1-Day Scenic Road Trip in the Pacific Northwest

Day 1: Nature and Adventure

Seattle, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café

Start your day with a delicious Dutch baby pancake and freshly brewed coffee at this local favorite, perfect for fueling up for your adventurous day ahead.
Head to your rental car and get ready to hit the road.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Enjoy the scenic drive while taking in lush forests and stunning views of the Cascade Mountains as you make your way to one of America’s most beautiful national parks.
Take I-5 S and then US-12 E, follow signs to the park.
USD25 (Park Entry Fee), 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Mount Rainier National Park

Hike the Packwood Lake Trail, a moderate 6-mile round trip trek with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Mount Rainier and tranquil lake landscapes.
Follow signs within the park to Packwood Lake Trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rainier Guest Services

Enjoy a hearty lunch at the park’s visitor center café, featuring tasty burgers and sandwiches served in a cozy setting.
Drive back to the Visitor Center area.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Scenic Drive around Mount Rainier

Take a drive along the picturesque roads through the park, with frequent stops at viewpoints like the Reflection Lakes and Sunrise for stunning photo opportunities.
Follow the scenic route alongside the park’s main attractions.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Head to Tacoma

Make your way to Tacoma, a city known for its art and culture, and relax as you enter this charming urban area.
Take WA-7 S for a smooth transition into Tacoma.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the Museum of Glass

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of glass art and watch live glass-blowing demonstrations at this iconic museum.
Located in downtown Tacoma, easily accessible via local roads.
USD15, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Peddler

Conclude your day with a fresh seafood dinner at this waterfront eatery, known for its locally sourced and sustainable seafood dishes.
Drive to the waterfront area for a relaxing dining experience.
USD35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Drive Back to Seattle

Head back to Seattle, reflecting on a day filled with adventure and breathtaking landscapes as you drive under the evening sky.
Simply take I-5 N back to Seattle.
Free, 45 minutes
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