Scenic 3-Day Pacific Northwest Adventure from Seattle to Portland

Day 1: Seattle to Mount Rainier

Seattle, WA on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café

Enjoy a Dutch baby pancake or a light but hearty breakfast at this cozy spot known for its excellent coffee and fresh ingredients.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Departure to Mount Rainier National Park

Begin the approximately 2-hour drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park, heading southeast for stunning mountainous vistas on the way.
USD30 park entrance fee per vehicle, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Mount Rainier National Park

Hike scenic trails like the Grove of the Patriarchs or visit Paradise Visitor Center to experience wildflower meadows and spectacular views of Mount Rainier, open year-round with visitor center hours 9am to 5pm.
Included in park entrance fee, 4h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at Paradise Inn

Stay overnight at the historic Paradise Inn, offering rustic charm and proximity to key park trails.
USD150, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at The National Park Inn Dining Room

Enjoy Pacific Northwest cuisine with local ingredients in a cozy log cabin restaurant, open daily until 8pm.
USD40, 1h0m
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Day 2: Mount Rainier to Olympia

Mount Rainier National Park, WA on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Paradise Inn Restaurant

Fuel up with hearty breakfast options including eggs benedict and freshly brewed coffee, served from 7am to 9am.
USD25, 1h0m

9:00am

Morning hike to Myrtle Falls

Take the easy 1-mile round trip hike to Myrtle Falls for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the waterfall, perfect for photos and nature enthusiasts.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Olympia, WA

Depart Mount Rainier for the capital city of Washington, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive southwest.
Free, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bread Peddler

Enjoy artisan sandwiches, fresh salads, and baked goods from this popular local bakery and café, open weekdays 7am to 3pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Washington State Capitol

Tour the impressive state capitol building and explore the beautiful grounds; public tours are available from 9am to 4:30pm daily.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Stroll at Percival Landing Park

Walk along the scenic waterfront park featuring boardwalks, art installations, and views of the harbor, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Hotel RL Olympia

Relax in a comfortable downtown hotel with easy access to attractions.
USD130, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Fish Tale Brewpub

Savor locally brewed beers and fresh Northwest dishes like fish and chips or clam chowder in a lively atmosphere, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Olympia to Portland

Olympia, WA on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.

Start the day with strong locally roasted coffee and pastries served from 7am to noon.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Olympia to Portland, OR

Travel approximately 2 hours south on I-5 with plenty of scenic views along the way.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House

Enjoy innovative pub fare and craft beers in downtown Portland, open til 3pm weekdays.
USD25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Washington Park

Visit the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, both open daily from 10am to 5pm during spring.
USD20 combined tickets, 3h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at The Benson Hotel

Stay in a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Portland for easy access to nightlife and dining.
USD200, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Pigeon

Experience creative French-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in an intimate setting, open until 9pm.
USD70, 1h30m
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