Ultimate Washington State National Park Road Trip

Ultimate Washington State National Park Road Trip

What's included in this guide: A detailed guide, with activities for multiple days, key details, over 50 recommendations and much more: - Places to visit - Where to eat - Spend the night out in town - Best hikes to explore For the ultimate WA National Park road trip, I would recommend spending 2-3 days in each park to fully experience their beauty and maximize your trip. Depending on your exact goals, plans can be adjusted to still enjoy 1-2 days in each as well. Please recreate responsibly. *Please note multiple wildfires are currently active and burning within North Cascades NP. No stopping or pullouts are allowed on SR 20 between mile markers 148-157. This information changes rapidly and should be monitored online if you are traveling to the area soon.
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Welcome to Washington

How to Get Around

Due to ongoing wildfires in the National Park Areas, I recommend checking all of your driving routes on the Washington State DOT website. This information is updated live as events take place. If you are visiting in the winter, they also provide information if chains are needed on vehicles to access certain roads. 

Mount Rainer National Park

Mount Rainier National Park
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We visited the southern part of Mt. Rainer National Park. The space in the park is massive and there are different entrance points to access various trails. Be sure to double check all of your trails are in the same general area to maximize your time in the park.
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Skyline Trail
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A moderate rated trail that loops around Mt. Rainer NP and gives hikers a good array of scenery, plants & wildlife, waterfalls and great views!
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Reflection Lake
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Easy access from the parking lot to view Reflection lake. There is a fairly flat trail that circles the lake and surrounding area that is a great hike to start with for beginners. The lake also creates an amazing reflection of Mt. Rainer. This is a great hike to tryout to enjoy the wildflowers and nature.
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Christine Falls
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Narada Falls
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A fun little bonus stop or even drive by experience is the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculptures you will see on your way to Mt. Rainer NP. This is a free road side experience, but donations are accepted. 

Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park
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All sculpture work can be seen 7 days a week outside - recommended during daylight hours. When the owner is home, there is a small gallery and gift shop as well.
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Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout
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North Cascades National Park

Due to limited time, snow and fire closures we only visited North Cascades for 1 day and did it as a day trip from Everett, WA. There are awesome camp grounds available in the park if you're looking to extend your visit to multiple days. We were also set to stay in Wintrop, WA if you're looking for hotel/lodging locations other than camping. 

North Cascades National Park
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Please pack and plan accordingly to be out in nature. There are vault toilets at many trailheads and this is an area where wildlife is very common (bears, mountain goats, cougars, etc). We hiked the Blue Lake Trail and it was stunning.
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Blue Lake Trailhead
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Diablo Lake Vista Point
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Easily accessible to all with parking area on site. Great views of Diablo Lake. Yes it really is this color when the sun hits it.
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Rainy Lake Trail #310
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Easy Pass Trailhead
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Trail of the Cedars
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Washington Pass Vista Point
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Day Trips - Alternative Trip Options

These side trip recommendations aren't national parks, but they make for great alternative adventures to check out not far off the road. Add these locations for great connections between parks or additional stops to your ultimate road trip. Due to wildfires, you may need to have a plan B for your trip. These make great alternatives if your original location is closed/limited access. 

Snoqualmie Falls
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Snoqualmie Falls is a majestic waterfall located in the scenic Snoqualmie area of Washington State, just outside of Seattle. Known for its breathtaking beauty and powerful cascades, the falls attract visitors from around the world. Plunging from a height of 268 feet (82 meters), Snoqualmie Falls is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a picturesque view that changes with the seasons.
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Bellingham
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Not far from the Canadian border, Bellingham provides a fun and scenic scene for those looking to escape Seattle and be close with nature.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard. Currently:📍Louisiana, U.S.A. Just Posted: Lakeland, FL & Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local Upcoming Trips: European Summer in Zablajk, Montenegro ---------- Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination. On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to. Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister. — Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!
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