Pacific Northwest National Parks & Iconic Locations Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Cleveland and Arrival in Seattle

Morning: Fly out from Cleveland, OH to Seattle, WA. Pick up your rental car at the airport upon arrival.

Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation and visit a local Seattle brewery such as Fremont Brewing for a relaxing introduction to the region’s craft beer scene.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a downtown Seattle eatery and get a good night’s rest for your adventure ahead.

Day 2: Mount Rainier National Park - Mount Fremont Lookout Trail

Morning: Drive to Mount Rainier National Park. Hike the scenic Mount Fremont Lookout Trail to enjoy panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.

Afternoon: Explore nearby viewpoints and visitor centers within Mount Rainier National Park.

Evening: Return to a nearby town such as Ashford or Packwood, and sample local brews at a nearby brewery.

Day 3: Olympic National Park - Hole-In-the-Wall and Rialto Beach

Morning: Travel west towards Olympic National Park. Start your day with a visit to the stunning coastal rock formations at Hole-In-the-Wall and explore the tide pools.

Afternoon: Hike along Rialto Beach, enjoying rugged coastline, sea stacks, and driftwood beaches.

Evening: Stay in Forks or nearby, and try craft beer at local breweries such as Pacific Northwest Brewery.

Day 4: North Cascades National Park - Ladder Creek Falls Trail

Morning: Drive east toward North Cascades National Park. Hike the moderate Ladder Creek Falls Trail to enjoy beautiful cascades and old-growth forest.

Afternoon: Explore additional park viewpoints or take a short drive to nearby hiking spots.

Evening: Rest in Winthrop or Sedro-Woolley with dinner and local brews at a popular brewery.

Day 5: Travel South to Redwood National Park - Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Morning: Begin a longer scenic drive south toward northern California and Redwood National Park.

Afternoon: Hike the beautiful Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail surrounded by ancient coastal redwoods.

Evening: Stay overnight in Crescent City or a nearby town. Enjoy local breweries such as Lost Coast Brewery.

Day 6: Astoria and Eugene Highlights

Morning: Drive north to Astoria, OR. Visit the Goonies House, an iconic movie filming location.

Afternoon: Continue southeast to Eugene, OR, and check out the Animal House movie filming house and the vibrant local scene.

Evening: Explore Eugene’s brewery scene with stops at popular spots like Track Town Brewing or Ninkasi Brewing Company.

Day 7: Leisure Day and Brewery Exploration

Morning: Use this day as a leisure day or to revisit favorite trails or parks within driving distance.

Afternoon: Explore additional breweries along your route back north toward Seattle, such as Deschutes Brewery in Bend if you are taking the longer route, or local gems near Seattle.

Evening: Return the rental car and enjoy a final dinner in Seattle, soaking in the city’s nightlife or waterfront views.

Day 8: Departure

Morning: Pack, enjoy a final coffee or breakfast in Seattle.

Afternoon: Head to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to catch your flight back to Cleveland, OH.

Evening: Arrive back home with wonderful memories of your Pacific Northwest adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mount Fremont Lookout Trail - 3 hours - Free (Park entrance fees approx. $30/car)
• Hole-In-the-Wall & Rialto Beach - 4 hours - Free (Park entrance included in Olympic National Park $30/car)
• Ladder Creek Falls Trail - 2 hours - Free (North Cascades National Park $30/car)
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (Redwood National Park) - 2 hours - Free (Redwood park entrance approx. $35/car)
• Goonies House, Astoria - 1 hour - Free
• Animal House, Eugene - 1 hour - Free
• Brewery visits (multiple stops) - 7 stops total - $10-$20 tasting fee each (estimated $120 total)
• Rental Car (8 days) - Approximately $600-$800 depending on vehicle and insurance
• Flights Cleveland to Seattle round trip - Estimated $350-$500 per traveler ($700-$1000 total)

Total estimated cost: $1,515 - $2,235 (excluding accommodation and meals)

Tips

• To extend the trip, consider adding an extra day to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula or incorporate a scenic ferry ride to San Juan Islands for whale watching.
• To reduce the trip, focus on either Seattle + Mount Rainier + Olympic National Park area or the southern route from North Cascades to Redwood National Park to minimize extensive driving.
• Book accommodations early during peak summer months and pack hiking essentials like waterproof footwear, layers, and a good daypack for all trails.
• Check brewery hours in advance as some may close earlier in more remote locations.