The Ultimate Washington State Highway Journey Itinerary [2-3 Weeks]

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I didn’t have any form of expectations or hope for our Washington State highway journey, which was factor, as a result of it ended up being certainly one of my favourite states on our US RV journey.

Washington is named the Evergreen State, as a consequence of its ample quantities of inexperienced foliage and flora.

No matter season you go to, this state is all about nature, so what higher approach to expertise this than by highway tripping and sleeping in an RV?

Within the following itinerary, we take you out of the town and into the mountains, dense forests, and small mountain cities, the place you’ll be able to uncover the great thing about this state in simply 2-3 weeks.

What number of days do you want for a Washington State highway journey?

We spent a couple of month in Washington State exploring its numerous landscapes from the temperate rainforests and rugged shoreline, to quaint Bavarian Villages, vibrant cities, and placing glacier peaked mountains.

Nevertheless, we all know most individuals do not need a month to spare exploring a single state, so we predict the minimal period of time you want for a Washington State highway journey is 2 weeks.

About this Washington State itinerary

Washington State is a unbelievable highway journey vacation spot filled with superb scenic drives and out of doors adventures.

The next itinerary is for a 2-3 week trip. You’ll be able to lengthen this itinerary by staying longer in every place, or you’ll be able to pack it into two weeks by simply ticking off the highlights.

We’ve additionally advisable some locations to remain in every vacation spot. Most of those locations are the place we stayed once we visited Washington state.

As a result of we travelled in an RV, we’ve advisable largely campsites, however have included some conventional lodging as effectively. RV tenting is an effective way to discover Washington State because it’s bountiful in nature, and a part of the expertise is with the ability to keep as near it as potential.

Who desires to get up to white partitions of lodge rooms when you’ll be able to get up in a forest surrounded by among the tallest bushes on this planet?

All of the locations advisable on this itinerary are locations we’ve personally visited and might advocate. It largely focuses on Western Washington State, as that is the place the preferred landmarks are. Nevertheless, we have now shared some locations in Japanese Washington state on the finish, which you’ll add to increase this highway journey.

We explored Japanese Washington state on a separate journey and had an exquisite time having fun with Tri-Cities Washington, the guts of Wine Nation, which we’ll share extra about on the finish of this information.

You’ll be able to discover RV leases by means of RV Share right here, OR, in case you are touring on a extra conventional highway journey, you’ll be able to discover automobile leases by means of our most popular supplier, Uncover Vehicles.

Cease 1: Seattle

Though Olympia is the capital of Washington State, Seattle is probably the most well-known metropolis.

Seattle–Tacoma Worldwide Airport can also be extensively linked by most main cities within the USA (and Europe), so it makes for the best begin and finish level on your highway journey.

Seattle is thought for being the birthplace of Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft, and rock band Nirvana, but it surely’s additionally well-known for its bohemian vibe, artsy tradition, and inexperienced initiatives.

It has a wealthy artwork and popular culture historical past and an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s filled with distinctive tales, vibrancy, fascinating points of interest, and surrounded by pure magnificence.

The next itinerary is generally centered on nature experiences exterior of the town limits, however we extremely advocate you spend a while in Seattle.

Additionally, you will finish this itinerary in Seattle, so be at liberty to spend a day exploring the town, and spend extra time exploring it on the finish.

Some high points of interest to not miss in Seattle are the Area Needle, an iconic 605-foot-tall spire with an statement deck and rotating restaurant, the Museum of Pop Tradition, and Chihuly Backyard and Glass.

The most important draw to Seattle although is it’s location. It’s sandwiched between the Puget Sound; the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascades Mountain area, and gives easy accessibility to so many unimaginable nationwide parks and nature websites, reminiscent of Mt Rainier.

All of which we’ll discover on this itinerary.

Listed here are a couple of of our favourite don’t miss Seattle experiences:

The place to remain in Seattle

Staying within the metropolis middle could also be a greater concept then staying at trip leases within the neighborhoods. It gives you extra time for exploring and fewer must depend on public transport.

• Keep within the coronary heart of Seattle on the Kimpton Palladian simply 1,000 toes from Pike Place Market and 0.6 mi from the Area Needle.
• Situated quarter-hour’ stroll to the Olympic Sculpture Park, is the Belltown Inn. Pike Place Market and the Area Needle are inside 10 minutes’ stroll.

We didn’t camp in our RV throughout our go to to Seattle as we visited right here earlier than selecting up our rental, however for those who do wish to camp, these campgrounds come advisable:

• Vasa Park Resort: Situated 16-minutes east of Seattle situated on stunning Lake Sammamish.
• Manchester State Park is 10 miles west of Seattle on Puget Sound with attractive sound views. It could require a ferry journey out and in of Seattle, which might be fairly cool.
• 13 miles north of the town is Lake Nice RV Park located on a scenic forested lake.

Cease 2: Olympic Nationwide Park

Cross the ferry at Bainbridge from Seattle to succeed in the Olympic Peninsula. The views are spectacular!

For its range, it’s exhausting to beat Olympic Nationwide Park, situated in north western Washington.

Inside its a million acres of protected land, you’ll be surrounded by the decision of the speeding rivers, shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, rolling surf and old-growth forests.

Select your personal journey from its pristine area of historical cedar spruce bushes, glacial lakes, sub-alpine meadows, mountain ranges, verdant rainforests, and distant and rugged coastlines.

I really like how someday you could be enjoying with the driftwood on the seashore at Rialto Seaside, and the second day be mountain climbing excessive up within the alpine forests, and the subsequent day be admiring the gushing waters of Sol Duc Falls.

Some common trails to do in Olympic Nationwide Park are the Spruce Nature Path, and Corridor of Mosses path, which provide you with a detailed up view of the verdant flora on this park.

Throughout fall, the rainforest turns into extra magical with waterfalls teaming from the rain, elks in full mating season with moss-covered antlers and bugling calls, and lovely reds, oranges and yellows coming out vibrantly in opposition to inexperienced moss and pop up mushrooms.

Much less crowds additionally makes it higher for wildlife viewing.

Twilight followers may even discover many movie set areas inside this nationwide park, reminiscent of Forks and La Push.

The place to remain in Olympic Nationwide Park

There are numerous campsites all through Olympic Nationwide Park.

Most campgrounds have RV areas restricted to 21 toes lengthy or shorter with some permitting lengths as much as 35 toes.

The place we camped:

• Onerous Rain Cafe, Hoh Rainforest: This small café is simply exterior the doorway to Hoh Rainforest and has a small RV park hooked up. Water and electrical included. Additionally they have low cost burgers and breakfast choices.
• Rainforest Resort Village, Lake Quinault: A fairly campsite on the shores of Lake Quinault, near trails and Lake Quinault lodge. Straightforward stroll to Salmon Home Restaurant.
• Coronary heart O’ the Hills Campground: This was a ravishing campground surrounded by outdated progress forest within the northern part of the park as you enter the Hurricane Ridge space. It was solely 10 minutes from downtown Port Angeles.

For lodging:

Watch our Olympic Nationwide Park video

Cease 3: Mt Rainier Nationwide Park

It’s no secret that Mount Rainier is likely one of the high locations to go to in Washington State.

Mt Rainier is certainly one of 5 lively volcanoes situated within the Cascade Vary, east of Seattle, Washington.

The opposite 4 are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens.

Standing greater than 4,300 meters above southern Washington, Mt Rainier is strikingly stunning – we might see its awesomeness from Seattle.

There are various hikes within the space and completely different areas to discover and see Mt Rainier from completely different angles.

One of the best areas on the mountain for scenic views embrace Paradise (from the Skyline Path), Reflection Lakes, Bench and Snow Lakes, and the Grove of the Patriarchs. Don’t miss an opportunity to hike to the cascading Myrtle Falls, too.

Driving alongside Chinook Move on State Route 410 or the White Move Scenic Byway on U.S. Freeway 12 may even present astonishing vistas.

Mount Rainier Naches Peak Loop Path is likely one of the hottest hikes, which begins alongside the Pacific Coast Path and passes move by means of subalpine meadows, and plentiful vegetation and fall colours.

To get the perfect views of Mount Rainier, hike the loop in a clockwise course.

Mt Rainier is a simple day journey from Seattle.

The place to remain in Mt Rainier Nationwide Park

Mt Rainier Nationwide Park has three RV tenting websites to contemplate with a max size of 27ft – 35ft.

The Nationwide Forests and personal campgrounds (open year-round) round Mount Rainier Nationwide Park present quite a lot of tenting and recreation alternatives.

Privately owned public campgrounds are open year-round and could be present in and round Packwood, Randle, Mineral Lake, Morton, Ashford and at Crystal Mountain.

Cease 4: La Conner and Deception Move State Park

Tucked between the Cascade Mountain Vary to the east and the San Juan Islands to the west, historic La Conner is a favourite weekend getaway for Seattle residents.

Artists have been drawn to La Conner within the Nineteen Forties, and a wealthy custom of visible arts has remained part of the group’s cloth. Galleries and museums are in abundance right here.

As are boats, boutique shops, and eating places alongside the boardwalk that traces the Swinomish Channel.

Deception Move is Washington’s most-visited state park and gives mysterious coves, wild Pacific Ocean seashores, rugged cliffs, and exquisite sunsets.

It’s situated on two islands — Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south.

Whidbey Island Scenic Byway meanders from the city of Clinton over Deception Move, which is gorgeous for fall foliage.

The well-known Deception Move Bridge has attractive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic mountains, and the San Juan Islands.

We explored it on a day journey from our campsite at La Conner.

La Conner can also be near the San Juan Islands, which is one other of the perfect locations to see in Washington State and residential to breathtaking seashores, lush forests, and loads of wildlife. Orcas Island is the most important and hottest island within the chain.

The Anacortes ferry terminal is half-hour away the place you’ll be able to catch a ferry to common Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. 

The place to remain within the La Conner Area

The La Conner RV Campsite has a ravishing location on Skagit Bay, with views out to close by islands and lovely sunsets!

It’s a couple of 10 minute drive to La Conner and 20 minutes to Deception Move Bridge.

Different lodging concepts:

Cease 5: Mount Baker

It’s price spending two days exploring Mount Baker within the northern a part of the state.

It’s recognized for its gorgeous alpine surroundings, which gives ample mountain climbing alternatives in heat climate and snowboarding within the winter.

Throughout the summer time months, hit one of many common mountain climbing trails such because the Heather Meadows Path, Image Lake and Artist’s Level, and the Chain Lakes Loop path, which have breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes.

For a more difficult expertise, the Heliotrope Ridge Path takes you mountain climbing up near the glaciers.

The place to remain within the Mount Baker area

Campgrounds are situated in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, and close to Mount Baker Ski Space.

Cease 6: North Cascades Nationwide Park

With dramatic alpine views to rival Glacier Nationwide Park, North Cascades Nationwide Park is likely one of the coolest locations in Washington State (and one of many least visited nationwide parks within the nation) and gives a extra secluded expertise.

It’s tucked away within the northern a part of Washington State close to the Canadian border, however nonetheless solely a two hour drive from Seattle, so it’s effectively price together with in your Washington highway journey itinerary!

Our most epic adventures in our complete USA highway journey was on this nationwide park. Someway, a 7-mile comparatively simple return hike changed into a 15-mile return hike with an elevation acquire of 4,000 toes.

We did this with the children who one way or the other managed to run up the tremendously steep rocky incline to the touch a glacier, whereas I struggled to carry one foot after one other.

It was an journey we’ll always remember.

To not point out, the views have been extraordinary, and we noticed three black bears!

You’ll discover adventurous hikes and spectacular views aplenty in North Cascades Nationwide Park.

With just one main highway working by means of it, it’s simple to discover in simply a few days and the campsites are attractive!

Some common issues to do in North Cascades Nationwide Park are:

The place to remain in North Cascades Nationwide Park

There’s a full vary of North Cascades Nationwide Park tenting experiences on provide together with these accessible from a automobile or RV to these requiring a strenuous trek into the wilderness.

We camped at Newhalem Creek campground, which was a beautiful campsite in forests of cedar, hemlock, and Douglas fir and set alongside the glacial soften Skagit River.

It’s halfway within the park so near all facilities and trails.

Cease 7: Leavenworth

Leavenworth is a tastefully accomplished vacationer city with lots of soul and loads of causes to get pleasure from somewhat style of Bavaria. And naturally, a couple of pretzels, bratwurst, and steins – you’re welcome to put on lederhosen whereas doing so!

Leavenworth was as soon as a thriving logging village. When that took a flip for the worst, as a substitute of letting it die, the group determined to make use of its stunning setting and switch it into mini-Bavaria.

Within the city, you’ll discover Bavarian model structure that homes eating places, bars, breweries, ciderie’s, and native retail shops. Principally, get pleasure from purchasing consuming and consuming in Leavenworth!

It’s location on the base of the Cascade Mountains and on the Wenatchee River means it’s additionally a hotspot for out of doors actions like mountain climbing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting or light tube floating, which we actually loved.

The charming Leavenworth is a superb start line for autumn vistas since it’s nestled within the Cascade Mountains and a part of the scenic and common Cascades Loop Drive.

The place to remain in Leavenworth

We stayed on the Leavenworth RV Campground about half-hour out of city. It was an amazing park in a serene location located amid 300 acres of forests and meadows.

However somewhat difficult if you wish to pattern all these beers and ciders in Leavenworth! I like to recommend staying nearer to city. Listed here are some suggestions:

• Styled with Bavarian-inspired decor, mountain or village views are featured in every visitor room on the Bavarian Lodge.
• Every charming room at Lodge Pension Anna in downtown showcases genuine German structure and this lodge gives a each day Bavarian-themed breakfast.

Cease 8: Seattle

Relying on how a lot you explored Seattle originally of this journey, chances are you’ll wish to finish your journey right here or skip Seattle and proceed on to the Japanese facet of the state (extra on that beneath).

Nevertheless, for those who do wish to discover extra of Seattle, I like to recommend trying out Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest metropolis park at 534 acres..

With tidal seashores, meadows, sea cliffs, a forest, streams, and lively sand dunes, autumn is good in Discovery Park.

The Washington Park Arboretum is claimed to have extra deciduous tree species than another setting within the northwest, so is a deal with for fall foliage in Seattle.

Woodland Backyard has the perfect part for autumn colours with its massive portion of Japanese maples.

Map of this Washington State Itinerary

That will help you plan your journey, you will see the points of interest and locations talked about on this information within the following interactive map, in addition to the path to take and the place to remain.

The way to lengthen this Washington State Itinerary

In case you have greater than 2-3 weeks like we did, and also you wish to lengthen this itinerary, why not add some extra points of interest in?

Alternatively, you can also make it a full Pacific Northwest highway journey, incorporating Oregon and Western Idaho into the combo.

We’ve a full itinerary for the Pacific Northwest right here, which gives you extra concepts.

In any other case, be sure you try the next locations:

Winthrop

Winthrop is an outdated American Wild West city, recognized for its cowboy-esque structure and experiences.

Strolling right into a retailer right here appears like strolling right into a saloon, and also you half count on somebody to saddle up their horse out entrance.

It’s much like Leavenworth in design, however was truly based mostly on Solvang in California.

You’ll be able to go horseback using on Solar Mountain, discover Shafer Historic Museum, or go mountain climbing within the Methow Valley.

Discover The Enchantments within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Space

Situated within the Cascade Mountain Vary throughout the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the The Enchantments are recognized for his or her jagged, rugged granite peaks.

These peaks are glaciated peaks, and sit at an elevation of round 4400 toes to 7800 toes.

In case you have extra time to spare, think about including this on when visiting the North Cascade Mountains on path to Leavenworth.

Washington Wine Nation

As talked about earlier, we explored the Tri-Cities Washington, the guts of Wine Nation, on a separate journey.

The Tri Cities are made up of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, and embrace the Columbia River Gorge area.

This area is thought for its sunny climate and scenic Columbia River views – not what you count on once you consider Washington!

Get pleasure from kayaking or paddleboarding on the Columbia River, biking alongside the Sacagawea Heritage Path, discover among the greatest wineries within the state, together with Columbia Crest Vineyard, Barnard Griffin, and Goose Ridge Property Winery & Vineyard.

In the event you choose a warming crimson to a crisp white, head to the tasting room at Crimson Mountain AVA, recognized for its daring crimson wines.

Whereas my first few nights on the Courtyard by Marriott in Richland have been snug and greater than ample, my coronary heart sang, “this is heaven,” after I moved subsequent door to the four-star Lodge at Columbia Level for my two-night keep.

Greatest time to go to Washington State

One of the best time to go to Washington State, in my view, is the Fall (September and October). It is because Washington State is essentially forested, and this time of yr the foliage is awash in colours of reds, yellows, and oranges.

We visited within the fall season, which does convey placing foliage set in opposition to deep inexperienced evergreen bushes.

Whereas is lessor recognized than the East Coast United States for its fall colours, it’s simply as stunning.

Spring (April and Could) is one other good time to go to, because it has nice climate and fewer crowds.

Summer season (June to August) is an effective time too, although that is peak season so you’ll be able to look forward to finding lots of people doing their highway journeys this time of yr.

Winter is just not preferrred because it closely snows right here, with a yearly common of 200 inches of snow.

It’s additionally price noting that no matter time you go to, you’ll be able to count on rain.

Washington State is inexperienced for a motive – it rains quite a bit!

Seattle will get 165 days of rain a yr, however most days this rain is extra of a positive mist or drizzle.

Ultimate Ideas

So there you may have it, that is our 2-3 week Washington State highway journey, and as you’ll be able to see, there’s lots of stunning nature and engaging cities to go to.

We expect that is the perfect state to highway journey, and we’ve additionally included a few of these in our greatest USA highway journeys listing.

Tell us within the feedback what locations you propose to go to in your journey.

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