4-Day Adventure in Washington State Itinerary

• Day 1: Mount Rainier National Park
  2 hours (89.2 miles) from Seattle

  Explore the stunning Mount Rainier National Park, located in the Cascade Range. A must-see spot is the Nisqually Vista Trail - a 1.2-mile trail offering spectacular views of the Nisqually Glacier and Mount Rainier. Make sure to visit the Paradise area, which offers hiking trails for all skill levels, a visitor center, and stunning views of wildflowers.

• Day 2: Olympic National Park
  3 hours (138 miles) from Mount Rainier

  Visit the Olympic National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth forests, and rugged coastline. Explore the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, offering breathtaking views of the park, or hike the Hoh Rain Forest Trail, which takes you through a lush rainforest filled with mosses, ferns, and Sitka spruce trees.

• Day 3: Leavenworth
  2 hours (110 miles) from Olympic National Park

  Experience the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Explore the charming town filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and wineries. Don't miss the Nutcracker Museum, which houses over 8,000 nutcrackers from around the world. If you're looking for adventure, try river rafting or zip-lining, both offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

• Day 4: Snoqualmie Falls
  2 hours (104 miles) from Leavenworth

  Visit the magnificent Snoqualmie Falls, located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Take a scenic hike down to the base of the falls or enjoy the view from the observation deck. Afterward, explore the nearby Salish Lodge & Spa, offering luxurious accommodations and dining overlooking the falls.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mount Rainier National Park entrance fee (1-7-day pass): (time - 4 hours, cost - $30 per vehicle)
• Olympic National Park entrance fee (1-7-day pass): (time - 5 hours, cost - $30 per vehicle)
• Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum admission: (time - 1 hour, cost - $7 per adult)
• Optional river rafting or zip-lining adventure in Leavenworth: (time - 2-3 hours, cost - $100-$200 per person)
• Snoqualmie Falls observation deck admission: (time - 1 hour, cost - free)
• 1-night hotel stay in Leavenworth: (time - 1 night, cost - $150-$300)
• Meals and incidentals: (time - varies, cost - varies)
Total Estimated Costs: $317-$567 per person

Transportation

A car is necessary to explore these destinations. Renting a car could cost around $30-$50 per day, depending on the type of car and rental agency. Gas prices in Washington State are around $3.50 per gallon, so be sure to factor that into your budget. Allow plenty of travel time as some areas may have traffic or require driving on winding mountain roads.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the San Juan Islands for an unforgettable whale watching experience or exploring the Columbia River Gorge for stunning waterfalls and incredible hikes. If you have less time, consider sticking to Mount Rainier National Park and Seattle for a shorter adventure.

Airports

The main airport serving Washington State is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located in Seattle. SEA is located 13 miles south of downtown Seattle, and transportation options include shuttles, taxis, rental cars, and public transportation. Other regional airports include Spokane International Airport (GEG), located in Spokane, and Bellingham International Airport (BLI), located in Bellingham.