The Ultimate Adventure Road Trip Through Washington State

Written in collaboration with Glenna Goldman

 

A hop, skip, and jump over the Pacific Ocean and you can find yourself in one of America’s most spectacular and adventurous states – Washington. Here’s how to see the best this state has on offer.

The Pacific Northwest has been on my bucket list since I read Wild as a 19-year-old. The imagery of towering snow-capped mountains, magnificent sparkling lakes, and vast, solemn, old-growth forests captured my imagination immediately. So when a trip to the US popped up in the calendar last summer, I quickly suggested a side mission to the ultimate adventure state of Washington.

North Cascades National Park

With endless outdoor activities on tap – I’m talking hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, animal encounters – Washington is an Explorer’s playground. And with some of the best national parks in America, a road trip through Washington state is guaranteed to leave you feeling simultaneously exhausted and refreshed, like only an adventure in the outdoors can.

Here’s my recommendation for a ten-day road trip through Washington State, taking in the best of three iconic national parks: Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier plus offering a change to get off the beaten track in the state’s east.

Day 1 – Seattle

Highlights: Puget Sound, bike tour, Capitol Hill coffee

Getting to Washington State is super straightforward with flights via Vancouver, Honolulu or California. Start your adventure in Seattle on a tour with Seattle Bicycle Tours. The Emerald City tour runs from 9.30am-12.30pm every day and is the perfect way to get your legs and blood pumping after a long-haul flight or drive.

Biking through Seattle | Photo by Greg Balkin

This 21km trip will get you well acquainted with the city and its varying neighbourhoods and take you to some of the best views Seattle has to offer. The connection to nature in the city is surprising.

The Seattle skyline

For lunch, get a unique caffeine hit at Starbucks Reserve in Capitol Hill. They offer an immersive coffee experience, with a rotating collection of rare coffees with paired cocktails and food. Delish!

After lunch, get your fix of revitalising salty sea air on an afternoon boat tour on Puget Sound. Departing from Edmonds, around 30 minutes from the city centre, this is your chance to watch Orcas, Gray, Minke, and Humpback whales frolic in the sound. I never pass up an opportunity to see magnificent animals in the wild and this coastline did not disappoint. There’s nothing like the tension of peering desperately to the horizon in search of whales, followed by the thrill of watching one leap from the water beside you to the hoots from everyone on board. It never gets old!

Orcas on Puget Sound

Before heading to your accommodation, pick up your car or motorhome from DriveAway so you’re ready to hit the road.

Day 2 – Seattle to Neah Bay

Drive time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 334km
Highlights: Shi Shi Beach, Beachside fires, Calvin’s Crab House

To get from Seattle to Olympic National Park, you can either drive down through Tacoma, or take your car on a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island before continuing along the northern road of the peninsula to Neah Bay. The ferry is the more relaxed option.

Grab some lunch to go from Calvin’s Crab House before heading down the coast to the stunning Shi Shi Beach.

The spectacular 14km out-and-back Shi Shi Beach Trail takes you through the Makah Indian Reservation on the northern Olympic Coast, along the beach to the Point of Arches.

Point of Arches, Olympic National Park | Photo by Andy Porter

The spot is best experienced at low tide when you can explore the rock pools and get the best view of the 30 magnificent sea stacks sprawled along the point. Take your packed lunch, bring your camera, and make the most of the arvo with a driftwood fire in one of the provided rings.

Bald eagles often nest here and if you’re lucky you can spot Orca and Blue whales cruising along the coast.

You can even camp the night down on the beach, just don’t get trapped by the rising tide! For a more comfy night, cabins and higher-end accommodation can be found at Hobuck Beach Resort or back in Neah Bay.

Day 3 – Neah Bay to Olympic National Park

Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 112km
Highlights: Olympic National Park, Giant Conifers, Hall of Mosses Walk, La Push Beach, Wildlife spotting

Bid farewell to the rugged coast and make your way to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, a two-hour drive from Neah Bay.

Mild winters, cool summers, and up to 3.6m of annual rain produce the giant conifers that tower over the trails in this area of the park. From the Visitor Center, there are multiple short nature trails to immerse yourself in the rainforest.

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park

I recommend The Hall of Mosses trail, an easy loop through old-growth temperate rainforest. Take the opportunity to slow down, peer up at the trees in wonder until your neck hurts, and attempt to count all the different shades of green. Spoiler alert, it’s impossible! So maybe just breathe in the ancient forest, close your eyes, and soak up the feeling of walking among the giants.

Make the most of the park by camping amongst the lush green rainforest at Hoh Rainforest Campground. Elk and bears are present here, so keep an eye out.

Day 4 – Olympic Peninsula to North Cascades

Drive time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Distance: 439km
Highlights: Thunder Knob Trail, Diablo Lake, Snowy Mountain views

Although your time on the Olympic Peninsula now comes to an end, the adventures continue starting with taking the ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island (your steed comes too), before driving up through Deception Pass on your way to the North Cascade. Reservations are advised for ferries during peak seasons.

Deception Pass | Photo by Andy Porter

This is a big day of road-tripping, but you’ve got time to squeeze in one unforgettable hike, so head directly to Thunder Knob Trail in North Cascades National Park. This is a moderate 5.5km out-and-back hike with breathtaking views of the vividly blue Diablo Lake and the nearby snow-capped peaks.

Stock up on trail snacks and something for dinner, then settle in at Newhalem Creek Campground for the night.

Day 5 – North Cascades to Leavenworth

Drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Distance: 302km
Highlights: Blue Lake, Washington Pass Lookout, Bavarian-style village

After a big campground brekkie, head to the Blue Lake trail, 40 minutes down the road. This moderately challenging 7.4km out-and-back hike starts with a boardwalk through lush forest before leading out onto an idyllic meadow peppered with wildflowers. Keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of the dramatic rocky granite peaks of the Liberty Bell Group.

Liberty Bell Group | Photo by Jason Hummel Photography

Take in the sweeping views of the spectacular mountain range as you arrive on the shores of the sparkling Blue Lake. Stop to explore the cabin, have a snack, and go for a dip if you’re brave enough.

Just over a kilometre east from the trailhead on Highway 20 is the Washington Pass Lookout. If you have come this far and have the time, pull up here for amazing views of the Liberty Mountain group from the opposite side.

Washington Pass Lookout and the Liberty Bell Group | Photo by Andy Porter

Continue on to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village three hours drive away, and grab some well-deserved dinner at Munchen Haus, an authentic German restaurant, before settling into a cosy cabin for the night.

Day 6 – Leavenworth to Canyon River Ranch

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Distance: 117km
Highlights: Canyon River Ranch adventures, World’s best fly fishing shop

You could easily spend a few days exploring Leavenworth, but when you’re ready to move on, grab a classic all-American breakfast from Renaissance Cafe and keep heading south.

Stop in at Canyon River Ranch for a river rafting tour of Yakima Canyon. The canyon offers excellent wildlife watching, fishing for Blue Ribbon trout, family-friendly rafting, and camping. The canyon’s crevices and cliffs make a perfect home for the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in the state. There are guided river floats available, or you can rent a raft for a half day. Book this one ahead of time.

For a truly American experience, stop next door at Red’s Fly Fishing Shop, the world’s most complete fly fishing shop.

If you’re looking for a real bed and shower, accommodation is available at the ranch. Otherwise, there are plenty of national park campgrounds within a short drive.

Day 7 – Canyon River Ranch to Walla Walla

Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 243km
Highlights: Paddling on the lake, Historic inn accommodation

To see more of Eastern Washington (and for a fun tongue twister), drive across to Walla Walla, Washington.

Walla Walla | Photo by Marcus Whitman

Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Adventure-Fit and take it for a spin on Bennington Lake. East Washington can be hot and dry during summer, so a splash around the lake is the perfect way to cool off while soaking up the sunshine. Let yourself really lean into that all-American summer by the lake vibe.

Tonight’s your chance to splurge on accommodation – book yourself in for a bougie night at the historic inn The GG.

Day 8 – Walla Walla to Stevenson

Drive time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Duration: 326km
Highlights: Columbia River Gorge scenic drive, waterfalls galore

One of the most famous scenic drives in the United States, the Columbia River Gorge, straddles the border between Washington and Oregon. And today’s the day you’re gonna drive it.

The highway offers stunning views of the gorge as well as the largest concentration of high waterfalls in North America. I know they say we shouldn’t chase them but you need to factor in time to stop and gawk at at least a couple.

Panther Creek Falls | Photo by Jason Hummel Photography

Pull up at Walking Man Brewing to refuel along the way.

Tonight get amongst the canopy in some unique treehouse lodging at Skamania Lodge.

Skamania Lodge | Photo by Greg Balkin

Day 9 – Stevenson to Mount Rainier

Drive time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Distance: 265km
Highlights: Columbia River Gorge scenic drive, Mount Rainier, Skyline to Panama Point hike, Goldmyer hot springs

Finish the Columbia River Gorge scenic drive and continue on to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Mount Rainier. Take a wander through the gardens and be blown away by the view of Mount Rainier looming above you. Don’t forget, parts of Mount Rainier National Park have timed entry which you’ll need to organise beforehand.

If you do just one hike here, make it the Skyline Trail to Panama Point. This 8.7km hike will knock your socks off any time of the year, but especially on a sunny day. In mid-summer you’ll be rewarded with snow-capped peaks surrounded by lush green meadows filled with wildflowers and moss-bordered rivulets.

After your hike, soothe your limbs with a visit to one of the nearby hot springs. Melt into the naturally warm water while gazing out into the tranquil wilderness. There’s even a campground at Goldmyer hot springs if you really can’t drag yourself away.

Otherwise head down the mountain to Ashford for comfortable accommodation and a hearty meal to round out the day.

Day 10 – Ashford to Seattle

Drive time: 2 hours
Duration: 128km

If this marks the end of your trip, it’s just a two-hour drive back to Seattle.

A week is never enough time to explore any state, but for those with a limited timeframe, this is a perfect taster trip of Washington’s endless outdoor adventures. Start planning your Washington State road trip or check out cheap car rentals in the state with Driveaway.

Other images thanks to Washington State Tourism