Journey Through the Evergreen State

Experience Evergreen Forests, Coastal Wilderness & Volcanic Peaks

Washington State, the Evergreen State, is a land of stunning contrasts. From the bustling urban centers of the Puget Sound to the wild, rugged coastlines, and the towering Cascade and Olympic mountains, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable expedition through its diverse landscapes. Prepare for an adventure where nature’s power and beauty are on full display.

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Trip Overview

Start/End: Seattle, WA
Duration: 7–14 days (flexible based on desired depth of exploration)
Peak Season: Summer (June–September)
Vibe: Diverse, scenic, nature-rich, urban and remote

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June–September): Ideal for hiking, exploring national parks, and enjoying long, sunny days. This is the busiest season, so expect crowds and book accommodations and popular tours well in advance.
• Fall (October–November): Beautiful autumn colors in the eastern part of the state, fewer crowds, and a great time for photography. Rain becomes more common, especially in the west.
• Winter (December–February): Prime for skiing and snowboarding in the Cascade Mountains. The coast and city areas are typically mild and rainy.
• Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom in the alpine meadows and fruit blossoms fill the valleys. Less crowded than summer, but some higher-elevation roads and trails may still be snow-covered.

National Park Entrance Fees & Passes

Washington is home to three stunning national parks: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades. Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks have entrance fees. North Cascades National Park has no entrance fee.

Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks have entrance fees. As of July 2025:

• Standard Pass (good for 7 days):
  • Per vehicle: $30
  • Per person (walk-in/bike-in): $15
  • Per motorcycle: $25
• Annual Pass: $55
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (annual pass covering all national parks and federal recreational lands). Various discounted or free passes are available for seniors, military, people with disabilities, and 4th graders.

The parks do not accept cash for entrance fees. Visit the National Park Service website for more information on entrance passes.

The Discover Pass is required for Washington State Parks and lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources. An annual pass is $30 and a day pass is $10.

Suggested Itinerary: 7-Day Washington Highlights Road Trip

This itinerary focuses on the easily accessible highlights from Seattle.

Day 1: Arrive in Seattle → Olympic National Park (Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent)

Drive Time: 2–3 hours
Stay: Port Angeles or Forks

Activities/Highlights: Settle into Seattle, pick up a rental car, and take the Bainbridge Island ferry for a scenic crossing of Puget Sound. Head to the Olympic Peninsula. Drive to Hurricane Ridge for stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Afterward, explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Crescent.

Drive Time: 1–2 hours
Stay: Forks

Activities/Highlights: Experience the Hoh Rainforest, one of the best examples of a temperate rainforest in the U.S. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail. In the afternoon, head to the rugged coast to see the sea stacks at Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach.

Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Stay: Paradise or Ashford

Activities/Highlights: Drive south and east to Mount Rainier National Park. Head to the Paradise area for breathtaking views of the mountain and its glaciers. Hike some of the subalpine trails to see wildflowers (in summer) and stunning vistas.

Drive Time: 3–4 hours
Stay: Leavenworth

Activities/Highlights: Spend the morning exploring more of Mount Rainier, perhaps the Sunrise or Carbon River areas. Afterward, take a scenic drive over Chinook Pass or Stevens Pass to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy the unique shops and restaurants.

Drive Time: 2–3 hours
Stay: Winthrop or Mazama

Activities/Highlights: Continue on the spectacular Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Drive through the North Cascades National Park, often called the “American Alps.” Stop at overlooks like Diablo Lake for photos of its turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks.

Drive Time: 3–4 hours
Stay: Whidbey Island or Bellingham

Activities/Highlights: Explore more of the North Cascades. Consider a hike or a boat tour on Ross Lake. Head west, stopping at the charming, historic town of Winthrop. Continue to the Puget Sound area, perhaps visiting Whidbey Island via the Deception Pass Bridge.

Drive Time: 1–2 hours
Stay: N/A

Activities/Highlights: Drive south to Seattle. Take a Washington State Ferry back across Puget Sound. Explore the iconic Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or Chihuly Garden and Glass before flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Bonus Add-Ons (If you have more time!)

• San Juan Islands: Take a ferry from Anacortes to one of the San Juan Islands. Go whale watching, kayaking, or explore charming towns like Friday Harbor.
• Mount St. Helens Volcanic Monument: Witness the sheer power of nature at the site of the 1980 eruption.
• Eastern Washington: Explore the rolling hills of the Palouse, a prime agricultural region, or the desert landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge. Visit the wineries and enjoy the warmer climate.

Camping & Accommodation

• National Park Campgrounds: Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks offer campgrounds. Reservations are highly recommended. Some are first-come, first-served.
• Wilderness Backpacking: Permits are often required for backcountry camping. Check with the National Park Service or Forest Service for details.
• Lodges & Hotels: Options range from rustic cabins to city hotels. Book well in advance, especially during the summer.

Essential Tips for Your Road Trip

• Book Ahead: Accommodations, rental cars, and ferry reservations (especially for the San Juans) book out months in advance during summer.
• Dress in Layers: Washington weather can change quickly. Pack waterproof and windproof outer layers, even in summer.
• Fuel & Supplies: Gas stations can be sparse in rural and mountain areas. Fill up when you can.
• Check Road Conditions: Mountain passes can close due to snow, even in spring and fall. Check WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) for updates.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on designated trails. Respect wildlife.
• Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent in remote areas.
• Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in forested areas during summer.

What to Pack

• Layers (base, mid, outer/waterproof)
• Rain jacket and pants
• Hiking boots (waterproof)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing)
• Camera with extra batteries
• Portable power bank
• Small backpack for day hikes
• Reusable water bottle