This itinerary is for those who want a little city, but mainly want to experience Washington's great outdoors. You will do some driving on this adventure. But we promise it is worth it!
So, you have one week to spend exploring the Evergreen state!? Lucky you!
You are not quite sure how to spend your time? No worries, you came to the right place!
If you have more than one week, check out our 2 week best of the PNW guide.
Note: This itinerary is best for trips between June - October. If you are traveling outside these month, we will another itinerary for you shortly.
Day 1 - Seattle
Seattle is a spectacular city! It has a laid-back vibe, a great food and bar scene, and so much natural beauty it will make nature lovers drool!
On your first day in the city venture over to arguably one of the best farmers markets in the world, Pike Place Market! This beautiful, bustling market overlooks Seattle's waterfront and is the perfect place to start your Washington adventure. The market opens at 9am and crowds typically are smaller before noon, so make sure to get there early. Explore the multiple levels and charming alleyways - this place is a photographer's dream. Make sure to go hungry and grab some treats from one of the many vendors. We would suggest checking out Ellenos for delicious greek yogurt, Crepes de France, Ghost Alley Espresso (near the gum wall), Beecher's Homemade Cheese, and Piroshky Piroshky.
Walk off all those yummy treats with a stroller down by Seattle's Waterfront. If you walk north, you will reach the Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park, which are usually bustling with Seattleites on summer days. If you want to see the Space Needle up close, it's about a half mile walk form the Sculpture Park. Instead of going up the Space Needle, drive or Uber over to Kerry Park and Gas Works Park for stunning views of the city that includes the Space Needle.
If you are ready to grab dinner, check out Westward (Fremont), Staple & Fancy (Ballard), the Walrus and the Carpenter (Ballard), Umi Sake House (Belltown), Lola (Belltown), Kedai Makan (Capital Hill), Bar Cotto (Capital Hill), or Witness (Capital Hill). If you are looking for amazing nightlife head to Capitol Hill, Ballard, or Fremont. If you are looking for delicious ice cream, make sure to try Salt & Straw (Capital Hill/Ballard).
Day 2 - Seattle
Good morning, Sunshine! Is there a better way to start your second day off in Seattle than at a Starbucks? And not just any Starbucks... but the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room? I think not! You will find locals and tourist alike enjoying this wonderful coffee experience.
After sipping some caffeine, head over to the West Seattle Water Taxi to catch one of the taxi boats over to West Seattle and Alki Beach. You can grab lime bike and ride along the Alki Beach Trail.
Definitely grab a beer and a bite to eat at Marination Ma Kai and soak in the views of Seattle. Do not miss this place!
Then head back to Seattle and finish your afternoon at either the Museum of Pop Culture (EMP Museum) or the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
Finish the evening with another delicious meal, and maybe another trip to Salt & Straw... or try Cupcake Royale!
Day 3 - Mount Rainier National Park
The drive from Seattle to the most popular entrance of Mount Rainier National Park is approximately 2 hours. About 6 miles before you reach the Nisqually entrance, you will drive through the small town of Ashford, WA. This town has a small grocer (more like convenience store), gas station, coffee shop, a few restaurants, and two art galleries. You will probably call this small town your home for the next two nights unless you snagged a camping spot or a rustic room at one of the two inns within the park.
Stop for lunch at Cooper Creek Inn & Restaurant. Then, head into the national park that is home to the 14,410 foot volcano that graces the Seattle skyline in postcards.
Head up to the Paradise Visitor Center Area (open all year). This area offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Pacific Northwest, if not the world. There are beautiful alpine meadows, breathtaking mountain visits, glaciers, and potential for abundant wildflowers (flower season varies each year). There is a gift shop and cafe within the Jackson Visitor Center, so you can stock up on some snacks before heading out on one of the many trails in the area. During the winter, this area is a winter wonderland. Sledding and snowshoeing are popular activities during these colder months. You can rent snowshoes at the gift shop.
Consider a stroll on the Nisqually Vista trail. This is an easy 1.2 mile paved loop. We'd suggest doing this when you first arrive at the Paradise area. This stroll will give you a little peak of what is in store for your adventures in the park.
Head over to Reflection Lake to get a breathtaking view of the mountain and it's reflection in a beautiful alpine lake. Then, head back to the paradise area to conquer the extremely popular Skyline Trail Loop. This 5.5 mile loop is arguably the best hike in the park, and is an absolute must do! We suggest doing this hike later in the afternoon to skip the crowds. Give yourself 4-5 hours before sunset. The total elevation gain is approximately 1,500 feet. Please, please, please stay on the trail. It drives us crazy when we see people walk off the path. If a ranger catches you being disrespectful to the land, you will get a hefty fine.
After your hike, head back to your accommodation. We recommend the larger log cabins at Wellspring Spa (not for children). Be sure to check out their woodland spa. If you have little ones, check out Mounthaven Resort.
Day 4- Mount Rainier National Park
Today, head over to the east side of the park to the area called Ohanapecosh. The drive through the park is stunning and it will take approximately 1.5 hours, depending how often you pull over to soak up the views. Be sure to stroll along the 1.2 mile Grove of the Patriarchs trail where you will walk amongst enormous trees that are older than 1,000 years. Pack a picnic lunch and find a quite place to relax.
After lunch, head north about 15 miles to hike the Naches Peak Loop, which packs an immense amount of beauty in it's short 3.2 miles. However, if you are up to driving about 1 hour you can check out the Sunrise area of the park, which is only open July to early October. There are several wonderful hikes to do from the parking area. One of our favorites is the Burroughs trail to the 2nd Burroughs, which is 4.8 miles round-trip.
Day 5: Olympic National Park
Today, you'll head towards the remote Washington coast and the Olympic National Park. The total drive time to Kalaloch Lodge is approximately 3.5 hours. If you can't find an room at this ocean side accommodation, you may want to try the Forks or Quinault area.
About 3 hours into your journey, take a quick detour to the Big Sitka Spruce in the Quinault area. This tree is the largest spruce tree by volume in the world! It is just a short walk to it, and totally worth it!
If your hungry, the Lake Quinault Lodge is perfect place to grab some lunch before heading to the coast. The dining room offers beautiful views of Lake Quinault.
After lunch, continue on to Kalaloch Lodge. After you check in, be sure to take a walk north along the beach to Browns Point. This is a wonderful beach walk that is about 4 miles round trip. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles!
Head to Ruby Beach for sunset!
Day 6: Olympic National Park
Today is another day packed full of adventures! Set out for Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, which is about 1 hour from the Kalaloch Lodge. The Hoh Rain Forest is probably one of the lushest forests you'll ever step foot into. This area receives an excessive amount of rain each year, about 160 inches a year! Take the Hall of Mosses trail through this old, lush rain forest. This walk is less than 1 mile. Another option would be to hike up the vibrant Hoh River Trail until you feel like turning around.
After you get your fill of the lush rain forest, start your way over to the Sol Duc area. The drive will take about 1 hr 45 minutes. One of the Olympic National Park's most popular hikes is located in this area, Sol Duc Falls trail. This 1.6 mile round trip walk will take you through a beautiful old-growth forest to a stunning waterfall. Consider checking out the Sol Duc Hot Springs. It has a tendency to get a bit too busy for some peoples liking. But if your interested, there is one freshwater pool and three pools containing water from the hot springs.
Now, head to Crescent Lake. If you are lucky enough to snag a room at Lake Crescent Lodge, we suggest you stay there. The setting of the lodge is absolutely stunning and very picturesque. If you can't stay at the Lodge, there are several hotels in Port Angeles. We can recommend Olympic Lodge.
Day 7: Olympic National Park
This morning head to Hurricane Ridge to soak in some more picturesque mountain scenery. The road to the visitor center is a 17 mile adventure! There are a pletora of trails to choose from once you reach to visitors center. The Hurricane Hill trail is only 3.2 miles round trip and will entertain you with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Olympus, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island.
In the afternoon, head back to Seattlel! Depending on traffic and the ferry schedule, you may choose to take the Bainbridge Island Ferry to Seattle -- a perfect way to cap off your Washington adventure! If you are in a rush, you may want to drive around the Puget Sound. Just keep an eye on Google Maps for updates on which route is fastest.