1-Day Scenic Nature Road Trip in the Pacific Northwest

Day 1: Nature Exploration Day

Seattle, Washington

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe, known for its locally sourced ingredients and their famous French toast topped with fresh berries.
After breakfast, head southeast on I-5 S towards Mount Rainier National Park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Explore Paradise Area, Mount Rainier National Park

Upon arrival at Mount Rainier National Park, begin your adventure at the Paradise Area, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic mountain and hike the scenic trails.
Drive along Paradise Road to get to the main parking area.
USD30 (park entrance fee), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Longmire

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at the Longmire area, where you can pull up your own packed lunch or grab a quick bite from the visitor center's café.
Settle down at a picnic spot near the park facilities.
USD15 (for packed lunch), 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hike the Trail of the Shadows

After lunch, stretch your legs on the easy yet enchanting Trail of the Shadows that winds through lush forest ecosystems and offers sights of the historic Longmire buildings.
Access the trailhead from the Longmire parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Drive to Tacoma

After a day filled with nature, take a scenic drive down to Tacoma and enjoy the views along the way, reflecting on the natural beauty you've witnessed.
Take the WA-7 S for a direct route to Tacoma.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Visit Point Defiance Park

Once in Tacoma, unwind at Point Defiance Park, where you can explore beautiful gardens, waterfront views, and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
Drive to Point Defiance Park and park in the main lots.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Pacific Grill

End your nature-filled day with a delectable dinner at The Pacific Grill, featuring fresh seafood and wood-fired dishes in a cozy environment.
Head towards downtown Tacoma for a short drive.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Wrap Up and Return

After dinner, you can either explore Tacoma a little more or start your journey back to Seattle, cherishing the experiences from your day.
Drive back along I-5 N towards Seattle.
Free, 1 hour
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