10 Day Washington National Parks Road Trip Itinerary With Hidden Gems

Few road trips capture the natural diversity of the Pacific Northwest like a Washington National Parks Road Trip. Within a single loop, you can explore mist-covered rainforests, glacier-capped volcanoes, and rugged alpine peaks, all within a few hours’ drive of each other. This 10-day adventure through Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks is the ultimate way to experience Washington’s wild heart. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or nature lover, every stop promises unforgettable views and adventures.

Overview

Washington’s three national parks represent distinct ecosystems that together showcase the state’s dramatic landscapes.

• Olympic National Park: Coastal rainforests, wild beaches, and snow-capped ridges.
• Mount Rainier National Park: Towering volcanoes, alpine meadows, and waterfalls.
• North Cascades National Park: Jagged mountain peaks and turquoise glacier lakes.

This 10-day road trip loop begins and ends in Seattle, creating a perfect circle through the most scenic corners of the state. The route mixes iconic sights with hidden gems, offering a balance of relaxation and adventure.

Summary of Each Park

Olympic National Park

A wonderland of diversity, Olympic National Park spans nearly a million acres of coastline, temperate rainforest, and mountain wilderness. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can stand among ancient moss-draped trees in the morning and watch the sunset over sea stacks that evening.

Mount Rainier National Park

Centered around the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, this park is home to meadows bursting with wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers that shimmer under the summer sun. Its scenic drives and hiking trails are among the best in the Pacific Northwest.

North Cascades National Park

Known as the “American Alps,” North Cascades offers jaw-dropping scenery, rugged peaks, and glacier-fed lakes that glow turquoise. It’s one of the least crowded national parks, making it perfect for solitude seekers and outdoor adventurers alike.

10 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Seattle to Port Angeles

Your journey begins in Seattle, where you’ll catch a ferry across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island before heading west toward Port Angeles, the gateway to Olympic National Park. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through forests and coastal towns that set the tone for the days ahead. Spend the evening exploring downtown Port Angeles or take a short sunset walk along the waterfront.

Things to Do

• Take the Seattle–Bainbridge Island Ferry for stunning city and mountain views.
• Visit Olympic National Park Visitor Center to plan your routes.
• Walk the Port Angeles Waterfront Trail.

Day 2: Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent

Start your Olympic National Park adventure by driving up to Hurricane Ridge, one of the park’s most accessible high-altitude viewpoints. From here, sweeping vistas reveal snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. After soaking in the mountain views, make your way to Lake Crescent, a pristine glacial lake surrounded by towering evergreens, perfect for kayaking, swimming, or a peaceful picnic.

Things to Do

• Hike the Hurricane Hill Trail (3 miles round trip).
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Lake Crescent Lodge.
• Take a short hike to Marymere Falls.

Day 3: Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach

Drive deeper into Olympic National Park to explore the magical Hoh Rain Forest, one of the most famous temperate rainforests in the world. Towering moss-covered trees and a gentle hush fill the air — it’s like stepping into another world. Later, head to Ruby Beach, where dramatic sea stacks rise from the ocean and driftwood lines the shore.

Things to Do

• Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail or Spruce Nature Trail in the Hoh Rain Forest.
• Photograph the sea stacks at Ruby Beach during sunset.
• Stay overnight in Forks or Kalaloch Lodge.

Day 4: Sol Duc Falls and Hot Springs

On your final day in Olympic, visit Sol Duc Valley, home to scenic waterfalls and natural hot springs. A short hike takes you to Sol Duc Falls, where water plunges through narrow gorges surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, unwind in the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, a perfect way to relax before the drive to your next destination.

Things to Do

• Hike the Sol Duc Falls Trail (1.6 miles round trip).
• Soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs pools.
• Drive to Ashford (about 4.5 hours) and overnight near Mount Rainier National Park.

Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise Region

Enter Mount Rainier National Park and head toward the Paradise area, aptly named for its breathtaking wildflower meadows and mountain vistas. Spend the day hiking and taking in views of glaciers cascading down the slopes of Mount Rainier. This region offers the park’s most accessible trails and dramatic landscapes.

Things to Do

• Hike the Skyline Trail for panoramic views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.
• Visit Myrtle Falls and Reflection Lakes for iconic photo ops.
• Stop by the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center for maps and exhibits.

Day 6: Sunrise and Chinook Pass

Today, explore the Sunrise region on the eastern side of Mount Rainier, where you’ll find expansive alpine views and fewer crowds. The drive via Chinook Pass is one of the most scenic in the Pacific Northwest, offering endless photo stops along the way. If you’re lucky, you might spot mountain goats or marmots grazing on the slopes.

Things to Do

• Walk the Sunrise Rim Trail or Mount Fremont Lookout Trail.
• Stop at Tipsoo Lake for stunning reflections of Mount Rainier.
• Overnight in Packwood or Enumclaw.

Day 7: Drive to North Cascades National Park

Prepare for a scenic drive north through central Washington toward North Cascades National Park (about 5 hours). Stop in the small Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth for lunch or a stroll. As you near the park, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with sharp peaks and winding mountain roads. Settle into your lodging in Marblemount or Winthrop for the night.

Things to Do

• Explore downtown Leavenworth and enjoy local cuisine.
• Stop at Gorge Creek Falls Overlook on your way into the park.
• Visit the North Cascades Visitor Center near Newhalem.

Day 8: Diablo Lake and Cascade Pass

Spend the day exploring the heart of North Cascades National Park. Diablo Lake is famous for its turquoise color caused by glacial silt, a must-see stop on Highway 20. For hikers, the Cascade Pass Trail offers some of the park’s most breathtaking mountain views, though it’s a challenging trek.

Things to Do

• Stop at Diablo Lake Overlook for photos.
• Hike Maple Pass Loop or Cascade Pass Trail.
• Visit Ross Lake Overlook or take a short boat ride if time allows.

Day 9: Winthrop and Deception Pass

Begin your journey back west through the charming frontier town of Winthrop, known for its wooden boardwalks and old-west architecture. Continue toward Deception Pass State Park, where rugged cliffs meet emerald waters. Walk across the famous Deception Pass Bridge for sweeping coastal views.

Things to Do

• Stroll through Winthrop’s historic downtown.
• Explore trails at Deception Pass State Park.
• Watch the sunset from Bowman Bay or Rosario Head.

Day 10: Whidbey Island and Return to Seattle

Spend your final morning relaxing on Whidbey Island, exploring quaint coastal towns like Coupeville or Langley. Grab a coffee by the harbor before catching the ferry back to Seattle, completing your unforgettable Washington National Parks loop.

Things to Do

• Visit Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve for scenic coastal walks.
• Explore Langley’s boutique shops and cafés.
• Return to Seattle via the Mukilteo Ferry.

Hidden Gems Along Your Road Trip

Even with iconic landmarks like Mount Rainier and Hurricane Ridge, some of the best experiences in Washington happen away from the crowds. These hidden gems are quiet beaches, small trails, and scenic detours close to your daily route, perfect for travelers who love discovering places most people overlook. Here they are and how to integrate them into your already awesome trip:

Day / Location	Main Stops	Hidden Gems Nearby
Day 1: Seattle to Port Angeles	Seattle Ferry, Port Angeles Waterfront	Dungeness Spit – Walk 5 miles to a historic lighthouse along the longest natural sand spit in the U.S. Port Townsend – A charming Victorian seaport filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and maritime history.
Day 2: Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent	Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls	Elwha River Valley – Explore serene hiking trails through a rewilded river ecosystem. Spruce Railroad Trail – A lakeside trail with tunnels and stunning blue water views.
Day 3: Hoh Rain Forest & Ruby Beach	Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach	Tree Root Cave – See a tree miraculously suspended by its exposed roots near Kalaloch. Second Beach – A short forest hike to sea stacks, tide pools, and sunsets with few crowds.
Day 4: Sol Duc Valley	Sol Duc Falls, Hot Springs	Ancient Groves Trail – A peaceful old-growth forest loop with massive mossy trees. Lake Pleasant – A quiet, hidden lake perfect for kayaking or an afternoon picnic.
Day 5: Mount Rainier (Paradise Area)	Skyline Trail, Myrtle Falls, Reflection Lakes	Bench and Snow Lakes Trail – An underrated hike to two serene alpine lakes. Grove of the Patriarchs – Cross a suspension bridge to a grove of giant 1,000-year-old trees.
Day 6: Mount Rainier (Sunrise & Chinook Pass)	Sunrise Visitor Center, Chinook Pass, Tipsoo Lake	Silver Falls Loop – A short, scenic hike near Ohanapecosh with mossy bridges and cascades. Crystal Mountain Gondola – Ride up for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks.
Day 7: Drive to North Cascades	Drive through Leavenworth, Highway 2 Scenic Route	Icicle Gorge Trail – A beautiful, easy loop following a rushing river through pine forest. Leavenworth Village – Stop for Bavarian-style architecture, local food, and mountain charm.
Day 8: North Cascades (Diablo Lake & Cascade Pass)	Diablo Lake Overlook, Cascade Pass Trail	Thunder Knob Trail – Moderate hike with spectacular views of Diablo Lake from above. Rainy Lake Trail – A short walk to a tranquil alpine lake framed by waterfalls.
Day 9: Winthrop & Deception Pass	Washington Pass Overlook, Deception Pass Bridge	Rosario Beach – A quieter spot with tide pools and local art sculptures. Bowman Bay Trail – Coastal hike with dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches.
Day 10: Whidbey Island to Seattle	Ebey’s Landing, Langley Town, Mukilteo Ferry	Fort Casey State Park – Explore coastal bunkers and a historic lighthouse with ocean views. Deception Pass Bridge at Sunrise – Catch golden light and calm waters before crowds arrive.

Best Times to Go

The ideal time for a Washington National Parks Road Trip is from June through early October, when mountain passes are open and trails are snow-free.

• June–August: Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls flow at full strength, and the weather is mild.
• September–October: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colors.
• Winter–Spring: Great for coastal regions but expect snow closures in mountain areas.

Packing List

You can get a majority of these items on my Amazon gear store:

• Waterproof jacket and layered clothing
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Backpack and hydration pack
• Camera or GoPro
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Snacks and reusable water bottles
• National Parks Pass (“America the Beautiful”)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Map or GPS (service is limited)
• Camping or picnic gear if staying outdoors

Where to Stay

Park	Nearby Hotels
Olympic National Park	Check Hotels
Mount Rainier National Park	Check Hotels
North Cascades National Park	Check Hotels
Seattle (Start/End Point)	Check Hotels

Fun Facts

• Olympic National Park has over 70 miles of wild coastline, one of the longest undeveloped stretches in the U.S.
• Mount Rainier has more glaciers than any other mountain in the lower 48 states.
• North Cascades holds over 300 glaciers, more than all other U.S. national parks combined outside Alaska.
• The Hoh Rain Forest receives up to 140 inches of rainfall annually.
• The state of Washington has more than 3,000 waterfalls, many visible along this route.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Buy your America the Beautiful Pass for unlimited entry to all three parks.
• Always check road and trail conditions; snow can linger into July.
• Cell service is limited, download maps offline before leaving.
• Bring extra gas, food, and water in remote areas like North Cascades.
• Campground reservations open months in advance, especially in summer.
• Respect wildlife, stay on trails, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Related

• Best places to visit on the Washington Coast
• California national parks road trip
• Pacific Northwest road trip

Final Thoughts

A Washington National Parks Road Trip is a journey through some of the most striking and varied landscapes in the country. In just 10 days, you’ll walk among ancient rainforests, climb alpine ridges, and watch sunsets over volcanic peaks, all within a single state. Each park tells its own story of nature’s resilience and beauty, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you camp beneath the stars or stay in cozy lodges, this loop will redefine what it means to explore the wild heart of the Pacific Northwest.

The Ultimate 10 Day California National Park Road Trip Loop