey across Puget Sound goes by way too quickly.

You can easily add on a full day in Bainbridge Island. Only a short walk and even shorter drive from the ferry is the Bainbridge History Museum, the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and the Kids Discovery Museum. Other things to do on the island include visiting the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, shopping in the boutiques and art galleries, and exploring the numerous parks. Another way to explore the best of the island is with a local guide on a tour with a wine tasting.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo is a super quaint Norwegian town on the Kitsap Peninsula. The walkable downtown along Liberty Bay has a waterfront park, museums, shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

We dined at Tizley’s Europub. Try to snag a seat on the second floor balcony with outdoor seating and nice views of main street. The Bavarian dishes are really good. I was impressed with my schnitzel sandwich and spaetzle on the side. The bread was delicious too.

Sluy’s Bakery next door is excellent. We stopped here both on the way to the Olympic Peninsula and the way back. If you’re following this Washington national park road trip you won’t be able to stop on the way back so don’t miss your chance now! Usually there is a line, but it moves fairly quickly. There’s a $5 minimum to pay with a card. Don’t worry about it as everything is delicious and you can easily buy $5 worth of sweets. This place knows how to bake!

Northeast Olympic Peninsula

Head over to my Olympic National Park hiking post for where to hike and where to stay in the Northeast. The Dungeness Recreation Area is a great area along the water. Walk along the shore to the New Dungeness Lighthouse.

This region is centered around Sequim, the lavender capital of the world. Many of the lavender farms are marked on the map above. Oak Table Cafe and Dockside Grill are recommended places to eat.

You may want to end your night in Sequim, especially if you can add an extra day to the Olympic National Park portion of the road trip.

Hurricane Ridge & Port Angeles

Hurricane Ridge is a popular hiking area near the town of Port Angeles. Hikes and accommodation options are included in my Olympic National Park hiking guide.

We dined at Hook & Line Pub as it had cheaper seafood. Unfortunately that came at a cost to quality as we felt the salmon was overcooked. The outdoor patio where we caught a glimpse of the sunset was very nice. I would give Kokopelli Grill next door a try next time. Turnip the Beet is a modern, healthy eatery with a clever name.

From Port Angeles, if you have extra time, take a ferry to Victoria, BC.

Day 4: Port Angeles to Forks

Hiking

There are many hiking opportunities between Port Angeles and Forks. Along with accommodation suggestions they are all included in my Olympic National Park hiking guide.

First is Lake Crescent which allows motorized boats and paddling rentals, in addition to all the nearby trails.

Next is the Sol Duc Valley with an old growth forest that makes for lovely hikes. At the Sol Duc Hot Springs resort you can rest up in the hot springs.

The Pacific Coastline is full of beautiful hikes from Neah Bay down to Ocean Shores. Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach are popular stops.

Hoh Rainforest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US. It doesn’t feel like a place you could experience in the US.

Forks

Stay in Forks for the night. Other than being one of the main base towns on the western side of the park, it is known for locations from the Twilight book series. Fans of the series can follow a self-guided Twilight tour.

There are limited places to eat in Forks. The highest rated include: Westend Taproom Tip & Sip, A Shot in the Dark, Home Slice Take & Bake, and Sully’s Drive-In.

Day 5: Forks to Olympia

Start your day with any of the suggestions above or head right to Quinault Rainforest.

Located in the southwestern section of the park, the Quinault Rainforest is the final section of the park to explore before heading to Olympia. It’s another temperate rainforest, but not quite as busy as Hoh because it is farther away. For one last time, my Olympic National Park hiking guide will help you out with hikes and places to stay in this area.

Drive a couple of hours and end your day in Olympia, which is described on day 6.

Day 6: Olympia

Spend a full day in Washington’s capital city. Later on in this Washington road trip you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Kittitas County Historical Museum in Ellensburg. Read about the city fire that may have influenced why the capital is in Olympia!

In addition to touring the capital, there are many other fun things to do in Olympia. My linked post also includes where to eat and where to stay in Olympia so I won’t repeat that here.

Day 7: Tacoma

Tacoma is another great city to visit on a Washington national park road trip. If you’re a hiker, these small town and city stops in between the parks will be a much needed break!

What to Do in Tacoma

Tacoma has a lot of cool things to do. I spent several hours at the Washington State History Museum. The permanent exhibits trace the history of the state from the earliest Native Americans to the people that have migrated and immigrated to WA in the centuries and decades since then. Don’t miss the “Remembrance” section on the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. As it was a big and horrible part of Washington’s history, you will encounter this topic in many WA history museums.

For more history specifically focused on Tacoma, visit the free Tacoma Historical Society. The Tacoma Pioneer Telephone Museum is a unique, niche history museum.

Art lovers can visit the Tacoma Art Museum. There is also The Museum of Glass which is of course focused on glass and glassblowing.

Car enthusiasts will want to head to LeMay, America’s Car Museum. If you have children in tow, don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Tacoma with nature inspired play areas.

There is also the biggest park in Tacoma, Point Defiance. The urban park has trails, beaches, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Another smaller park closer to downtown, Wright Park, has the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory.

Tacoma has some interesting experiences you can book like a rage room where it’s not only ok, but encouraged to break objects. There is a splatter paint experience where you are your own artist…..or just get really messy! A nerf battle adventure is full of fast paced games. The Master Lair’s Escape Room might help you prepare for the next museum heist (although I wouldn’t recommend it in real life).

Where to Eat in Tacoma

Three Hearts is a cafe with a hipster vibe in the Hilltop neighborhood. The portions weren’t huge, but my savory egg sandwich was flavorful.

Another cafe, Red Elm Cafe, was also on my list. I tried to eat at Side Piece Kitchen, but an hour before closing they were sold out of everything. One more highly rated brunch restaurant is Tibbits Fern Hill.

To have that great Pacific Northwest seafood, dine at the Fish Peddler or Duke’s Seafood. For French inspired seafood, try the popular Le Sel Bistro.

Where to Stay in Tacoma

Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood by JBLM – South of Tacoma in Lakewood, convenient when driving from the Olympic Peninsula to Tacoma. It is off interstate 5.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma South – Another option in Lakewood directly off interstate 5.
Hotel Murano – downtown Tacoma hotel close to many of the fun things to do in Tacoma.
Courtyard Tacoma Downtown – downtown hotel that is walking distance to several museums.

Day 8: Mount Rainier – Longmire & Paradise

Mount Rainier has 5 sections: Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and the Carbon River & Mowich Lake areas.

Longmire is in the southwest section near the Nisqually Entrance. It is a historic district with many of the earliest park buildings.

The section in the south, Paradise, is one of the most popular sections to visit. It is known for day hikes with epic views and meadows of wildflowers.

Due to construction I haven’t been able to visit the Longmire or Paradise section yet. The following was what I had researched, planned, and/or booked before I adjusted to two days in Sunrise instead (day 9).

What to Do in Longmire

The original 1916 park headquarters is now the Longmire Museum which tells the story of the park in the early years.

There are several hikes in the area. Trail of the Shadows is an easy .7 mile hike that begins near the Longmire Museum. Rampart Ridge Trail begins from the same trailhead and is a moderate loop. On the other side of the Nisqually River from the museum is the Eagle Peak Trail, a much harder out and back hike. Farther up the road near the Cougar Rock Campground is the Carter and Madcap Falls via Wonderland Trail, a family friendly hike that includes two waterfalls.

What to Do in Paradise

Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center in Paradise is the park’s primary visitor center.

The Skyline Loop is not only the most popular trail in Paradise, but the highest rated trail in the park. It is a hard 5.6 mile loop full of wildflowers, glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain views. If you don’t want to complete the full loop you can do an out and back hike to Panorama Point. For a shorter, easier hike start from the same trailhead and hike to Myrtle Falls. Enjoy Mt Rainier in the distance behind the 60 ft waterfall.

Where to Eat Near Longmire & Paradise

I was bummed to miss out on Paradise because of the hiking, but the food was another disappointment. The towns around Longmire and Paradise have a lot more restaurants and places to eat than around Sunrise.

In Longmire, the National Park Inn has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Longmire General Store sells a small range of groceries.

Paradise Inn also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the restaurant. It has a small cafe as well. At the visitor center, the Paradise Camp Deli has American fare for a quick lunch.

Asford has several restaurants. I wanted to eat at Wildberry Restaurant because it has a “taste of two worlds”. The restaurant has both American and Nepalese cuisines. You know I would be ordering a Nepalese dish! Paradise Village Restaurant offers a mix of Ukrainian and American dishes.

In Packwood there is Cliff Droppers, a counter-serve place for burgers. For a brewpub head to Packwood Brewing Co. One of the highest rated places is the Zest SriThai food truck.

Where to Stay Near Longmire & Paradise

Ashford is closest to Longmire. It is a good place to stay the night before coming to the Longmire and/or Paradise areas of Mt Rainier. You can stay the following night as well, but then it is a longer drive and some backtracking to head to Sunrise. Accommodations are quite pricey here with most places over $200/night during peak season.

Alexander’s Lodge at Mt Rainier: This is where I originally booked before our plans changed because it had the best combination of good reviews, but not crazy expensive (at least considering the comparable options).
Gateway Inn & Cabins: The cheapest option I found, but the reviews are lower.
Nisqually Lodge: Treat yourself at this highly rated property.

Staying directly in Longmire is convenient, especially for the first night.

National Park Inn: A historic NPS inn that is open year round. It only has 25 rooms so book early. There is no TV, phones, or internet.
Cougar Rock Campground: Located between Longmire and Paradise, it has RV and tent camp sites.

The best option if there is availability and your budget allows is staying in Paradise.

Paradise Inn: A historic NPS property with direct access to some of the best hiking in the Paradise area. It’s a very handy, but very pricey place to stay. The property does not have TV, phones, or internet.

Packwood works well for the second night in Mt Rainier. Stay two nights to avoid switching hotels and for slightly lower prices.

Packwood Lodge & Cabins: I booked here as it has good reviews and lower prices, while still having that woodsy lodging appeal.
Crest Trail Lodge: a traditional brand hotel style property.
Cowlitz River Lodge: A hotel style accommodation that is located right in town.

Day 9: Mount Rainier – Sunrise

Due to construction, we spent two days in Sunrise. Although we wanted to explore Longmire & Paradise, there are so many epic hikes in Sunrise that it really wasn’t a loss. The hikes here take you closer to Mt Rainier than any other section. Not only are there spectacular views of Mt Rainier, but 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The highest point in the park accessible by car is within Sunrise.

Timed entry reservations are required for the Sunrise Corridor from the White River Entrance. They are required daily from 7am – 5pm July to August. In September they are only required on the weekends and holidays.

What to Do in Sunrise

Sunrise Visitor Center

The end of the Sunrise Park Rd is the starting point for many hikes. This is where the visitor center and day lodge are located. There is a large paved parking lot and restrooms.

Before heading out on a trail, check out the Sunrise Visitor Center with exhibits and ranger programs.

If it is closed or you need any permits, stop at the White River Wilderness Information center (before driving to the visitor center) for ranger advice and to stamp your NPS passport book.

Burroughs Mountain Loop

We hiked the Burroughs Mountain loop counterclockwise, but I would recommend hiking it clockwise. Start at the Sunrise Rim Trailhead and head south from the parking lot. There are less hikers going this way and you have the rocky incline going up instead of down, personally I would have found that easier. Most importantly the closest views will be in front of you going towards Mt Rainier instead of behind you.

Traveling clockwise the hike begins with a fairly easy walk through the forest on the Sunrise Rim Trail to the Wonderland Trail. After about 1.3 miles you’ll reach the campground that has an outhouse. Shortly after, the climb will begin alongside the mountain with great views of a pretty lake below and Mt Rainier approaching in the distance.

The first of three burroughs is at the midpoint of the loop. For a shorter hike enjoy the view here and then continue hiking clockwise back to the parking lot.

If you are continuing you’ll now be on an out and back section. After a short, but steep climb you’ll reach the second burrough. Mt Rainier is now so close you feel like you could almost touch it. It’s a good rocky spot for a break, but you won’t be alone.

Many hikers turn around at the second burrough. While the trail becomes much steeper, Mt Rainier is getting even closer as you make your way to the third burrough. At any point you can turn around and then head back the same way until you reach the loop junction. Turn the opposite way you came to complete the full loop, which is the North Burroughs Mountain Trail to the Sourdough Ridge Trail back to the north side of the parking lot.

Other than the initial forest section, this trail is very exposed, especially on the north side of the loop and in the out and back portion of the burroughs. There isn’t a lot of solitude, especially in the morning, as it’s a popular hike for people to do on a day trip or with a tour group from Seattle.

Mount Fremont Fire Lookout

This trail begins from the Sourdough Ridge Trailhead on the north side of the parking lot. It follows the same trail as the Burroughs Loop until Frozen Lake when it veers off and up in the opposite direction. The views at the lookout tower are worth the climb.

There is an open air pit toilet near the lookout tower.

Silver Forest Trail

For something less strenuous that doesn’t skimp on views, hike the Silver Forest Trail. It begins from the Sunrise Rim Trailhead. With only 314ft of elevation gain this 2.8 mile trail is perfect if you need something more after a strenuous hike or just want a shorter, easier hike. Multiple spots along the way open up to Mt Rainier in all her glory.

Palisades Lake Trail

Although not as popular, I enjoyed this hike as much if not more than the above hikes. It begins in a different location, from the Sunrise Point Lookout. There are no restrooms here, but there is a large paved parking lot.

It’s worth a stop for the views from the parking lot, but even better if you are able to hike the trail. We only saw a few other hikers all day. In my book that gives the trail a huge advantage.

The hike itself is very scenic with multiple spur trails to alpine lakes. The closest to the trailhead is Sunrise Lake that only requires a .1 one way detour from the main trail to reach the lakeshore. The trail goes directly by Clover Lake.

Much farther into the trail there is a longer spur trail to Hidden Lake which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a very quiet and tranquil area with pretty blue water. Hike around the lake to find a nice secluded spot for a break.

Although there are no views of Mt Rainier, there are still mountain views. We didn’t see any wildlife, but many people do.

What to Do at Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is a mountain and alpine ski area. Hiking at Sunrise and skiing at Crystal Mountain are opposite seasons so you won’t be doing both at the same time. Gondola rides up the mountain are available in the summer (it wasn’t running in the fall when we were there). There are a lot of hiking trails going up the mountain and ones that start from the summit.

Where to Eat in Emumclaw

If you’re only heading to the Sunrise area of Mt Rainier, drive from Tacoma to Emumclaw. As food options are limited, stop in Emumclaw for a meal.

I initially wasn’t too nuts about dining at Mazatlan Restaurant because of the low Yelp score. That’s a lesson in not being a Yelp snob and giving a place a chance. It was actually one of the best meals of the Washington national park road trip (outside of Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle). Service was great, portions were hearty, and the food was tasty.

Where to Eat in Sunrise

Sunrise Day Lodge has a seasonal snack bar.

Where to Eat at Crystal Mountain

Alpine Inn Restaurant & The Snorting Elk Cellar are in the same building at Crystal Mountain Hotels. At the end of September The Snorting Elk Cellar was the only restaurant open on the mountain. It took me an hour to chew through the tough pork and cold broccoli, but at least there was food! The vibe was really cozy too.

Crystal Mountain Resorts have several seasonal places to eat. You’ll read the list and be confused why I said there aren’t many places to eat. Most of the following are only open during the winter ski season. A few are open during the summer, but they were all closed in the fall when we were here.

Restaurants at the bottom of the mountain (no gondola required) include: Fireside Cantina, Brew 62 Cafe, Mountain Commons Lodge Food Hall, Bootpack Bar, and Trident Fish Shack.

Summit House Restaurant is Washington’s highest elevation restaurant and requires a gondola ride to reach. Midway Yurt and Tower 16 are also nearby at the top of the mountain.

Where to Stay in Sunrise

There are very few options in and around Sunrise. You could consider an extra night in Paradise or Packwood, but the drive is over an hour.

White River Campground: The seasonal first come, first serve campground is the only place to stay within Sunrise accessible by a car.
Sunrise Walk In Camp: Backcountry wilderness camping on the Wonderland Trail.
Dick’s Lake Camp: Backcountry wilderness camping on the Palisades Trail.

The following is your closest option to Sunrise without camping.

Loge Alta Crystal: It is easy to access off 410, but it is significantly more expensive than the Crystal Mountain Hotels described below. There is no restaurant at the property and it is in a fairly remote area without any places to eat, but there is a kitchen in each room. Plus there is a free shuttle to Crystal Mountain (this may be seasonal).

Accommodations on Crystal Mountain are your primary option. A 10 minute drive off 410 is required to reach the area. The paved road is well lit at the turn and throughout the drive.

Crystal Mountain Hotels: Located at the base of Crystal Mountain with convenient access to the gondola, hiking, and skiing, this Bavarian themed resort has three hotels. We stayed at the Alpine Inn. It was dated and basic, but clean and quiet. Breakfast wasn’t included in our reservation, but on arrival it was included because they had ended their hot breakfast for the season. It was only a very simple continental breakfast, but better than no breakfast.
Crystal Chalets: In the same location as Crystal Mountain Hotels. These fully furnished condo rentals require either 2 or 3 night stays depending on the time of the year.
Silver Skis Chalets: Individually owned condos next to Crystal Mountain Hotels. Rates vary but start at over $300/night for standard condos that haven’t been updated in 12+ years.
Crystal Mountain Resort: The resort, on the same mountain, does not provide any lodging other than RV hookups and camp sites.

Day 10: Yakima, Ellensburg, Leavenworth

Like most days in this Washington national park road trip, you can easily extend this day into multiple days. If you want to stick to one day, spend the morning in Yakima, the afternoon in Ellensburg, and arrive in Leavenworth by the evening.

The scenery will completely change as you head from the west of the state to the east. On the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain Range you can expect a drier, sunnier climate. Due to the dry soil the area is ideal for agriculture. Washington is the largest apple producing state in the US. The Wenatchee-Okanogan region and the Yakima region grow the majority of the state’s apples. As you drive between Yakima, Ellensburg, and Leavenworth you’ll encounter a lot of orchards and road-side stands selling fresh fruit.

Yakima

Yakima is one of the bigger cities in Washington. It’s an agricultural hub for apples, hops, and wine production.

What to Do in Yakima

Yakima Valley Museum

The Yakima Valley Museum is a mid-sized museum that packs a big punch. It’s set up with thematic exhibits focused on the Yakima Valley. With historic cars, agriculture equipment, Native American artifacts, stories of Japanese Americans in the region, and so much more, there is something for everyone.

Sometimes history museum exhibits are similar from museum to museum because the history across different places is similar. I gravitate towards the ones that tie very closely to the region the museum is located in. The exhibit on William O. Douglas was one of those. He is the longest serving supreme court justice in US history and a proud Yakimanian.

The exhibits on migrant labor and agriculture in the valley were also intriguing. It was cool to learn about how the region became an agricultural hub and then see it first hand when driving between the cities.

Yakima Area Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

The free grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Wineries, Vineyards, Orchards, and Breweries

There are so many in the area. These are just a few options:

Johnson Orchards has fresh picked fruit, a farm market, and a bake shop with goods made from scratch.

Bale Breaker Brewing company doesn’t just make the beer, they grow it. It is “fresh off the farm” beer. The main location in Yakima has food trucks, lawn games, and beers you can only find here.

In downtown Yakima, Kana Winery has tastings of local wines.

Yakima Valley Visitor Center

For more ideas and information make a stop at the visitor center.

Where to Eat in Yakima

There is a large Spanish speaking population in Yakima. I wish I would have dined at one of the many Mexican restaurants like Grand Monarca, Tacos El Rey, or Antojitos Mexicanos.

I dined at Flame & Brew, a casual counter-serve pizza place. There are a lot of options to customize your own pizza and the owner was behind the counter making suggestions.

Nuyu Juice Bar is great for a healthy lunch or snack. The smoothies aren’t the cheapest, but the fresh fruit made it worth it. We tried the Chill and the Passion, which were both very good.

Also check the places I listed above under what to do in Yakima.

Where to Stay in Yakima

La Quinta: We stayed here and loved it. It’s right off I-82 and close to downtown. Breakfast was good in the morning. I didn’t get to use either, but there was a nice looking indoor pool and fitness center.
Best Western Plus: I considered staying here as the reviews are good, except for there were several mentions of the area being a little unsavory. The prices are typically slightly lower than the hotels closer to downtown.
Tru by Hilton Yakima Airport: A highly rated property near the airport. I always like the breakfast at Tru hotels.

Ellensburg

Next up is Ellensburg, about 36 miles and a 40 minute drive north of Yakima. Located off I-90 and I-82 it’s easy to make a quick stop here. Home to Central Washington University and the county seat of Kittitas County, Ellensburg has a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Downtown Ellensburg is a walkable area with street art, shops, museums, and restaurants.

What to Do in Ellensburg

Dick and Jane’s Spot

If there is one artsy spot you shouldn’t miss, it is Dick and Jane’s Spot. Take a walk past this resident’s house. The exterior of the house is decked out in colorful local artwork.

Clymer Museum of Art

This year the local art museum was named one of the top 10 western art museums in the country. It is named for John Ford Clymer, a former Ellensburg resident who illustrated covers for the Saturday Evening Post.

Kittitas County Historical Museum

The free, donation based museum downtown is bigger than it appears when you enter. There are several small rooms that are full of artifacts alongside written descriptions. I really appreciated all the niche information and stories shared, such as bootleggers in the county and conspiracy theories.

I mentioned the museum earlier in the Washington national park road trip on day 6 in Olympia. The “Great Ellensburg Fire” exhibit presents some theories on how the fire started and how it may have affected Olympia being chosen as the state’s capital. Every US city seemed to have a great fire, but Ellensburg’s definitely has a lot of mystery behind it.

Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center

16 miles east of Ellensburg is a wind, solar, and renewable energy facility. A free visitor center and free guided tours are offered daily from April to October. The 60 minute tour requires closed toe shoes. You’ll be able to look inside of an active wind turbine!

Where to Eat in Ellensburg

The Red Pickle is a popular choice downtown for lunch or dinner. They serve American dishes, but with a bit of a southwest flavor thrown in.

Julep, a southern restaurant, is another good choice for lunch or dinner. It’s located in a cool, old building downtown.

Where to Stay in Ellensburg

Following the road trip you won’t be staying in Ellensburg, but if you decide to extend your time here these are a few options for you to consider for hotels.

Hotel Windrow: The hotel is located downtown and within walking distance to the street art, museums, and restaurants shared above.
TownePlace Suites: Conveniently located off I-90 the hotel provides quick access to both downtown and the interstate.
Holiday Inn Express: Another option in the same area off I-90 with good ratings.

Leavenworth

After Ellensburg, drive 57 miles and a little over an hour to Leavenworth. Transport yourself to Bavaria without leaving the country. The Bavarian style village with alpine buildings and German cuisine will make you feel like you are in Germany.

What to Do in Leavenworth

Shop & Stroll

The best thing to do in Leavenworth is to soak up the feel of the town by walking around downtown. The architecture and painted buildings lead to photo opportunities around every corner. Plus there is a mix of souvenir and boutique shopping.

There are public restrooms located in a few locations. Unfortunately most of the street parking has a fee. There are some free parking lots and park and ride options. Parking fees and options vary by season.

Christmas in Leavenworth

Leavenworth is one of the best places to visit for Christmas. It’s a magical town year-round, but in winter it turns into a winter wonderland. There is a reindeer farm where you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer.

Within the Bavarian village there are Christmas activities and concerts throughout December. The town is aglow with lights all the way into February. While I wouldn’t want to hike in Washington this time of year, it’s definitely on my bucket list to return to Leavenworth at Christmastime.

Nutcracker Museum

Perfectly in line with the Christmas town’s theme, is a nutcracker museum. The museum is open year-round and has one of the largest collections of nutcrackers in the world.

Greater Leavenworth Museum

Above the Nutcracker Museum is a history museum dedicated to the history of the Upper Wenatchee Valley.

They also offer historic walking tours which include a visit to the museum.

The Enchantments

Located about 13 miles or 35 minutes outside of Leavenworth, is a very popular hiking area. The Enchantments are an alpine wonderland of turquoise lakes surrounded by soaring peaks. The 18 – 20 mile point to point trail is very strenuous. Most people backpack and camp with a permit. There is a lottery system to obtain one.

For a shorter hike along the same trail, hike to Colchuk Lake. The 8.8 mile out and back hike is still strenuous, but doable for a day hike and with a gorgeous reward at the beautiful lake.

Both hikes begin at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The hikes, at least the hike to Colchuk Lake, is on my bucket list for my next Washington road trip. Due to wildfires, significant smoke, and poor air quality we skipped the hike the first time around.

Where to Eat in Leavenworth

Andreas Keller Restaurant

The German restaurant has great food and a charming atmosphere. What more could you want from a restaurant? How about live music? They have that too! The classic pork schnitzel with spätzle hit the spot.

München Haus

The Bavarian grill and beer garden has a large menu of sausages from traditional to vegan.

Danish Bakery

Have you ever walked past a bakery that smells amazing, but decided to pass and then regretted it for the rest of your life?? That will happen if you don’t stop at this bakery. The smells hooked me and luckily I decided to buy a pretzel for later. Everything looked amazing. I don’t know how it was possible, but my pretzel tasted even better than it smelled or looked. I literally exclaimed with excitement when I realized I had one more chunk left at the bottom of my bag!

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

Fairbridge Inn & Suites: We stayed here. I was most impressed by the beautiful murals on the outside of the building and within the breakfast room. A fairly substantial hot breakfast is included. It’s about a 10 minute walk one way to the heart of downtown, but prices are typically lower.
Mrs Anderson’s Lodging: Hostel type lodging with private rooms and private or shared bathrooms in a prime location. The best budget option.
Obertal Inn: A highly rated property with rooms and suites in downtown. A wonderful breakfast is included.
Bavarian Lodge: A downtown lodge with a year-round outdoor pool and a complimentary breakfast.

Day 11: Leavenworth to Winthrop

Start your morning off by exploring Leavenworth some more or head north to Winthrop. Winthrop is a small western themed town that is the eastern gateway to the North Cascades highway.

What to Do on the Way to Winthrop & in Winthrop

Wells Dam Rest Area And Information Center

Whether you need a restroom, are looking to stretch your legs, or want a short activity, this is a great place to stop. It is about halfway between Leavenworth and Winthrop. Short paths offer different vantage points of the dam. Informational signs along the way provide details on the history and construction.

Shafer Historical Museum

Step back in time at the local Winthrop museum. Through historic buildings and artifacts you’ll learn the history of the Methow Valley.

Hiking

You may have some time today to start hiking. Choose one of the hikes on day 12.

Where to Eat in Winthrop

Jupiter is a New American counter serve restaurant. There are a lot of healthy bowl and plate options with unique flavor combinations.

Carlos Mexican has good Mexican food, but I thought Mazatlan in Emumclaw (mentioned earlier) was much better. There are no complimentary chips and salsa and prices are rather high at Carlos Mexican. Reviews mention poor service, but we had no issues with the service.

Meza serves Mediterranean tapas. Three Fingered Jack is a western style saloon known for hearty meaty dishes.

For pizza head to East 20 Pizza. This is the only Winthrop restaurant that isn’t located in the main two blocks of downtown.

Where to Stay in Winthrop

There are limited places to stay in Winthrop and they book up fast.

Chewuch Inn & Cabins: I originally booked here in a king room with no window. Breakfast is included and ratings are very good.
Virginian Resort: While I switched my booking to a room here as it was a lower cost (and came with a window), I didn’t think it would be the nicest stay. I was pleasantly surprised! The rooms are both spacious and cozy with a western cabin feel. Everything was clean and comfortable.
Sun Mountain Lodge: A higher end lodge property with a spa, restaurants, and access to outdoor adventures.

Day 12: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Many of the best hikes near North Cascades NP are located in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. While they aren’t technically in the park, the two areas are adjacent within the Cascade Mountains.

Today’s viewpoints and hikes are on the eastern end of North Cascades Highway (highway 20). It runs east and west through the park and the surrounding natural areas. Begin and end your day in Winthrop. The following suggestions go from east to west.

What to do in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Cutthroat Lake

This 3.8 mile hike was on my list, but I chose Blue Lake instead of Cutthroat Lake because reviewers said Blue Lake was nicer. I did read that there can be some nice fall colors here.

Washington Pass Observation Site

Although the viewpoints along the .3 mile trail are spectacular, there are better views from longer hiking trails. The easy trail is a great option for anyone that can’t or doesn’t want to hike a longer distance. Walk the trail in the full loop or stick to the paved side that is fairly flat.

Blue Lake

Blue Lake is a good hike to do in the late afternoon or early evening the day before, after driving from Leavenworth. The 4.6 mile out and back hike travels to, you guessed it, a blue lake! Although it is a popular trail we were lucky enough to have it almost to ourselves and everyone else was very quiet around the lake which made for a peaceful experience.

There are a few different trails on both sides of the lake. It’s worth it to go to them all as the lake changes shades of blue based on your angle and the sunlight.

Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake is a 2 mile out and back hike to a lake. From the trailhead turn left to reach Rainy Lake. The paved trail makes this an easy, peaceful hike through the forest.

The lake is pretty from this trail, but it is even better from higher above. You’ll need to hike on the Maple Pass Loop to see this vantage point. Instead of going back to the trailhead, take a marked left onto the Maple Pass Loop. The trail will start climbing significantly through the forest. Once it opens up you’ll be able to see Blue Lake down below.

Maple Pass Loop

Lakes, mountains, forests, meadows, and panoramic views….Maple Pass Loop has it all! The 6.5 mile strenuous loop begins from the same trailhead as Rainy Lake. Most people hike this trail counter-clockwise (heading straight behind the trailhead sign). We chose to hike it clockwise (starting to the left to the Rainy Lake trail).

Going clockwise the first part of the trail is paved. Pass the Maple Pass junction to the right to continue to Rainy Lake first. If you don’t do it now you’ll need to backtrack more at the end. This way there is only a short backtrack to that trail junction.

Most hikers do not hike the trail clockwise. You’re hiking uphill in the steepest sections. I much preferred this and I was so grateful we chose to hike it in this direction. It was definitely a challenge, but my knees were thanking me. Be prepared for a lot of people commenting on this though!

Another advantage of going clockwise is that you don’t have to pass or people aren’t passing you as there aren’t many people going in that direction. The disadvantage is that you need to step off to the side frequently for everyone hiking in the opposite direction. Towards the end of the hike there are a lot less people coming from the other way. There are still many that do the hike as an out and back only from the opposite side as it isn’t as steep (starting counter-clockwise).

The trail immediately starts to climb after that junction from the Rainy Lake trail……and it doesn’t stop for a very long time! It’s a lovely forest trail. There’s a rocky spot with views of Rainy Lake below that makes for a perfect stop after a challenging ascent.

From here the views keep getting better and better. So many panoramic mountain views along with sparkling alpine lakes. In late September we were treated with touches of reds and yellows too.

The last half of the trail isn’t nearly as steep and takes less time for most people. If you’re hiking clockwise you definitely don’t need to allow half the time for the second half of the hike.

Where to Eat in Winthrop

Eat dinner again in Winthrop. See day 11 above for where to eat in Winthrop.

Where to Stay in Winthrop

Stay in Winthrop one more night. See the hotel options above under day 11.

Day 13: Ross Lake National Recreation Area (North Cascades NP)

Today re-drive the section of hwy 20 in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that you were in yesterday. Hopefully you made it to all the viewpoints and hikes you wanted to complete in that area as there are many more ahead as you continue all the way across hwy 20 until you reach your accommodations for the night.

Like the national forest, Ross Lake National Recreation Area is another section that is in the North Cascades National Park Complex.

The following are some suggestions from east to west.

What to Do in Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Ross Lake Overlook

This is a quick pull-out viewpoint with only a few steps of walking required. It’s a close view of Ross Lake and Desolation Peak in the distance. An informational sign describes Jack Kerouac’s experience working at the fire lookout on the mountain.

Diablo Lake Vista Point

There is no shortage of incredible bodies of water in Washington, but there is nothing like the vivid turquoise water of Diablo Lake. If you want to include the best lakes on your Washington national park road trip, don’t miss stopping here!

There is a short walk around a fenced rim with excellent vistas of Diablo lake. There are information signs here too. If you walk behind the vault toilets you’ll reach a section without any railings for great photos. There are less people here too.

Unlike many viewpoints where the views are nice, but better from a longer hike, we actually thought the water looked just as good, if not better from this viewpoint than from the nearby Thunder Knob trail.

Thunder Knob Trail

We had a difficult time finding this trailhead as it is not labeled on a street sign like other trailheads and viewpoints. Look for the Colonial Creek Campground signs. The trailhead is on the Colonial Creek North side, on the right when driving east to west (coming from Diablo Lake Vista Point). We parked across the street in the Colonial Creek South Campground as there was a lot more parking. There’s also a bathroom with running water there.

The majority of the 3.4 mile out and back trail is within a green forest. Other than the occasional glimpse, there really aren’t any views of the lake until the end. Two main spots at the top have benches where you can enjoy the view. If you climb down past the benches at the second spot you can get a little closer and possibly have a bit more solitude.

You’re higher up so the lake isn’t as close as it was from the Diablo Lake Vista Point. There also are trees blocking the lake so it isn’t an unobstructed view either. It’s still a nice hike and worth the climb though. I haven’t verified it myself yet, but everyone says that the views of Diablo Lake are better from Thunder Knob than the Diablo Lake trail.

Newhalem

Newhalem was developed as a small company town to support the Skagit Hydroelectric Project in the early 1900s. Pick up a brochure at the Skagit Information Center to follow a self-guided walk of the historic town. It’s typically open 9am – 5pm from the end of May to the end of October.

The Ladder Creek Falls trail begins by crossing the Gorge Suspension Bridge. The Gorge Powerhouse is on the opposite side of the Skagit River. A visitor center within the powerhouse explains how the hydroelectric powerhouse works and the history of the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. A restroom is available within the powerhouse. It’s only accessible when it is open. I stared longingly through the window after hours, so close and yet so far! It’s typically open Memorial Day to October from 8am – 4pm.

There are also a few signs at the beginning of the Ladder Creek Falls Trail. The short .5 mile loop trail travels through the maintained gardens with two waterfalls. While the trail is easy, there are a lot of stairs. The trail can even be visited at night as it is lit up!

Trail of the Cedars is another short, beautiful walk through nature. It is a .7 mile easy walk through the woods with informational plaques.

Park on Main Street in front of the visitor center, in the parking lot at the corner of Ladder Creek Lane and highway 20, or in pull off parking on Ladder Creek Lane along Skagit River.

North Cascades Visitor Center

Stop here to watch the park video and visit the exhibits on the park’s natural history. There is a trail that leaves from the visitor center and goes to the Newhalem Creek Campground. You can connect on foot to Newhalem as well.

Thornton Lakes Trail

One more hike you can consider doing today is the 9.3 mile out and back hike to the beautiful Thornton Lakes. You can hike it as a day hike or camp overnight.

For an even greater challenge, hike up Trapper’s Peak.

A high clearance vehicle is recommended to reach the trailhead.

Where to Eat from Newhalem to Burlington

There are very few places to eat along highway 20 between Winthrop and Burlington.

The former employee commissary in Newhalem is now the Skagit General Store which sells supplies and snacks. They are known for their homemade fudge.

Mondo Restaurant and Upriver Grill & Taproom are in Marblemount. Glacier Peak Eatery is at the Glacier Peak Resort in Rockport. The small town of Concrete has a few restaurants.

Sedro-Woolley and Burlington have the most options. Train Wreck Bar and Grill is a good choice. The 21+ bar and grill is appropriately named as it is located alongside the train tracks. Sorry vegetarians, but try the elk burger as they are abundant in Washington. Most burger places only offer french fries as a side. I liked having the additional side choices here.

Taste of Thai by Wipa, Swan’s Korean Fried Chicken, and Railroad Pub and Pizza are other highly rated choices in Burlington.

Where to Stay in Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Accommodations are also very sparse along highway 20 until Burlington. The ones within the park and closest to the park sell out far in advance. The options are listed in geographical order from east to west including the drive-in NPS campgrounds (they all require reservations).

Ross Lake Resort: This is the only non-camping NPS property in this part of the park. It has fifteen floating cabins on Ross Lake. Access is only available by foot or water. There is a lottery system to secure a booking.
Green Point Campground: There are also campsites available through the lottery along Ross Lake.
Colonial Creek North and South Campgrounds: Campgrounds in an old growth forest next to Diablo Lake and Thunder Knob trailhead.
Gorge Lake Campground: A primitive camp along Gorge Lake.
Newhalem Creek Campground: Located near the Newhalem Visitor Center and the town of Newhalem.
Goodell Creek Campground: RV and tent camping along the Skagit River.
Lower Goodell Group Campground: Group sites along Goodell Creek.

Where to Stay From Marblemount to Burlington

Marblemount is the closest town to the park. It’s very small with only a couple of restaurants and gas stations.

North Cascades Inn: Other than vacation homes, this is the only place to stay in Marblemount.

The next town is Rockport and is also very small.

Glacier Peak Resort & RV Park: Basic accommodations with kitchens and living rooms in different sized chalets.

Concrete is another small town, but it has a few more amenities.

Mt Baker Hotel: The hotel is older, but has decent reviews.

You’ll start seeing a lot more signs of civilization when you make it to Sedro-Woolley and Burlington. They are both small cities that are about 10 minutes apart.

The Kulshan Hotel: A highly rated modern property with breakfast included.
Cocusa Motel: We stayed here and it was the cheapest night of our entire trip! It was a basic roadside motel. Despite having a room that faced the highway and the train tracks we weren’t bothered by the noise. The continental breakfast is included, but only has a few packaged items.
La Quinta Burlington: A nice hotel with an indoor pool and breakfast. It’s located to the south of downtown.
Fairfield Inn Burlington: Another top rated property in Burlington to the north of downtown with an indoor pool and breakfast.

Day 14: Drive to Seattle

The day has sadly arrived, it’s the end of your two week Washington national park road trip. The drive to Sea-Tac airport will take about one hour and 30 minutes if you stayed in Burlington. Definitely allow extra time to reach the airport in case there are any delays.

If you can’t handle the thought of your trip ending you can drive or ride Amtrak to Canada instead of driving back to Seattle. Vancouver is a great city to visit and only one stop away from Bellingham, WA on Amtrak.

Washington National Park Road Trip FAQs

How do I get to Washington?

Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. SeaTac is a large airport that serves all the mainline domestic airlines and many international airlines.

You can also reach Seattle by bus (Greyhound) or train (Amtrak).

How do I get around Washington?

While you don’t need a car in Seattle, you will need to rent a car to be able to follow this Washington national park road trip.

How do I use public transit and tours instead of a self-drive road trip?

If you are set on doing the Washington road trip without a car here are a few options for different parts of the road trip. Note that you will need to go back and forth between Seattle many times and/or spend a lot of time on public transportation.

Bainbridge Island

You can visit Bainbridge Island by ferry and explore with public transit.

Olympic National Park

To reach Olympic National Park use Kitsap Transit, Clallam Transit, Jefferson Transit Olympic Connection, and/or Gray Harbor Transit. Then you will also need private shuttles to get to most of the trailheads. It will be a long journey that requires precise planning on timing. I wouldn’t recommend it.

You can also visit Olympic National Park from Seattle with the following tours:

Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent Tour: includes Hurricane Ridge, the visitor center, and Lake Crescent
Forks and Sol Duc Falls Tour: includes Twilight filming locations in Forks and Sol Duc Falls
Hoh Rainforest & Rialto Beach Tour: includes Hoh Rainforest and the Olympic Wilderness Coast.

Tacoma & Olympia

Both can be reached by public transit, but Tacoma is closer. Take Amtrak from Seattle to Olympia.

Mt Rainier

While there is no public transit to Mt Rainier, there are day tours from Seattle.

Mount Rainier Guided Day Tour: full day tour to the Paradise area with a visit to the Longmire Museum and several short scenic stops.
Day Hike on the Mountain: a full day tour that includes the Three Boroughs Hike in Sunrise.
All-inclusive Small Group Tour: Limited to 10 participants and includes a hike or guided snowshoe walk.

Yakima and Ellensburg

While it is possible to get to Yakima by public transit, I certainly wouldn’t want to do it and I am very pro public transit. Greyhound is a much better option for Yakima and Ellensburg.

Leavenworth

Amtrak and Greyhound both stop at Leavenworth.

Take a day tour to Leavenworth from Seattle.

Cascades to Leavenworth: full day tour with a guided hike and free time in Leavenworth.

North Cascades National Park

Bellingham is the closest you can get to the park on Greyhound. There is no public transit through the park.

Seattle to North Cascades: a full day tour from Seattle that includes Diablo Lake.

How many days do I need for a Washington national park road trip?

Unless you cut sections out of this Washington road trip you will want 2 weeks minimum. It’s much easier to add days to the itinerary than cut days out!

When Should I take a Washington National Park road trip?

Late spring to early fall is best unless you want to hike in snow and/or experience road closures. All of my trips to Washington have been in mid to late September. It has been a great time of year as the weather is still nice, but there are less crowds.

How much will a Washington national park road trip cost?

I hate to break it to you, but it won’t be cheap! Especially if you stay in hotels the costs will add up quickly.

Buy an annual America the Beautiful National Park pass to receive free access to all three Washington national parks (as well as all the US national park sites for one year).

What should I bring on a Washington national park road trip?

On this trip you’ll want a mix of casual clothes for exploring the towns and cities and outdoor adventure wear for hiking in the parks. Use my hiking attire guide to see what to wear and my day pack guide for what to bring on your hikes.

I hope this 2 week Washington park road trip inspires you to book a trip to the evergreen state. If I helped you plan your visit to the national parks in Washington with this free guide please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee.