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THE 10 BEST Washington Tours & Excursions

Washington tours.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Seattle Harbor Cruise

2. Viator Exclusive Day-Tour From Seattle to Mt. Rainier

3. Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour

4. Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours

5. Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

6. Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

7. Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour

8. Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites

9. Orcas Island Whale Watching

10. Evening Colors Sunset Sail Tour in Seattle

11. Forest Hike to Gorgeous Twin and Snoqualmie Falls

12. Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour

13. Exclusive Leavenworth tour from Seattle

14. Same Day Round Trip from Seattle to Victoria

15. Touring and Hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park

16. 3 Hour Seattle City Tour

17. Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park

18. Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes

19. Seattle Grand 4-Hour City Tour

20. Seattle Sightseeing City Tour with Hotel Pick-up

21. Early-Bird Tasting Tour of Pike Place Market

22. Orca whale tour from Orcas Island

23. Pike Place Market Tasting Tour

24. Seattle Space Needle Observation Deck Admission Ticket

25. Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle

26. Seattle Locks Cruise

27. Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

28. One Hour Sightseeing Cruise!

29. Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour

30. Seattle Seafood Brunch Tour

What travelers are saying.

• WANDA M 3 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must see A must see and do while in Seattle. I enjoyed my visit and the view was spectacular. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to visit as well. So I was grateful for that as well. Seattle skyline was amazing to look at from 520' on the observation deck. Read more Review of: Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket Written May 16, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington State

Written by Brad Lane Updated Aug 1, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The natural world is larger than life in the state of Washington. The state is stacked with sleeping volcanoes, lush rainforests, and islands full of attractions. And surrounding these verdant landscapes are cities big and small, brimming with cultural appeal.

Washington State attracts millions of tourists each year. These visitors and potential transplants descend upon the state for various reasons. For those that haven't explored the massive appeal of the Evergreen State, from world-class adventures to one-of-a-kind music and artistic scenes, there's no better time than now to find out what makes Washington so special.

Fun things to do and exciting places to visit are found in every direction in Washington, including the more arid eastern side of the state in cities like Spokane. One trip to Washington will never be enough, and even living there for years won't uncover the entire splendor of the state. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Washington State.

1. Olympic National Park

2. seattle center and the space needle, 3. san juan islands, 4. mount rainier national park, 5. seattle downtown, 6. leavenworth, 7. north cascades national park, 8. puget sound, 9. mount st. helens national volcanic monument, 10. deception pass state park, 11. port angeles, 12. riverfront park, spokane, 13. bellingham, 14. mount baker-snoqualmie national forest, 15. sol duc hot springs, 16. pacific crest trail, 18. snoqualmie falls, 19. fort worden historical state park, port townsend, 20. bloedel reserve, bainbridge island, 21. winthrop, methow valley, 22. palouse falls, 23. washington state capitol building, 24. vancouver, 25. future of flight, everett.

From ocean beaches to glaciered mountaintops, Olympic National Park overflows with incomparable scenery. The park covers most of the Olympic Peninsula, and roads only circle the wild terrain, never cutting through the park's mountainous heart. While auto-touring is fun, the best way to experience Olympic is by hiking trail.

Iconic coastal areas like Ruby and Rialto Beach define the rugged western edge of the park. This stunning slice of the Washington coastline is only a short drive from the oversized trees and abundant foliage in the Hoh Rain Forest . Other popular attractions at the park include the snowy peaks of Hurricane Ridge and the welcoming waters of Sol Duc Hot Springs .

The hiking trails at Olympic National Park traverse many different landscapes, including a Hall of Mosses and the family-friendly Marymere Falls . The Hoh River Trail is an absolute must-do hike for all ages. This lush hiking trail explores the rainforest and river corridor with a flat path for 13 miles before ascending to the lateral moraine of Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus.

For excellent places to spend the night, the campgrounds at Olympic National Park put visitors close to the awe-inspiring scenery presented by this wild western region of Washington. Camping is easier in Olympic NP than in other national parks in Washington, with more campgrounds also dispersed throughout the adjacent Olympic National Forest .

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm

Of all the top attractions in Seattle, the Space Needle within the Seattle Center is perhaps the most iconic. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair and stands today as a centerpiece of the sprawling Seattle Center . Surrounding the spinning observation deck are more of the city's most iconic attractions , including some of Seattle's best museums .

Alongside the Space Needle, the Seattle Center's 74-acre campus is home to the Monorail, parklands, museums, and restaurants. Among the indoor sightseeing options are the colorful glass artworks at Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Frank O. Gehry-designed Museum of Pop Culture .

Other fun things to check out at the Seattle Center include a plethora of art installations, various theater and stage accommodations, and multiple garden and fountain settings, and on any sunny day in Seattle, the campus offers an excellent place to stroll outside.

Author's Tip: Look into the official Seattle CityPass if you're considering visiting more than one big attraction. This discounted package includes a ride on the Space Needle and automatic entry into the Seattle Aquarium. It also includes three admissions into a selection of other nearby places to visit.

Official site: http://www.seattlecenter.com/

The San Juan Islands are north of Puget Sound, off the northwest mainland. They are a collection of 174 named islands, with the four largest readily accessible by ferry. These four islands are San Juan Island, Orcas Island , Lopez Island, and Shaw Island . The county seat, and most populous city, Friday Harbor , is on San Juan Island and is often a jumping-off point for bigger adventures.

Each main island has a mix of galleries, seafood restaurants, and parks, including San Juan Island National Historic Park. The historic park encompasses both a British and an American Camp that date to the mid-1800s. Here, the park details life at the camp and the conflict known as the Pig War dispute.

Popular destinations within the San Juan Islands include Friday Harbor , Eastsound, and Moran State Park, where visitors will find one of the best campgrounds in Washington . Favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands include sea kayaking, whale watching, and dining on local fare.

Mount Rainier is an iconic Washington landmark seen miles from every direction, including certain vantage points in Seattle on clear days. It's the tallest peak in the state (14,410 feet) and is at the center of its namesake national park.

Two areas of particularly stunning interest include the Sunrise and Paradise regions of the park. The road to Paradise is open, weather permitting, year-round, allowing visitors to reach high elevations for hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter. The Sunrise area, on the park's northeast side, lives up to its name and is well worth a pre-dawn drive.

Hiking trails at Mount Rainier National Park tour mountain meadows, massive waterfalls, and groves of ancient forests, including the around-the-mountain Wonderland Trail . The country-spanning Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park's boundaries.

Four auto-campgrounds are among some of the best campgrounds in Rainier . Two of the campgrounds, Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh , accept reservations and often book out fast. Visitors also find several other places to pitch a tent or park an RV in the national forests surrounding the park.

Other attractions are within easy distance of the park, including Northwest Trek wildlife park in Eatonville and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in the little town of Elbe.

It's a large, densely packed city, but downtown Seattle reveals its more relaxed side at the waterfront. Here, piers and parks rim the shoreline, and the chatter of visitors, traffic, and fish throwers add to a vibrant summer soundtrack. Pike Place Market is the standard draw for tourists, but other historic buildings and venerable institutions add diversity to a visit.

Visitors will likely wish to catch an underground tour near Pioneer Square or a performance at Benaroya Hall. And back on the waterfront, a sea-level exploration takes you from the Olympic Sculpture Park in the north to the Seattle Aquarium and ferry terminal farther south. The waterfront is also a popular spot to depart on some of the best day trips from Seattle .

Read More: Best Beaches in the Seattle Area

After the town of Leavenworth experienced the bust following a boom in the logging industry, city leaders rallied and decided to change the town's image. Today, the town of Leavenworth proudly recognizes itself as a Bavarian Village , and it's common to see residents wearing lederhosen or blowing a morning serenade on an alphorn.

Alongside the encompassing Bavarian theme of this tourist town comes several annual festivals. Perhaps one of the most spirited is the annual Christmas Lighting Festival , where the nighttime streets transform into something of a surreal snow globe scene.

Outdoor recreation is also a primary draw to Leavenworth. Craggy Cascade mountains backdrop the town to the west, with iconic destinations like the Icicle Gorge and Alpine Lakes Wilderness nearby. These mountain playgrounds comprise several of Leavenworth's best hiking trails , including the world-famous Enchantments Thru-Hike .

• Best Things to Do in Leavenworth
• Best Campgrounds near Leavenworth

The North Cascades are one of the most unspoiled tracts of country in the United States. And the national park encompassing these mountains caters to anglers, walkers, and nature lovers. To the north, the park shares a border with British Columbia, Canada.

A drive through the park on the North Cascades Scenic Byway is rewarded with fantastic views. Some of the many highlights of this drive include the Washington Pass Overlook, the aquamarine waters of Ross Lake , and the western-inspired town of Winthrop in the Methow Valley.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area borders the southern edge of the national park and is home to one of the deepest lakes in the country. It also provides a stunning backdrop for the mountain town of Stehekin (only accessible by foot, boat, or seaplane).

Many hiking opportunities in the North Cascades are steep, though some of the best hikes in the area also incorporate family-friendly treks with stunning mountain views. Head to the North Cascades Institute within the park for other family-friendly adventures in the North Cascades. This non-profit institution offers educational opportunities and overnight visits.

On the state's western border, separating the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle, Puget Sound is a watery region filled with inlets, islands, and unique worlds to discover. Several cities and harbors surround all sides of Puget Sound, offering endless access and places to visit. Some things to do in Puget Sound include sea kayaking, whale watching, and visiting the vibrant communities that define the islands.

An extensive ferry system accesses the different destinations in Puget Sound, allowing for easy day trips and island hopping. A top spot to visit is Whidbey Island , the largest island in the Sound. It's home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the adjacent city of Oak Harbor , located on the island's north side. The island's north side is also home to Washington's most visited State Park: Deception Pass State Park .

South of Oak Harbor, the rest of the island has a quieter tone and more rugged landscapes to explore. Here, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve encompasses several seaside state parks and historic farmlands. It also includes the charming community of Coupeville , where fresh seafood restaurants serve meals by the water.

To look into the native cultures that once inhabited the region, the nearby Tillicum Village on Blake Island Marine State Park offers another popular day trip from the city.

Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18th, 1980, reducing its peak by 1,300 feet and leveling much of the surrounding area. A cloud of ash rose 13 miles into the air, houses were overwhelmed by masses of water and mud, and almost 150 square miles of forest were destroyed. And most tragically, 57 people lost their lives.

Mount St. Helens's landscape is still rebounding from the massive event. Today, visitors are encouraged to learn more about the geological processes underway at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

One of the most popular places to observe and learn about the mountain is the Johnston Ridge Observatory at the end of the Spirit Lake Highway (SR 504). This unique visitor center offers further insight into the eruptive history of the mountain and is a launching point for many of Mount St. Helens' best hiking trails .

A bucket-list adventure at Mount St. Helens is hiking/climbing all the way up to the remaining crater. This challenging endeavor is usually done from the Climber's Bivouac trailhead on the south side of the mountain. Permits are required for any summit attempt on Mount St. Helens.

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens

Read More: Best Campgrounds near Mount St. Helens, WA

The Deception Pass Bridge is an iconic landmark of the region and a civic achievement dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps. The historic bridge spans Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in Puget Sound, and on both sides of this scenic bridge, Deception Pass State Park easily ranks high as one of the best state parks in Washington (and most visited).

Activities like tide pooling, hiking, and boating are some of the most popular things to do at the park. Several campsites spread across three campgrounds within the park, facilitating multiple days of adventure. Knowing the tides is the key to success for those interested in passing under the bridge with a boat.

Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Washington

Official site: https://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-Pass

The town of Port Angeles lies along the northern shores of the Olympic Peninsula, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The region is known for the huge number of things to do outdoors, such as hiking, biking, golfing, boating, kayaking, fishing, birding, and more.

Port Angeles is also an access point to Olympic National Park , including nearby areas like Hurricane Ridge . At this high alpine recreation area, hiking trails fan out from the visitor center leading to wildflower meadows in spring.

Back at sea level in Port Angeles, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center features changing Northwest exhibits in the semi-circular hilltop gallery. On the extensive grounds, visitors will find a museum without walls featuring over 100 sculptures along rustic trails.

Port Angeles has many great hotels, eateries, and a waterfront downtown district. It's also where ferries depart for Victoria, Canada. And even if you're not interested in active days taking in all the natural wonders, you'll enjoy the laidback nature of the town and the plenty of bench seats overlooking the water.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Port Angeles

Eastern Washington is notably different than the west side of the state. The weather is considerably sunnier; farmland dots much of the landscape; and the population is less dense in much of the region, besides in the major cultural hub of Spokane – the second largest city in Washington.

A crown jewel of Spokane attractions is the illustrious Riverfront Park. This sprawling parkland received a massive revitalization just in time for the 1974 World's Fair. Today, it's dotted with community attractions, including a hand-carved carousel made in 1909. The Spokane River also rushes through the area, with several vantage points overlooking its falls.

Other places to visit in Spokane include gardens, parks, and museums. And for the adventurous, the city offers access to several outdoor playgrounds, including the extensive Riverside Park . Skiing and year-round adventures are also available on the nearby Mount Spokane . Take some time to visit the historic Manito Park , established in 1904 and located south of Interstate 90 and the Spokane River.

Bellingham is north of Seattle, less than an hour from the Canadian border. It's an access point for several iconic Pacific Northwest adventures, including Mount Baker . The town also has a notable collegiate appeal and culture, known for its laid-back vibe and a community emphasis on outdoor adventure.

For a quick introduction to this corner of the Pacific Northwest, stroll through Fairhaven Historic District and duck into local art galleries or catch some sun on a restaurant patio. Outside of this historic district, Western Washington University has amassed an excellent Outdoor Sculpture Collection among its academic offerings, and its campus is dotted with works small and large.

In the surrounding area, visitors can take scenic drives through the mass fields of Skagit Valley tulips in spring or follow the twisting, narrow route of Chuckanut Drive year-round. The Chuckanut Mountains, or the Chuckanuts , are a recreation staple in the area, home to many of the best kikes and best campgrounds near Bellingham . Another popular outdoor attraction is Whatcom Falls Park, with four sets of falls and numerous walking trails.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Bellingham

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest runs along the slopes of the Cascade Mountains, with North Cascades National Park to the south and the Canadian border to the north . The wide range of recreational opportunities includes numerous hiking trails, forest cabin rentals, alpine climbing, and one of the best ski resorts in Washington state .

On the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), the town of Glacier is the closest base camp to the peak. The very small town does offer limited tourist amenities, such as restaurants and lodging. At the end of the highway, the stunning Artist Point area of the mountain offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Here, several hiking trails, like Yellow Aster Butte and Winchester Mountain Trail, expose beautiful views of both peaks.

Mount Baker is also a major ski and snowboard destination come winter. Mount Baker Ski Area consistently ranks high as one of the best ski spots on the West Coast. The steep 1,000 acres encompassed by the ski area are best suited to moderate or advanced downhill enthusiasts.

The Sol Duc region is at the heart of Olympic National Park and an hour's drive from Port Angeles. The area has several visitor attractions, including iconic hiking trails and the namesake waterfalls. One of the steamiest reasons to visit is the relaxing pools at Sol Duc Hot Springs.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is operated by a concessionaire and features rooms, cabins, and suites adjacent to the Sol Duc River. Those staying within the resort have free access to the mineral pools and spas, and anyone interested in checking out the rejuvenating water can pay a day-use fee.

The resort also operates a nearby campground for pitching a tent or parking an RV. The only way to stay within the campground or at the resort is with advance reservation.

Spanning the entire length of the United States from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) traverses some of its biggest landscapes as it travels through Washington. Beginning at the sea-level Columbia River Gorge, the PCT heads north to hit such iconic landscapes as the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Snoqualmie Pass, and the mountain town of Stehekin before arriving at the Canadian border.

You don't have to be a long-distance hiker to enjoy any part of the PCT – some of the best day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail span Washington, Oregon, and California. A few recommended day hikes on the PCT in Washington include Lake Valhalla , north of Stevens Pass, and the challenging but rewarding Kendell Katwalk , north of Snoqualmie Pass.

Located between Seattle and Olympia, Tacoma is one of Washington's larger cities. Once industrial in feel, the city has developed a variety of exceptional museums and cultural venues. Perhaps the most notable, The Museum of Glass features exquisite, translucent pieces by world-renowned artist and Tacoma-native Dave Chihuly.

Extending from the Museum of Glass, a walkway decorated with glass sculptures, known as the Bridge of Glass , allows visitors to reach the nearby Washington State History Museum.

Be sure to spend time at Point Defiance Park when visiting Tacoma. This signature outdoor space encompasses a peninsula jutting into Puget Sound with amazing views across the water. It's also home to the world-renowned Port Defiance Zoo & Aquarium , the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Owens Beach , and a vast network of hiking and biking trails connecting them all.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Tacoma, WA

This stunning 270-foot waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions in the state. Its accessibility from Seattle, less than a 30-mile drive to the west, adds to its popularity. But its sheer stature also lends credence for a visit.

A two-acre park near the falls offers a popular observation deck with different vantage points. The Salish Lodge & Spa is also nearby, offering one of the nicest places to stay within an hour's drive of Seattle. All the rooms at this four-star hotel are spectacular, but the ones facing the falls offer an unbeatable view.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Snoqualmie

Port Townsend is a charming seaport city on the northeast edge of the Olympic Peninsula . It's a spot of cultural and historical value and home to Fort Worden – once part of the coastal defense center known as the Triangle of Fire . Today, visitors to this decommissioned military fort enjoy walking through history and the seaside scenery.

The park encompasses over 400 acres, with several batteries and barracks spread throughout. For those looking to explore the densest collection of these cement structures, head to the park's Artillery Hill. Other on-site attractions include the Coast Artillery Museum and the Point Wilson Lighthouse .

After exploring Fort Worden, the rest of Port Townsend also deserves some attention. The city's most defining feature is its several pieces of 1800s Victorian architecture throughout its uptown and downtown district. These storefronts and homes offer a particular type of charm that pairs well with the saltwater smell of the ocean nearby.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Port Townsend

The Bloedel Reserve is a magnificent 150-acre property on the north side of Bainbridge Island. It once belonged to Virginia and Prentice Bloedel, who amassed their fortunes in the timber industry. And the Bloedels spent more than 30 years cultivating the natural and landscaped gardens still seen today.

The Bloedel Reserve opened to the public in 1988 and has been a top place to visit on the island ever since. For the price of admission, visitors are welcome to take the two-mile looped hiking trail throughout the property. A must-see stop is the Residence itself, surrounded by some of the most intricate gardens.

Bainbridge Island's proximity to Seattle makes it a popular weekend destination . Several other attractions on the island also demand attention, including a Grand Forest laced with hiking trails. And head to Fay Bainbridge Park , near the Bloedel Reserve, for one of the best places to camp and spend the night on the island. It's also a great park to catch a stunning sunset across the water.

The Old West-inspired town of Winthrop in northern Washington is worth more than a weekend visit. This uniquely themed town is within the stunning Methow Valley and is a gateway to the big world of North Cascades National Park . Its year-round adventure status also adds to its appeal.

During the summer months, take some time to mosey about the downtown district, made to resemble the 1850s Old West. Along the wooden boardwalk and within the old-timey storefronts, several modern establishments offer places to shop and dine.

The summer is also the time to explore the expansive Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest surrounding the town.

Come winter, the Methow Valley has a world-class reputation for its extensive collection of cross-country ski trails. The non-profit Methow Trails organization oversees a remarkable 200-plus kilometers of groomed cross-country routes, all open to the public for the price of a day or season pass.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Winthrop, Washington

Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago carved the present-day Palouse Falls in southeast Washington. And today, this stunning display of gravity is one of the last active waterfalls along this ancient floodway. That's why, in 2014, the Legislator named Palouse Falls the state's official waterfall .

Designation or not, the 200-foot Palouse Falls is quite a sight. For those looking for the best vantage point, head to Palouse Falls State Park . Here, three designated viewing areas offer commanding looks at the falls and interpretive information about their creation.

The park's semi-remote location makes visiting a challenge. The park has minimal camping, but a nearby KOA has spots near the Snake River. This area of Washington is prone to intense heat during the summer, and visitors should check out Palouse Falls as early in the day as possible this time of year.

Set against the southern end of Puget Sound, Olympia is a relatively quiet state capital. Here, the grand white dome of the Washington State Capitol building rises 287 feet above the tree-lined streets and center of town. It's hard to miss the eye-catching architecture when visiting, and the landscaped grounds deserve special attention, especially when the sun is out.

Free, guided public tours highlight the building's interior, including the five-ton Tiffany chandelier and permanent sculptures. Other top attractions of Olympia surrounding the Capitol building include The Olympia Farmers Market, the Hands On Children's Museum, and the nearby Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Address: 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, Washington

In southern Washington near the Columbia River Gorge, Vancouver is a city filled with history and cultural appeal. Some of the attractions of Vancouver include Esther Short Park and Playground, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site , and a summer farmers market filled with live music.

History and natural appeal run deep in Vancouver, and places like the Waterfront Renaissance Trail and Officer's Row add even more unique things to do. With easy access to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, across the Columbia River, Vancouver is also a popular jumping-off point for exploring the City of Roses.

Even those who aren't plane buffs will likely be impressed by this jet assembly plant tour at the Boeing Factory, located north of Seattle in Everett. Detailed tours through the facility happen daily under the attraction name Future of Flight.

These popular tours take members of the public through the assembly process of some of Boeing's biggest planes and throughout the working environment of the world's biggest building (by volume). Those interested in taking the tour are advised to book their spot beforehand.

Address: 8415 Paine Field Boulevard, Mukilteo

Official site: http://www.futureofflight.org/

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Everett, WA

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The 8 Best Guided Tours in Washington State!

Washington State offers one of the most eclectic selections of activities in all of America. Whether you’re looking for a city tour, sightseeing marine life, or simply taking a tour through the beautifully-wooded forests of the Northwest, there is something for everyone. Here are the 8 best guided tours in the state. 

Savor Seattle Food Tours, Seattle, WA

Come and explore all things delicious in Seattle with Savor Seattle Food Tours!  Taste some of Seattle’s most iconic eats or browse the unexplored with an alternative experience. Savor Seattle Food Tours has something for you!

Deception Pass Tour by Jet Boat, Anacortes, WA

Take a hair-raising thrill ride by jet boat through Deception Pass to see the pass from water level. This beautiful and exciting tour touts some tantalizing sights that are sure to be remembered for years and years. 

Seattle Free Walking Tours, Seattle, WA

Inspired by a year and a half trip around the world, Seattle Free Walking tours gives you a full walking tour experience for free! Just show up and follow the personable, knowledgeable tour guide though some of the most iconic areas in downtown Seattle! Tips are appreciated. 

Lake Quinault Rainforest Tour, Olympic Peninsula, WA

Start this wonderful nature tour at Lake Quinault Lodge. Learn about one of the few remaining temperate rain forests in the continental United States in a comfortable vehicle and drive around the lake to see wildlife such as birds of prey and super cute otters. Learn how the native cultures used the natural resources from the land around them. Lake Quinault Rainforest Tour in Quinault is a great tour for the whole family. 

Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle, Seattle, WA

Experience Washington’s tallest mountain in a wonderful small-group guided tour, get picked up from Seattle and enjoy the scenic narrated journey past small towns, mountain lakes and beautiful waterfalls. This 10-hour tour offers some of the most spectacular views of nature in the state. 

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour, Seattle, WA

As with any great city, Seattle is full of secrets that are just waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. Did you know that Seattle is a city built upon itself? Take a tour with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour and see a scene from a bygone era. Walk the hidden pathways and see Seattle like never before!

Mt. St. Helens National Monument Tour, Castle Rock, WA

Tour one of the most iconic volcanoes in America and learn about its famous eruption which happened back in 1980. If you know someone who was in the northwest back then, they will definitely have a story or two to tell. Learn about that historical event at the place where it happened and see how much has changed after all these years with Mt. St. Helens National Monument Tour. 

Seattle by Segway, Seattle, WA

This is definitely one of the coolest ways to get around. Segways are like floating on a magic carpet and anyone can ride them. So float though the city and learn about the cities culture, history and everything else which Seattle has to offer in this fun and enjoyable tour. Seattle by Segway is a must!

Memorial Day Weekend at Eagle Valley Campground

Easton memorial day celebration, loco motion at easton memorial celebration, the paperboys, rick springfield, never come down.

Cedar River Watershed Education Center

Torguson Park

Icicle Village Resort

Leavenworth Chamber Of Commerce

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum

Wild and Scenic Music Fest

Northwest Railway Museum

Leavenworth Skatepark

Adams County

Asotin county, benton county.

• Benton City
• West Richland

Chelan County

• Chelan Falls
• Leavenworth

Clallam County

• Clallam Bay
• Port Angeles

Clark County

• Battle Ground
• Brush Prairie

Columbia County

Cowlitz county.

• Castle Rock

Douglas County

• East Wenatchee
• Rock Island

Ferry County

Franklin county, garfield county, grant county.

• Coulee City
• Electric City
• Grand Coulee
• Wilson Creek

Grays Harbor County

• Amanda Park
• Copalis Beach
• Copalis Crossing
• Ocean Shores
• Pacific Beach

Island County

• Camano Island

Jefferson County

• Port Hadlock
• Port Ludlow
• Port Townsend

King County

• Black Diamond
• Federal Way
• Maple Valley
• Mercer Island
• Normandy Park
• Woodinville

Kitsap County

• Bainbridge Island
• Port Gamble
• Port Orchard
• South Colby

Kittitas County

• Snoqualmie Pass
• South Cle Elum

Klickitat County

• Centerville
• White Salmon

Lewis County

• Silver Creek

Lincoln County

Mason county, okanogan county, pacific county.

• Oysterville

Pend Oreille County

• Metaline Falls

Pierce County

• Anderson Island
• Bonney Lake
• Camp Murray
• McChord AFB
• Paradise Inn
• South Prairie
• University Place

San Juan County

• Blakely Island
• Deer Harbor
• Friday Harbor
• Lopez Island
• Roche Harbor
• Shaw Island

Skagit County

• Marblemount
• Mount Vernon
• Sedro Woolley

Skamania County

• North Bonneville

Snohomish County

• Granite Falls
• Lake Stevens
• Mountlake Terrace
• North Lakewood

Spokane County

• Airway Heights
• Fairchild Air Force Base
• Liberty Lake
• Medical Lake
• Newman Lake
• Nine Mile Falls
• Otis Orchards
• Spokane Valley

Stevens County

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The 10 most wonderful places to visit in Washington State

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

Washington State’s perennial highlights are its wild open spaces, ideal for kayaking, climbing, hiking and skiing © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Washington is a state of dramatic differences, both physical and cultural. The east mixes vineyards with stark landscapes scarred by past glacial activity, while the west is a patchwork of drippy evergreen forests, clinging to the skirts of snowy mountain ranges punctuated by dome-shaped volcanoes.

Seattle is a glorious combination of cultures and artistic movements, while oenophiles and farmers enrich the city of Walla Walla. Beyond the populated I-5 corridor, the state’s perennial highlights are its wild open spaces – ideal landscapes for kayaking, climbing, hiking and skiing. Roll up your sleeves, grab an oar, ice-ax or pole – these are the best places to visit in Washington .  

1. Leavenworth

Best for Germanic culture

In the early 1960s, the town planners of Leavenworth took a potentially kitsch idea and made it into something wickedly authentic. Attempting to reverse a decline in the lumber industry that had threatened to put the struggling settlement out of business, they turned their small Central Washington town into a themed Bavarian village, complete with dirndl-wearing waitresses, a Nutcracker Museum  and restaurants with names like München Haus plying beer and sausages.

Bavarian Leavenworth avoided overt Disneyfication and quickly became a big hit. The secret is in the details: gabled wooden houses with tidy flower boxes evoke the feel of a Romantische Strasse village, overlooked by a backdrop of pretty Alpine mountains; a Christmas lights festival draws in crowds from all over the state and beyond and enthusiastic locals parade their Teutonic leanings in well-presented food and lodging.

Planning tip:  Book into the Enzian Inn and you’ll be entertained by the hardworking owner, clad in lederhosen and standing on the balcony, blowing on a giant alpenhorn over breakfast.

2. Walla Walla

Best for wine-tasting

If Washington has a Napa, this is it. The Walla Walla Valley and its eponymous town produce some of the best wine vintages in the US, with Syrah, merlot and cabernet currently drawing favorable comparisons with California.

Since the first winery was inaugurated here in the late 1970s, more than 120 establishments have opened in the area, many with tasting rooms spread around a downtown that's collected an array of fine-dining restaurants (and a bundle of awards for historical integrity too). Try Canoe Ridge for its merlot and cab sav and Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen for the subtly flavored pastas and steaks.  

But wine doesn't have a monopoly on the local culture. Despite harboring a population of less than 34,000, Walla Walla has its own symphony orchestra (the oldest west of the Mississippi), an attractive college campus and a deluxe hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also gets less than half of Seattle’s annual rainfall.

3. Hoh Rainforest

Best for forested walks

Damp, mossy and surreal in an other-worldly Lord of the Rings kind of way, the Hoh is famous for its giant trees, substantial rainfall and multiple shades of green illuminating one of the finest tracts of old-growth forest in North America.

Encased in Olympic National Park and accessed via an 18-mile-long spur road that branches off Hwy 101 near the town of Forks, the forest is guarded by a museum-worthy visitor center , riverside campground and small network of trails. The pièce de résistance is the short but extravagantly wooded Hall of Moss Trail, where national park rangers lead guided walks in summer months.

Planning tip:  Bring a waterproof jacket – they measure rainfall in feet rather than inches here.

4. Winthrop

Best for cross-country skiing

It’s 50 years since the struggling mining community of Winthrop rebranded itself as a grittily authentic Wild West town in an attempt to draw travelers from Hwy 20, which had just been built across the Cascades.

While the wooden frontier-style buildings generated approving nods, Winthrop has added plenty more weapons to its armory in the years since. There’s a museum to smoke-jumping (a heroic form of backcountry firefighting), a strong horse-riding culture, and copious trout- and salmon-fishing opportunities on the Methow River.

However, the number one attraction has to be Methow Trails , an extensive web of paths conceived and maintained by a local non-profit and the second-largest cross-country skiing network in the US. Snow or shine, a visit to the hilltop Sun Mountain Lodge  just ten miles west of town is an essential ritual for a scenic hilltop brunch.  

5. Paradise

Best for alpine hikes

On a clear day in late July, the above-the-treeline national park nexus of Paradise could quite conceivably make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Nestled on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier, flower-carpeted meadows are overlooked by the huge, glacier-encrusted dome of America’s finest stratovolcano, rising 2000ft higher than anything else in the Pacific Northwest.

Paradise is the hub for numerous trailheads, from the well-worn Skyline Trail  to the starting point for edgy summit seekers. It also hosts the 1916-vintage Paradise Inn and the refurbished Henry M Jackson Visitor Center, where a modern museum dissects everything from alpine flora to the intricacies of glaciers.

Planning tip:  Park naturalists lead free interpretive hikes from the visitor center daily in summer, and snowshoe walks on winter weekends.

6. Port Townsend

Best for history and architecture

Port Townsend, on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, is the Seattle that wasn’t. An early front-runner in the race to be a cross-continental railway terminus, it ultimately lost out to the better-placed "Emerald City" and fell into a long decline alleviated only in the 1970s when locals recognized the value of the unkempt Victorian-era buildings and coaxed them back to life.

Today Port Townsend is one of the state’s most handsome historic towns, replete with creative restaurants, refined fin de siècle hotels and a curious calendar of year-round festivals where men in handlebar mustaches mingle with ladies in billowing dresses. Don’t leave town without taking in dinner at French-themed Finistère and a movie at the 115-year-old Rose Theatre , a revived cinema that has witnessed the transition from vaudeville through silent films, talkies and technicolor to digital. 

7. Mt St Helens

Best for an outdoor geology lesson

The apocalyptic landscapes of Mt St Helens illustrate the damage wreaked by the famed 1980 volcanic eruption that prompted the largest landslide in recorded history. In all, 230 sq miles of forest were buried under 540 million tons of volcanic rock and ash, and 57 people lost their lives. When the smoke settled, St Helens had acquired a gaping mile-wide crater and lost a staggering 1300ft in height.

Encased in Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument since 1982, the area today doesn’t enjoy the same level of protection as Washington’s three iconic national parks. However, there is an interesting array of visitor centers, viewpoints and learning centers dotted along the 52-mile approach road (Hwy 504) culminating in the Johnston Ridge Observatory that overlooks the 1980 blast zone. Between them, they document the devastation, post-eruption renewal and volcanic tracking being used to forecast future eruptions.

8. Stehekin

Best for peace and quiet

One of the few settlements in the US outside Alaska that’s disconnected from the main road network, Stehekin is located on the cusp of the North Cascade Mountains at the head of 50-mile-long Lake Chelan and is only accessible by boat or floatplane. Welcome to a splendidly isolated backcountry village (population 75) that only joined the Washington telephone system in 2007.   

Getting to this remote spot is your first conundrum. You can arrive in Stehekin either by boat or floatplane across Lake Chelan or by a trio of long-distance hikes (minimum distance: 19 miles) through the wilderness of North Cascades National Park to the north.

This is prime fishing and horse-riding country. Stehekin Outfitters can organize mounts as well as tent-to-tent hiking, and Stehekin Valley Ranch is the best place to stay, while Stehekin Pastry Company is arguably worth the boat ride or hike alone.

9. Orcas Island

Best for families

There are three main San Juan Islands and more than 170 additional landfalls, islets and seagull perches in the complex archipelago that graces the Salish Sea just south of the Canadian border. If you’re struggling to choose one to visit, you can’t go wrong with Orcas, the largest of the islands by a smidgeon.  

More precipitous than pastoral Lopez yet quieter than nearby San Juan, Orcas walks a fine line between rugged beauty and serviceable tourist facilities: there’s a strong locavore food culture and a handful of progressive restaurants led by the Inn at Ship Bay . The main hub, West Sound, is little more than a small village and amid the surrounding barns and pastures, you can still feel the pioneering spirit of the first European homesteaders who arrived in the 1860s.

Don’t leave the isle without hiking, cycling or even driving to the top of 2399ft Mt Constitution, relaxing by the pool at the gilded Rosario Resort & Spa  and launching a kayak into the sheltered waters of Puget Sound.

Planning tip:  The Inn at Ship Bay also offers accommodation but the dining room is shut during the winter season.

10. Fremont

Best for mavericks, nonconformists and free spirits

Seattle is less a rigidly unified city and more a confederation of eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. By far the most outlandish is Fremont, a wacky but self-deprecating enclave north of downtown that refers to itself as "the Center of the Universe" and colors its streets with a troll sculpture , an annual naked bike ride and a chocolate factory that would make Willy Wonka pine for a golden ticket.   

Continue exploring Seattle's incredible neighborhoods with our insider's guide.

When you’re done perusing the junk shops, Bolshevik statues and dinosaur topiaries, Fremont also parades an abundance of microbreweries led by the perennially popular Fremont Brewing Company . 

Take the next step in planning your trip to Washington These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Washington These tips will help you choose the best time to visit These experiences won't cost you a thing  

This article was first published Aug 9, 2022 and updated Apr 1, 2024.

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Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Driving Tour

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The Cascade Loop is a scenic driving tour that takes you through diverse sections of the beautiful state of Washington. Cities and towns on the loop route include Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes, and Coupeville.

Washington is an incredibly diverse state that includes lush forests , fertile orchards, jagged mountain peaks, sage-covered desert, urban centers, and island communities . By taking the Cascade Loop scenic driving tour, you can experience all of this and more.

How Long Does It Take?

The Cascade Loop scenic driving tour covers 440 miles. You can't do the whole loop in one day. While the entire loop is on improved highways, there are stretches where you won't make the same progress you experience on an Interstate freeway. To allow time to enjoy the many attractions and activities found along the Cascade Loop, we recommend a 4-5 night trip. If your time is limited, a two-day trip is feasible. No matter how long you spend doing the Cascade Loop, you'll be left with a list of things to check out "next time." The loop can be done clockwise or counterclockwise.

When Should I Do It?

If you plan to drive the entire Cascade Loop, schedule your trip between June and October. The section of the loop through the North Cascades Highway is always closed during the winter months.

Contact the Cascade Loop Association to request a free travel guide.

Activites and Attractions in Everett and Snohomish

Everett, a waterfront city located 27 miles north of Seattle , is known for its huge Boeing manufacturing facility and for its Naval Station. As you travel east from Everett along Highway 2, you'll pass through the pastoral towns of Snohomish and Monroe. Snohomish offers unique shopping, including a number of antique shops.

Activities and Attractions

• Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour Interactive exhibits and displays designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of technology as applied to the science of flight.
• Flying Heritage Collection Historic aircraft, primarily from World War II.
• Mukilteo Lighthouse This picturesque 1906 lighthouse offers exhibits and a gift shop and is open weekends and holidays, noon to five, April through September.
• Centennial Trail This recreational trail, which runs 17 miles from Snohomish to Arlington, is suitable for walking and biking.
• Antique Shopping in Snohomish You'll find dozens of antique malls and shops, most within walking distance of each other.

Food in Everett/Snohomish

• Snohomish Bakery Located along First Street in the historic shopping district, this cozy bakery offers wonderful bread and pastries, breakfast items, and pizza.
• Nana Carmela's This popular Italian family restaurant is located at the golf course in Monroe.

Fun Things to Do in Stevens Pass

You'll make your way through the Cascade Mountains via Highway 2 over Stevens Pass. Along the way you'll travel through lovely forest and mountain scenery, occasionally passing beside the Skykomish River.

• Hike the Iron Goat Trail The 6-plus miles of this scenic trail run along an abandoned section of the Great Northern Railroad. As you hike along you'll see the remains of the historic railroad, including old tunnels, walls, and equipment. You can choose to do some or all of the Iron Goat Trail. This trail is family friendly; much of the trail is wheelchair accessible.
• Wonderful Waterfalls There are several waterfalls located along the stretch of Highway 2 between the town of Gold Bar and Stevens Pass. Bridal Veil Falls, Sunset Falls, and Deception Falls can be seen from the highway. Wallace Falls, located near Gold Bar, can be reached via a 2.5-mile hike.
• Stevens Pass Ski Resort Skiing and snowboarding are available at this full-service ski resort, open during the winter months.

Food Near Stevens Pass

• Zeke's Drive-In This roadside food stand, located in Gold Bar, is beloved for its burgers and shakes.

Activities and Attractions in Leavenworth

Located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a fun Bavarian-themed town . The surrounding mountains and rivers provide an opportunity for recreation in summer and in winter. While in Leavenworth, spend an afternoon wandering the shops and strolling in Waterfront Park. Combine that with great food, charming lodgings, and fantastic festivals and you have everything you need for a great Northwest getaway. When doing the Cascade Loop, Leavenworth makes an excellent place to stop for a night -- or two!

• Nutcracker Museum You'll see more ways to crack nuts than you ever imagined.
• Outdoor Recreation Leavenworth is heaven for hiking, biking, rafting, and skiing. Stop by the ranger station located on Highway 2 in the main part of town for maps and information.
• Festivals Leavenworth finds reasons to celebrate throughout the year.
• Shopping Leavenworth offers a variety of shops and galleries.
• Wine Tasting Enjoy wine tasting in town or visit a nearby winery.
• Cashmere The town of Cashmere, a few miles east of Leavenworth, has a wonderful Museum and Pioneer Village. While in Cashmere, take the Applets & Cotlets Factory Tour to learn about candy making, enjoy some tasty treats, and check out their gift shop.
• Gustav's Awesome bratwurst and beer.
• Café Mozart Fine Bavarian dining for a special evening with that special someone.
• Run of the River Inn This amazing bed and breakfast inn is perfect for a memorable romantic getaway.
• Enzian Inn An outdoor pool, free putting course, and ​a buffet breakfast make The Enzian Inn a good choice for families.

Fun Things to Do in Wenatchee

Sunny Wenatchee is a rich agricultural center, home to orchards and vineyards. Located on the Wenatchee River, it is also a great place for outdoor recreation.

• Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail This 13-mile riverside trail is popular with bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and walkers.
• Ohme Gardens This charming oasis, which looks out over the Wenatchee Valley, is filled with stone paths and features, interesting water features, and lush greenery.
• Washington Apple Commission Visitor Center & Gift Shop Take a short stop to view the commission's extremely interesting film about apple production in the state of Washington. While there, you can sample apple products, check out their exhibits, and pick up an apple-themed gift item. A must-see for Washingtonians.
• Ice Age Floods Driving Tour This geological side tour will give you some insight into one of the region's great untold stories. Along the way, you'll learn about the ice age floods that helped shape much of the Northwest landscape. You can pick up a self-guided driving tour map in Wenatchee.
• Raft the Wenatchee River There are a number of local outfitters that offer whitewater rafting trips on the Wenatchee River.
• Skiing and Snow Sports From Wenatchee, you can access Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort as well as cross-country and snowshoe trails in the Wenatchee National Forest.
• McGlinn's Public House Offers upscale pub dining in the historic Garland Building.
• Caffè Mela Enjoy fresh-roasted coffee drinks, pastries, salads, and panini in a welcoming setting.

Wenatchee offers some fine bed and breakfasts as well as a number of chain hotels. If, as part of your Cascade Loop driving tour, you plan to stay more than one night, it's a good idea to choose accommodations in Leavenworth or Chelan.

Fun Things to Do in Lake Chelan

In a region filled with lakes, Lake Chelan stands out. Fed by glaciers, this skinny lake is over 50 miles long and reaches depths of close to 1500 feet.

• Lady of the Lake Ferry to Stehekin From the town of Chelan, you can enjoy a scenic 50-mile Lake Chelan cruise to Stehekin. Fast and slow options are available, depending on whether you want to savor the tour or just get to Stehekin as efficiently as possible.
• Golfing Chelan offers several championship golf courses with magnificent views, including Desert Canyon Golf Resort and Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course.
• Boating and Water Sports A 50-mile long lake makes for great water recreation, including boating, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing.
• Wine and Wineries Lake Chelan was recently designated as an official American Viticultural Area. There are over a dozen wineries in the Chelan Valley.
• Apple Cup Café This popular breakfast place serves all day.
• Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan This popular lakeside resort hotel is great for families.
• Best Western Lakeside Lodge & Suites You'll appreciate this hotel's access to the lake and park.

Fun Things to Do in Methow Valley

As you follow Highway 153 and then Highway 20, you'll wind through the scenic Methow Valley, passing through the towns of Pateros, Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama.

• Hiking The Methow Valley is home to some great hiking trails. Popular hikes include Goat Peak and Rainy Lake. Trails are also available for biking and horseback riding. You can find Methow Valley trail maps on the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association website.
• Hot Air Ballooning Experience a truly incredible view of Methow Valley and the surrounding hills and mountains. Morning Glory Balloon Tours offers morning balloon rides followed by a light gourmet picnic.
• Shopping in Winthrop The Old-West-themed town of Winthrop offers surprisingly good shopping. Many artists make their home in the Methow Valley; you can view and purchase their work in local galleries.
• Snow Sports With over 120 miles of groomed trails, the Methow Valley is a wonderland for cross-country ski enthusiasts
• Sun Mountain Lodge Dining Room Not only will you enjoy a fabulous view of Methow Valley and the North Cascades, you'll experience excellent food and service at this highly-acclaimed restaurant.
• Twisp River Pub Home of Methow Valley Brewing Company, this fun pub serves great food with a variety of ethnic influences.
• Duck Brand Cantina This Winthrop hangout offers burgers, salads, Mexican food, and a full bar.
• Sun Mountain Lodge This destination resort has everything you might want for a truly memorable getaway. The rooms are elegant, yet comfortable, with magnificent views. On-site services and amenities include a spa, a bar and grill, special event space, outdoor pools, tennis courts, a network of hiking and biking trails, and more.
• Chewuch Inn & Cabins Located within walking distance of Winthrop's frontier-themed shopping district, this a bed and breakfast provides modern, high-quality accommodations. Guests can choose from rooms in the inn or cabins. All have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini refrigerators, and coffee makers. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the rustic breakfast room and includes a delicious assortment of hot and cold items.

Fun Things to Do in Washington's North Cascades

Ancient forests, craggy peaks, and blue-green lakes make the North Cascades stretch of the Cascade Loop driving tour unforgettable. While driving this section of Highway 20 you'll pass through the North Cascades National Park and the towns of Diablo, Rockport, and Marblemount.

Note: The Northwest Cascades Highway between Mazama and Newhalem closes from late fall through mid-spring.

• Diablo Lake Cruise Seattle City Light offers 2 different boat tours of Diablo Lake. You'll meet near the Skagit General Store in Newhalem to board a bus that will take you to the boat dock just above the amazing Diablo Dam. The boat tour traverses the length of Lake Diablo up to the Ross Dam powerhouse and back. If you take the dinner tour, the bus will stop at the dining hall for a family-style meal on the way back from the boat trip.
• Stop at Scenic Overlooks As you drive along Highway 20 in the North Cascades you'll come across scenic viewpoints where you can get out of your vehicle and take in the beauty of the lakes and mountains. There are overlooks at both Diablo Lake and at Ross Lake.
• North Cascades National Park Visitor Center After you check out the visitor center's exhibits on local natural and human history, take a hike on one of the nearby nature trails.
• The Eatery This Rockport food stop is known for its fresh cinnamon rolls and other home-baked goodies.
• Buffalo Run Restaurant This historic roadhouse specializes in buffalo and game meats. They also serve steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
• Clark's Skagit River Resort This resort's cozy cabins come in a variety of sizes and themes. In addition to the cabins, Clark's offers tent and RV space.

Activities and Attractions in Skagit Valley

The Skagit Valley , known for its annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival , is a great getaway throughout the year. The fertile valley and water views inspire many artists, giving rise to a number of shops and galleries. You can also choose from a variety of outdoor activities, including bird watching and rafting.

• Bird Watching Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and great blue herons are among the birds that call the Skagit Valley home during portions of each year. Hot bird watching spots include the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and along the Upper Skagit River.
• Skagit Valley Casino Resort This full-service casino resort offers a hotel, gambling, live entertainment, a lounge, a buffet, and fine dining.
• La Conner Shops and Galleries This charming waterfront community provides a wonderful setting for strolling among the shops and galleries. You'll find a great selection of fine crafts and home furnishings at such shops as The Wood Merchant, Earthenworks Gallery, and Two Moons Gallery & Gifts.
• Nell Thorn Restaurant and Pub Foodies will relish their gourmet menu, which features fresh local ingredients.
• Skagit River Brewery Microbrews and great pub food in a casual setting.
• Wild Iris Inn This bed and breakfast inn is a fine choice for a romantic retreat.

Activities and Attractions on Whidbey Island

Once on Whidbey Island , you can relax and just wander. You'll find fun places to stop and check out in every direction. The towns of Coupeville and Langley offer the chance to stroll, shop, and dine. Fort Casey State Park and Deception Pass State Park are both great for hiking and for taking in gorgeous water views .

• Greenbank Farm This historic farm has been turned into a picture-perfect complex that includes event space, gardens, galleries, shops, and a winery.
• Fort Casey State Park The grounds of this sprawling park include the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and a historic artillery post.
• Deception Pass State Park Miles of hiking trails wander through this park's rocky terrain, while great water views can be had in every direction.
• Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens Over 4 miles of nature trails wind around this lovely display garden.
• Whidbey Pie Cafe This Greenbank Farm eatery serves fresh loganberry pie as well as other lunch items.
• Fraser's Gourmet Hideaway Seasonal Northwest cuisine in an intimate and elegant setting.
• The Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast The floral-themed rooms at The Farmhouse B&B are perfectly appointed to make you feel comfortable and at home.
• The Coachman Inn Located in Oak Harbor on the north end of the island, The Coachman offers comfortable and affordable hotel rooms.

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There's nothing like hitting the open road, cranking up the tunes, feeling the wind in your hair and taking a big old gulp of fresh air. And there's nothing like doing this on the Cascade Loop! From the salty sea air surrounding the Puget Sound, flowering fruit trees from Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Lake Chelan, acres of fresh cut hay and farmland in the Methow and Skagit Valleys, and miles upon miles of lush evergreen forest along the Stevens Pass Greenway and North Cascades National Park. This is the road trip of a lifetime.

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WASHINGTON STATE HIKING & BACKPACKING

Featuring incredible volcanoes, rainforests, mountain ranges, and more, our Washington hiking tours are some of the best in the U.S.

Our guided hiking trips are all-inclusive. We take care of all the details so you don’t have to: top-of-the-line gear, delicious meals, permits, exceptional accommodations (tents or inn/hotels/lodges), local transportation, and more are all handled for you. If a Pacific Northwest hiking vacation sounds fun, we invite you to read more below and click through to the area that most interests you!

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Picture yourself hiking through a deep, lush rainforest with sporadic rays of light beaming through breaks in the near-opaque canopy. You detect a low murmur that, as you hike along the trail, slowly grows into a roar and eventually you are standing on the shore of a rushing, glacial-fed river. In the distance, snow-capped, jagged peaks soar above the surrounding valleys. We work our way along the shore, discovering more views, more breathtaking scenery. Perhaps a waterfall comes into view, or a bighorn sheep, or an old growth forest. We may end up above treeline, gazing down on the Pacific Ocean or on an ancient glacier. Or maybe some hot springs or a group of bald eagles. You soak it up, absorbed by the wonder of the Pacific Northwest. This is Washington State, and it’s endlessly awe-inspiring!

WHICH NATIONAL PARK SHOULD I HIKE?

We offer guided hiking and backpacking tours in Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park . Olympic is a coastal park with deep wilderness, rain forests, waterfalls, spectacular coastal hiking, wildlife, glaciers, and – as you can see – incredible diversity of scenery. We offer Olympic National Park backpacking trips, inn-based Olympic hiking tours, and a basecamp tour that visits Olympic and Rainier. Mount Rainier is a glacial-draped volcano with wildflower-laden meadows, alpine lakes, incredible views, waterfalls, and wildlife, We offer inn-based Rainier hiking tours, day hike tours, and the basecamp tour that visits Rainier and Olympic. Finally, we offer backpacking trips in North Cascades National Park, which is one of America’s most amazing mountain parks with phenomenal scenery, incredibly jagged peaks, pristine lakes, glaciers and wildlife. Whichever destination you choose, it will be an unforgettable hiking adventure!

HIKE ON MY OWN OR JOIN A HIKING TOUR?

Many people hike on their own in Washington State, and many people join hiking tours. There are several significant benefits to joining a Wildland Trekking tour:

• Enjoy the best hiking trails in Washington’s national parks, as we have hand-picked what we consider the must-do hikes in each park.
• We worry about almost all the logistics so you don’t have to: permits, fees, accommodations, delicious food, top-of-the-line gear, local transportation and more!
• Travel light and stress-free as we take care of equipment and meal planning.
• Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.
• Enjoy a higher level of safety as you hike with a professional, certified trekking guide.

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How to Plan an Amazing Washington State Road Trip

Looking to plan an amazing Washington State Road Trip? You’re in the right place. Matt’s family still lives in the Seattle area, and we regularly venture north from our home base in Oregon to explore Washington State. Some of our favorite memories from the past few years (including when we spent the better part of a summer living in a van road tripping around Washington) were made in the northwest corner of the US. 

In this detailed guide, we’re going to go over a perfect road trip itinerary that takes you to all three national parks in Washington over 14 days, which is based on our own experiences exploring the state. 

Have more or less time than that? Have no fear, we’ve got ideas on how to structure a trip with more and less time below the main itinerary, and you can use the details in the main itinerary to help you plan out your trip. 

Now, we might be biased since Matt grew up in the Seattle area, but we firmly believe that this has to be the most scenic road trip in the United States.

From the diverse collection of landscapes on the Olympic Peninsula, to majestic Mount Rainier and the rugged North Cascades, prepare to be immersed in some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, full of awesome hikes and jaw-dropping views from beginning to end. 

In this complete guide to planning your Washington road trip itinerary, we’re going to give you the logistics you need to know – when to visit and our recommended route – along with a mini guide to each place on the itinerary. 

That mini guide will have information like what to do and where to stay – all based on our own experiences exploring Washington – along with links to more in-depth content we’ve written on the destination.

In each “where to stay” section, we’ll give you options for camping (which is what we usually do) and not camping, which we recognize is what the vast majority of people prefer. 

Finally, at the end, we’ll give you some ideas on how to shorten or lengthen the itinerary to fit your particular trip. 

Sound good to you? This guide is super detailed, full of our tips and favorite places based on our extensive experience exploring Washington, which means it’s LONG. Strap yourself in, grab a cup of coffee (or beer or wine, no judgment here), and let’s get to exploring Washington State!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

 How Many Days Do You Need for This Road Trip?

The short version of the longer answer below is at least 14 days , if you want to see all three national parks in the state. With less time, you can still plan a great trip, but you’ll need to make some decisions and focus a little bit. 

There’s going to be a lot of driving (things are further than you think), but if you plan it right and spend at least two days in all of the parks, it’s going to be magical. 

If you want to fit in Washington’s three national parks – Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades – you’re going to need at least 14 days . 

11 or 12 days would be doable if you’re willing to cut the North Cascades, which is a big drive from the other places on this itinerary.

Each park deserves two to three days at the very least to justify the amount of driving you’ll need to do to connect them. 

If you have anything less than 10 days, we’d strongly recommend cutting the North Cascades (a shame, we know) and focusing on Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle area. 

You could still head over to Leavenworth for a day and hike Colchuck Lake , but the North Cascades are going to be too far out of the way to justify the drive time. 

With 7 days , you can do a sweet little loop that covers the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Rainier. That trip basically follows the first seven days of the itinerary below. The breakdown would essentially be three days in Olympic National Park ( here’s a guide! ), three days in Rainier, and one day in Seattle . 

We have an entire section dedicated to what to do with less time with some itinerary ideas at the bottom of this guide.

With more than two weeks, we’d recommend choosing two places to add a couple of extra days each.

The locations we’d choose between are the San Juan Islands , Seattle , and Mount Baker , and we have a “More Time” section below the main itinerary covering what to do and see and where to stay in each place. 

Want to experience Washington State in a campervan?

We own a van from Peace Vans in Seattle (their “modern” model, built on a Mercedes Metris) and highly recommend them.

The metris is a smaller footprint than the big Sprinter and Dodge Ram Promaster, which is why we like it. There’s still plenty of space, and the pop-top makes it even more spacious.

You can rent a van from Peace Vans on Outdoorsy , which would be a great way to experience Washington State (trust us, we’ve done it!).

The Best Time to Plan a Road Trip in Washington State

This is a very, very important section in this guide, which is why it’s one of the first things we’re talking about. 

If you are interested in hiking in the Cascades – specifically near Mount Rainier and in the North Cascades – your trip will need to be sometime between late July and mid-October . 

Otherwise, high elevation hiking trails (like the ones in both of those parks) will be covered in snow, and some roads and sections of the parks will be closed. 

You can still access certain parts of the parks – Paradise at Rainier is open year round (except in notable snow storms) and the North Cascades Highway is usually open up to Ross Dam in the winter and spring (same caveat about storms here), but that’s about it. 

The exact timing depends on the year, precipitation, and spring temperatures (among other factors), but you will be most safe with a trip in August or September . 

Late July and October can depend on the year, but we’ve been to both Rainier and the North Cascades in late July and found a bit of snow, but nothing crazy. 

Check road conditions for Rainier here , and the North Cascades here .

Where to Start and End Your Road Trip

The road trip route below starts and ends in Seattle. The easiest place to fly into is going to be Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) , known as “SeaTac” to most people who live in and around Seattle. 

You could rearrange this road trip to start in Seattle and end in Portland, if you’re interested in exploring the area around Portland at the end of your trip. Which we both love and recommend (because, you know, we live in Portland). 

How to Plan a Perfect 14 Day Washington Road Trip Itinerary

Here is the route that we’d recommend with 14 days in Washington – which features all three of the National Parks in Washington State , and makes a big loop around the state starting and ending in Seattle. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Drive to Olympic National Park
• Day 2: Olympic National Park (Hurricane Ridge + Lake Crescent)
• Day 3: Olympic National Park (Around Forks – Rainforests + Beaches)
• Day 4: Olympic National Park (Around Forks – Rainforests + Beaches)
• Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise)
• Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise)
• Day 7: Mount Rainier National Park (Sunrise)

Day 8: Bellingham

• Day 9: North Cascades National Park
• Day 10: North Cascades National Park
• Day 11: Leavenworth
• Day 12: Leavenworth
• Day 13: Seattle
• Day 14: Seattle & Fly Home

Of course, that’s just the base itinerary that we’d recommend. The exact route you take is going to depend on your particular interests, what time of year you’re visiting, and more factors than we can possibly take into account here. 

We have ideas for shorter and longer itineraries below the main itinerary if you have more or less time. 

We’ll do our best to give you all the information you need to plan YOUR road trip in Washington, but if we miss something or you have more questions, leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to either answer your question, or point you to someone who can.

Now that we’ve covered the important logistics, let’s get into the detailed itinerary!

Days 1-4: Olympic National Park

Before we get into the best places to explore in Olympic National Park, it would make sense to quickly cover geography first. 

Olympic National Park is GIGANTIC. It’s also incredibly diverse – you’ll see everything from towering sea stacks rising out of the sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean, to the most spectacular temperate rainforest in the United States, and waterfalls galore. 

The other thing to know is that it is WET. It rains a ton, hence the rainforests. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes and thank us later. 

There are four main regions of the park that we’d recommend that you take the time to explore. 

• Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent – This region features towering mountains on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s easy to get to from all points east, like Seattle, and it also sits just 17 miles south of Port Angeles. Don’t miss Sol Duc Falls, Marymere Falls, and Hurricane Hill.
• La Push Beaches – Rialto, First, Second, and Third Beach will all provide you with million-dollar sunsets and views onto the sea stacks with cliffs rising up from the sea. Make sure to look up too! You might spot the elusive bald eagle waiting patiently for its next meal (we saw two on our recent trip).
• Hoh Rainforest – This is the moss-covered rainforest region that features sphagnum moss, wildlife, old-growth Sitka spruce, ferns, banana slugs, and wildlife of all kinds.
• Lake Quinault – This is a region in the western part of the park that features the stunning Lake Quinault, located within the extraordinary Quinault Rainforest. 

To make the most of your time here, you’ll want to make a counter-clockwise loop starting with Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, moving west to Forks and the Pacific Coast, and ending with a drive south along the coast, with a few beach stops along the way.

It also makes sense to split your time in terms of where you stay, staying two nights in the northern region of the park, and two nights out on the coast near Forks.

You’ll want to spend your first two nights near Port Angeles , a good home base for Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, then spend the next two nights in Forks (yep, that Forks) to do the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Beaches. 

One other thing : There are no two ways about it – getting from the Olympic Peninsula to Mount Rainier National Park requires some driving, so be prepared for a long drive at the end of this leg. 

Getting to Olympic National Park

On your first day, pick up your rental car and drive out to the area around Port Angeles, which is the perfect home base for Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent. 

There are two possible routes – one that involves driving into Seattle and taking an expensive ferry to Bainbridge Island , and one that involves driving around to the south and taking the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma to get onto the Peninsula. 

If you’re coming from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you’re already about 30 minutes south of the city, and traffic going into the city is basically a nightmare at all hours these days. 

We’d opt for the long (and also, free) way around , because it means you don’t have to deal with driving into Seattle (which can be a veritable nightmare) and you don’t have to pay to take the ferry (which can be expensive with a car). 

The drive from SeaTac to Port Angeles should take you around two and a half hours, depending on traffic. 

What to Do in Olympic National Park

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Olympic National Park. Again, it’s a big, sprawling park, so we’ve included the region in parentheses to help you figure out how to fit it all together. 

We’ll also start from the northern edge around Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent and make our way counter-clockwise, just like we’ve recommended you do, so these places will be mostly in chronological order in terms of when you’ll encounter them. 

Hike Hurricane Hill (Hurricane Ridge): A nice, paved path takes you up to the top of Hurricane Hill. From the top of the hike on a clear day, you’ll have sweeping views in all directions, including Vancouver Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands to the west, and the Olympic Range to the south. It’s a relatively easy hike. 3.2 miles / 650 feet elevation gain. More trail information here .

Explore Around Lake Crescent (Lake Crescent): Lake Crescent is a huge lake on the northern edge of the park. There’s a nice trail through the woods to the historic Lake Crescent Lodge, which would be a good place for lunch (if you didn’t pack your own), or a drink along the lake shore. After a break, do the short hike over to Marymere Falls , an easy stroll through the woods to a beautiful waterfall that is 90 feet high. If you’re feeling up for an adventure, hike up to Mount Storm King for sweeping views out over the lake (it’s a tough hike, and we think there are better options in the park). 

Sol Duc Falls (Lake Crescent): A short hike through a mossy forest brings you to Sol Duc Falls, a beautiful waterfall that you view from above thanks to a wooden bridge over the river. It’s a quick and easy hike, and it’s one of our favorite waterfalls in Washington State.  

Shi Shi Beach and Cape Flattery (Pacific Coast): The northern Pacific Coast is the more rugged, less-visited stretch of coast. It takes a bit longer to reach (it’s about an hour from the junction on Highway 101), but the drive is beautiful and takes you along the northern coast through Neah Bay. It’s worth stopping at the Makah Museum to learn about the tribe that calls this area home, and pick up a recreation pass that you need to park at both of these places. Cape Flattery is the northwestern tip of the contiguous United States, and a short boardwalk leads you out to a nice view. Shi Shi Beach is one of the best beaches in the park, and also one of the least-visited. It’s a short, relatively easy hike out to the beach, and then you can walk for miles along the beach (we’d go to Point of Arches at the southern end of the beach).  

Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall (Pacific Coast): This is one of our favorite hikes in Olympic National Park, though it’s a little hard to call it a hike because it’s more of a stroll along the beach. We’ve been here multiple times now, and we still can’t get over the near-perfect weather we got on our first visit, a warm summer evening with a few clouds in the sky (which is rare out here). You’ll walk out a mile or so to a rock formation called Hole-in-the-Wall, which is exactly what it sounds like. Along the way, there are sea stacks towering over you and bald eagles waiting in the trees above. It’s magical, though it’s often rainy and/or foggy out here. Check tide tables for a low tide if you want to be able to walk through Hole-in-the-Wall. 

The other La Push Beaches (Pacific Coast): In our humble opinions, the two best beaches near La Push and Forks are Second Beach and Ruby Beach . Second Beach requires a little bit of hiking to get to, but it’s only two or three miles round trip, including some exploring on the beach. Ruby Beach is right off of the road (near the turnoff to the Hoh Rainforest). Once you’re down on either beach, you’re treated to sea stacks just off the coast, all sorts of fun driftwood along the water, crashing waves, and towering trees above you. There are two other beaches near Second Beach, First Beach and Third Beach , that are worth a visit if you have some extra time on your hands. 

The Hoh Rainforest (Hoh Rainforest): The Hoh Rainforest is the crown jewel of the park because the coastal temperate rainforest that makes it famous needs very specific conditions to thrive (and it only thrives in a few places in North America). One of the key elements? A LOT of rain. As soon as you step into the rainforest, you’ll understand why. Thick moss and a forest floor of ferns cover every inch of the forest here. Definitely do the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail, two short hikes from the parking lot. If you really want to venture deeper into the rainforest (and away from the crowds), head out along the Hoh River Trail, which follows the river out into the wilderness (you can go a few miles to Mount Tom Creek where the trail meets the river). 

We have an entire guide dedicated to the best things to do in Olympic National Park , along with a detailed Olympic National Park itinerary that will help you plan and organize your time in the park. 

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

As we noted above, it makes sense to split your four nights here into two day stints on the northern side of the park and on the coast, which will save you literal hours of drive time. 

There are some pretty incredible places to stay in Olympic National Park , from four historic national park lodges (we think they’re cool, but waaaayyy overpriced), to unique treehouses, cozy cabins, and coastal camping.

At a high level, here’s our recommendation in terms of where to stay: 

• For your first two nights , stay on the northern edge of the park either in Port Angeles (a relatively small city with amenities like gas, grocery stores, and restaurants) and Lake Sutherland (a more secluded lakefront community that’s closer to Lake Crescent)   Staying here puts you in perfect position to explore Hurricane Ridge and the area around Lake Crescent and the Sol Duc River . In Port Angeles, look at the Olympic Lodge or this gorgeous treehouse . Near Lake Sutherland, look at one of the many lakefront houses and cabins . 
• For your last two nights , stay in Forks , which is the best area to stay to explore the Pacific Beaches and Hoh Rainforest . Your choice here revolves around whether or not you want to be in the town of Forks (which is fairly underwhelming, but has a grocery store and a couple of restaurants) or outside of town in a more wild setting. In town, the best options are the Woodland Inns or the Pacific Inn Motel . Outside of town, the Misty Valley Inn is a great option (~10 minutes to Forks), while the Hoh Valley Cabins offer a more rustic experience, situated in the Hoh Rainforest (which is less convenient, but more unique). 

If you’re interested in camping , there are 14 campgrounds inside Olympic National Park (along with quite a few along the boundaries). 

There are only several campgrounds that accept reservations in advance, including Sol Duc (meh) , Mora (best campground in the park, 5 minutes from Rialto Beach), and Kalaloch (on the beach, but very big and crowded).

There are a few more, but those are ones that are in good locations that put you near the places we recommend staying above. 

Book these well in advance as they fill up quickly, especially on summer weekends and holiday weekends. 

All other campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-served, and they definitely fill up on summer weekends (if you show up on a Friday night expecting a site, we’ve got some bad news for you). 

More information on camping in the park here . 

Planning a Trip to Olympic National Park? You won’t want to miss our detailed guides to visiting the Olympic Peninsula that are all based on our own personal experience exploring the park.

• All of our Favorite Things to Do in Olympic National Park
• How to Plan a Perfect Olympic National Park Itinerary (3-4 Days)
• Where to Stay in Olympic National Park: A Complete Guide
• The Best Hikes in Olympic National Park: A Helpful Hiking Guide
• Hiking the Enchanted Valley Trail: A Perfect 2-3 Day Backpacking Trip in Olympic National Park

Days 5-7: Mount Rainier National Park

Drive time and distance: 4 hours // 200 miles

Mount Rainier National Park is arguably the crown jewel of Washington State. Visible from just about everywhere in the western half of the state, the towering mountain is impressive because the entire region around it is basically at sea level.

It’s majestic, and we make it a priority to make it up to Rainier at least once or twice every year from our home in Portland to catch the wildflower displays in the early summer. 

There are five (or six, depending on who you ask) regions within Mount Rainier National Park, but the reality is that you’re not going to be able to fit them all in with a short visit to Washington. 

With limited time, we’re going to recommend you focus on two regions: Paradise and Sunrise. 

Your general route for exploring Mount Rainier National Park will be a counterclockwise half loop . 

Start in Paradise, the most visited area on the south side of the Mountain, you’ll make your way east to Ohanapecosh, in the southeast corner of the park, then north to Sunrise, on the eastern side of Rainier. 

These three regions – which are the most popular in the park – are going to give you some of the best hiking, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes that make this national park one of the best on the west coast. 

It takes a long, long time to get from Ashford (the town at the southwest entrance to the park, where you’ll be coming in) to Sunrise, and the road is closed until June or July most years. 

For that reason, you’ll want to break up your three nights at the park , staying two in Ashford to explore Paradise, and one near Sunrise (spoiler: there aren’t very many options here!) to explore that portion of the park and set yourself up for a slightly shorter drive north the next day.  

There are a couple of main attractions to tackle at Paradise in the morning, and then we’d recommend spending the afternoon exploring Ohanapecosh, which is halfway between Paradise and your final destination, Sunrise. 

What to Do in Mount Rainier National Park

Here are our favorite things to do in Mount Rainier National Park. 

We’ll start from the southern edge around Paradise and make our way counter-clockwise, just like we’ve recommended you do, so these things will be mostly in chronological order in terms of when you’ll encounter them. 

The Skyline Trail (Paradise): Your first order of business is the Skyline Trail, which along with the Maple – Heather Pass Loop in the North Cascades (we’ll get there, don’t you worry), is at the top of our list of our favorite hikes in Washington State . The hike leaves from the main parking lot at Paradise, just outside the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center ( here on Google Maps), which is a good spot to check with park rangers about trail conditions before you hit the trail. Get a bright and early start to secure a parking spot, and to have some peace and tranquility on the trail. Keep an eye out for marmots, the medium-sized rodent creatures that call the rocky landscapes at high elevations home. They’re pretty cute. The hike climbs to Panorama Point , where you’ll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including a view of Mount Rainier that is one of the best in the park, and sweeping views out towards the Tatoosh Range, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens to the south. We have an entire guide dedicated to hiking the Skyline Trail , with far more details (including the parking situation, which direction to hike, and more). 

The Waterfalls (Paradise): If you hiked the Skyline Trail, you already saw Myrtle Falls , which might be the best waterfall in the park thanks to the view of Rainier looming behind it. There are two other waterfalls in the area that you can basically drive to – Narada Falls ( here on Google Maps) and Christine Falls ( here on Google Maps). Comet Falls , which might be the most impressive of the four in terms of the waterfall itself, is a steep four mile hike from the trailhead near Christine Falls, which might be a bit much if you’ve already done the Skyline Trail that day (here’s a guide to hiking to Comet Falls ). 

Tipsoo Lake and Naches Peak (Sunrise): From the road above Tipsoo, there’s a picture perfect view of the lake in the foreground with the glowing peak of Rainier in the distance. The light is great at both sunset and sunrise, which is when we’ve been here, and the peak gets a brilliant pink glow. This is also the starting point for the Naches Peak Trail , which is one of the best easy hikes in Washington and might be the best bang-for-your-buck hike in the entire state.  

Hiking at Sunrise: The Sunrise portion of the park is heaven on earth for hikers who love alpine terrain and staggering mountain vistas. Which is us. This area is where you’ll find the highest concentration of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park (spoiler: they all leave from the same parking lot here on Google Maps). Here are three hikes we love, and think you will too. All three of these hikes follow the same basic path along Sourdough Ridge, where you’ll have incredible views of Rainier and the White River Valley, before diverging at Frozen Lake, heading in three different directions. 

• The Burroughs Mountain Trail: Our favorite of the three here, this hike is hard. It takes you up to a point where it really feels like you can reach out and touch Mount Rainier’s face. There are three burroughs, and the journey to the first two is relatively easy. To get up to the third burrough, it’s a steep, long climb, but we think the views are worth it. Read our Burroughs Mountain Trail guide for more information.
• The Mount Fremont Lookout: Do this trail for the views from the retired fire lookout , which has a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, including Rainier. The hike heads right at Frozen Lake, and climbs up to a ridge that you follow out to the lookout. Keep your eyes open for marmots, and bring bug spray in the early summer – we’ve never seen more mosquitoes in our lives than we did at the top of this hike. More trail information here .
• Berkeley Park: This is the hike to do for an epic wildflower show in the summer (we had good success with the last week of July). The trail heads straight at Frozen Lake, dropping down into an idyllic meadow full of blankets of wildflowers, babbling brooks, and… black bears. This area is a favorite haunt of the park’s black bear population, and it’s easy to see why. We’d like to live there, too. Keep your wits about you, make some noise on the trail, and you’ll be fine. More trail information here . 

Where to Stay in Mount Rainier National Park

Similar to Olympic National Park, you’re going to want to split up your three nights to spend two nights near Paradise (our favorite part of the park) and one night over at Sunrise (the highest point in the park you can drive to). 

Here’s a summary of the best places to stay. For more details and information, head over to our guide to where to stay near Mount Rainier . 

It’s worth repeating that if you want to spend all of your nights in one place, Packwood is the best place to do that . It’s about an hour from both Paradise and Sunrise, and it’s also the most well-equipped town near the park. 

• Near Paradise , you have a few options. Ashford , the town right outside the park entrance, has a nice collection of hotels that will put you within about 45 minutes of the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. There are also a bunch of great cabins in the woods near Ashford, if you’re looking for a little more space and the ability to cook for yourself (which we almost always do). Packwood has a better selection of places to stay (and eat and drink), but it’s a little further away (~1 hour). In terms of camping, Cougar Rock Campground is the only option inside the park near Paradise, and it’s very popular. 
• Near Sunrise , the options are even more sparse. Camping is by far the best option here, with White River Campground being number one (inside the park), and Silver Springs Campground being second (just outside the park). If you’re not up for camping, the best option is probably Packwood again, which is a little further away but has the best selection of places to stay, especially on the eastern side of the park. 

Planning a Trip to Mount Rainier National Park? You won’t want to miss our detailed guides to visiting Mount Rainier that are all based on our own personal experience exploring the park.

• All the Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
• How to Plan an Unforgettable Day Trip to Mount Rainier From Seattle
• Where to Stay near Mount Rainier National Park: A Complete Guide
• The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park: A Helpful Hiking Guide
• Hiking the Skyline Trail: Is This the Best Hike in the Entire State?
• Hiking the Jaw-Dropping Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier
• Hiking to Towering Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park
• The Naches Peak Loop: The Best Bang-for-your-Buck in Washington

Drive time and distance: 3 hours 30 minutes // 165 miles

To this point, you’ve likely hiked a lot of miles over the first week of this itinerary, and Bellingham is a great place to take a day to rest your legs, catch your breath, and reset for the second half of this trip which features SPOILER ALERT even more hiking.

Bellingham is a charming little college town at its heart. It’s home to Western Washington University, and it almost feels sleepy during the summer when many of the city’s students aren’t around.

Still, between its location on the water and its good food and drink scene (thanks to the student population, we’d argue), it’s worth a stop.  

What to Do in Bellingham

Bellingham itself is a pretty compact city, though there are some cool places to see just outside the city limits too that you should include, if you can.  

It also has two of the most scenic drives in Washington nearby – Chuckanut Drive , which is a coastal drive south of Bellingham, and Highway 542 or Mt. Baker Highway . While you’re in Bellingham, you should do one of them. 

Chuckanut Drive is definitely more accessible and would be our top pick –   it fits nicely on your way into Bellingham (we have Mount Baker in the “with more time” section). 

If you find yourself with an extra day, then the drive up to Picture Lake and Artist Point along the Mt. Baker Highway is the first thing we’d add. It’s spectacular.

Here’s a map of a mini road trip up Chuckanut Drive from south to north, ending in Bellingham, including some of our favorite stops along the way. 

Here are some other places to visit, in no particular order. 

Bellewood Farms and Distillery : This is worth the journey north. They have an apple orchard that you can walk through, and make all of their spirits out of apples (so they’re all gluten free!). It’s cool to stroll the orchard and see all the different kinds of apples, and the store has all sorts of apple concoctions. If you’re there during the fall harvest, stop in for a u-pick apples experience. 

Frelard Tamales: We know Frelard from their location in Seattle, and we basically stop by every time we’re within 10 miles for their excellent (and huge) tamales. The location in Seattle is basically just a to-go window (with a bigger, more built out space coming soon!), but their location in Bellingham is bigger with a more extensive menu. Plus, they share the space with a brewery, which makes it a perfect place for lunch or dinner in Bellingham. P.S. the chorizo and cheese tamale is the GOAT. 

Camber Coffee: Is Camber the best coffee roaster in Washington? It’s close, and it’s hard for me to think of a more consistent roaster in the state. They have a lovely flagship location on a sunny corner in downtown Bellingham with plenty of seating both inside and outside, and it’s worth stopping by for a cup of coffee. They do pour over, usually have a couple of fun coffees available as espresso, and have a rotating menu of good specialty lattes that change with the seasons. 

Drink some local cider: If you’re into cider, I have some good news for you. Because of all the apples grown nearby, Bellingham is paradise for cider lovers. Make sure to grab a drink at Lost Giants Cider , the best cidery in town (followed by Bellingham Cider Company) . Even if you’ve never had cider before, it’s worth trying. When in Rome, right?

Where to Stay in Bellingham

We don’t have any strong perspectives on logistics here. With one night, it probably makes sense to stay downtown so you can walk everywhere. We’ve had our eyes on Hotel Leo for a weekend getaway for a while now. 

Days 9-10: North Cascades National Park

Drive time and distance: 2 hours // 92 miles

North Cascades National Park gets, by far, the least fanfare and visitors of the three Washington national parks . In our opinion, it’s no less spectacular, and we’ve found ourselves here multiple times over the past several years. 

It’s the least visited mainly because it’s the least accessible thanks to winding mountain roads that close for large portions of the year and hiking trails covered in snow from October to July (sometimes late July!).

If you’re mountain people like us (versus, say, beach people), then the North Cascades are essentially paradise. 

The crystal clear alpine lakes with rugged rocky peaks of the Cascades in the background are second to none, and you should spend most of your time here hiking and exploring the wealth of outdoor activities. 

The park is located just south of the Canadian border, about two hours north of Seattle.

The North Cascades Scenic Highway runs through the park, connecting the wet, temperate areas in western Washington to the drier, more arid climate you’ll find east of the Cascades. 

As a result, it’s a main artery of travel, and it’s one of the only national parks that does not require a fee to enter. 

Aside from hiking, the other highlights of the park are the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, the sprawling shores of Ross Lake (which is only accessible by boat), and the scenic drive up to Washington Pass, the high point of the road between western and eastern Washington. 

Two days is a good amount of time to spend exploring here, and will set you up to do a couple of the best hikes in North Cascades National Park and take in some truly incredible views. And, if you’re lucky, mountain goats. Be careful, though, they can be aggressive!

One important note around logistics : There are very, very few places to stay on the western side of the park (the side closer to Bellingham). Unless you’re camping, we HIGHLY recommend staying in the eastern foothills of the Cascades, which puts you closer to the trailheads for our favorite hikes AND closer to your next stop, Leavenworth. 

Look for a place to stay near the charming town of Winthrop . Spend your first day driving all the way through the park, stopping for an afternoon hike and some scenic views, and then spend your second day on the trail (more below). 

What to Do in North Cascades National Park

Here are our favorite things to do in North Cascades National Park (spoiler, it’s mostly hiking!). 

The Heather-Maple Pass Loop (Trailhead here ) – 7.2 miles / 2,000 ft. elevation gain: This is the best hike in Washington in terms of bang for your buck. It has it all – a nice alpine lake, a climb to the top of a mountain pass for a good workout, and stunning views almost the entire way through the hike. And don’t forget the spectacular wildflowers in the summer and golden larches in October! It’s quintessential Washington State, and it’s not really that hard. It’s a 7.2 mile loop, and you’ll climb 2,000 feet over those miles. We always go counter-clockwise, which means a less-steep climb that goes on for longer, and a steep descent. Hiking poles will save your knees. Here’s our guide to hiking the Heather-Maple Pass Loop .

Blue Lake (Trailhead here ) – 4.5 miles / 1,100 ft. elevation gain: Another great hike that isn’t terribly long or difficult. It takes you to a picturesque lake, set in between a couple of sets of rocky peaks. You’ll climb through the forest, with a little bit of elevation gain along the way. Definitely explore the trail up the hill on the right side of the lake. It’s a 4.4 mile out-and-back hike, with just 1,000 feet of elevation gain. 

Hidden Lake Lookout (Trailhead here ) – 8 miles / 3,300 ft. elevation gain: This was our first hike in the North Cascades, and it sure set the bar high for all future hikes. The road to get to the trailhead is gnarly, and it’s a good thing we borrowed my mom’s SUV because our van would have never made the journey (although, somehow, we saw a Prius at the trailhead). The hike itself is equally rough – 8 miles long, with 3,300 feet of elevation gain. And it feels like you’re climbing straight up the entire time. But when you get to the top, with views of the perched lake with the Cascades in the background, it’s all worth it. Even the pain you’ll feel in your thighs and calves for the next several days. You can actually sleep at the fire lookout at the top, but it’s first-come-first-served and in VERY high demand due to its Insta-fame these days. 

Park Butte (Trailhead here ) – 7.5 miles / 2,200 ft. elevation gain: The road to the trailhead is a little rough, but we made it in our minivan, so it should be passable in most passenger vehicles. This hike is outside the park, but takes you up to an old fire lookout with an incredible view of the southern face of Mount Baker. In the summer, the meadows leading up to the lookout are blanketed in wildflowers like lupine, and the views of Baker get better and better. More trail information here . 

A Scenic Drive along the North Cascades Highway: This is one of the more scenic drives in Washington, and there are plenty of places to get out, stretch your legs, and hike a little bit along the way.

The scenic portion of the drive starts at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Marblemount ( here on Google Maps) and ends at the Washington Pass Overlook ( here on Google Maps). Here are the stops you should make along the way.

• Trail of the Cedars: Your first opportunity to stretch your legs, this is a very short stroll through a forest with good interpretive signage that serves as a nice introduction to the flora and fauna in the Cascades. Plus, a fun suspension bridge! Park in the town of Newhalem, and you can do the next stop without moving your car. More trail information here .
• Ladder Creek Falls: A nice waterfall at the end of a short hike that crosses the Skagit River, passes the Gorge Powerhouse, and arrives at a waterfall after just a quarter of a mile or so. More trail information here .
• Diablo Lake Overlook: About 20 minutes (12 miles) east, you’ll run into Diablo Lake. First, you’ll drive over a bridge, which doesn’t really give you an accurate picture of the natural beauty that’s in store for you when you drive up the hill immediately after the bridge and pull into the overlook on the left. Here, you’re treated to a spectacular view of Diablo Lake’s turquoise water, backed by the rocky peaks of the Cascades.
• The Ross Dam Trail: Ross Lake, along with Diablo Lake, is the other huge lake in the park. There’s a cool resort in the middle of the lake – the Ross Lake Resort – that you can stay at overnight. It’s only accessible by water taxi. There’s also a short hiking trail that takes you down closer to the water and Ross Dam, which is worth doing.
• Washington Pass Overlook: Your final stop marks the top of the pass, and the border between the mild, temperate climate of western Washington and the harsher, drier climate in eastern Washington. It’s about 35 minutes from Ross Dam to the top of the pass, and it’s a windy, scenic drive. 

From Washington Pass Overlook, it’s a downhill drive to your home base for the evening in the eastern Cascade foothills.

Where to Stay in North Cascades National Park

If you’re not up for camping, there really aren’t many good places to stay on the western side of the park, which is the direction you’ll be coming from. 

Which is part of the reason we’d recommend doing the road trip across the Cascades, so that you can stay in Winthrop for the night, which is a beautiful little town in the foothills of the mountains. 

There are some great places to stay in Winthrop – including hotels, resorts, and cool cabins. Here are three of our top picks. 

• River’s Edge Resort : Just off of the main street in town along the Chewuch River, this collection of cottages has options for various group sizes, all with some sort of kitchen facilities.
• Alpine Woods Cabin : About 10 miles northwest of Winthrop – which means 10 minutes closer to the park – you’ll find a cozy cabin in the woods with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open floor plan with plenty of windows and natural light.
• Artemisia – Zero Energy Home with a View : Perched on top of a hill above the town of Winthrop (but close enough to walk into town), this four bedroom eco-friendly, solar powered home is gorgeous. It’s full of natural light, has great views of the surrounding landscapes, and has plenty of room for bigger groups. 

If you are up for camping, stay at Colonial Creek Campground (our top choice, having stayed at both main campgrounds in the park) right on the shores of Diablo Lake, or at Newhalem Campground closer to the western edge of the park. 

For what it’s worth, we’ve camped at both, and we MUCH preferred Colonial Creek. 

Planning a Trip to North Cascades National Park? You won’t want to miss our detailed guides to visiting the North Cascades that are all based on our own personal experience exploring the park.

• All of our Favorite Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
• How to Plan a Perfect North Cascades National Park Itinerary (2-3 Days)
• Where to Stay near North Cascades National Park: A Complete Guide
• The Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park: A Helpful Hiking Guide
• Hiking the Heather-Maple Pass Trail: A Complete Trail Guide

Days 11-12: Leavenworth

Drive time and distance: 2 hours 30 minutes // 115 miles

From North Cascades National Park, it’s roughly a two hour drive south to Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed town set in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.

Leavenworth is fascinating to us because it was a timber town set right on the Great Northern Railway, which was a prosperous place to be in the 20th Century. 

Then, in 1925, the railroad pulled the rug, packing up and moving to Wenatchee. After a few decades of decline, a committee got together and said “how can we revitalize this town?”

The winning idea was turning it into a Bavarian-themed town to attract tourists, which began in the 1960’s and has resulted in Leavenworth being firmly on the tourist map 60 years later.

Especially around Christmas, when the town is lit up by Christmas lights, with carolers caroling and mulled wine flowing. 

For what it’s worth, we’ve been to plenty of kitschy towns that were built up around a theme to attract tourists, and Leavenworth is our favorite of them all, and pulls it off the best. 

Everything – even the Starbucks in town – has been constructed along strict guidelines to immerse you in the “Bavaria, ish” feeling. 

We enjoy Leavenworth, and it’s a good balance between the outdoor activities and the amenities of a city, which is why we’ve chosen to include it as a stop on this road trip. Plus, it’s the home base for a couple of excellent hikes (more on that in a second). 

What to Do in Leavenworth

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Leavenworth . 

Float the River: There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than jumping in the water and doing the leisurely float down the river. Here, you have two river options! You’ll need to go with a company that will drop you up north at the put-in, so you can float down the river and get out in town. Check out Leavenworth Outdoor Center for more information.

Hike to Colchuck Lake: We tackled this jaw-dropping hike as part of our longer backpacking trip in the Enchantments, but the hike to Colchuck Lake is one that should be on your Washington hiking bucket list. It’s an 8 mile out and back hike that gains 2,300 feet of elevation, and ends at a crystal clear blue-green gem of a lake. It also makes a great overnight backpacking trip, and serves as the gateway for backpacking in the Enchantments (but to get there, you have to climb Aasgard Pass, which gains 2,900 feet in less than a mile. Woof).

Indulge in some Wine, Beer, and Cider: For whatever reason, there’s a thriving alcoholic beverage scene in Leavenworth, with producers of beer, cider, and wine opening up tasting rooms lining the streets of Leavenworth. For wine, go to Icicle Ridge Winery or Archibald James (who also makes great cider), for local beer go to Icicle Brewing Company (who has a great outdoor patio area, perfect for an afternoon beer), and for cider go to Leavenworth Cider House or Bushel & Bee Taproom . 

Eat a Sausage or Three: What’s the first thing you think of when you think of German cuisine (specifically, Bavarian)? Something about beer, sausage, and pork knuckle is probably at the top of the list, and that’s what we think you should eat in Leavenworth! The Leavenworth Sausage Garten is our go-to spot for post-hike sausage and beer or cider, though München Haus across the street is a close second and has pretzels, sausages, beer steins, and more German-ish things to eat and drink. Make sure to stop by Whistlepunk Ice Cream (Alysha’s favorite!) afterwards for a well-earned post-hike desert!

Wine Tasting: It might be a little bit surprising, but this region is actually known for wine. There are tasting rooms in town, and just outside of town to the east. Head out to Icicle Ridge Winery or Silvara Cellars to visit a winery with great views over the surrounding landscape and the Wenatchee River, or just stick to one of the many tasting rooms in the town of Leavenworth itself. Go to Bergdorf in the winter for their gluhwein, a German spiced wine that is best when it’s warm. My little brother and I drank our body weight in it every night when we were exploring the Christmas Markets in Germany. 

Whitewater Rafting on the Wenatchee River: The Wenatchee River, for a few weeks between June and late July, is some of the most accessible whitewater rafting in Washington. It’s class II/III, which means it’s the perfect place for your first whitewater rafting adventure. I have personally rafted it multiple times since I used to work for a company that operated out there. Before you go, you should know that your experience is going to vary wildly based on the water levels that year, which are impossible to predict. Don’t book too early, otherwise you might end up spending part of the trip literally carrying the raft. The best time is usually June and early July. Go with Blue Sky Outfitters (full disclosure – I worked there in college many years ago). 

Read More: All of Our Favorite Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

Because it’s a very popular tourist destination, the town of Leavenworth has plenty of great options in terms of places to stay. 

We like Loge (we stayed there last summer), which is an adventure-forward hotel company who have a downtown Leavenworth hotel , and a set of riverside cabins , the latter of which we’ve personally stayed at and enjoyed. 

The other option we’d recommend is the Bavarian Lodge , which is as central as it gets and gets consistently glowing reviews. 

If you’re camping, stay at Eightmile Campground (we’ve camped there!), which is a nice shady slice of paradise about 15 minutes outside of town, which puts you in the perfect position to tackle Colchuck and the gateway to the Enchantments on your second morning, if you’re up for the hike. 

Days 13-14: Seattle

Drive time and distance: 2 hours 30 minutes // 135 miles

Seattle is, first and foremost, a beautiful city. Flanked by snowy mountain peaks on three all sides (the Cascades to the east, the Olympics to the west, Mount Baker to the north, and Mount Rainier to the south), it’s also set right on Elliott Bay which gives it a waterfront flair. 

Seattle has changed a lot in the past few decades, and parts of the city are completely unrecognizable from when Matt was in college.

The influx of money, mostly from the thriving tech industry, has had a significant impact on the shape and feel of the city that Matt comments on every time we’re in Seattle. 

For us, Seattle is at its best in the neighborhoods outside the downtown core like Fremont, Ballard, and Capitol Hill (among others). That’s where we find ourselves gravitating towards when we visit. 

With a couple of days in Seattle (really, about a day and a half), we’d recommend spending half of your time on the main sights in Downtown Seattle – Pike Place Market and the Seattle Center – and the other half exploring one or two of those aforementioned neighborhoods. 

A note on the journey from Leavenworth to Seattle: To get from Leavenworth to Seattle, you’ll have to go up and over Snoqualmie Pass, which is home to some of the best hikes near Seattle . Depending on how you’re feeling, you could stop for a hike on your way into town ( Snow Lake is a great option).

Regardless, you should definitely stop at Snoqualmie Falls ( here on Google Maps), a powerful waterfall 40 minutes outside the city (make sure to go to both the upper and lower viewpoints). 

What to Do in Seattle

You only have a couple of days in Seattle if you include the day you arrive, which we do. You’re going to want to see the highlights, which is what you’ll find below. 

Pike Place Market: Probably the most famous attraction in Seattle, Pike Place Market lives up to the hype and then some. Though I can’t say the same for the also-famous but largely uninspired gum wall, which is downright disgusting if you really stop to think about it. Anyway, walk through the market and check out the vendors selling everything from candied nuts to flowers, and of course, the flying salmon. Stop by Rachel’s Ginger Beer , Beecher’s Cheese (their flagship cheese is one of my top three all time favorites), and Elleno’s Frozen Greek Yogurt while you’re there. To go a level deeper, take this awesome guided tour of Pike Place with a Local Chef , which my family has done before. 

Discovery Park: Discovery Park is lovely, and is emblematic of Seattle’s natural beauty with mossy forests and beaches on the Puget Sound. Take an easy stroll out to the western edge of Seattle, where you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the Pacific Ocean. The West Point Lighthouse is pretty cool, and is definitely worth the price of admission, which is simply a three mile round trip hike to get to it. The loop trail (lined above) is our favorite hike in Seattle . 

Explore Capitol Hill: Our favorite! “Cap Hill” as we locals call it, is home to the best selection of food, drinks, and coffee in the city. It’s packed full of interesting spots to stop in, whether you’re looking for vegan ice cream or a unique boutique selling who knows what. Our favorite stops are Espresso Vivace and Victrola Coffee for some of the best coffee in Seattle. Frankie and Jo’s and Molly Moons for awesome local ice cream (Frankie and Jo’s is 100% gluten free and vegan!). Elliott Bay Books for the best local bookstore in Seattle.

The Underground Tour: A little quirky and offbeat, kind of like Seattle, the Underground Tour is worth doing while you’re in Pioneer Square. The tour guides are funny, and you get to learn about the history of Seattle from a slightly different perspective. 

Seattle Center: I actually don’t really recommend you go up to the top of the Space Needle. The views are cool (check out Kerry Park nearby for the best views in Seattle – it’s here on Google Maps), but it’s expensive and kind of uninspiring. Seattle Center has some cool attractions though. MoPop is a must for music and culture lovers, with tons of unique and fascinating exhibits about music and pop culture you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a one-of-a-kind art installation featuring hand blown glass in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The Pacific Science Center is a great stop for kids, with interactive exhibits that make for a perfect rainy day activity in Seattle. 

Read More: Exactly How to Spend 2 Days in Seattle

Where to Stay in Seattle

If you’re in town for a couple of nights, you’re going to want to stay somewhere relatively central to maximize your time. 

There are two central areas that we like and would recommend. Here’s a high-level overview.

• Our top recommendation for most people is Belltown . Belltown is, in our opinion, the best combination of central location and selection of restaurants and bars. It’s within walking distance of Pike Place and the Seattle Center. We’ve stayed at the Ace Hotel (a hipster classic!), which is right near Pike Place Market in the heart of Belltown, and we’d recommend it. Our dream hotel in Belltown is Hotel Ändra , which is a very hip boutique hotel right in the heart of some of our favorite food and drinks in the neighborhood.  
• If you want to be in the coolest neighborhood in Seattle , with excellent food, drinks, shopping, and nightlife, stay in Capitol Hill . The downside is that there aren’t that many places to stay, but it’s by far our favorite place to hang out when we’re in Seattle. Great coffee, great bars, great food, and the best bookstore in Seattle – what’s not to love? In terms of where to stay, we’ve stayed with Sonder before in other cities, and have our eye on the serviced apartments at Sonder at Solis for our next trip to Seattle. It’s also worth mentioning the Silver Cloud Hotel . Though it’s not particularly interesting, it is in a great location at a great price.

For more details, head over to our guide to the best places to stay in Seattle , which covers our picks for the best neighborhoods for a variety of travel styles and budgets, complete with pros and cons for each. 

A word on parking in Seattle: If you have a car (which you almost certainly do), parking is going to be either a) expensive or b) a nightmare. Sometimes, both. Our strong recommendation is to pay for parking at your hotel and leave the car there for the vast majority of the couple of days in the city. It will be more of a hassle than help if you try to drive everywhere. 

What to Add with More Time in Washington State

If you are lucky enough to have more time in Washington State, we have a few suggestions. 

Multiple places on the list below – like the San Juan Islands and the Mount Baker Wilderness – are on our list of our favorite places in the state. But, with a shorter trip, they probably are too far out of the way to fit in. 

If you’re interested in exploring more in and around Seattle, you could easily fill another 1-3 days eating, drinking, and walking your way through the city (not to mention the great areas just outside of the city). 

It’s also worth noting that you could easily add a day or two to each national park, and still not run out of things to do and see. 

That’s another way to spend your extra time, and we’d recommend reading our more detailed guides to each of those parks for more details on what to do with extra time. 

Anyway, here are three more amazing places in Washington to consider adding to your road trip itinerary. 

The San Juan Islands (1-3 Days)

The island chain to the northwest of Seattle, this is one of our favorite summer getaways from Seattle. 

The weather is slightly cooler, and it’s a great time to get out on a kayak and explore the islands (though, the waters are treacherous and you’ll need to do a guided trip because it’s too dangerous for 99% of people to do solo). 

Plus, orca whales! 

The two main islands are San Juan Island, home to Friday Harbor and the Lime Kiln Lighthouse (where to go to see orcas from shore), and Orcas Island, home to Mount Constitution and some good hiking. 

One island can be done in one day / one night, both will take three days / two nights. Obviously, you could easily spend more time (we spent a full week between San Juan Island and Orcas Island last summer). 

As you might have guessed, we have guides to the best things to do on San Juan Island , where Matt used to spend a week every summer growing up, and guides to Orcas Island . 

Mount Baker (1-3 Days)

Mount Baker, specifically the north side along highway 542, is the most underrated hiking destination in the Pacific Northwest, we think. 

It’s hard to get to, with higher elevation trails covered in snow into August some years, and the snow creeping back in by early October, but those two months are pure bliss for lovers of alpine landscapes. 

Plus, there are far fewer people on the trails than in any of the national parks, even the North Cascades which is relatively undiscovered when compared to Rainier and Olympic. 

Definitely tackle the Chain Lakes Loop and Yellow Aster Butte , and head to Picture Lake ( here on Google Maps) and Artist Point ( here on Google Maps) for amazing views 

Here’s our guide to hiking near Mount Baker . 

Spend Time in Seattle (1-3 Days)

You might have noticed that, if you were to follow the Washington itinerary above exactly as written, you basically will spend a day and a half in Seattle. Which is probably enough to see the highlights, but not enough to actually get into what makes the city special. 

We love Seattle, and it’s well worth an extra day or two at the end of your trip to unwind after days spent hiking and exploring.

3 days in Seattle is usually our recommendation for first timers (though we have guides to both one day in Seattle and two days in Seattle , which you can use to plan a shorter trip). 

It’s also worth taking a ferry ride across the water to do a day trip to Bainbridge Island , which is anywhere from a half day trip to a full day, depending on how much time you want to spend out there. 

See all of our Seattle guides here , including day trips, things to do, hikes, and more. 

What to Do with Less Time in Washington State

If you have less than 14 days, you can still absolutely plan an amazing trip, and you’ll have plenty of places left to see on a return trip!

For each of these alternatives, we’ll give you an overview of how we’d think about your time, along with a sample shorter itinerary. Then, you can use the relevant sections above to get the details you need to plan your time. 

With 10 Days

As we mentioned at the top, with 10 days in Washington State, we’d cut the North Cascades and Bellingham and focus on Rainier, Olympic, and Seattle. Here’s what that looks like. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Drive to Olympic National Park via Bainbridge Island
• Day 2: Olympic National Park
• Day 3: Olympic National Park
• Day 4: Olympic National Park
• Day 8: Leavenworth
• Day 9: Seattle
• Day 10: Seattle & Fly Home

With 7 Days

With 7 days in Washington State, we feel pretty strongly that you should essentially cut the North Cascades from the main itinerary above and focus your entire trip on Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. 

Depending on what you’re into, you might cut a day at Rainier to spend in Seattle. 

Here’s what that looks like. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Drive to Olympic National Park (Port Angeles)
• Day 2: Olympic National Park – Lake Crescent & Hurricane Ridge
• Day 3: Olympic National Park – Rainforest & Pacific Beaches
• Day 4: Olympic National Park & Drive to Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park (Sunrise) & Drive to Seattle
• Day 7: Seattle & Fly Home

With 5 Days

If you really rush it, you can fit both Rainier and Olympic into 5 days. But you’ll have to cut certain sections of both parks to make it happen. 

Here’s how we’d organize that trip.  

• Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Drive to Olympic National Park (Port Angeles) & Hurricane Ridge
• Day 2: Olympic National Park – Day Trip to Pacific Coast & Hoh Rainforest
• Day 3: Drive to Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise)
• Day 4: Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise & Ohanapecosh) & Drive to Seattle
• Day 5: Seattle & Fly Home

With 3 Days

With 3 days in Washington, you really only have enough time to do one national park. We’d pick one and follow the itinerary in the main section above for that single park, spending any additional time you end up with in Seattle. 

For example, here is an idea focusing on Olympic National Park. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Seattle, Drive to Olympic National Park (Forks)
• Day 2: Olympic National Park – Rainforest & Pacific Beaches
• Day 3: Olympic National Park – Lake Crescent & Hurricane Ridge & Drive to Seattle

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

27 Comments

Hello! First of all, thanks so much for this awesome itinerary ! I used it exclusively to help plan our trip coming up in August. It’s great :). We’re doing the 14 day trek! I was wondering if you could offer any guidance on how many of your hike recommendations, roughly, involve a long non-paved road to access. We tried to rent a 4WD vehicle, but the prices right now are absolutely insane :(. So we had to go with an economy. We loooove hiking, particularly long hikes, but don’t want to risk damaging the vehicle! I’ve been trying to do my research and look at Forumns on TripAdvisor, but frankly the replies are usually pretty aggressive toward non-locals. You seem so nice and kind! Thank you!!!

Almost none in this itinerary – the areas in Olympic and Rainier are super well developed (with the exception of Mowich Lake at Rainier, which is not on the itinerary because it’s 18 miles of washboard road). For reference, we did everything here in our super heavy Honda Odyssey that we live in, so a regular car should do the trick!

This is a wonderful itinerary, which we intend to follow pretty much as is. My husband and I, both seniors, are heading to Washington from Boston mid-September and currently plan to stay two weeks. I am wondering what temperatures to plan for in the parks. I was kinda freaked to learn there was snow on the ground in June!

Mid-September will be great. It’ll be relatively warm (the snow returns in mid-to-late October, most years). The weather is a little more unpredictable as you get into late September, so you might get a little rain, but you never know.

We love your complete two week itinerary! Hope to do it in August 2022. Thank you. If we were to drop any time in Seattle and instead spend the days in San Juan Islands, where in the itinerary would you fit in the San Juan’s?

You’d probably want to do it in between Olympic and the North Cascades. You can take a ferry to San Juan Island from Anacortes, which is roughly an hour north of Seattle.

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Washington State Tours

Providing travel ideas for visitors to washington state, washington state tour companies, planning your trip with washington state tour companies.

There are a number of Washington State tour companies and we have collected much of their information here for you.

Clipper Vacations / Victoria Clipper The Victoria Clipper passenger ferry departs daily, year-round between Downtown Seattle and Victoria’s Inner Harbour plus San Juan Whale Watching tours from Seattle May through September. Tour and hotel accommodation packages are available. See website for Seattle/Victoria ferry schedule and for travel deals.

Viator Tours of Washington State: (a TripAdvisor Company)

• Boeing Factory Tour from Seattle
• Mt Rainier Day Trip from Seattle
• Seattle in One Day: Sightseeing Tour including Space Needle and Pike … 
• Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour
• Small-Group Olympic National Park Tour from Seattle
• Mt Rainier Small-Group Walking or Snowshoeing Tour with Lunch
• Small-Group Full-Day Tour of Mount St Helens Volcano from Seattle
• Sea Kayak and Mountain Bike Adventure near Olympic National Park
• Sea Kayak Half Day Trip near Olympic National Park
• Sunset Sea Kayaking near Olympic National Park

Evergreen Escapes Small Group and Private Tours:

• Mt. Rainier Tour with Nature Walks or Snowshoeing
• Private Multi-Day Adventures
• Olympic National Park Tour with Nature Walks or Snowshoeing
• San Juan Island Kayak & Ferry Adventure
• Woodinville Wine Tours from Seattle
• Woodinville Wine Tasting and Snoqualmie Falls Tour
• Mt. St. Helens National Monument Tour
• North Cascades National Park Private Day Tour

City of Seattle Facility Tours: Seattle City Light Boundary Dam and Diablo Lake Adventure Tour Plan to see while taking a driving tour of the Cascade Loop

Seattle Fire Stations

Argosy Cruises

Bicycle Adventures – Provides luxury cycling vacations in the San Juan Islands and other areas of Washington.

Butler Seattle – transportation, tour and valet specialists

Waterways Cruises 2501 N. Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98103 206-223-2060

Argosy Cruises 1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Suite 201 Seattle, WA 98101 206-622-8687 888-623-1445

Seattle Tours 800-305-9617

Twin Peaks Tour 5103 S Orcas st Seattle, Washington 98118 (206) 723-5201 A new guided tour opportunity for fans of Twin Peaks that visit or reside in Seattle, WA or surrounding areas. Visit TwinPeaksTour.com to find out more about the most complete tour of the filming locations that appear in and inspire David Lynch’s groundbreaking television show. Make sure to take the opportunity to tour and explore the beauty and mystery of these Northwest woods. Email Twin Peaks Tour

Fantasy Cruises Fantasy Cruise’s San Juan Island Cruise Toll-Free: 800-234-3861 Eastern Standard Time Local: 425-765-8879 Eastern Standard Time E-mail: [email protected]

Deception Pass Tours Address: 5596 WA-20, Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone:(888) 909-8687

Learn about Deception Pass, the Bridge and surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the “Island Whaler.” Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgeable interpreter.

Island Adventures Whale Watching tours departing from Everett and Anacortes Address: 1801 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221 Phone:(360) 293-2428

San Juan Safaris Whale Watching and Kayak Tours Also Water Taxi Friday Harbor San Juan Island Address: 2 Spring St #6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Phone:(800) 450-6858

San Juan Excursions Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruises in the San Juan Islands Address: 40 Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Phone:(360) 378-6636

San Juan Cruises Whale watching tours, trips to Friday Harbor, crab dinner cruises on Chuckanut Bay or in the Swinomish Channel, beer & wine tasting cruises, picnics on Sucia Island, and private charters. Come aboard for an adventure in the San Juan Islands or a fun and relaxing evening on Bellingham Bay! Bellingham Cruise Terminal 355 Harris Avenue #104 Bellingham, WA 98225 Toll Free: 1.800.443.4552 Local: 360.738.8099

Puget Sound Express Whale Watching from Port Townsend Address: 227 Jackson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone:(360) 385-5288

Formerly Mystic Sea Charters now Puget Sound Express Offers whale watching and group cruises out of Anacortes and from Seattle to Blaine

Seattle Wine Tours Address: 4660 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98134 Phone:(206) 444-9463

Twilight Tours In Forks Visit all of the Forks sights that Stephanie Meyer mentions in her famous “Twilight ” saga. Address: 51 N Forks Ave, Forks, WA 98331

Bon Vivant Tours Explore Washington Wine Country ! Bon Vivant Wine Tours of Washington state offers guided small group tours from Seattle of premium Washington State wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. Address: Seattle, WA Phone:(206) 524-8687

Seattle by Segway Seattle Sightseeing Address: 214 Alaskan Way S, Seattle, WA 98104 Phone:(206) 673-5585

Exploration Tours & Coach Lines PO Box 390, Littlerock, Washington 98556 360-262-4243 Day Trips and overnight adventures around the Pacific NW for individuals. Receptive for inbound groups needing tour design, transportation, airport meet and greet and expert advice. Full size deluxe motorcoaches depart from Lewis, Thurston & Pierce counties with pick up locations along the I-5 corridor.

Experience Olympic Receive local knowledge of this special place from a friendly professional nature guide on an Experience Olympic Tour of Olympic National Park out of Port Angeles, Washington Address: 306 W 3rd St, Port Angeles, WA 98362 Phone:(360) 808-9237

Savor Seattle Food Tours Walking Food Tours in Seattle Address: 1916 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone:(206) 209-5485

Road Dog’s Seattle Brewery Tours Brewery Tours, Distillery Tours, and Coffee Tours of Seattle “Due to an inability to find and keep qualified guides in Seattle, we are currently not running our tours.” Address: 1425 5th Ave N #308, Seattle, WA 98109 Phone:(206) 249-9858

Ride the Ducks of Seattle Sightseeing Tour of Seattle by Land and by Water Address: 516 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109 Phone:(206) 441-3825

InquisiTours

Multi-night, tour operator specializing in the Pacific Northwest offering standard routing, escorted tours as well as custom tours and multi-night packages. Address: 933 University Street, Walla Walla, WA Phone: 503-358-9462

NOTE: There are affiliate links on some pages. If you click one of the links and purchase products, we earn a very small commission on your purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for making this blog possible!

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Tour crop research for the drylands at WSU’s 106th Lind Field Day, June 13

LIND, Wash. – Washington State University invites grain producers and partners to meet scientists at the Lind Dryland Research Station and learn about current research in one of the nation’s driest growing regions at the 106 th annual Lind Field Day, Thursday, June 13, 2024.

“It’s an honor to showcase our ongoing research to growers,” said Lind Station Director Surendra Singh. “Lind Field Day is an excellent opportunity to hear feedback from stakeholders and better target our research to better serve local, emerging needs.”

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the field tours starting at 9 a.m.; a complimentary lunch, ice cream social, and presentations follow the field tours.

During the field day, visitors will learn about breeding efforts for spring and winter wheat, falling numbers, residual herbicides for fallow weed management, biosolids research, and see a demonstration of a carbon dioxide analyzer.

WSU administrators, Washington state legislators, and wheat industry leaders will provide updates during the noon program.

“2024 has been a great learning year for us, as even with better moisture compared with 2023, we had to reseed trials and crop fields, particularly the late-seeded wheat,” Singh said. “Our expectation is a good spring wheat crop.”

A center for dry land research

Lind Station was founded in 1915 to promote better farming practices in Washington’s 8- to 12-inch rainfall region. Standing on 1,320 acres deeded for agricultural research by Adams County and the State of Washington, the Lind Station receives just 9.6 inches of annual precipitation, the lowest of any state or federal dryland ag research facility in the United States.

Held since 1916, the station’s well-attended annual field day has helped growers and the interested public experience research at Lind firsthand. More details on the field day are available at the station website .

Lind Dryland Research Station is located at 781 E. Experiment Station Road, Lind, Washington. The field day is free and open to the public. Washington pesticide recertification credits have been requested for interested growers.

For quick updates, visit the station on Facebook and Twitter .

For more information, contact Lind Program Specialist Samantha Crow at [email protected] or by phone at (509) 677-3671, or Station Director Surendra Singh at [email protected] or by calling (509) 677-3256.

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Port of Vancouver schedules public tours for 2024 Free

The Port of Vancouver has scheduled its public tours for 2024. Each free tour features a briefing about the Columbia Snake River System, how cargo moves on the river, and an overview of the port’s commercial and industrial operations, budget, governance and a look at current projects.

The tours start at the port’s administrative office and then participants board a bus to look at the port’s marine terminals, rail infrastructure and industrial facilities.

The tours are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 22; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 4; 10 a.m. to noon June 22; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 10; 10 a.m. to noon July 27; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8; 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 24; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 4; and 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 21.

Attendees must bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport because they will travel through secured areas of the port overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard.

To reserve a spot, participants must register online at www.portvanusa.com/community/know-your-port/ . Groups with up to six participants are allowed to register. Reservations are required. For more information, contact Julie Rawls, community relations manager at the port, at 360-823-5297.

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Open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday! Check out our calendar for upcoming events. 

Masks are recommended as of Oct 2, 2023. We recommend that visitors are up-to-date on the Covid-19 vaccinations for which they qualify.

Memory Hub Public Tour

The Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St

Learn more and register

  Thursday, June 6, 2024   11:00am - 11:30am ( 30 minutes )

Subscribe to this program's events in your calendar program. Your calendar will automatically download updates from the Memory Hub's calendar.

Upcoming Events in Memory Hub Public Tours

Memory Hub Closed

  Monday, May 27, 2024 (all day)

  Memory Hub closed for the holiday

  Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 11:00am

  Discover the people and programs that make up the Memory Hub! Join us for a public tour and optional lemonade in the garden.

  Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (all day)

  Thursday, July 4, 2024 (all day)

View more events on our full Calendar

Marigrace Becker, MSW

Program Manager of Community Education and Impact, MBWC | Director, The Memory Hub: A Place for Dementia-Friendly Community, Collaboration, and Impact

Ribbon-cutting marks new era for behavioral healthcare

• Susan Gregg - 206-390-3226, [email protected]
• Chris Talbott - 206-543-7129, [email protected]

Gov. Jay Inslee, University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce and UW Medicine leaders gathered Wednesday, May 15, to celebrate the opening of the Center for Behavioral Health and Learning.  

Approximately 90 people attended the ribbon-cutting and had the opportunity to tour the center. They included state Rep. Frank Chopp and Sens. Manka Dhingra and John Braun. 

“In designing this building, our focus was on creating a welcoming and safe environment to promote healing and recovery,” said Cynthia Hecker, CEO, UW Medical Center. “To ensure patients have the full spectrum of care needed, we incorporated large interior spaces for group therapy programs and dedicated procedural space to provide care that we would otherwise not have been able to offer.” 

The six-story facility on the UW Medical Center-Northwest campus houses 150 total beds to increase capacity for behavioral health care. This includes 75 long-term civil commitment beds, 50 acute-care medical and surgical beds for patients who also have mental health challenges, and 25 beds for geropsychiatric patients.   

“At UW Medicine, we are always looking for innovative ways to improve the health of the public. It’s a key part of our mission,” said Dr. Tim Dellit, CEO, UW Medicine.  “In our role as the state’s public hospital system and safety net, UW Medicine often provides services that are available nowhere else. The center will help address the significant behavioral health need for our state and the gap in access to these services for many members of our community.” 

Contributing to the facility's restorative environment are artworks acquired through the Art in Public Places Program, which is administered by the Washington State Arts Commission.

“We gave considerable thought to designing rooms that would be conducive to the care and safety of our patients. Our goal was always to create an open and welcoming environment that would not have an institutional look and feel,” said Dr. Ryan Kimmel, chief of psychiatry, UW Medical Center. 

As part of its training mission, the center is also home to an interdisciplinary training and workforce development program that is focused on preparing and supporting the next generation of behavioral health providers for Washington state.  

“Today marks the end of a journey, a partnership that we began in the fall of 2018, working closely with Gov. Inslee and our state legislature to make a serious investment in the way we care for Washingtonians living with mental health and addiction challenges,” said Dr. Jürgen Unützer, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UW School of Medicine. 

“Today is also the beginning of a new journey. This beautiful facility and the care we can provide because of it, give us new hope. It gives us new and effective treatments and a space for learning that will help us inspire and teach the next generation of mental health professionals.”

Related: Access downloadable, broadcast-ready video of comments from Dr. Tim Dellit and visuals from a tour of the facility.

For details about UW Medicine, please visit  http://uwmedicine.org/about .

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Twilight Forest Tour – Shaw Island Summer 2024

An evening stroll in the forest.

Join WSU Extension Forestry for a twilight forest tour at Osprey Pond on Shaw Island. On the tour we will see a wildlife pond and how the water level is managed, what an island landscape looks like after thinning and fuels reduction, and Garry oak plantings and pollinator habitat plantings. We will also talk about EQIP and other cost share programs that can help fund these treatments. This is an opportunity to ask questions, see another landscape, and meet fellow forest owners in a relaxed and casual manner. In addition to the tour, we will be having a dessert potluck at the end of the evening!

The tour may include walking over uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. An outhouse and water will be available at the tour site. After our walk, we will return to the parking area to continue chatting and share desserts with one another. We do not have seating for everyone so please bring your own folding chair, if possible.

How to participate

Date and time.

This in-person tour will be at the Bahrych property at Osprey Pond on Shaw Island. Specific directions will be provided upon registration.

Registration

This event is free, but pre-registration is required and Space is limited so register early to ensure that your spot is reserved.

Acknowledgements and Accommodations

Funding support for this program is provided by San Juan County and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Sarah Stewart at [email protected] or 425-738-0103 at least three weeks prior to the event.

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Upcoming Events

• Forest Grown Shiitake Mushroom Production Workshop – June 5, 2024 in Clinton
• Shaw Island Twilight Forest Tour – July 11, 2024
• Gig Harbor Twilight Forest Tour – July 16, 2024
• Puget Sound Forest Owners’ Field Day – July 27, 2024
• Whidbey Coached Planning starts September 6, 2024
• Preston Coached Planning starts September 3, 2024

Parents, staff spar with Washington Township School Board officials over budget cuts

Washington Township Public Schools and dozens of other school systems across New Jersey are currently facing a financial storm.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Parents and staff expressed their displeasure at an hours-long board meeting Monday night over cuts made in the Washington Township Public Schools' budget for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Gloucester County school board said the district was facing a roughly $7 million budget shortfall for the next school year, which required the board to make some tough decisions.

That included the elimination of more than 100 jobs district-wide.

Officials say they cut 36 certified staff and teaching positions, 55 support staff, four administrators, five administrative assistants, and 12 support staff were reduced to part-time positions.

At the school board meeting, Dr. Eric Hibbs explained to dozens of people in attendance that the board tried everything that it could to not eliminate staff.

He added that the board looked at eliminating line items across all categories, but even that wasn't enough to balance the budget.

"There was truthfully no way that we could've not looked at some form of staff in these reductions," said Hibbs.

Washington Township Public Schools and dozens of other school systems across New Jersey are currently facing a financial storm brought on, in part, by the loss of COVID relief funding and, in some cases, reduced state funding.

Governor Phil Murphy has proposed record spending for public education in his 2025 fiscal year budget. Despite that, more than 130 schools across the state are set to lose money based on the state's funding formula.

The formula assesses, among other things, property values to determine how much a locality can contribute to education funding and enrollment.

Washington Township Public Schools is set to receive more than $1.5 million in additional funding next school year compared to this year.

However, the district said that money only prevented it from having to make more cuts. It still had to account for increased salary obligations, benefits, tuition, and transportation costs.

Parents like Lauren Longo, who is a school teacher, said the cuts have her concerned about her special needs son's education.

With fewer supporting staff, she said she was worried her son wouldn't get the attention he requires in the classroom.

"All children have different needs," said Longo. "All children need to be supported whether they're identified or not and it's just sad to pull anything from children."

Angela Terruso, president of the Washington Township Supportive Staff Services Personnel Association, said the board needed to look harder at alternative options.

"We have a lot of administrative costs. There's a lot of other places they could look," said Terruso. "To panic an entire district of 200-plus assistants that work with special needs children, that's just not the way to do it."

The board has until May 14 to adopt a budget to be submitted to the state.

It said it hoped to hire back some of its support staff based on the needs of students, but it's unclear when that might happen.

Related Topics

• GLOUCESTER COUNTY
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Cicada map 2024: See where to find Brood XIX and XIII − and where they've already been spotted

For many Americans, the cicadas are here .

Trillions of periodical cicadas are already emerging in a rare, two brood event across multiple states , with more expected to come in the following weeks. Thanks to warm temperatures and good conditions, these 13- or 17-year cicadas are emerging from their underground habitats to eat, mate and die, making a whole lot of noise in the process.

Broods XIX and XIII have not emerged together since 1803, and after this year, won't emerge together again until 2245. While they are largely in different states, they are both emerging in parts of Illinois and Iowa.

So if you've seen one cicada or hundreds of cicadas, here's where you can expect to see more this year.

Are cicadas dangerous? Busting myths on the harmfulness of the noisy pests.

Are cicadas already out in 2024?

Adult periodical cicadas from Brood XIX have been spotted by users in multiple states across the Southeast and Midwest including in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Illinois, according to  Cicada Safari , a cicada tracking app developed by Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Through Cicada Safari, users can confirm their sightings of cicadas with pictures, look at a map of other cicada sightings, join a leaderboard with other users and learn more information about cicadas.

2024 cicada map: Check out where Broods XIII, XIX are projected to emerge

The two cicada broods are projected to emerge in a combined 17 states across the South and Midwest. They emerge once the soil eight inches underground reaches 64 degrees, expected to begin in many states in May and lasting through late June.

The two broods  last emerged together in 1803 , when Thomas Jefferson was president.

What is a brood?

According to the  University of Connecticut , broods are classified as "all periodical cicadas of the same life cycle type that emerge in a given year."

A brood of cicadas is made up of different species of the insect that have separate evolutionary histories. These species may have joined the brood at different times or from different sources. These different species are lumped together under the brood because they are in the same region and emerge on a common schedule.

Why do cicadas make so much noise?

You'll have to thank the male cicadas for all that screeching. Male cicadas synchronize their calls and produce congregational songs, according to  Britannica , which establish territory and attract females. There is also a courting call that they make before mating.

Unluckily for us, the 13-year and 17-year brood cicadas  are the loudest , partially because of the sheer number of them that emerge at once.