United States
Washington
Destination overview
Washington on this site means Mount Rainier’s Paradise area and Olympic’s Hoh valley and coast, plus the reality of Seattle as a start point. The Skyline Trail is a meadow loop with snow that lingers. The Hoh River Trail is miles of moss and mud. They are close on a map of the country and not close in driving hours. Timed entry, Paradise parking, and the Hoh Road’s tree-fall closures all belong on your pre-trip list.
Best time to visit
Mid-July through mid-September for high country. Rainforest is a year-round idea with a rain jacket.
Recommended trip durations
- 7 days for Rainier + Olympic + a taste of Oregon
- A Rainier weekend if you accept limited miles
Best scenic viewpoints
- Paradise
- Hurricane Ridge (separate road, frequent closures)
- Ruby Beach
Travel planning tips
- Rain pants. Washington will test a fashion shell.
- Ferry reservations on some routes. Read WSF the week you travel.
- Food storage and wildlife distance at Rainier and Olympic are not the same as a city park.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see Rainier and Olympic in two days?
You can see parking lots. Give Rainier a night and Olympic two if you want trails.
