This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, should you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
I didn’t have any sort of expectations or hope for our Washington State street journey, which was a superb factor, as a result of it ended up being considered one of my favourite states on our US RV journey.
Washington is called the Evergreen State, on account of its ample quantities of inexperienced foliage and flora.
No matter season you go to, this state is all about nature, so what higher strategy to expertise this than by street tripping and sleeping in an RV?
Within the following itinerary, we take you out of the town and into the mountains, dense forests, and small mountain cities, the place you’ll be able to uncover the great thing about this state in simply 2-3 weeks.
What number of days do you want for a Washington State street journey?
We spent a few month in Washington State exploring its various landscapes from the temperate rainforests and rugged shoreline, to quaint Bavarian Villages, vibrant cities, and placing glacier peaked mountains.
Nevertheless, we all know most individuals wouldn’t have a month to spare exploring a single state, so we expect the minimal period of time you want for a Washington State street journey is 2 weeks.
About this Washington State itinerary
Washington State is a improbable street journey vacation spot filled with superb scenic drives and outside adventures.
The next itinerary is for a 2-3 week trip. You’ll be able to lengthen this itinerary by staying longer in every place, or you’ll be able to pack it into two weeks by simply ticking off the highlights.
We’ve additionally really useful some locations to remain in every vacation spot. Most of those locations are the place we stayed once we visited Washington state.
As a result of we travelled in an RV, we’ve really useful principally campsites, however have included some conventional lodging as effectively. RV tenting is an effective way to discover Washington State because it’s bountiful in nature, and a part of the expertise is having the ability to keep as near it as attainable.
Who desires to get up to white partitions of resort rooms when you’ll be able to get up in a forest surrounded by a few of the tallest bushes on the planet?
All of the locations really useful on this itinerary are locations we’ve personally visited and may advocate. It principally focuses on Western Washington State, as that is the place the preferred landmarks are. Nevertheless, now we have shared some locations in Jap Washington state on the finish, which you’ll add to increase this street journey.
We explored Jap Washington state on a separate journey and had a beautiful time having fun with Tri-Cities Washington, the guts of Wine Nation, which we’ll share extra about on the finish of this information.
You’ll be able to discover RV leases by way of RV Share right here, OR, if you’re touring on a extra conventional street journey, you’ll be able to discover automobile leases by way of our most popular supplier, Uncover Vehicles.
Cease 1: Seattle
Though Olympia is the capital of Washington State, Seattle is probably the most well-known metropolis.
Seattle–Tacoma Worldwide Airport can be extensively related by most main cities within the USA (and Europe), so it makes for the perfect begin and finish level in your street journey.
Seattle is understood for being the birthplace of Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft, and rock band Nirvana, nevertheless it’s additionally well-known for its bohemian vibe, artsy tradition, and inexperienced initiatives.
It has a wealthy artwork and popular culture historical past and an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s filled with distinctive tales, vibrancy, fascinating points of interest, and surrounded by pure magnificence.
The next itinerary is generally centered on nature experiences outdoors of the town limits, however we extremely advocate you spend a while in Seattle.
Additionally, you will finish this itinerary in Seattle, so be at liberty to spend a day exploring the town, and spend extra time exploring it on the finish.
Some prime points of interest to not miss in Seattle are the House Needle, an iconic 605-foot-tall spire with an statement deck and rotating restaurant, the Museum of Pop Tradition, and Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
The most important draw to Seattle although is it’s location. It’s sandwiched between the Puget Sound; the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascades Mountain area, and supplies easy accessibility to so many unbelievable nationwide parks and nature websites, resembling Mt Rainier.
All of which we’ll discover on this itinerary.
Listed here are just a few of our favourite don’t miss Seattle experiences:
The place to remain in Seattle
Staying within the metropolis middle could also be a greater thought then staying at trip leases within the neighborhoods. It gives you extra time for exploring and fewer have to depend on public transport.
- Keep within the coronary heart of Seattle on the Kimpton Palladian simply 1,000 toes from Pike Place Market and 0.6 mi from the House Needle.
- Positioned quarter-hour’ stroll to the Olympic Sculpture Park, is the Belltown Inn. Pike Place Market and the House Needle are inside 10 minutes’ stroll.
We didn’t camp in our RV throughout our go to to Seattle as we visited right here earlier than choosing up our rental, however should you do need to camp, these campgrounds come really useful:
- Vasa Park Resort: Positioned 16-minutes east of Seattle situated on lovely Lake Sammamish.
- Manchester State Park is 10 miles west of Seattle on Puget Sound with beautiful sound views. It will require a ferry trip out and in of Seattle, which might be fairly cool.
- 13 miles north of the town is Lake Nice RV Park located on a scenic forested lake.
Cease 2: Olympic Nationwide Park
Cross the ferry at Bainbridge from Seattle to succeed in the Olympic Peninsula. The views are spectacular!
For its variety, it’s exhausting to beat Olympic Nationwide Park, situated in north western Washington.
Inside its a million acres of protected land, you’ll be surrounded by the decision of the speeding rivers, shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, rolling surf and old-growth forests.
Select your personal journey from its pristine area of historic cedar spruce bushes, glacial lakes, sub-alpine meadows, mountain ranges, verdant rainforests, and distant and rugged coastlines.
I really like how in the future you will be enjoying with the driftwood on the seashore at Rialto Seashore, and the second day be mountaineering excessive up within the alpine forests, and the subsequent day be admiring the gushing waters of Sol Duc Falls.
Some standard trails to do in Olympic Nationwide Park are the Spruce Nature Path, and Corridor of Mosses path, which offer you an in depth up view of the verdant flora on this park.
Throughout fall, the rainforest turns into extra magical with waterfalls teaming from the rain, elks in full mating season with moss-covered antlers and bugling calls, and lovely reds, oranges and yellows coming out vibrantly in opposition to inexperienced moss and pop up mushrooms.
Much less crowds additionally makes it higher for wildlife viewing.
Twilight followers will even discover many movie set places inside this nationwide park, resembling Forks and La Push.
The place to remain in Olympic Nationwide Park
There are numerous campsites all through Olympic Nationwide Park.
Most campgrounds have RV areas restricted to 21 toes lengthy or shorter with some permitting lengths as much as 35 toes.
The place we camped:
- Laborious Rain Cafe, Hoh Rainforest: This small café is simply outdoors the doorway to Hoh Rainforest and has a small RV park hooked up. Water and electrical included. In addition they have low cost burgers and breakfast choices.
- Rainforest Resort Village, Lake Quinault: A fairly campsite on the shores of Lake Quinault, near trails and Lake Quinault lodge. Straightforward stroll to Salmon Home Restaurant.
- Coronary heart O’ the Hills Campground: This was a stupendous campground surrounded by outdated development forest within the northern part of the park as you enter the Hurricane Ridge space. It was solely 10 minutes from downtown Port Angeles.
For lodging:
Watch our Olympic Nationwide Park video
Cease 3: Mt Rainier Nationwide Park
It’s no secret that Mount Rainier is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Washington State.
Mt Rainier is considered one of 5 energetic volcanoes situated within the Cascade Vary, east of Seattle, Washington.
The opposite 4 are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens.
Standing greater than 4,300 meters above southern Washington, Mt Rainier is strikingly lovely – we might see its awesomeness from Seattle.
There are a lot of hikes within the space and completely different areas to discover and see Mt Rainier from completely different angles.
One of the best areas on the mountain for scenic views embody Paradise (from the Skyline Path), Reflection Lakes, Bench and Snow Lakes, and the Grove of the Patriarchs. Don’t miss an opportunity to hike to the cascading Myrtle Falls, too.
Driving alongside Chinook Move on State Route 410 or the White Move Scenic Byway on U.S. Freeway 12 will even present astonishing vistas.
Mount Rainier Naches Peak Loop Path is likely one of the hottest hikes, which begins alongside the Pacific Coast Path and passes move by way of subalpine meadows, and ample vegetation and fall colours.
To get the most effective views of Mount Rainier, hike the loop in a clockwise course.
Mt Rainier is a simple day journey from Seattle.
The place to remain in Mt Rainier Nationwide Park
Mt Rainier Nationwide Park has three RV tenting websites to think about with a max size of 27ft – 35ft.
The Nationwide Forests and personal campgrounds (open year-round) round Mount Rainier Nationwide Park present a wide range of tenting and recreation alternatives.
Privately owned public campgrounds are open year-round and will be present in and round Packwood, Randle, Mineral Lake, Morton, Ashford and at Crystal Mountain.
Cease 4: La Conner and Deception Move State Park
Tucked between the Cascade Mountain Vary to the east and the San Juan Islands to the west, historic La Conner is a favourite weekend getaway for Seattle residents.
Artists have been drawn to La Conner within the Forties, and a wealthy custom of visible arts has remained part of the group’s material. Galleries and museums are in abundance right here.
As are boats, boutique shops, and eating places alongside the boardwalk that traces the Swinomish Channel.
Deception Move is Washington’s most-visited state park and presents mysterious coves, wild Pacific Ocean seashores, rugged cliffs, and exquisite sunsets.
It’s situated on two islands — Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south.
Whidbey Island Scenic Byway meanders from the city of Clinton over Deception Move, which is gorgeous for fall foliage.
The well-known Deception Move Bridge has beautiful views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic mountains, and the San Juan Islands.
We explored it on a day journey from our campsite at La Conner.
La Conner can be near the San Juan Islands, which is one other of the most effective locations to see in Washington State and residential to breathtaking seashores, lush forests, and loads of wildlife. Orcas Island is the most important and hottest island within the chain.
The Anacortes ferry terminal is half-hour away the place you’ll be able to catch a ferry to standard Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
The place to remain within the La Conner Area
The La Conner RV Campsite has a stupendous location on Skagit Bay, with views out to close by islands and lovely sunsets!
It’s a few 10 minute drive to La Conner and 20 minutes to Deception Move Bridge.
Different lodging concepts:
Cease 5: Mount Baker
It’s value spending two days exploring Mount Baker within the northern a part of the state.
It’s identified for its gorgeous alpine surroundings, which supplies ample mountaineering alternatives in heat climate and snowboarding within the winter.
Throughout the summer season months, hit one of many standard mountaineering trails such because the Heather Meadows Path, Image Lake and Artist’s Level, and the Chain Lakes Loop path, which have breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes.
For a tougher expertise, the Heliotrope Ridge Path takes you mountaineering up near the glaciers.
The place to remain within the Mount Baker area
Campgrounds are situated in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, and close to Mount Baker Ski Space.
Cease 6: North Cascades Nationwide Park
With dramatic alpine views to rival Glacier Nationwide Park, North Cascades Nationwide Park is likely one of the coolest locations in Washington State (and one of many least visited nationwide parks within the nation) and presents a extra secluded expertise.
It’s tucked away within the northern a part of Washington State close to the Canadian border, however nonetheless solely a two hour drive from Seattle, so it’s effectively value together with in your Washington street journey itinerary!
Our most epic adventures in our whole USA street journey was on this nationwide park. One way or the other, a 7-mile comparatively simple return hike become a 15-mile return hike with an elevation acquire of 4,000 toes.
We did this with the children who one way or the other managed to run up the tremendously steep rocky incline to the touch a glacier, whereas I struggled to raise one foot after one other.
It was an journey we’ll always remember.
To not point out, the views have been extraordinary, and we noticed three black bears!
You’ll discover adventurous hikes and spectacular views aplenty in North Cascades Nationwide Park.
With just one main street operating by way of it, it’s simple to discover in simply a few days and the campsites are beautiful!
Some standard issues to do in North Cascades Nationwide Park are:
The place to remain in North Cascades Nationwide Park
There’s a full vary of North Cascades Nationwide Park tenting experiences on provide together with these accessible from a automobile or RV to these requiring a strenuous trek into the wilderness.
We camped at Newhalem Creek campground, which was a beautiful campsite in forests of cedar, hemlock, and Douglas fir and set alongside the glacial soften Skagit River.
It’s halfway within the park so near all facilities and trails.
Cease 7: Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a tastefully carried out vacationer city with quite a lot of soul and loads of causes to get pleasure from a little bit style of Bavaria. And naturally, just a few pretzels, bratwurst, and steins – you might be welcome to put on lederhosen whereas doing so!
Leavenworth was as soon as a thriving logging village. When that took a flip for the worst, as a substitute of letting it die, the group determined to make use of its lovely setting and switch it into mini-Bavaria.
Within the city, you’ll discover Bavarian model structure that homes eating places, bars, breweries, ciderie’s, and native retail shops. Mainly, get pleasure from purchasing consuming and consuming in Leavenworth!
It’s location on the base of the Cascade Mountains and on the Wenatchee River means it’s additionally a hotspot for outside actions like mountaineering, snowboarding, whitewater rafting or light tube floating, which we actually loved.
The charming Leavenworth is a good start line for autumn vistas since it’s nestled within the Cascade Mountains and a part of the scenic and standard Cascades Loop Drive.
The place to remain in Leavenworth
We stayed on the Leavenworth RV Campground about half-hour out of city. It was an excellent park in a serene location located amid 300 acres of forests and meadows.
However a little bit difficult if you wish to pattern all these beers and ciders in Leavenworth! I like to recommend staying nearer to city. Listed here are some suggestions:
- Styled with Bavarian-inspired decor, mountain or village views are featured in every visitor room on the Bavarian Lodge.
- Every charming room at Lodge Pension Anna in downtown showcases genuine German structure and this resort presents a every day Bavarian-themed breakfast.
Cease 8: Seattle
Relying on how a lot you explored Seattle initially of this journey, you could need to finish your journey right here or skip Seattle and proceed on to the Jap aspect of the state (extra on that under).
Nevertheless, should you do need to discover extra of Seattle, I like to recommend testing Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest metropolis park at 534 acres..
With tidal seashores, meadows, sea cliffs, a forest, streams, and energetic sand dunes, autumn is sensible in Discovery Park.
The Washington Park Arboretum is alleged to have extra deciduous tree species than every other setting within the northwest, so is a deal with for fall foliage in Seattle.
Woodland Backyard has the most effective part for autumn colours with its massive portion of Japanese maples.
Map of this Washington State Itinerary
That can assist you plan your journey, you will see that the points of interest and locations talked about on this information within the following interactive map, in addition to the path to take and the place to remain.
The right way to lengthen this Washington State Itinerary
When you have greater than 2-3 weeks like we did, and also you need to lengthen this itinerary, why not add some extra points of interest in?
Alternatively, you can also make it a full Pacific Northwest street journey, incorporating Oregon and Western Idaho into the combo.
We now have a full itinerary for the Pacific Northwest right here, which gives you extra concepts.
In any other case, be sure you try the next locations:
Winthrop
Winthrop is an outdated American Wild West city, identified for its cowboy-esque structure and experiences.
Strolling right into a retailer right here appears like strolling right into a saloon, and also you half count on somebody to saddle up their horse out entrance.
It’s just like Leavenworth in design, however was truly based mostly on Solvang in California.
You’ll be able to go horseback using on Solar Mountain, discover Shafer Historic Museum, or go mountaineering within the Methow Valley.
Discover The Enchantments within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Space
Positioned within the Cascade Mountain Vary throughout the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the The Enchantments are identified for his or her jagged, rugged granite peaks.
These peaks are glaciated peaks, and sit at an elevation of round 4400 toes to 7800 toes.
When you have extra time to spare, take into account including this on when visiting the North Cascade Mountains on path to Leavenworth.
Washington Wine Nation
As talked about earlier, we explored the Tri-Cities Washington, the guts of Wine Nation, on a separate journey.
The Tri Cities are made up of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, and embody the Columbia River Gorge area.
This area is understood for its sunny climate and scenic Columbia River views – not what you count on if you consider Washington!
Take pleasure in kayaking or paddleboarding on the Columbia River, biking alongside the Sacagawea Heritage Path, discover a few of the finest wineries within the state, together with Columbia Crest Vineyard, Barnard Griffin, and Goose Ridge Property Winery & Vineyard.
When you desire a warming crimson to a crisp white, head to the tasting room at Purple Mountain AVA, identified for its daring crimson wines.
Whereas my first few nights on the Courtyard by Marriott in Richland have been comfy and greater than enough, my coronary heart sang, “this is heaven,” after I moved subsequent door to the four-star Lodge at Columbia Level for my two-night keep.
Greatest time to go to Washington State
One of the best time to go to Washington State, for my part, is the Fall (September and October). It is because Washington State is essentially forested, and this time of 12 months the foliage is awash in colours of reds, yellows, and oranges.
We visited within the fall season, which does carry placing foliage set in opposition to deep inexperienced evergreen bushes.
Whereas is lessor identified than the East Coast United States for its fall colours, it’s simply as lovely.
Spring (April and Could) is one other good time to go to, because it has nice climate and fewer crowds.
Summer season (June to August) is an effective time too, although that is peak season so you’ll be able to anticipate finding lots of people doing their street journeys this time of 12 months.
Winter isn’t very best because it closely snows right here, with a yearly common of 200 inches of snow.
It’s additionally value noting that no matter time you go to, you’ll be able to count on rain.
Washington State is inexperienced for a purpose – it rains so much!
Seattle will get 165 days of rain a 12 months, however most days this rain is extra of a nice mist or drizzle.
Ultimate Ideas
So there you might have it, that is our 2-3 week Washington State street journey, and as you’ll be able to see, there’s quite a lot of lovely nature and interesting cities to go to.
We expect that is the most effective state to street journey, and we’ve additionally included a few of these in our finest USA street journeys record.
Tell us within the feedback what locations you propose to go to in your journey.
Pin To Save To Pinterest
