10-Day Pacific Northwest National Parks Loop

This route links three very different Washington parks into a single trip out of Seattle: alpine peaks, temperate rainforest, and rugged coastline.

Days 1-2: Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park

About a 2.5-hour drive to Paradise. Spend a full day hiking the Skyline Trail if weather allows a clear view of the summit.

Days 3-5: Olympic National Park

Around a 4-hour drive from Rainier. Olympic is really three parks in one: alpine at Hurricane Ridge, temperate rainforest in the Hoh Valley, and wild coast at Rialto and Ruby beaches. Give each area at least a half day.

Days 6-7: North Cascades National Park

Roughly a 4.5-hour drive from the Olympic Peninsula, so plan to route back through Seattle. North Cascades sees far fewer visitors than the other stops, with jagged peaks and turquoise glacial lakes.

Days 8-10: Buffer, Seattle, and Fly Home

Use extra days as weather buffer, since mountain and coastal weather in this region can change quickly, then spend your last day or two exploring Seattle before departing.