Pacific Northwest & Northern California National Parks and Attractions Itinerary

Day 1: Departure and Arrival in Seattle

Morning: Depart from Cleveland, OH and fly to Seattle, Washington.

Afternoon: Land in Seattle and pick up your rental car. Take some time to explore the city center perhaps stopping by local breweries.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a brewery in Seattle and get rest for the upcoming outdoor adventures.

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

Morning: Drive to Mount Rainier National Park and start your hike at the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, enjoying panoramic views.

Afternoon: Continue exploring surrounding park areas, have a picnic, and visit the Paradise Visitor Center.

Evening: Head back towards Seattle or stay overnight nearby to relax at a local lodge or brewery.

Day 3: North Cascades National Park - Ladder Creek Falls Trail

Morning: Early departure to North Cascades National Park. Hike the Ladder Creek Falls Trail to see waterfalls and lush forest.

Afternoon: Explore scenic drives in the park and sample craft beers at breweries in towns like Sedro-Woolley or nearby.

Evening: Rest in the area or camp for an immersive nature experience.

Day 4: Olympic National Park - Hole-in-the-Wall & Rialto Beach

Morning: Head west to Olympic National Park and hike the dramatic coastline including Hole-in-the-Wall and Rialto Beach.

Afternoon: Discover nearby rainforest trails or visit the town of Forks for local food and breweries.

Evening: Overnight stay in the park vicinity or nearby towns to enjoy calm Pacific coast ambiance.

Day 5: Travel to Crater Lake, Oregon - Watchman Peak Trail

Morning: Drive south to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Prepare for the hike to Watchman Peak Trail, offering spectacular views of the lake.

Afternoon: Explore the park rim drives and visitor centers.

Evening: Stay overnight near Crater Lake or in nearby towns with breweries to unwind.

Day 6: Astoria and Eugene Highlights

Morning: Drive northwest to Astoria, Oregon to visit the Goonies House, a popular film landmark.

Afternoon: Continue south to Eugene, Oregon to check out the Animal House filming location and enjoy local craft beer.

Evening: Dine and relax in Eugene’s brewery scene.

Day 7: Redwood National and State Parks - Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Morning: Head further south to Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California. Hike the beautiful Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.

Afternoon: Drive through scenic routes soaking in the towering redwoods and ocean views.

Evening: Stay in local lodges or nearby towns, enjoying local brews and cuisine.

Day 8: Return Journey & Final Brewery Stops

Morning: Begin the drive back towards Seattle or Portland depending on your return flight location. Stop at recommended breweries along the route for last tastes.

Afternoon: Connect with local brewery scenes in whichever city you end the drive in.

Evening: Return rental car and prepare for your flight home the next day or late evening flight if available.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mount Fremont Lookout Trail: 3-4 hours, $30 park entrance per vehicle
• Ladder Creek Falls Trail (North Cascades): 2-3 hours, $15 park pass
• Hole-in-the-Wall & Rialto Beach (Olympic NP): 3-4 hours, $30 park entrance
• Watchman Peak Trail (Crater Lake): 2-3 hours, $30 park entrance
• Goonies House (Astoria): 30 minutes, free
• Animal House (Eugene): 30 minutes, free
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (Redwoods): 2-3 hours, free park access
• Car Rental for 8 days: Approximately $450-$600 total
• Breweries Visits (est. per visit): $15-$25 per person, per visit (assuming 6 visits) approx. $180-$300 total
• Flights (roundtrip Cleveland to Seattle): Approx. $400-$600 per person, $800-$1,200 total

Total Estimated Cost: $1,540 - $2,555

Tips

• To extend the trip, consider adding extra days in Olympic National Park or exploring additional hikes in North Cascades and Redwoods.
• To reduce the duration, prioritize two or three parks such as Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, and Olympic National Park to focus on fewer travel days and deeper exploration.
• Reserve car rentals and park passes well in advance during peak season to ensure availability and better rates.
• Bring hiking gear suitable for diverse climates including rain protection for coastal and mountain hikes.