The Most Incredible Washington Road Trip Itinerary: 7-14 days

After living in Washington for a few years and exploring all the cool regions this state offers, I decided to write the perfect Washington Road Trip itinerary! This is written by someone who lives here and explores pretty much every weekend. I have noticed that many itineraries have most people driving more than actually exploring, so I wanted to make sure you make the most of the short time you spend here. I have included hotels, food, awesome hikes, and viewpoints! I promise you that this itinerary highlights the best of the best Washington has to offer!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. 

About This Washington Road Trip Itinerary

I have been living in Washington for a couple of years now, and I have been exploring different areas almost every weekend. I want to note that even though it might seem easy to get from one section to another, it is not. The drives are long.

I only recommend going to all three national parks if you are here for more than ten days. Trust me on this.

I think it is best to only drive to two areas when traveling for 7 days. Luckily I have highlighted 14 days, 7 days, and 10 days below. I have also highlighted one area that most people do not know about… The Mount Baker Area. It is my favorite section in the whole state by far, and it is the least talked about.

I have noticed other itineraries always have it as an option. So if you want to skip it because it is not an official “National Park,” then I understand but, I want to point out that it far exceeds the other areas in Washington. That is just my opinion, though :-).

This itinerary ends and starts in Seattle, but if you want to add more days into the mix and hang out in the city, you definitely can! I lived in Queen Anne for years and absolutely loved it! There is so much to see and do :-). Here is a great itinerary on Seattle.

The best airport to fly into is the Seattle Tacoma International Airport. Also, the Washington road conditions are bad near some of the trails. Therefore, it is best to rent a car with good clearance.

Best Time For A Washington State Road Trip

As I am writing this blog post, it is the middle of June. Not many trails are open yet as there is still too much snow, so we have been limited to the trails we can hike. Mid-July to Mid October is a good time to come to Washington. Towards the end of September and October, it starts to snow, so always have a backup and make sure you are aware of trail conditions by reading the reviews on WTA.

Winters are pretty dreary in Washington so I would not plan to visit here from November to April.

Washington Road Trip Map

What To Pack For A Washington National Park Road Trip

Washington is one of the best outdoorsy states to visit in the United States. But I always hear about people getting lost. It is always a good idea to pack the ten essentials. Always pack a jacket no matter how hot it is outside! That heat can trick you! Remember that you will likely be hiking up in elevation (which means it is colder), and sometimes whiteouts happen, where you are literally in a cloud and it is so cold! It happened to me in Mount Rainier National Park while hiking the MOST popular trail. Below are the things I recommend taking:

1. Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
2. Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent dehydration while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have a plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny in the summer, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. >>>Check Out These Snacks
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
13. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
15. Mid Base Layer: If you are hiking in the winter, this might be a great idea. I usually still bring them in the summer because I do a lot of sunset hikes, and it is chilly at night. >Check Out My Sweater Here
16. Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
17. Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
18. Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Washington. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
19. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
20. Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here

14 Day Washington Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive In Seattle And Drive To Port Angeles

Where To Stay At Port Angeles

• Olympic Lodge: I stayed at the Olympic Lodge for one weekend, and it is one of the city’s best hotels. It isn’t a five-star hotel, and I feel like the lighting needs some major updating, but it is the best hotel on the Peninsula. The concierge did tell me that they are remodeling soon. Also, the hotel is located close to Hurricane Ridge.  >Click Here To Check Pricing
• Sea Cliff Gardens: If you want something cozier, then check out this cute bed and breakfast. It is located next to a cliff with spectacular views. Breakfast is good, the views are great, and the hosts are kind. >Click Here To Check Pricing

Where To Eat In Port Angeles

Every time I go to Port Angeles, I always eat at the Next Door Gastropub. I also like Easy Street Coffee and Tea House.

Hurricane Ridge

Since today is a travel day, I recommend taking it easy. Driving around Washington can be exhausting! A good idea is to head to Hurricane Ridge for sunset as it is very close to Port Angeles. This place is magical! The winding road takes you up into the mountains. You do not need to hike to see the wonderful views. Even the visitor center looks uber cute with the mountains in the backdrop.

If you want to hike, I recommend either doing Hurricane Hill trail, Sunrise Point, or Klahhane Ridge. Sunrise Point is a super easy hike, while Hurricane Hill is a little more difficult, and Klahhane Ridge is a lot more difficult.

Read More On Hurricane Ridge Here: Everything You Need To Know About Hurricane Ridge

Day 2: Olympic National Park

I recommend staying another day around Port Angeles and exploring the northern part of the park.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is an excellent spot to visit early in the morning. The early sun coming through the forest floor is just gorgeous. Plus, there are fewer crowds around this time. The hike is straightforward and is perfect for the whole family.

After checking out Sol Duc, soak in some Mineral Hot Springs. Guests that stay at the lodge can visit for free, while other visitors can pay a fee. You can learn about pricing right here.

Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, And Mount Storm King

This area is probably my favorite part of all of Olympic National Park. Lake Crescent is absolutely stunning! The colors of the lake are bright blue/green. Make sure to stop around the lake and take some pictures as there are many stops. But be careful as this road is very windy.

Afterward, head to Marymere Falls. The hike is short and sweet and is great for anyone with children.

If you want a hike on another level, hike Mount Storm King, next to the Marymere Trail. This is one of the best trails in this park, and the views are epic! You can even see Canada from the top.

I will warn you that the trail is extremely steep and that there is even a rope section, so this is not for everyone. You do not have to climb to the top, though. There is still a small area right before the rope section with views of Lake Crescent. The trail is short, though, so it is a great hike for sunset.

Madison Falls

If you still have enough time and energy after all this, then check out Madison Falls. This waterfall is more of a viewpoint than a trailhead, so it will not take much time or energy to check this out.

Day 3: Olympic National Park

On this day, I think the west side of the park should be best for exploring. If you think Seattle is rainy, try out Forks! It seems like every time I am here, it is raining. When it comes to hotels, it is best to stay in Port Angeles to avoid moving around too much.

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach is a fantastic spot to explore when there are low tides. Make sure to check out the tide charts here to explore this area at ease. However, if the tide is too high, it can be a pain to explore Rialto Beach.

The best part of this beach is the Hole In The Wall area. There are two sea stacks as well as an area that resembles a door. It is a fun place to spot wildlife and sea creatures. You can even backpack and spend the night in this area which I have done. The hike is only 4 miles round trip with no elevation, so it is a great beach hike for the whole family.

Read More On Rialto Beach Here: The Ultimate Guide To Rialto Beach Washington

Second Beach

Second Beach is another great trail to visit with the whole family, and it is different then Rialto Beach. Instead of walking through the beach, you walk through a lush green forest. Toward the end, you do have to climb over some driftwood, so be careful.

You can also backpack to this area and spend the night with the sounds of waves crashing onto the sea stacks.

Read More On Second Beach Here: The Ultimate Guide To Rialto Beach Washington

Hoh Rainforest

I didn’t visit the Hoh rain forest for a while because I felt like it was an overrated place. Boy, was I wrong! This place is magical! The mossy trees really make this feel like an enchanted forest. I think the Hall of Mosses is a fantastic easy trail to hike with the whole family.

Ruby Beach

My favorite beach in Washington is Ruby Beach. I am not sure why it is my favorite as it is pretty similar to the other beaches, but this one has a touch more of magical feelings 🙂

You can also visit Kalaloch Beach after Ruby beach, but it is probably my least favorite beach. I wasn’t too impressed with it, even with the Tree Of Life (one of the attractions at the beach).

Read More On My Favorite Beaches In WA: The Best Washington State Beaches

Day 4: Drive To Mount Rainier National Park

The drive is long, so it is recommended to wake up as early as possible to get to Mount Rainier. It is best to stop at the Paradise section of the national park. This area has the best places to experience Mount Rainier.

I will say that after living and exploring this area for a few years, it can be cloudy, cold, and dreary, so if the clouds are blocking “The Mountain,” I recommend moving your itinerary around. The waterfall hikes and the Groves of The Patriarchs hike are great for days with too much cloud cover.

Where To Stay At Mount Rainier National Park

I will warn you that there are slim pickings when it comes to lodging near Mount Rainier.

• Paradise Inn: This hotel is located inside the national park at Paradise. It is next to the best trail in the national park: Skyline Trail. >Check Prices Here
• Alexander’s Lodge: This cute historic Lodge was built in 1912! It features a restaurant, fireplace, and little outdoor yurts. >Check Prices Here
• Little Owl Cabins: A few cute cabins near Packwood, Washington, but they sell out quickly! Get them as soon as possible. >Check Prices Here

Narada Falls

Narada Falls is an easy waterfall viewpoint when you are on the way to the Paradise area so do not miss this spot!

Skyline Loop Trail

Skyline Loop is probably the most well-known trail in the park. It is labeled as moderate and has fantastic views of Mount Rainier all along the way. There is also a waterfall called Myrtle Falls located on the loop. If you feel a bit too exhausted to hike the whole Skyline Trail, walk on over to Myrtle Falls. It is only 0.8 miles round trip and probably has the best views of Mount Rainier.

Read More: An Amazing In-Depth Guide to the National Parks in Washington State

Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park

You might not have time for everything I have listed out today, but I still wanted to give you many options because some trails are easier than others. If you are feeling tired, you can switch these options out.

Comet Falls

This is my second favorite waterfall in Washington State. It is absolutely breathtaking! I loved how tall this waterfall is, and I loved how there is another waterfall on this trail. Unfortunately, the pictures of this waterfall hike do not do it justice.

Groves Of The Patriarchs

Groves of The Patriarchs is another popular hike. The trail will most likely be busy when you go. It is effortless and has wonderful, large trees. There is also a light blue flowing river, as well as a cute bridge.

Silver Falls

Silver Falls is an underrated trail. I went on this hike right after Groves of the Patriarchs, and the difference in the crowds was shocking! We pretty much had this waterfall trail to ourselves while Groves Of The Patriarchs was packed. However, getting to the waterfall is not difficult either, so not sure why many people don’t hike here.

The waterfall is small compared to the others in the park, but the flowing river next to the trail and all the green moss is what I loved most.

Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park and Leavenworth

Head up to the North East side of Mount Rainier National Park and experience one of the best fire lookouts in the state. Next, drive up to Leavenworth, which is the cutest Bavarian town in the states!

Where To Stay At Leavenworth

You are in luck! Leavenworth has a ton of accommodation. Here are some of the spots I recommend:

• PostHotel Leavenworth: The absolute best place to stay in Leavenworth. This place is uber cute and has an amazing pool. Leavenworth is usually sunny in the summer, so you will most probably use the pool on a beautiful sunny day. >>>Check Prices Here
• Bavarian Lodge: Breakfast is included here and an outdoor pool as well. >>>Check Prices Here

Fremont Lookout

My favorite fire lookout in Washington is, of course, Fremont Lookout! It has incredible views of Mount Rainier, and if you are lucky, you might experience a cloud inversion (usually happens during sunrise and sunset). This is a great moderate hike with exposed views throughout. I love this trail, and you definitely should stop by.

Read More On Mount Rainier: The Best Hikes In Mount Rainier National Park

Day 7: Leavenworth

Since you have been going at it non-stop, I feel like Leavenworth is a great place for a rest stop. This little town reminds me of the cute Bavarian towns in Switzerland. I have not been to Germany, but it is actually supposed to resemble cute mountain towns in Germany. Leavenworth went bankrupt and decided to reinvent itself into a Bavarian town. It totally worked, and now it is one of the best towns to visit outside of Seattle.

There is so much to do here and it is a fantastic spot to relax, drink wine, shop, and eat.

My favorite place to eat is at the Rhein Haus. They have fantastic beers, great pretzels, yummy bratwurst, and an awesome atmosphere, especially on a beautiful day. The Danish Bakery is also a great spot to get some sweets, and I also like the WineGirl Wines for wine tasting.

Leavenworth also holds many festivals throughout the year, so maybe you will be around when they have them. I have been to two festivals, and they were so fun!

If you want to see more beautiful views, make sure to check out Lake Wenatchee. Don’t worry; it is an easy stroll to see this wonderful lake. It is around 30 minutes from this town.

Read More: 20 Fun Things to Do in Leavenworth Washington

Day 8: Hike Colchuck Lake

I wanted to give you some time to really take in one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington State, so I think you should take the whole day off to do this hike.

Now for Colchuck Lake, you NEED to get to the parking lot early in the morning. It doesn’t matter if you are going during the week or weekend, just get there early. On weekends maybe 5 am would be safe, and on weekdays 8 am would be ok.

This hike is worth the hype, by the way. And it is rated as difficult, but many beginner hikers attempt it as it is just too beautiful not to see. I have also seen single moms carry their babies up this mountain, so people are very dedicated to experiencing this lake.

Day 9: Drive To North Cascades

Where To Stay When Visiting North Cascades National Park

And the most difficult national park to find accommodation award goes to… North Cascades National Park!

I have never stayed in a hotel in this park due to the difficulty. I have just camped or backpacked. I know some people who have stayed at Buffalo Run, but it is not the nicest hotel.

Blue Lake

Blue Lake is a moderate hike with stunning views of a lake with mountains. So many people love to come here and swim on a hot summer day. I, of course, was too chicken to take a dip! This is a great trail for children as it is not long and difficult.

Diablo Lake

After hitting up, Blue Lake check out the wonderful Diablo Lake! It really is that blue/green, and I cannot get over how vibrant it is! There is a great viewpoint to view the lake and if you want to swim, head to the Thunder Knob Trailhead. This is where many people also go kayaking.

Day 10: North Cascades National Park

Sahale Arm

The best trail in North Cascades is the Sahale Arm Trail. Just getting to the trailhead has magnificent views. This trail is challenging, though (12 miles long with a 4000 ft elevation gain), so this is an all-day event.

Even if you feel like this is too long, I think you can at least get to the Cascade Pass. It still has stunning mountains surrounding you (7 miles long with 1200 ft elevation gain).

Day 11: North Cascades National Park

Maple Pass Loop

Maple Pass Loop is another great all-day trail that has fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. I loved this trail! I have always heard about this trail, and it wasn’t very high on my list on hikes in Washington but seeing it in person really blew all expectations outs of the water.

Washington Pass Observation Site

Before or after the hike, make sure to check out the Washington Pass Observation Site. It is a quick stop and has views of the tall extraordinary mountains.

Read More On North Cascades: The Best Hikes In North Cascades National Park

Day 12: Drive To Mount Baker

Where To Stay Around Mount Baker

Mount Baker has a few more options when it comes to places to stay. The best thing to do is to rent a cabin:

Chain Lakes Loop

Chain Lakes Loop is one of my favorite trails in Washington. It is effortless, and the views are exceptional. So, if you are too tired to do some difficult trails, you need to hike Chain Lakes Loop.

Read More: Hiking the Chain Lakes Loop Trail | What You Need to Know About This Amazing Hike

Artist Point

Many photographers take their clients to Artist Point to take pictures because it is one of the best viewpoints in Washington. Go here during sunset after Chain Lakes Loop, and you will see why this area is my favorite in Washington.

Day 13: Mount Baker Area

Skyline Divide

Skyline Divide is known to be one of the best trails in this area. It is around 9 miles with a 2500 elevation gain.

Read More On Mount Baker: The Best Hikes In The Mount Baker Area

Day 14: Drive Back To Seattle

This is the end of your itinerary! Phew! What a trip! You just did the best things in Washington State! You definitely need to come back and see some more. Trust me. I have lived here for over two years, and I explore every weekend, and I still feel like I have way more to see.

7 Day Washington Road Trips

I know it might seem tempting to add in all national parks to a 7-day road trip but trust me, you will be driving most of the time and will not enjoy the state to its fullest. Many 7 day Washington itineraries have you driving around the whole state, and I cannot stress it enough that it will not be enjoyable. I think it is best to enjoy two areas, so I have two different options for you.

Option 1: 7 Day WA Road Trips

• Day 1: Arrive in Washington and drive to Port Angeles
• Day 2: Olympic National Park
• Day 3: Olympic National Park
• Day 4: Drive To Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 6: Drive To Leavenworth and Hike Colchuck Lake, or stay an extra day at Mount Rainier and Hike Fremont Lookout
• Day 7: Go Home

Option 2: 7 Day WA Road Trip

• Day 1: Arrive in Washington and drive to North Cascades National Park
• Day 2: North Cascades National Park
• Day 3: North Cascades National Park
• Day 4: Drive To Mount Baker
• Day 5: Mount Baker
• Day 6: Mount Baker
• Day 7: Go Home

10 Day Washington State Road Trips

• Day 1: Arrive in Washington and drive to Port Angeles
• Day 2: Olympic National Park
• Day 3: Olympic National Park
• Day 4: Drive To Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park and drive to Leavenworth
• Day 7: Leavenworth (Either Colchuck Lake or hang out and relax)
• Day 8: Drive To North Cascades National Park
• Day 9: North Cascades National Park
• Day 10: Go Home

Final Thoughts On Best Road Trip Washington State

Thanks for reading all about the perfect Washington state road trip itinerary. Make sure to check out some other Pacific Northwest posts:

• Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Road Trip
• Oregon Coast Road Trip
• The Ultimate Guide To Stanley Idaho
• Best Waterfalls In Washington State
• The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary
• The Perfect 10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
• 17 Breathtaking Easy Hikes In Washington State

Pin For Later: Washington National Parks Road Trip