14-Day Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Pacific Northwest, exploring its majestic national parks, ancient forests, and stunning coastline. This 14-day itinerary will take you through Olympic National Park, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier National Park, Mt. Baker National Forest, and North Cascades National Park. Discover the region’s natural wonders, from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests, as you hike scenic trails, drive along picturesque byways, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Total driving time: approximately 17 hours
Estimated miles driven: approximately 750 miles

Day 1: Seattle to Olympic National Park (2.5 hours)

Driving distance: 110 miles
Estimated driving time: 2.5 hours
Start your trip in Seattle and drive for about 2.5 hours to reach Olympic National Park. Spend the rest of the day exploring Hurricane Ridge or the Hoh Rainforest.

Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Olympic Lodge, Port Angeles or Kalaloch Lodge, Forks
  • Campground: Fairholme Campground or Hoh Campground
  • Dining: Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room or the Forks Coffee Shop

    • Day 2: Olympic National Park

    Spend the entire day exploring Olympic National Park. Hike the Sol Duc Falls Trail or take a leisurely stroll to Ruby Beach.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Olympic Lodge, Port Angeles or Kalaloch Lodge, Forks
  • Campground: Fairholme Campground or Hoh Campground
  • Dining: Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room or the Forks Coffee Shop

    • Day 3: Olympic Peninsula

    Drive to Cape Flattery, the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States. Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of the coastline, beaches, and forests. Hike the Cape Flattery Trail to the lighthouse for stunning views of the ocean and cliffs.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Cape Flattery Cabins or Manitou Lodge, Forks
  • Campground: Hobuck Beach Resort Campground or Mora Campground
  • Dining: Warmhouse Restaurant, Neah Bay or the Breakwater Restaurant, Clallam Bay

    • Day 4: Olympic Peninsula

    Spend the day exploring the Lake Quinault area, known for its ancient forests and waterfalls. Take the Quinault Rainforest Loop Trail or the Maple Glade Rainforest Trail.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Lake Quinault Lodge or Rain Forest Resort Village
  • Campground: Graves Creek Campground or Willaby Campground
  • Dining: Lake Quinault Lodge Dining Room or Roosevelt Dining Room

    • Day 5: Mount St. Helens (3 hours)

    Driving distance: 155 miles
    Estimated driving time: 3 hours
    Drive for about 3 hours to reach Mount St. Helens. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Johnston Ridge Observatory and hiking the Hummocks Trail.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Eco Park Resort or Blue Heron Inn, Castle Rock
  • Campground: Cougar Campground or Beaver Bay
  • Dining: Fire Mountain Grill or Patty’s Place at 19 Mile House, Castle Rock

    • Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park

    Driving distance: 90 miles
    Estimated driving time: 2 hours
    Drive to Mount Rainier National Park and spend the rest of the day exploring the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Paradise Inn or National Park Inn, Longmire
  • Campground: Cougar Rock Campground or Ohanapecosh Campground
  • Dining: Paradise Inn Dining Room or National Park Inn Dining Room

    • Day 7: Mount Rainier National Park

    Spend the entire day exploring Mount Rainier National Park. Hike the Skyline Trail or take a scenic drive along the Stevens Canyon Road.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Paradise Inn or National Park Inn, Longmire
  • Campground: Cougar Rock Campground or Ohanapecosh Campground
  • Dining: Paradise Inn Dining Room or National Park Inn Dining Room

    • Day 8: Mt. Baker National Forest (2.5 hours)

    Driving distance: 170 miles
    Estimated driving time: 2.5 hours
    Drive to Mt. Baker National Forest and spend the rest of the day hiking the trails and exploring the Nooksack Falls.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Mount Baker Lodging or Silver Lake Lodge, Maple Falls
  • Campground: Silver Fir Campground or Douglas Fir Campground
  • Dining: North Fork Brewery, Deming or Chair 9 Woodstone Pizza & Bar, Glacier

    • Day 9: Mt. Baker National Forest

    Spend the entire day exploring Mt. Baker National Forest. Hike the Chain Lakes Loop Trail or take a scenic drive along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: Mount Baker Lodging or Silver Lake Lodge, Maple Falls
  • Campground: Silver Fir Campground or Douglas Fir Campground
  • Dining: North Fork Brewery, Deming or Chair 9 Woodstone Pizza & Bar, Glacier

    • Day 10: North Cascades National Park

    Driving distance: 65 miles
    Estimated driving time: 1.5 hours
    Drive to North Cascades National Park and spend the rest of the day exploring the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and hiking the Thunder Knob Trail.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin or Ross Lake Resort
  • Campground: Colonial Creek Campground or Gorge Lake Campground
  • Dining: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin or Skagit General Store, Newhalem

    • Day 11: North Cascades National Park

    Spend the entire day exploring North Cascades National Park. Hike the Diablo Lake Trail or take a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway.

    Day 12: North Cascades National Park

    Spend the day exploring the Stehekin Valley, accessible by boat or seaplane only. Hike the Stehekin Valley Trail or visit the Stehekin Pastry Company for their famous cinnamon rolls.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin or Stehekin Valley Ranch
  • Campground: Purple Point Campground
  • Dining: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin or Stehekin Pastry Company

    • Day 13: North Cascades National Park to Seattle (3 hours)

    Driving distance: 160 miles
    Estimated driving time: 3 hours
    Drive for about 3 hours back to Seattle. Along the way, stop at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (seasonal) or the historic town of La Conner.

    Lodging and Dining Options:

  • Hotel: The Edgewater Hotel or Inn at the Market, Seattle
  • Dining: The Pink Door or The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle

    • Day 14: Departure from Seattle

    Spend the morning in Seattle before departing for your next destination.

    Dining Options:

  • Breakfast: Portage Bay Cafe or Lola, Seattle

    • With this 14-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the Pacific Northwest’s national parks, taking in breathtaking landscapes and making unforgettable memories. From the lush rainforests of Olympic National Park to the rugged beauty of North Cascades National Park, this road trip offers a truly immersive and awe-inspiring experience in one of the most stunning regions of the United States.