7-Day Washington Road TripWashington is one of the best states to plan a road trip through if you want to see a little bit of everything - waterfalls, mountains, rain forests, & more! Use this guide to plan your next trip to the PNW!Authorsthetravelingdans
DestinationsWashingtonItinerary

Day 1 - Columbia River Gorge

Falls Creek Falls
This road trip starts in southern Washington, so we recommend flying into Portland International Airport and starting your road trip from here! Today, you’ll be exploring the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side, AKA, waterfall wonderland! This trail is about 3 miles round trip with 700 feet of elevation gain and it takes you to a stunning multi tier waterfall.
See More
Lower Lewis River Falls
We love this waterfall stop because you can either just see Lower Lewis River Falls off the parking area or hike 8 miles round-trip trail to see two more waterfalls – Middle and Upper Lewis River Falls. Both middle and upper falls have separate parking lots so you can also drive to see these too. In some months, you do need a permit to park so check this prior to going.
See More
Panther Creek Falls
The last waterfall of the day is a quick stop, right off the parking area. This waterfall is so unique and has dozens of streams of water coming out of the cliffside. Many people stray off trail here – do not be one of those people! Look at the waterfall from the viewpoints and stay on the trail
See More
Skamania Lodge
For your hotel night one you’ll want to check out Skamania Lodge. There are many types of accommodations here, including treehouses, luxury glamping tents, lodge rooms, and more. There is also on-site dining so once you’re on the property, you don’t have to leave.
See More
Book

Day 2 & 3 - Mount Rainier National Park

Skyline Trail
Start your time at Mount Rainier National Park by hiking the most iconic trail! Skyline Trail is a 5.5 mile loop with about 1700 feet of elevation gain. We recommend hiking it clockwise for the best views and start as early as possible. You will want to allot at least 3-4 hours for this hike to soak in all the views.
See More
Reflection Lakes
After your hike, you’ll make a few stops that are right off the road. Reflection Lakes is a great roadside stop and on a clear day, there is a perfect reflection of Mount Rainier in the lake.
See More
Narada Falls
This is another great quick stop on your way back down to town. After being up at Paradise and seeing these three stops, you’ll be heading to Packwood, Washington.
See More
Packwood Brewing Co.
This is our favorite place in Packwood to eat and grab a beer after a busy day exploring. They often have live music in the summer!
See More
Historic Hotel Packwood LLC
Accommodations can be pricey if you go to Airbnb route and there are often stay minimums so we would recommend staying at a hotel. Hotel Packwood is a great option, it is super affordable, and it is walkable to all of the stops in town.
See More
Book
The Mountain Goat
The next morning, start day 3 at The Mountain Goat for coffee and breakfast before heading back up to the mountain.
See More
Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout
This is a 6 mile round trip hike with 1100 feet of elevation gain and it brings you to one of the most beautiful views of Mount Rainier in the national park! **This hike is located in the Sunrise area of the park, which does require a timed entry permit during the 2025 season. If you are using this guide for 2026 planning, check back on permits closer to your time of visiting.
See More
Tipsoo Lake
After visiting the sunrise area, you will want to see a few more roadside stops! Tipsoo Lake is a great roadside stop on your way back down to town. You can wander around the lake or even do a 5 to 6 mile round-trip hike to Dewey lake from here.
See More
Silver Falls
One last stop in the park is Silver Falls. There are a few ways to access this waterfall, one is via a 2 mile hike and one is via a couple hundred feet of hiking, it just depends where you park and what you feel like doing!
See More

Day 4 - The Central Cascades

Colchuck Lake
A quintessential hike in the Central Cascades is Colchuck Lake! This hike is rated difficult at almost 9 miles round trip and over 2300 feet of elevation gain. If you are up for it, you will arrive at one of the prettiest lakes in Washington!
See More
Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead
Another great option for a hike in the area is Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. This hike is almost 8 miles and 2700 feet of elevation gain round-trip. If you just want to see the waterfall, that is just a few miles in. (Both hikes take about half a day so you can’t do both.)
See More
Icicle Gorge Trail
If you want to spend a chill day in the town you’ll be staying overnight at, this is a great hike! This trail is about 4 miles with minimal elevation gain and has beautiful views the whole time.
See More
München Haus
Now it is time to enjoy an iconic Washington town - Leavenworth! This Bavarian-themed town is super fun to explore so we encourage you to walk around and find your favorite stops! One of our favorite stops is München Haus! This is a great German restaurant and the sausages here are incredible!
See More
Icicle Brewing Company
This is another beautiful spot on a sunny day to have a stein and enjoy the views!
See More
Bavarian Lodge
For accommodations, check out Bavarian Lodge! There are a lot of great hotel options in town but this spot is just so cute and fun! Staying here gives you the full experience of being in a Bavarian Village!
See More
Book

Day 5 & 6 - Olympic National Park

Rialto Beach
Day 5 starts on the coast - there are a lot of beaches along here, but Rialto Beach is our favorite. Here you can hike to hole-in-the-wall at low tide (seen in the photo). We highly recommend getting here at low tide so you can do this!
See More
Kalaloch Beach
To see a unique tree along the coast, visit The Tree of Life! This tree is currently sliding down the hillside so if you visit soon, make sure to stop here because chances are next time you’re around, the tree will have fallen. 🙁
See More
Hall of Mosses Trailhead
After the coast, you will head inland to the Hoh Rainforest. This is a designated quiet place, one of the quietest places in the world actually! Hike the short 1 mile Hall of Mosses trail to best see this magical place.
See More
Sol Duc Falls
Your last stop of the day is this beautiful waterfall! There are many waterfalls in Olympic National Park but this one might be the prettiest.
See More
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
There aren’t a lot of options for accommodations in the national park so this is your best bet. There are a few campgrounds if you are traveling in a van or have the option to camp.
See More
Book
Mount Storm King
The next day (day 6) you’re going to wake up and hike the most epic trail in Olympic National Park - Mount Storm King! This is a very hard and steep hike, but it is short, at only 4 miles round trip. It leaves from the same trailhead that Marymere Falls leaves from (below) so you can hike to the waterfall after you conquer this trail. **there are some exposed sections at the top where you use ropes to help you navigate the rocks, do research before hiking this to make sure you are comfortable!
See More
Marymere Falls
This short yet beautiful trail is a popular one in Olympic National Park! This hike is especially beautiful on a moody, rainy day. This trail leaves from Lake Crescent so definitely explore the lake after your waterfall hike!
See More
Madison Falls Trailhead
Another beautiful waterfall in the park accessible near the parking area.
See More
Hurricane Ridge
If you can, visit this spot at sunset! It is the highest point you can get to in the park via road so it is easy to see with no hiking
See More
Next Door Gastropub
Port Angeles is the major town near the stops on Day 6 & this is a great spot for dinner and drinks!
See More
Domaine Madeleine Hotel
The last night in Olympic National Park - try to stay at this dreamy hotel! They have private cabins and lodge rooms with a beautiful back area overlooking the ocean!
See More

Day 7 - Seattle

Kerry Park
Day 7 is when you can fly home or you can spend a day in Seattle before doing that! For the best city view, Kerry Park cannot be missed! It is also by the cute suburb of Queen Anne which is a great place to explore for an hour or two.
See More
Gas Works Park
Seattle has so many parks to explore, this being one of our favorites! It is close to breweries and restaurants with great views of the city.
See More
Discovery Park
This hidden gem is a great place to explore any time of day, sunset is especially beautiful here!
See More
Lake Union
One of our favorite Seattle activities is walking around Lake Union. It is a little over 6 miles but the walk takes you past so many coffee shops, cute streets, breweries, shops, restaurants, and more! We love bopping from place to place, trying new foods and taking in views of the lake/city.
See More
Space Needle
An iconic Seattle attraction that every first timer has to check out!
See More
The Pink Door
There are SO many dining options in Seattle but this spot is the best IMO. We have been coming here for YEARS. It can be a bit hard to get into, reservations recommended or get there right when they open.
See More