12 day itinerary
Seattle
Personalized with:National ParksExclude religious placesExclude museums
Itinerary
is a fantastic base for exploring some stunning national parks and the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Here’s a fun and adventurous 12-day itinerary that focuses on the great outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and soaking in the natural beauty of the region. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in and check into your hotel. Take some time to settle in and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to . Stroll through the market, watch the famous fish throwers, and grab a bite to eat at one of the local eateries. Don’t forget to check out the original Starbucks!
- Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant with views of Elliott Bay.
Day 2:
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours from ). Stop at the visitor center to get maps and information.
- Afternoon: Hike the at Paradise for breathtaking views of the mountain and wildflower meadows. It’s about a 5-mile loop, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas!
- Evening: Head back to and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Maybe try a local brewery for some craft beer!
Day 3: ()
- Morning: Depart early for (about 2.5 hours). Head straight to for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Afternoon: Hike one of the trails, like the (3 miles round trip) for incredible views. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
- Evening: Drive to Port Angeles for dinner, then return to for the night.
Day 4: ( & )
- Morning: Head back to , this time to explore the . Take the (1 mile loop) to experience the lush greenery.
- Afternoon: After lunch, drive to . Enjoy a walk along the beach, and if you’re up for it, hike to the famous (about 3 miles round trip).
- Evening: Return to for a cozy dinner.
Day 5:
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Stop at the visitor center to get oriented.
- Afternoon: Hike the (7.2 miles round trip) for stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
- Evening: Camp or stay in a nearby lodge if you want to immerse yourself in nature, or return to for the night.
Day 6: &
- Morning: Visit (about 30 minutes from ). Enjoy the views and take a short hike around the area.
- Afternoon: Drive to , a charming Bavarian-style village (about 1 hour). Explore the shops and grab lunch.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in and maybe catch some live music or a local event before heading back to .
Day 7:
- Morning: Take an early ferry from Anacortes to the . Spend the day exploring San Juan Island.
- Afternoon: Rent a bike or kayak to explore the island. Don’t miss for potential whale watching!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner on the island and stay overnight in a cozy inn or B&B.
Day 8: More
- Morning: Explore today. Take a hike up to for panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Visit and enjoy some time at the lakes or more hiking.
- Evening: Return to San Juan Island for dinner and another night on the islands.
Day 9: Return to
- Morning: Take the ferry back to Anacortes and drive back to .
- Afternoon: Spend some time relaxing in . Maybe visit the or take a stroll through the (not a museum, but an art installation!).
- Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, known for its vibrant food scene.
Day 10: Mount St. Helens
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Stop at the visitor center to learn about the eruption.
- Afternoon: Hike the for stunning views of the crater and surrounding landscape.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 11:
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Explore the charming town of .
- Afternoon: Visit for hiking and stunning views of the bridge and coastline.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner on the island before heading back to .
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in .
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit for a final taste of nature before you head home.
- Evening: Depart from , taking with you wonderful memories of the Pacific Northwest!
And there you have it! A fun-filled 12-day itinerary that balances adventure, nature, and the unique charm of and its surroundings. Enjoy your trip! 🌲✨