Pacific Northwest & California Honeymoon Itinerary (10 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Seattle & Drive to Mount Rainier

Morning: Arrive at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport, pick up your rental car and stock up on supplies for camping.

Afternoon: Drive south (≈2 hrs) to the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Set up camp at the Sunrise campground.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the Sunrise Visitor Center trails and a romantic dinner at the campsite.

Day 2: Exploring Mount Rainier

Morning: Hike the Paradise Loop, taking in alpine meadows and wildflower views.

Afternoon: Take the short drive to Grove of the Patriarchs for a quick forest stroll.

Evening: Return to the campground for a starlit dinner and a short night walk around the lake.

Day 3: Travel to Crater Lake (Oregon)

Morning: Pack up camp and start the 8‑hour drive south to Crater Lake National Park, crossing the Columbia River.

Afternoon: Arrive at the park, set up a campsite at Mazama Village, then take the scenic Rim Drive to see the lake's blue waters.

Evening: Enjoy a lakeside picnic and watch the sunset over the rim, then settle in for a cozy campfire.

Day 4: Crater Lake Exploration

Morning: Take a boat tour to the iconic Wizard Island and explore its volcanic formations.

Afternoon: Hike the Garfield Peak Trail for panoramic views of the crater.

Evening: Return to the campground for a relaxed dinner under the stars.

Day 5: Drive to Redwood National and State Parks

Morning: Depart Crater Lake and drive 4 hours to the coast, arriving at Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California.

Afternoon: Set up camp at the Elk Prairie Campground, then walk among the towering redwoods on the Lady Bird Johnson Trail.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the Prairie Creek and a cozy campsite dinner.

Day 6: Redwood Forest Immersion

Morning: Join a ranger‑led hike to the Tall Tree Grove to see the oldest living trees.

Afternoon: Explore the scenic Fern Canyon, a lush, moss‑covered gorge.

Evening: Return to camp for a relaxing evening and a night under the canopy.

Day 7: Drive to Yosemite National Park

Morning: Drive 6 hours south through the Sierra Nevada, arriving at Yosemite National Park in the afternoon.

Afternoon: Set up camp at Lower Pines Campground, then visit the famous Yosemite Valley for iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from the Cook’s Meadow and a romantic dinner at the campground.

Day 8: Yosemite Adventures

Morning: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Afternoon: Picnic at Glacier Point with sweeping views of the valley.

Evening: Return to camp, enjoy a night sky and a cozy campfire.

Day 9: Sequoia National Park

Morning: Drive 4 hours south to Sequoia National Park and set up at the Potwisha Campground.

Afternoon: Walk among the giant sequoias in the General Sherman Tree grove and explore the Giant Forest.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Wuksachi Lodge and enjoy a romantic dinner in the park’s picnic area.

Day 10: Devil’s Punchbowl & Departure from California

Morning: Travel to Devil’s Punch Bowl near Lake Tahoe for a quick scenic hike.

Afternoon: Continue to the San Francisco Bay Area, return the rental car at San Francisco International Airport.

Evening: End the honeymoon with a farewell dinner in San Francisco and a final toast to your adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mount Rainier National Park: 4 hours, $30 (vehicle fee)
• Crater Lake National Park: 4 hours, $30 (vehicle fee)
• Redwood National and State Parks: 4 hours, $0 (free)
• Yosemite National Park: 6 hours, $35 (vehicle fee)
• Sequoia National Park: 4 hours, $35 (vehicle fee)
• Devil’s Punch Bowl: 2 hours, $0 (free)
• Total Estimated Cost: $130

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding an extra day at each park for longer hikes or a scenic drive through the Pacific Coast Highway. To shorten the itinerary, skip Redwood’s Fern Canyon or combine Yosemite and Sequoia into a single day’s visit, focusing on the main attractions.