Can it Be Done? All 3 Washington National Parks in One Trip!
You asked, we answered.
Will here this glorious Labor Day! We got a great question this week from Denise who is planning a national parks road trip:
My family just returned from Mammoth Cave and Great Smoky Mountains, and we are thinking about trying to do the 3 Washington NPs in one trip. They do seem to be spread out quite a bit, do you have a recommended route for this loop (or straight line, if that's an option)?!
-Denise
Ask Jim, road trip challenges are a favorite past time of mine. I could (and do) spend hours plotting adventures on Google Maps both real and theoretical. Combine that with my affinity for Washington’s national parks which I’ve written and explored extensively - we’re off to the races!
Washington National Parks Road Trip Route
Every great road trip starts with a map. Choosing the right route is of the utmost importance. There’s no worse feeling than realizing too far into the drive that you could’ve easily saved a few hours by going a different route.
So, I plotted the pins and came up with the following route starting at SeaTac Airport in Seattle, going through Mount Rainier first, followed by Olympic National Park, and finally North Cascades.
Does the same thing slightly irk you about this map? I’m talking about its one, (somewhat criminal) flaw – the doubling back the way you came on the Olympic (left hand side) of the map. I can explain.
Day 1 & 2 - First Stop, Mount Rainier
Choosing the first point is often the trickiest when you’re doing a loop. On this route, however, it’s tough to go wrong and starting with Mount Rainier gets you into the action quick.
Mount Rainier is one of the most amazing sites to behold in America. Full stop. It is the most heavily glaciated peak in the conterminous states and I can stare at it as endlessly as the Grand Canyon. It must be seen to be believed and never gets old.
First stop is the Sunrise area (a mere 2 hours from the airport) with my personal favorite views of the park. Be sure to hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail and Tolmie Peak. Depending on what time you landed - you might want to start with a hotel and hit the park on Day 2. I recommend this lodge for the night which is conveniently located near Sunrise.
Sunrise and Paradise (our next stop) can be seen in one day or split up into two if you’ve got the time to spare. *For this itinerary I’m going to lean toward time savings as I know how tight vacation days can be.*
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Paradise is the most beautiful place in the US, especially during the wildflower bloom which peaks in late July & early August. Hike the Skyline Trail, grab a bite to eat at the Paradise lodge, and soak in the stunning beauty. If there’s one trail at Mt Rainier to hike, it’s this one. If you’re trying to burn even more calories then consider the Pinnacle Peak trail as well.
Days 3 & 4 - Olympic National Park
We’ve ranked Olympic as the best national park in America and stand by it. Breathtaking glaciated peaks, lush river valleys, pristine lakes, rugged wilderness coast, and even rain forest! You can’t ask for more.
From Paradise to Port Angeles - the jumping off point for Olympic is about a 4 hour drive. From Port Angeles the drive up to Hurricane Ridge is another 45 at a leisurely pace. I recommend heading up Hurricane Ridge early in the morning and seeing Obstruction Point while you’re up there.
Hurricane Ridge is a half day activity at a minimum. From here, head over to Lake Crescent (1 hour). Snap some photos and keep heading west toward Forks and La Push/Rialto Beach (1 hour). Rialto Beach is foggy, rugged, rocky, and beautiful with massive full of seabirds just off the shore. I love Mora Campground here and highly recommend.
The other must see in Olympic is the oh so mossy and tranquil Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh is the quietest place in the United States as well as the largest temperate rain forest in America.
Sadly for the sake of time it makes sense to double back the way you came and take the ferry across the Puget Sound toward North Cascades!
We wrote a pretty in depth article full of all the best things to do in Olympic National Park in case you’re interested.
Days 5 & 6 - North Cascades National Park
Saving the best for last? Depends on who you ask. The drive from the Hoh Rainforest is a long one at 6.5 hours so you might need to plan for a hotel in between Olympic and North Cascades.
If you love long, difficult, and reward hikes then absolutely. Referred to as the American Alps, the scenery is different here with some of the most beautiful lakes in the US as well as the most dramatic peaks. If you’re not into big hikes then this is going to be full of nice overlooks and beautiful scenic drives. See Diablo Lake Vista for the iconic turquoise blue water view (in summer).
Once you’ve gotten your fill I recommend driving the route that takes you through Lake Chelan on the way back to the airport rather than seeing the same scenery again. You won’t regret it!
We wrote a pretty in depth article full of all the best things to do in North Cascades National Park in case you’re interested.
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Will