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Exploring the Western National Parks

Viewed by 59 travelers

Day 1: Outdoor Adventures

Seattle, USA

8:00AM

Visit Pike Place Market

Start your day with a stroll through Pike Place Market, savor fresh breakfast bites, and pick up snacks for your road trip ahead.
Head to Pike Place Market located in downtown Seattle.
$, 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Olympic National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Olympic National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems offering lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and majestic mountains.
Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and continue driving to the park entrance.
Gas and ferry ticket, 2 hours

2:00PM

Hike Hurricane Ridge

Head to Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, and embark on a moderate hiking trail to immerse yourself in nature.
Follow signs within the park to reach the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.
$, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant

Relax and enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant near the park before resting for the night.
Ask for recommendations at the Visitor Center or search nearby dining options.
$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Mountains and Waterfalls

Mount Rainier National Park

9:00AM

Explore Paradise

Spend the day exploring the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park, marvel at wildflower meadows, glaciers, and iconic views of the mountain.
Drive to the Paradise Visitor Center and start your exploration.
$, 5 hours

2:00PM

Picnic lunch by Myrtle Falls

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the picturesque Myrtle Falls, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Follow signage and trails from the Paradise Visitor Center to reach Myrtle Falls.
$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Christine Falls

Drive to Christine Falls to witness a stunning 69-foot waterfall cascading under a picturesque stone bridge.
Accessible by a short walk from the parking area off the main road.
$, 1 hour

6:00PM

Overnight stay in nearby lodging

Check into a cozy lodge or cabin near Mount Rainier National Park for a restful evening.
Book accommodations in advance for a comfortable stay close to the park.
$$, Rest of the day
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Day 3: Natural Wonders

Crater Lake National Park

8:00AM

Drive to Crater Lake

Embark on a scenic drive to Crater Lake National Park, home to the stunning deep blue lake in a caldera formed by an ancient volcano.
Enjoy the journey through picturesque landscapes on the way to the park entrance.
Gas, 4 hours

12:00PM

Boat tour to Wizard Island

Experience the beauty of Crater Lake up close with a boat tour to Wizard Island, offering unique perspectives of the surrounding cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Reserve boat tour tickets in advance at the park visitor center.
$$, 3 hours

4:00PM

Scenic drive along Rim Drive

Take a leisurely drive along Rim Drive, stopping at various viewpoints to admire the lake's breathtaking blue hues and Wizard Island.
Follow the signs for Rim Drive and prepare for numerous photo stops.
$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at lodge restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the lodge restaurants overlooking the picturesque Crater Lake.
Head to the lodge dining area for a satisfying meal.
$$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Beauty

Redwood National and State Parks

9:00AM

Explore Stout Grove

Begin your day with a stroll through the mystical Stout Grove among towering ancient redwoods, feeling tiny next to these giants.
Follow signs to the trailhead leading to Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic lunch in the park

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the serene beauty of the redwood forest, listening to the sounds of nature.
Choose a scenic spot along your hike or at designated picnic areas within the park.
$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Fern Canyon

Embark on a magical journey through Fern Canyon, a lush narrow gorge lined with ferns and moss-covered walls seen in Jurassic Park.
Follow the signs to the Fern Canyon trailhead and be prepared to wade through shallow creeks.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in nearby town

Head to a local town near the park for dinner, savoring fresh seafood and coastal delights.
Drive to the nearest town with dining options recommended by park rangers.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 5: Iconic Valley

Yosemite National Park

9:00AM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Discover the iconic attractions of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
Drive or take shuttle buses to key points of interest within the valley.
$, 6 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Valley View

Enjoy a scenic picnic at Valley View, with the Merced River framing El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall in the background.
Drive to Valley View pullout along Northside Drive for easy access to this panoramic viewpoint.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike to Lower Yosemite Fall

Take a leisurely hike to witness the power of Lower Yosemite Fall up close, feeling the mist on your face as the water cascades down.
Follow signs from the Yosemite Valley shuttle stop to reach the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
$, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yosemite Village

Dine at one of the restaurants in Yosemite Village, unwinding after a day of exploration in this natural wonderland.
Walk or take shuttle to Yosemite Village for dining options.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 6: Canyon Majesty

Grand Canyon National Park

9:00AM

South Rim Views

Begin your Grand Canyon experience at the South Rim, marveling at the vastness and colors of this natural wonder, with various viewpoints to explore.
Follow the Rim Trail or drive to key viewpoints along Hermit Road for panoramic vistas.
$, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Tovar Hotel

Indulge in a memorable lunch at El Tovar Hotel, offering historic charm and stunning canyon views for a delightful dining experience.
Head to the renowned El Tovar Hotel for a taste of elegance and beautiful surroundings.
$$$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Hike Bright Angel Trail

Embark on a part of the Bright Angel Trail for a breathtaking descent into the canyon, experiencing its immense scale up close.
Start your hike from the trailhead near Bright Angel Lodge, and remember to carry water and necessary gear.
$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Sunset at Hopi Point

Witness a magical sunset at Hopi Point, one of the best viewpoints to see the canyon's colors changing as the sun dips below the horizon.
Drive or take the shuttle to Hopi Point for a memorable end to your day.
$, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Desert Oasis

Las Vegas, USA

9:00AM

Explore the Strip

Spend your final day exploring the vibrant Las Vegas Strip with its iconic hotels, themed attractions, and bustling energy.
Walk along the Strip, hopping from one hotel to another to experience the unique ambiance of each.
$, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a themed restaurant

Enjoy lunch at one of the themed restaurants along the Strip, immersing yourself in a dining experience that matches the extravagant city.
Choose from a variety of themed dining options within the hotels or along Las Vegas Boulevard.
$$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Bellagio Fountains

Catch a mesmerizing water show at the Bellagio Fountains, a must-see spectacle combining music and water choreography.
Head to the Bellagio Hotel's fountain area to secure a good viewing spot for the next show.
$, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Farewell dinner at top restaurant

End your nature-filled journey with a sumptuous farewell dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Las Vegas, savoring the flavors of the desert oasis.
Make reservations in advance at a renowned restaurant to celebrate the end of your incredible national parks adventure.
$$$$, 2 hours
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