Three‑Week Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip (Sept 11 – Oct 2, 2025)

Day 1: Departure & Drive to Wichita

Morning: Depart Kansas City early, heading west on I‑70. Enjoy the rolling plains while the kids enjoy the scenic views from the car.

Afternoon: Stop for lunch in Wichita, Kansas. Stretch legs and refuel both the car and the travelers.

Evening: Check‑in to a budget‑friendly, non‑smoking motel in Wichita. A quick dinner and early night to prepare for the long drive ahead.

Day 2: Drive to Dodge City, then into Colorado

Morning: Continue west on I‑70, crossing into the high plains of Colorado. Scenic desert‑like landscapes provide great photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Stop for a brief lunch in Colorado Springs and stretch at Garden of the Gods (view only). Continue on toward the Rockies.

Evening: Overnight at a low‑cost, non‑smoking motel in Pueblo, CO. Rest and recharge for the next long stretch.

Day 3: Drive to Spokane, WA

Morning: Early departure and cross the Continental Divide via I‑70 and I‑90, enjoying mountain vistas.

Afternoon: Arrival in Spokane, Washington. Quick lunch before checking in.

Evening: Stay at a budget-friendly, non‑smoking motel in Spokane. Relax and plan the upcoming park days over a simple dinner.

Day 4: North Cascades National Park – Entrance & Ross Lake

Morning: Drive to the North Cascades National Park entrance. Spot a variety of wildlife as you enter the park.

Afternoon: Short, <5‑mile hike to the viewpoint at Ross Lake (2 mi loop). Spot loons, eagles, and possibly elk.

Evening: Return to the campsite near Stehekin and stay at a local, non‑smoking motel. Relax with a campfire dinner.

Day 5: North Cascades – Trail of the Cedars & Nooksack

Morning: Easy walk along the Trail of the Cedars, a gentle 0.5‑mile loop showcasing old‑growth forest.

Afternoon: Visit the Nooksack River for birdwatching and wildlife spotting; a short 1‑mile riverside walk.

Evening: Return to the motel in Stehekin. Early night to soak up the mountain air.

Day 6: Drive to Olympic National Park (Port Angeles)

Morning: Depart North Cascades and drive west to the Olympic Peninsula. Scenic drive along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Afternoon: Arrive in Port Angeles and check in to a modest, non‑smoking motel.

Evening: Stroll along the waterfront for a sunset view over the bay; light dinner.

Day 7: Olympic National Park – Hoh Rain Forest

Morning: Head to the Hoh Rain Forest and take a 2‑mile loop on the Hall of Mosses trail for gentle walking and abundant wildlife.

Afternoon: Explore the Hoh River banks for salmon and bird spotting.

Evening: Return to Port Angeles, enjoy dinner at a local diner, and rest at the motel.

Day 8: Olympic National Park – Hurricane Ridge

Morning:

Drive to Hurricane Ridge and take a short 1‑mile walk to the viewpoint for sweeping alpine vistas.

Afternoon: Look for marmots and mountain goats, then enjoy a picnic with a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains.

Evening: Return to the motel in Port Angeles for a relaxed evening and early sleep.

Day 9: Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Morning: Depart early for Mount Rainier. Cross the Cascade foothills.

Afternoon: Arrive at Paradise and check into a budget, non‑smoking motel near the park.

Evening: Sunset walk along the Paradise Loop, a short paved trail, and dinner at the lodge.

Day 10: Mount Rainier – Skyline Trail (Short Segment)

Morning: Take the first 2  miles of the Skyline Trail, offering views of glaciers and wildlife (e.g., marmots).

Afternoon: Visit the Paradise Visitor Center for interpretive exhibits on the park’s wildlife.

Evening: Return to the motel; enjoy a hearty dinner and rest.

Day 11: Drive to Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Morning: Depart Mount Rainier heading south to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the USA.

Afternoon: Stop at Rim Drive for short walks and birdwatching (e.g., ospreys).

Evening: Overnight in a budget motel in the nearby town of Klamath Falls (non‑smoking).

Day 12: Crater Lake – Short Hike & Scenic Views

Morning: Walk the Sun Notch Trail (2 mi round‑trip), offering lake vistas and chances to spot wildlife.

Afternoon: Picnic by the lake, watch for waterfowl and occasional elk on the rim.

Evening: Return to the motel and relax.

Day 13: Drive to Bend (Oregon) – Rest Day

Morning: Drive from Crater Lake to Bend, OR, a short 1‑hour drive.

Afternoon: Explore downtown Bend on foot (no hiking needed), enjoy a coffee and a quick snack.

Evening: Check into a budget, non‑smoking motel; early night before the return journey.

Day 14: Begin Return Journey – Boise, ID

Morning: Start heading east toward Boise, ID.

Afternoon: Arrive in Boise, stretch, and see the Boise River Greenbelt (short stroll).

Evening: Overnight at a low‑cost, non‑smoking motel in Boise.

Day 15: Continue Return – Twin Falls, ID

Morning: Drive from Boise to Twin Falls, ID.

Afternoon: Quick visit to Shoshone Falls (view from the parking area, no hiking).

Evening: Check in at a budget motel, dinner, and rest.

Day 16: Return to Kansas City

Morning: Continue eastward across the plains back toward Kansas City.

Afternoon: Stop for lunch in Wichita, KS.

Evening: Arrive home in Kansas City, concluding the adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kansas City → Wichita (Day 1) – 3 hrs driving, $30 fuel
• Wichita → Pueblo (Day 2) – 6 hrs driving, $30 fuel
• Pueblo → Spokane (Day 3) – 12 hrs driving, $60 fuel
• North Cascades – Ross Lake – 2 hrs, $15 entry + $10 parking
• North Cascades – Trail of the Cedars – 1.5 hrs, $5 parking
• Olympic – Hoh Rain Forest – 2 hrs, $15 entry + $10 parking
• Olympic – Hurricane Ridge – 2.5 hrs, $15 entry + $10 parking
• Mount Rainier – Paradise – 2 hrs, $30 entry + $10 parking
• Mount Rainier – Skyline Trail – 2 hrs, included in entry
• Crater Lake – Rim Drive – 1.5 hrs, $30 entry + $10 parking
• Crater Lake – Sun Notch Trail – 2 hrs, included in entry
• Motels (15 nights) – approx. $70/night = $1,050
• Meals (3 weeks) – avg $40/day = $1,200
• Gas (total 5,000 mi @ $3.50/gal, 25 mpg) – $700
Total estimated cost: $4,425

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add a full day at each park for deeper wildlife observation and optional guided wildlife tours. To shorten the itinerary, skip one of the smaller parks (e.g., Crater Lake) and combine its drives with a longer stay at either North Cascades or Olympic, reducing the total length by 2‑3 days while still keeping daily hikes under 5 miles.