Washington State Road Trip Itinerary: A Perfect 7 Day Trip for Summer

If you are planning a summer road trip in Washington state, congratulations, you are in for an unforgettable time! There are endless opportunities for exploring Washington. Even after living here four years and counting, I have so many places left to explore. However, if I were going to visit for a Washington state road trip in the summer, here is what I would do.

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When to plan a summer Washington state road trip

Some people may think of summer as anytime between Memorial Day (end of May) through Labor Day (early September). But those dates don’t exactly correspond with the best times to plan a Washington state road trip in the summer! This is because snow in the mountains here often lasts through June and even into July. 

The best time to visit Washington in the summer is really mid-July through mid-September. If you come in late July or early August, you’ll have the best opportunity to see wildflowers in areas like Mt. Rainier. If you visit in September, you’ll have slightly cooler weather (but still pretty warm!) and fewer bugs, but no wildflowers. You may even start to catch glimpses of fall foliage!

General tips for a summer Washington state road trip

Book early. Washington is extremely popular in the summer. That’s likely because it is pure magic here when the temperatures are warm, the mountain trails are accessible, and the daylight lasts until 9 pm. You will want to book accommodations early to ensure you get the spots you want. This goes for hotels and campsites alike.
To learn more about planning a camping trip, check out my complete guide to camping.

Consider parking permits and entry requirements. Different areas require different types of parking permits and entry permits. For example, to visit Olympic National Park you will need an America the Beautiful annual pass (grants entry to all National Parks, $80/year) or a pass ($30/day). To enter Mt. Rainier National Park, you’ll need both a National Parks pass AND a timed entry pass for the Paradise and Sunrise corridors (the most popular areas of the park). 

Gas up before entering the national parks. There may be no gas stations for many miles, so it’s a good idea to completely fill your tank at one of the last gas stations before the park entrance.

Plan for traffic and congestion. Popular areas draw crowds. While it can be annoying to deal with, I promise you it is worth it because these spots are truly spectacular. Generally, you can reduce the likelihood of traffic trouble by either arriving at trailheads very early (before 8 am) or later in the day (after 2 pm) when crowds have thinned. Some of my favorite experiences have been golden hour hikes!

Washington State Road Trip to Mt. Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park

Day 1: arrive in Seattle*, drive to Mt. Rainier area

If I were visiting Washington for just one week, this is how I would spend the time. In my opinion, this itinerary gives you some of the best of what Washington has to offer, without keeping you driving insane amounts of time each day. If you are more ambitious and don’t mind spending more time in your car, you could squeeze in a third destination like the San Juan Islands. 

On day one, you’ll arrive in Seattle and drive to the south eastern side of Mt Rainier National Park. This will be your base for exploring the area. 

Where to stay: Mountain Meadows Inn & Chalet Suites for a high rated cozy B&B with a jacuzzi or Nisqually Lodge for a classic, wood lodge feel. Both are equidistant from Mt. Rainier.

*Assuming you will be flying into Washington and driving thereafter, Seattle is the best airport.

Day 2: Skyline Loop Trail, Paradise

Enjoy breakfast in Ashford, then drive up to the Skyline Loop Trail at the Paradise visitor center of Mt Rainier. Note: You will need timed entry reservations to visit this area of Mt. Rainier between 7 am and 3 pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Find out more information on timed entry here and learn about awesome Rainier area hikes that DON’T require timed entry permits if you can’t snag one. 

The Skyline Loop Trail is spectacular and will provide you incredible views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding Tatoosh mountains. My recommendation is to go clockwise. This will allow you to get those top notch Mt. Rainier views from the beginning, and you’ll end in the meadow.

If you want a slightly shorter trail, you can also do an out and back hike to Panorama Point, which will give you the highlights of the Skyline Loop and reduce the distance by a couple miles (Panorama Point trail is the same as the Skyline Loop, but the Loop continues further). 

Total hike distance: 5.5 miles (Skyline Loop), 3.8 miles (only Panorama Point out and back).

Day 3: Pinnacle Saddle and Snow and Bench Lakes trail, photos at Reflection Lake

Dust off those hiking boots for day two of exploring Mt. Rainier. Drive to the Pinnacle Peak trail and hike up to the Pinnacle Saddle for expansive views of Mt. Rainier. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, too. Note, you will also need a timed entry permit for this trail.

Once you’ve taken in the views from Pinnacle Peak Saddle and had your fill, return to the trailhead and make the quick drive to the Snow and Bench Lakes trailhead. Stop on your way at Reflection Lakes to snap a picture of Mt. Rainier reflected in the lake. Then, head up the Snow and Bench Lakes trail to enjoy lovely alpine lakes.

Total hike distance: 5 miles

Day 4: Drive to Port Angeles, afternoon hike to Marymere Falls and Madison Falls 

On day four, you will say goodbye to Mt. Rainier and head to Olympic National Park! You’ll stay in Port Angeles as your exploration base. It’s a super cute town with some great hotel/lodging options and a nice restaurant scene, too. 

In the afternoon, head to hike Marymere Falls and experience the awe-inspiring ancient moss-covered trees that the Olympic Peninsula is famous for. Enjoy a small hike to a lovely little waterfall. Then, hop in your car and visit Madison Falls on your return to Port Angeles. It’s a .2 mile walk and worth the (minimal) effort to get in another waterfall viewing.

Where to stay: The Eagle’s Roost for sea views and bohemian vibes or this treehouse for a gorgeous splurge-worthy escape.

Total hike distance: 2 miles

Day 5: Hike Mt. Storm King, relax on Lake Crescent shores

Rise and shine early on day 5 to be at the Mt. Storm King trailhead first thing in the morning. I recommend 6:30 or 7 am if you are a morning person, because this trail has spectacular morning views and it is very popular.

However, you’ll understand the hype when you’ve hiked Mt. Storm King. You will see this gorgeous glacier lake from above, surrounded by rolling green mountains, and you just may find yourself wanting to stay here forever! 

Pro tip: You have to take an unmaintained trail to get to the top of Mt. Storm King, with ropes that are somewhat questionable. Visit at your own risk, or simply stop at the sign that indicates the end of the maintained trail. Also, don’t plan to eat your lunch on the top of Mt. Storm King– the gray jays there are very intense and will attempt to steal food directly from your hands. It is not pleasant.

After your hike, head to the shores of Lake Crescent to enjoy a picnic and a swim. It’s pretty frigid except in mid-July through August, but very refreshing. I recommend visiting the North Shore picnic area for a quiet/peaceful area to relax (just type in North Shore picnic area on Google Maps and you’ll find it), or the boat launch near the Fairholme General Store for an easier to access, more populated area. A post-hike ice cream at the store is always a good idea.

Total distance hiked: 4 miles

Day 6: Drive to Mt. Ellinor, hike. Return to Seattle

On day six, you’ll drive south to hike Mt. Ellinor. Get ready because this is your biggest hike yet. You’ll need to drive on a forest service road to get to the trailhead, so it’s better if you have a slightly larger car, but we’ve done this in our Prius V without any issues (just drive slowly).

The Mt. Ellinor trail has a punishing ascent, covering 3,300 feet over 3.1 miles, but the reward is breathtaking views across the mountains and lakes in the region. My husband called it Mt. Hell-inor because of how hard it was, but we look back and laugh about it now.

If you want an easier but also beautiful hike, try Lower Lena Lake. It’s a great alternative if you want something less intense. It’s longer mile-wise, but nowhere near as steep, and the trail itself is much better maintained, with fewer rocks and roots to manage. Return to Seattle for the evening!

Total distance hiked: 6.2 miles (Mt. Ellinor), 7.2 miles (Lena Lake). 

Stay at Seattle Gaslight Inn, where you will have a gorgeous room, pool access, and proximity to great restaurants, bars, and landmarks.

Day 7: Food tour at Pike Place, kayak on Lake Union

I’m not much of a city person (if you can’t already tell!) but Seattle does have plenty of activities to keep you occupied. One of my favorite activities is snack hopping around Pike Place Market instead of eating a meal.

For example, grab a samosa at the Indian food cart, an Argentinian beef empanada at El Mercado Latino, a small serving of mac and cheese at the famous Beecher’s, a savory or sweet pastry at Le Panier, and a baklava at Turkish Delight for dessert. YUM. Then, head out in a kayak rental at Agua Verde Paddle Club and see the city from Lake Union. 

Return home already itching for your next visit to Washington!

What to pack for a summer Washington road trip

• Comfortable walking sneakers: I am obsessed with these sneakers. They are cute with dresses, shorts, jeans, you name it. And, they’re super comfortable (ie: you can walk all day in them). Highly recommend these for exploring off-trail.
• Quality hiking boot: You’ll need them for the Washington trails. Pick ones that are waterproof, like these, for any stream crossings you may encounter.
• A daypack with structured frame: This will keep you comfortable and cool on the trails. I love the mesh backing, it is a game changer, and the capacity of this backpack is perfect for day hiking.
• Trekking poles: Know that you have to check these items if you’re flying; you cannot put them in a carry on.
• A water reservoir: a must for hiking, it makes drinking water on the trail way easier.
• Quality sunscreen: I prefer spray on sunscreen for easy application/absorption in hot weather
• Sun hat: Keep yourself protected from the strong sun outside with a hat. These are collapsible, washable, and overall highly portable. I live in this in the summer.
• Sun hoodie: My number one piece of gear I ALWAYS bring with me in the summer. I only discovered these last year and now I can’t live without them. This reduces the need for sunscreen hugely, AND it’s better protection anyhow.
• A nice one-piece swimsuit: I love Carve Designs swimwear. These are perfect for lake swims.
• Swim shirt: Ideal for keeping you from getting sunburned shoulders and arms!
• Wool hiking socks: Keep your feet comfortable while hiking with wool hiking socks
• Water bottle: one that is lightweight with a straw, or one that will keep your water cold.
• Car shoes: I like a lightweight sandal for car rides in the summer that I can easily take on and off during drives.
• Comfy travel capris: I live in these for long car days. They are lightweight, soft, flexible, and loose so they aren’t too hot.
• Packing cubes: Packing cubes will revolutionize how you pack and stay organized on road trips (and flight trips too, for that matter). An excellent investment.
• Chapstick: I started using pure Vaseline for my lips and it has greatly reduced the frequency that I even NEED to put on chapstick. The majority of commercial chapsticks contain ingredients that actually DRY OUT your lips. This one will not do that!
• Hiking leggings or shorts: I like Nike Pro leggings for hiking on hot days because they are lightweight. I usually prefer to wear hiking shorts in the summer though. These ones will keep you cool and prevent thigh rub.
• UV window shade: It gets sunny and hot here, so for your summer Washington road trip, I highly recommend a portable sun shade for your car window.
• Car charger: to keep your phone charged on the road
• Hand sanitizer and wipes: I like ones that smell nice and not so strongly of alcohol. It’s just more pleasant! These wipes smell like a trip to the tropics and I always have them in my car.
• Toiletry bag: to keep your toiletries organized
• Coffee or tea thermos: Great for packing your day’s hot beverage to go! I especially love these for early morning hikes.
• Gas Buddy: not something to pack, but an app to download to help you find the cheapest gas along your route

Final thoughts on Washington state road trip in the summer

Washington is paradise in the summer. We try not to plan international travel during the summer because it’s so beautiful, I don’t like to leave.  There are endless possibilities for exciting road trips in the state, you really can’t go wrong.

Stay tuned for part two: another one week Washington state road trip itinerary!