Start the day with a coffee and quick stroll through Riverfront Park in Spokane before hitting Highway 2; the scenic drive west gives chances to detour for photos at the basalt cliffs of Frenchman Coulee and the dramatic vistas at [Grand Coulee Overlook](https://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/). Mid-morning, break for a stretch and a picnic beside the Columbia River at [Lincoln Rock State Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Lincoln+Rock+State+Park+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site), then continue toward the rolling wheatlands to arrive at the panoramic viewpoints of the Waterville Plateau in time for an easy sunset preview and wildlife spotting.
After a lakeside picnic near [Banks Lake Recreation Area](https://www.google.com/search?q=Banks+Lake+Recreation+Area+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site), take the short drive to explore the sculpted butte at Lenore Lake Overlook for sweeping views of the Columbia Basin and migrating birds; the boardwalk here is great for a relaxed, camera-ready stroll. Continue west toward the plateau with a late-afternoon stop at [Columbia National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/columbia) for easy wildlife watching, then arrive at the Waterville Plateau Scenic Byway viewpoints in time for golden-hour light and a quiet short walk to spot deer and raptors.
As dusk settles, unwind with a riverside dinner at Coulee City Marina or a casual meal in nearby Electric City, then drive a short stretch to catch the fading light over the basalt formations at Devil's Punchbowl Overlook for dramatic silhouettes. Finish the night with stargazing from the wide-open slopes of the Waterville Plateau Trailhead, where minimal light pollution makes the Milky Way and quiet nocturnal wildlife sightings especially rewarding.
Rise early and drive the scenic Cascade River Road to the Cascade River Trailhead for a brisk, wildlife-rich warm-up on the lower trail toward Sloan Creek-watch for river otters and wintering birds along the riverbanks. Continue to the iconic viewpoints at Diablo Lake Overlook for turquoise-water panoramas and a short interpretive stroll, then pause at Newhalem Village for a coffee and the historic power-plant exhibits before heading higher into the park for the afternoon's ridge hikes.
Head up to the high-country viewpoints along the Washington Pass Overlook and take the short, snow-dusted loop to admire the jagged Liberty Bell Group; with binoculars you can scan for mountain goats on the cliffs. Later, drive the scenic Diablo Lake Road spur toward Ross Lake Resort for a lakeside break-rent a rowboat if open, or stroll the shoreline to watch ice-flecked waters and distant peaks as light shifts into late afternoon.
As dusk falls, settle into a tranquil shoreline walk at Goodell Creek Campground-the quiet forest paths and creekside meadows are great for spotting owls and listening to rushing water. Afterward, drive the scenic switchbacks to Rainy Pass for a short sunset viewpoint stop, then warm up with dinner in nearby Mazama where cozy local cafes offer hearty plates and stories from fellow hikers.
Leave the North Cascades foothills and follow Highway 20 west, stopping for a mid-morning stretch at [Forks Timber Museum](https://www.google.com/search?q=Forks+Timber+Museum+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) to get local history and rain-forest context before descending toward the coast. Continue to [Quinault River Loop](https://www.google.com/search?q=Quinault+River+Loop+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) for a short riverside walk among moss-draped Sitka spruce and then explore tidepool life at Ruby Beach, where sea stacks and driftwood make for dramatic photos before you head north toward La Push for the afternoon.
After exploring the southern shore, drive north along the coast to stretch your legs at Second Beach, where a driftwood-lined path leads through spruce forest to a wide, sea-stack-studded shoreline perfect for tidepooling and sand-combing. Continue up the road to the overlook at Rialto Creek Trailhead for panoramic ocean views and a short walk down to find hidden coves, then finish the afternoon with a sunset-watching picnic at La Push Beach (First Beach) while scanning for shorebirds and the first hints of evening light on the sea stacks.
As the tide retreats, take a peaceful walk along Third Beach-the forested trail opens to a broad, driftwood-laced shore where tidepooling and sunset photography of sea stacks feel cinematic. After dark, grab a clam chowder or local seafood plate at The Evergreen Restaurant in nearby Forks, then return to La Push Campground for a moonlit stroll and stargazing where the Pacific's surf provides a steady nighttime soundtrack.
Begin your day beneath towering moss-draped trees on the Hall of Mosses loop in the Hoh Rainforest, where morning light filters through ancient Sitka spruce and fern-carpeted trails ideal for birdwatching and quiet photography. After the loop, take the short drive to Hoh River Trailhead for a gentle riverside stroll toward old-growth groves, then stop at the [Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center](https://www.google.com/search?q=Hoh+Rainforest+Visitor+Center+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) for interpretive exhibits and trail advice before heading west toward the coast for the afternoon.
Drive west from the Hoh toward the coast and spend the afternoon exploring the driftwood-strewn expanse of Rialto Beach, then follow the bluff trail to the dramatic sea stacks at Hole-in-the-Wall for tidepooling and photography as the tide ebbs. Afterward, head north a short way to the tucked-away grove at [Kalaloch Sitka Spruce Overlook](https://www.google.com/search?q=Kalaloch+Sitka+Spruce+Overlook+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) for a peaceful shoreline picnic and birdwatching, then finish the stretch with a stroll along the boardwalk at Ruby Ocean Viewpoint to scan for seals and late-afternoon light on the surf.
As dusk deepens, head to Kalaloch Beach for a sunset stroll along the dramatic bluff and to hunt for sea glass and sand dollars among the driftwood-keep an eye for harbor seals bobbing nearshore. Afterward, settle in at Kalaloch Lodge or the nearby Riverview Campground for a cozy dinner, then take a short night walk to the Tree of Life Overlook to listen to the surf and watch for nocturnal shorebirds before returning to your lodgings.
Drive south from the La Push area into the open coastline and start with a sunrise stroll along Copalis Beach, scanning tidepools for starfish and ghost shrimp before the crowds arrive. Continue to [Grays Harbor State Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Grays+Harbor+State+Park+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) for birdwatching from the spit-look for migrating shorebirds and perched eagles-and then wander the charming boardwalk and antique shops of Westport Harbor, finishing with a fresh-caught seafood breakfast at a harbor-side café while watching fishing boats come in.
Drive south from Westport and stop for a clamming demonstration and shoreline walk at Mocrocks Beach, then explore the artisanal shops and oyster bars of Seabrook for a mid-afternoon tasting of local shellfish. Continue to [Grayland Beach State Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Grayland+Beach+State+Park+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) for a long, wind-sculpted walk and kite-flying on the wide sand, finishing the afternoon with a sunset-preview coffee at the bluffside deck of Ocean Shores' North Beach Café, watching surf, seabirds, and distant fishing boats as the light softens.
As the sun dips, drive a short way south to explore the historic fishing pier and sunset promenade at South Beach State Park, then wander the nearby salt-scented boardwalk of [Westhaven State Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Westhaven+State+Park+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) to watch local anglers and migrating shorebirds. Finish the night with fresh seafood and a cozy firepit at Cottage Row in Grayland, where seaside cottages and a moonlit walk on the dunes make for a relaxing, coastal end to the day.
Start with a crisp sunrise drive to Sunrise Visitor Center for sweeping views of Mount Rainier and terraces of snowfields; take the short, easy Siphon Creek Trail loop to scan for winter grouse and enjoy panoramic glacier vistas. Afterward, descend to the lower elevations for a peaceful stroll along the cedar-lined Grove of the Patriarchs boardwalk on Ohanapecosh Road, where ancient trees, moss-draped limbs, and a river-side picnic spot make for a restorative mountain morning.
After a morning near Sunrise Visitor Center, drive down to the meadows and craggy views around Myrtle Falls and take the easy loop for close-up glacier vistas and alpine wildflower meadows (winter-spring snowfields permitting). Later, cruise the scenic Paradise corridor to stop at the Giant Forest Trailhead for a short stroll among snow-dusted subalpine firs, then warm up with hot chocolate at the Paradise Inn or its nearby viewpoint while watching clouds shift across Mount Rainier's southern face.
As twilight falls, wander the quiet sledding slopes and forest fringes around Box Canyon for soft light on icy creek channels and good chances to hear owls and pack ice crackle. Then drive a short way to Tipsoo Lake for a reflective sunset stroll around the shore where calm water mirrors the mountain and migrating waterfowl pause, finishing the night with a warm meal at the nearby SR 706 viewpoint pullout while watching headlights trace the park road back toward your lodging.
Head inland from the coast and take a refreshing detour through Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, stopping at the Lava Canyon trails to watch dramatic canyon waterfalls and interpretive exhibits about the 1980 eruption. Continue northeast to stretch your legs at Guler Ice Cave for a short, otherworldly romp through basalt lava tubes (season and safety permitting), then enjoy a riverside coffee and birdwatching break at Toutle River Interpretive Site before resuming the drive toward Spokane.
Midday, detour upriver for a peaceful walk along the cedar-and-pine trails at [Silver Lake County Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Silver+Lake+County+Park+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site), where you can watch waterfowl and stretch legs on the boardwalk before heading inland. Continue with a scenic stop at [Mount St. Helens Windy Ridge Viewpoint](https://www.google.com/search?q=Mount+St.+Helens+Windy+Ridge+Viewpoint+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site) (seasonal access permitting) for dramatic panoramas of the blast zone and Spirit Lake, then sip a late-afternoon coffee at the rustic café in Castle Rock before resuming the drive east toward Spokane.
As the day winds down, pull off for a peaceful sunset stroll along the riverside trail at [Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.google.com/search?q=Conboy+Lake+National+Wildlife+Refuge+spokane+washington+to+waatch+bay%2C+stopping+at+multiple+national+parks+and+beaches+over+the+course+of+7+days%0A+official+site), scanning for wintering waterfowl and elk in the marshy meadows as golden light deepens. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the historic town of Toppenish, sampling regional fare at a local café before stopping at the roadside overlook at Saddle Mountains Vista to watch long shadows stretch across the basalt buttes and finish the night with quiet stargazing on the drive east toward Spokane.