27 Greatest Day Journeys from Seattle in 2023

This Pacific Northwest metropolis is a dream for day-trippers; Seattle is about subsequent to the Olympic Peninsula and located on Puget Sound. When visiting Seattle, you might be surrounded by water and rainforest. And while you enterprise out of town limits, you might have the Canadian border, many nationwide park decisions, and islands galore you possibly can entry by ferry. Day journeys from Seattle are adventurous by default. So outside journey lovers, put together for the intense temptation to depart Downtown Seattle.

Prime Day Journeys from Seattle

On this information, we’ve received absolutely the creme de la creme of day journeys from Seattle. We’re speaking Olympic Nationwide Park classics like Hoh Rain Forest and ferry experience Seattle day journeys to locations just like the San Juan Islands. You possibly can hop on a ship, seize mountain climbing boots and climbing gear, ebook an tour, or hire a automotive. These day journeys from Seattle are all value pushing your self.

This little metropolis park would possibly sound unassuming, but it surely is without doubt one of the finest day journeys for waterfall mountain climbing trails and ornate gardens. You stroll alongside tiny paved mountain climbing trails by means of closely mossed forests – sometimes navigating stone bridges that seem like one thing from a fairytale.

The entire park is atmospheric, and you may’t go unsuitable for a serene mountain climbing expertise. We added it to this information as a lesser-considered possibility than the ‘main Seattle day journeys’ like Mount Rainier. Whatcom Falls Park is a beautiful day journey from Seattle, involving a 1.5-hour drive or a 2.5-hour Greyhound journey. By automotive, it is a perfect distance from Seattle, and as an excellent bonus, it’s free to enter.

On the best way, you possibly can incorporate stops at Samish Park, which has a delegated swimming space, and northern Seattle sights like Unhealthy Canine Brewery and Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum. Bellingham is a phenomenal coastal metropolis and has loads extra to supply when you’ve visited Whatcom Falls Park. As a winter day journey detour, you possibly can even go snowboarding on the close by Mount Baker. Whatcom Falls is simply a place to begin.

2. Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space

Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space is the place to go for a dramatic waterfall. Whatcom Falls is ideal for cutesy forest waterfalls, however Columbia River Gorge has a number of colossal falls. The protect is about round an 80-mile-long canyon as much as 4000 ft deep. The Columbia River crashes by means of the canyon, and you may select from varied mountain climbing trails to embrace the surroundings.

Visiting Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space is sort of an enterprise, practically 4 hours in distance from Seattle. However it’s positively undertakable in case you have a number of drivers to rotate between driving shifts. Apart from, you possibly can even stopover in Portland en route.

For us, Columbia River Gorge Nationwide Scenic Space stood out for its mighty waterfalls, that are probably the most spectacular (force-wise) within the area. In case you fancy some extra adventurous waterfall hikes, it’s the better of the day journeys from Seattle.

3. Level Defiance Park

Level Defiance Park is to not be skimmed over. This 760-acre monster of a park is about within the close by metropolis of Tacoma and is the basic nod to an ‘city oasis’ that many city-dwellers crave. Level Defiance Park juts into Puget Sound, with viewpoints sprinkled round its edge.

Vashon Viewpoint and Dalco Passage Viewpoint – these views all deserve a glance in, particularly if you happen to coincide your go to with dawn or sundown. Apart from the scenic strolls, Level Defiance Park has loads of main sights. When you can enter the park without spending a dime, you possibly can pay to go to sights like Fort Nisqually Dwelling Historical past Museum and the Level Defiance Aquarium.

Level Defiance Park is barely any distance from Seattle. You’re speaking 45 minutes by automotive, and by public transport, about 2 hours. To be trustworthy, Level Defiance most caught our eye as a result of it includes bypassing Tacoma and getting a recent metropolis perspective. After a number of days in Seattle, shaking off one metropolis and refreshingly embracing one other for a day is sweet. This park is probably the most stunning place to take action, incorporating a little bit of inexperienced area.

4. Whale Watching

Whereas we’re on the subject of marine life, it will be a criminal offense to go with out mentioning whale watching. Whale watching is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from Seattle, and between Could and October, you might be in for a deal with. Seattle’s surrounding waters have the whole lot from grey and humpback whales to the beloved orca. E book a whale-watching tour and take a look at your luck with sightings; Seattle is a whale hotspot.

Your journey distance from Seattle relies on your boat journey alternative. Many boats provide a half-day expertise, like this 4-hour afternoon zodiac cruise. You will need to word that what boat kind you select additionally massively impacts your day journey expertise. Zodiacs are a lot nearer to the water’s floor, so you may get a way more intimate expertise, however wrap up heat since you’ll be uncovered to all the weather.

Lined boats provide a extra comfy, heat expertise, however you might be a lot additional away from the whales. We’d advocate the zodiacs for optimum expertise, that are additionally deemed barely extra moral and fewer intrusive than the massive boats, the place whales can injure themselves on large propellers.

5. Boeing Way forward for Flight

Boeing Way forward for Flight is considered one of our shortest day journeys from Seattle. Actually, it’s only a 30-minute distance from Seattle metropolis heart by automotive. Flight fanatics searching for a fast addition to your itinerary, that is it. The museum is a ridiculously informative immersion into the world of business jets. You wander by means of corridor after corridor of detailed reveals. However, maybe most excitingly, additionally get up-close and private with jets-in-the-making on the industrial jet meeting plant. Boeing Way forward for Flight is the closest you may get to industrial aviation motion within the US – if not the world. For that purpose, we simply had so as to add it to this information.

Time-wise, we’d enable a number of hours to get to the museum, go searching, seize a espresso, and return to Seattle. It truly is a bitesize day journey.

6. Skagit Valley Tulip Pageant

Let’s preface this by saying that Skagit Valley is at all times a phenomenal day journey from Seattle. The valley is lower in half by 150 miles of river and has gorgeous, sweeping inexperienced grasslands. Nonetheless, it actually comes into its personal in the course of the Skagit Valley Tulip Pageant – which runs from March to Could yearly. In the course of the tulip competition, there are seas (and we imply seas) of bobbing tulips in oranges, pinks, yellows, whites, and extra. The flowers are painstakingly organized in color-coordinated rows and are a shocking place to go to from Seattle. You possibly can simply spend a number of hours strolling between the completely different tulip fields.

The valley is an hour and 10 minutes from Seattle metropolis heart by automotive. You too can take a number of guided excursions to see the tulip shows, like this one on Viator. In case you don’t drive, a guided tour is your only option.

7. Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC, is situated throughout the Canadian border and is a famously old-world vacation spot. Sat on the sleepy, grizzly bear and leaping salmon-filled Vancouver Island, Victoria is happy with its early ancestry and never but able to shake off the previous structure and even transport strategies like horse-drawn carriages. The British affect in Victoria can also be closely leaned into, with tearooms and double-decker buses all through town. As a day journey, it’s nice enjoyable.

By land, Victoria is a substantial distance from Seattle. However by high-speed clipper ferry, the journey takes lower than 3 hours. Should-visit sights in Victoria embody visiting the brightly-colored floating pier of outlets at Fisherman’s Wharf Pier, Hatley Fortress, and Craigdarroch Fortress. Don’t neglect the Malahat SkyWalk both; this attraction is a 10-story tower that brings you to a 600-meter elevated walkway amidst Arbutus and Douglas Fir forests. It is without doubt one of the finest outside sights town has to supply.

8. Mount St Helens

Mount St Helens is an lively stratovolcano simply south of Seattle. Scary? Maybe a little bit. Its final explosion was in 1980, and this disaster marked the deadliest volcanic eruption ever in US historical past. And whereas it hasn’t erupted since, it’s nonetheless one of the adrenaline-junkie day journeys from Seattle. You possibly can go to any of its surrounding viewpoints, together with Johnston Ridge Observatory and Windy Ridge Viewpoint. However solely superior climbers and mountaineers can deal with the climb-only path to the summit. Non-climbers get the views, whereas climbers get the problem of summiting an lively volcano.

Mount St Helens could also be one of many longest day journeys from Seattle, taking 3.5 hours by automotive from Seattle’s metropolis heart. Don’t let that section you although, particularly in case you have drivers to rotate driving shifts between. Mount St Helens is an interesting and difficult place on your subsequent hang-out in case you are a sophisticated climber and mountaineer. You’ll go by means of Olympia in your method to the volcano, which makes a fantastic midway stopping level. You possibly can at all times cease for some political historical past and well-earned espresso after getting face-to-face with one of many US’ most feared volcanoes.

9. La Push Seashores

Twilight followers will in all probability be accustomed to La Push Seaside. It’s that moody-aesthetic, angsty teen-style seashore with battered black sprinkled sand, crashing waves, and washed-up driftwood. Essentially the most spectacular factor about driftwood is that typically it may be virtually full tree trunks. Out of all of the day journeys from Seattle, La Push seashores actually have the ambiance right down to a tee. You possibly can go to (creatively named) First Seaside, Second Seaside, Third Seaside, or Rialto Seaside.

The gap from Seattle is fairly excessive; you’ll catch a ferry experience together with your automotive throughout Puget Sound earlier than driving by means of the Olympic Nationwide Park if you wish to go the adventurous route. In any other case, drive by means of Tacoma and over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, throughout the highest finish of the Olympic Peninsula – passing Port Angeles. The entire drive takes beneath 4 hours, with an 8-hour return journey. Subsequently, you’ll want a number of drivers or an in a single day keep and a few flexibility over the time period ‘day journey.’

10. Port Angeles

Port Angeles is way over a metropolis squeezed onto the shoreline by the looming presence of Olympic Nationwide Park. The tiny metropolis is correct on the high of the Olympic Peninsula and, for many, merely a bolt-hole to discover the close by nationwide park and forest. Don’t be that particular person, although; Port Angeles is a day journey in its personal proper. The town is an actual cultural hotspot – extremely celebratory of its heritage and humanities. You possibly can go to the Port Angeles Effective Arts Middle, Elwha Klallam Museum on the Carnegie, and the Port Angeles Underground & Heritage Tour.

Port Angeles is without doubt one of the most underrated day journeys from Seattle. The Port Angeles distance from Seattle is simply 2.5 hours; you’ll want a automotive and will likely be crossing the Puget Sound by automotive ferry (which even sounds thrilling). When you’ve got a day or two to spare, you possibly can keep in a single day in Port Angeles and use it as a base to catch the ferry to Victoria the next day as a second-day journey. There’s a direct ferry line between the 2 that’s simply too tempting to not use in case you have the time.

11. Olympia

There’s at all times pure magnificence and a mountain climbing path to be discovered inside simple distance from Seattle. However this present day journey provides one thing barely completely different. Olympia is the state capitol of Washington, DC. This title implies that town, which is humbly situated on the southern finish of Puget Sound, simply an hour’s drive from Seattle, homes a very powerful buildings in Washington.

The Washington State Capitol Campus, Legislative Constructing, and a 1909-built Governor’s Mansion are in Olympia. Concerning political historical past and American tradition, Olympia provides far more in-depth perception than Seattle. So day journey right down to Olympia and get all of it discovered.

It’s free to enter the Washington State Capitol Constructing and Campus. You possibly can simply spend an hour or two wandering round this political attraction. Then you possibly can see extra of the issues to do in Olympia. Undoubtedly enable an entire day for the go to, particularly if you happen to attain town by 1.5-hour practice. Olympia is understandably fashionable for its political and American historical past. And if these are issues that float your boat, then Olympia has your identify written throughout it.

12. North Bend

North Bend is a perfect day journey for railroad historical past and delightful pure surroundings. The city has Northwest Railway Museum and its conventional practice line. Plus, the gorgeous Three Forks Pure Space. It’s a good spot to go to for a number of hours of wandering and enjoyable. North Bend can also be the one day journey on this information that may be accomplished by a single, short-distance bus journey. You possibly can catch the Trailhead Direct Mt. Si for 35 minutes and arrive immediately in North Bend – which positively beats navigating the Seattle metropolis heart in a rental automotive.

North Bend is a cute allrounder, primarily suited to these with an curiosity in railway heritage or useless set in opposition to driving to go on a day journey from Seattle. We’ve added this present day journey as it’s a simple bus experience possibility for non-drivers visiting Seattle. Oh, and we’ll drop within the enjoyable proven fact that the city was additionally used as a set for Twin Peaks, a big film; be ready to identify all of the acquainted backdrops.

13. Go Wine Tasting

Going wine tasting is a enjoyable day journey from Seattle – and you might be positively by no means in need of guided wine-tasting excursions from Seattle. Woodinville is without doubt one of the hotspots for wine-tasting day journeys from Seattle. Woodinville Wine Nation is famed for its reds; cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and merlot are all on the tasting menus. And with over 130+ wineries within the area, visiting all of them in a day is not possible. Decide your tasting expertise correctly. In case you go for this present day journey, you might be in for an thrilling time.

Most wine-tasting excursions final roughly 7 hours and embody 4-6 wineries. Tempo your self, as you’ll be making an attempt round 5 glasses of wine at every cease, and it’s hilariously simple to get too tipsy. Woodinville is barely a 25-minute drive from Seattle metropolis heart, so most of your time will likely be spent within the tasting experiences. It’s simple to see why wine tasting is so prevalent in Seattle. Woodinville Wine Nation is shut, well-run with plenty of tour choices, and famend for tasty reds.

14. Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is a blink-and-you-miss-it city in dimension, however in character, it’s value a go to. The city is related to its previous and has a robust sense of maritime group. Gig Harbor is simple and stuffed with candy native sights for a healthful escape for a day. The Harbor Historical past Museum is an absolute should, with an immersive historical past that features an 1893 schoolhouse and a 65-foot fishing vessel.

Climbing Finholm View offers you a shocking view of the city and water, and catching a Gig Harbor gondola is a should if you’d like stunning views from the water. Even simply strolling by means of Gig Harbor is worth it; recognizing the homes with overwater verandas and making an attempt the recent catch dishes is a deal with.

The Gig Harbor distance from Seattle is subsequent to nothing, taking simply 45 minutes by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport. It’s a fashionable day journey that additionally bypasses Tacoma – win, win.

15. Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one other stunning waterfall, this time located alongside the Snoqualmie River inside strolling distance of its namesake city Snoqualmie. That’s plenty of ‘Snoqualmies’. In additional sensible phrases, although, the waterfall is only a 30-minute drive from Seattle, making it one of many shortest Seattle day journeys. It’s fashionable as a sundown attraction, because the falls are fantastically illuminated right now with a pastel backdrop. Between the billowing waterfall spray and the sheer energy of the crashing water, it is without doubt one of the most impactful falls you possibly can go to inside a brief distance from Seattle.

For us, we love how shut this waterfall is. It’s the type of day journey you possibly can nonetheless wrangle after a busy day in Downtown Seattle – zipping throughout to catch the sundown at Snoqualmie Falls is the proper late-afternoon journey.

16. Tiger Mountain State Forest

Tiger Mountain State Forest spans 13,745 acres. And we’d recommend experiencing it on horseback or by bike if you wish to cowl some floor. You possibly can hire bikes and manage horseback path rides on-line beforehand. In any other case, embrace the handfuls of mountain climbing trails Tiger Mountain State Forest provides.

Essentially the most spectacular is Chirico Path to Poo-Poo Level, which is 6.4km out and again and takes round 3 hours to finish. You possibly can often spot hold gliders and paragliders having fun with the valley, and this path additionally offers you stunning views of Mount Rainier within the distance. Tiger Mountain State Forest is good for limitless hours on forest tracks.

The gap from Seattle is minimal, taking solely half-hour by automotive. You possibly can add Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park to your day journey while you drive to Tiger Mountain State Forest. The park has tons of mountain climbing trails and is situated midway alongside the precise driving route you’ll be utilizing.

17. Wallace Falls State Park

Wallace Falls State Park is jam-packed and stuffed with old-growth forests, spreading over an unlimited space of 1,380 acres. However its successful issue is its 265-foot waterfall, which you’ll be able to rise up near on the Wallace Falls Center Falls Overlook. The waterfall plunges dramatically in opposition to a thick backdrop of coniferous bushes – visually actually hanging. The overlook is a 5-mile hike however value each sweaty step for the ultimate view.

Wallace Falls State Park is the proper place to exhaust your self for probably the most untouched pure views. The park is someplace to go for an final waterfall hike. In fact, there are prolonged trails alongside the riverbank, too, together with the close by stunning Wallace Lake. So you might have loads of mountain climbing choices.

The Wallace Falls State Park distance from Seattle is an hour by automotive or 3 hours by a sketchy public transport mixture. For apparent causes, we’d recommend driving. When you’ve got time to remain at Wallace Falls State Park in a single day, do, because it provides campgrounds that make for an satisfying in a single day base.

18. Portland

When mentioning our different day journeys from Seattle, Portland has popped up a number of occasions. So what precisely does this powerhouse of Oregon provide to visiting vacationers? In brief, eco-friendly recreation, microbreweries, and extra coffeehouses than you possibly can ever depend. Portland is inherently fashionable, and Oregon’s largest metropolis is overdue a fame makeover. Visiting Hoyt Arboretum, Worldwide Rose Check Gardens, and Witch’s Fortress are all sensible outside issues to do in Portland to attach with nature. Then simply head to the microbreweries or seize a caffeine repair.

You possibly can drive to Portland in simply over 3 hours from Seattle. However we’d truly recommend catching the Amtrak Cascade. The practice takes 3.5 hours however means you keep away from driving by means of the congested metropolis heart or worrying about having to park and experience in on public transport. Catch the primary practice from Seattle to Portland so to arrive at round 10 am, catching the 7 pm service again to Seattle. You’ll be again in Seattle by 11 pm and get a full day of 9 hours to sightsee Portland.

19. Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake is a shocking alpine attraction and delightful addition to our day journeys from Seattle. We’d recommend pinpointing the Diablo Lake Vista Level, aka the Diablo Lake Overlook, which has probably the most spectacular view of the electrical blue lake. As a result of Diablo Lake is stuffed with glacial water, its waters seem virtually cloudy in colour.

And the brightness is an actual draw, too, making the lake one of the photogenic day journeys from Seattle. You can begin on the viewpoint after which embark on one of many many hikes across the lake’s perimeter; a digital camera is important.

By way of distance from Seattle, Diablo Lake is 2.5 hours by automotive and requires you to drive – it’s in the course of nowhere. It’s sandwiched between the rest of Ross Lake Nationwide Recreation Space and North Cascades Nationwide Park. Be ready for a desolate wilderness expertise of pure magnificence.

20. Vancouver

Vancouver is without doubt one of the most unimaginable day journeys from Seattle, and it’ll take little to persuade you to agree with us. You possibly can zip over from Seattle to Vancouver in simply 2.5 hours by automotive. Vancouver is the darling of the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada. It has shut ties to its First Nations historical past, unmatched orca-watching alternatives, and an excellent cultural scene. It truly appears like you possibly can museum-hop perpetually in Vancouver. Or you possibly can head simply exterior town to hikes and outside recreation sights like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which snakes by means of the treetops of a 30-acre park.

It doesn’t take a genius to see why Vancouver is so fashionable – there are such a lot of issues to do. And for anybody desirous to sneak Canada into their US journey, it’s a sensible method to mix two nations in a restricted time. Vancouver is so iconic that we simply needed to embody it amongst one of the best Seattle day journeys. How might you miss it when you find yourself so shut?

21. Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is one other of one of the best Seattle day journeys – famously appearing because the boundary for the northern finish of the Puget Sound. The island is huge, enjoying dwelling to over 70,000 everlasting residents. It’s beloved for its shoreline and small coastal communities. It’s such a phenomenal instance of coastal dwelling that it has been utilized in movies comparable to Free Willy 2, The Warfare of the Roses, and Prime Gun: Maverick. Whidbey Island has the whole lot from seashores to lakes and farmland. You go to this type of place since you wish to discover farm-to-table eating places and have a healthful, off-the-grid weekend.

Deception Move Bridge

With solely a day journey, although, it is advisable suppose virtually. It’s best to positively drive Deception Move Bridge, go to Deception Move State Park, cease by arty Langley, get some historical past at Fort Casey, and, with youthful youngsters, go to Value Sculpture Forest for some family-tailored enjoyable.

Whidbey Island is a surprisingly brief distance from Seattle. The Whidbey Island distance varies by practice and automotive, however each choices take round 1.5 hours. The practice takes 1.5 hours whereas driving takes an hour. Its proximity to Seattle partly makes it a preferred getaway and day journey.

22. Bainbridge Island

Keep in mind Bainbridge Island from earlier? This time, we’ll give attention to the entire island, not simply Fort Ward’s scuba diving alternatives. The island is reached by ferry from Seattle, taking solely an hour. You possibly can convey a automotive (which we extremely advocate as a result of the island is a nightmare on foot or public transport), and ticket worth varies based mostly on car dimension. In the case of outside recreation, while you arrive, you might be spoiled for alternative, and that extra cash to convey a automotive will likely be enormously appreciated.

On a day journey from Seattle, you possibly can plan a little bit street journey round Bainbridge Island to hop between its completely different sights. The Bainbridge Island distance by ferry is so brief that you just barely burn up any vitality on the ferry part. So, a number of hours of driving is completely nothing and a possible possibility. Bainbridge Island has the gorgeous Bloedel Reserve, a nature protect 150 acres in dimension. The reserve has manicured paths to go to the forests, ornate backyard, and reflection pool inside its limits. The island additionally has the Grand Forest West and Gazzam Lake reserves. Whereas for tradition, there’s the Bainbridge Island Historic Museum and Museum of Artwork.

23. San Juan Island

San Juan Island is a little bit animal-watching hotspot simply off the coast of Seattle. You possibly can meet its resident alpacas, take a kayaking tour to identify its common orca guests, or simply embrace chook watching from a scenic lavender subject. The ferry experience drops you in Friday Harbor, the place you possibly can museum hop and make the most of quite a few wildlife-themed excursions across the island.

By way of distance from Seattle, this present day journey is prolonged. Whereas it’s best visited on a multi-day journey, probably the most formidable and rigid-scheduled of you possibly can deal with this as a day journey from Seattle. San Juan Island is reached by a 3-hour 45-minute ferry that departs from Seattle Harbor.

Deal with this ferry experience as your first wildlife-watching expertise. You possibly can see whales, orcas, dolphins, seals, and plenty of sea birds. So don’t waste this ferry journey – pack binoculars and a digital camera with lens. You should have few hours on the island earlier than catching a return ferry.

24. North Cascades Nationwide Park

Banff has everybody flashing coronary heart eyes however North Cascades Nationwide Park is your finest wager if you’d like a Banff-style expertise with out crossing the Canadian border. And as a great mid-length journey North Cascades Nationwide Park is simply 2 hours away from Seattle by automotive.

It’s most spectacular when it has snow-capped peaks in full glory, however its vibrant blue and inexperienced alpine lakes are gorgeous year-round. North Cascades has that alpine attract whereas being means much less busy than a few of the different nationwide park decisions close to Seattle. These within the know like it for its quieter trails and alpine surroundings – particularly these electric-colored lakes.

North Cascades is an absolute given in an inventory of one of the best day journeys from Seattle. It has greater than 300 glaciers and dozens of mountains, primarily a photographer’s paradise. You may have many trails to select from, and even simply driving by means of ensures stunning views. Permit a full day in North Cascades to embrace the expertise absolutely.

25. Olympic Nationwide Park

Olympic Nationwide Park is an unimaginable addition to your Seattle expertise, and you might be seemingly already planning a visit or, on the very least, accustomed to it. Olympic Nationwide Park staggeringly covers a close to million acres. Predominantly, this encompasses old-growth rainforests, waterfalls, and some multi-day mountain climbing trails that depart you in any other case lower off from the surface world.

In a great world, you’d have greater than a day to go to the park, particularly with its proximity to Rialto Seaside and the Twilight-famed black sand shoreline. There are simply so many issues to do in Olympic Nationwide Park. However in a day, you possibly can no less than cowl its highlights – Hoh Rain Forest and its Corridor of Mosses Path, Hurricane Ridge, and trail-lined shores of Lake Crescent.

The Olympic Nationwide Park’s distance from Seattle varies relying on the place you propose to go to (it’s virtually 1,000,000 acres in dimension, bear in mind). Nonetheless, to get to the principle customer heart is a 2.5-hour drive. We advocate renting a automotive for this journey. You possibly can ebook guided excursions, however they’re extortionate in worth and really restricted in your itinerary. As a substitute, hire a automotive and get exploring independently.

26. Mount Rainier Nationwide Park

Mount Rainier Nationwide Park is clustered round an lively volcano with a glaciated peak – Mount Rainier itself. The mountain basks in each glory and a focus, with incredible mountain climbing trails zig-zagging its slopes and surrounding space. And whereas it’s gorgeous in spring with all of the mountain flowers, Mount Rainier Nationwide Park is unquestionably extra of a winter day journey from Seattle. You possibly can ski or snowmobile.

When you may even take guided snowshoe walks if you happen to fancy one thing with a bit extra of a sightseeing angle. In case you go to Seattle in winter, Mount Rainier Nationwide Park is the place you wish to be. It has a fame for being a snow lover’s heaven.

By way of distance from Seattle, the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park distance varies barely relying on the place you go to. As a common rule although, enable simply over 2 hours to achieve the park by automotive, with further time in case of poor situations. In case you ebook a guided tour with transport from Seattle (you will want a automotive to entry the nationwide park), anticipate to be driving for a number of hours to permit for potential pick-ups and stop-offs.

27. Fort Ward Park

Concerning waterfront parks, Fort Ward Park just isn’t one to overlook. The park is barely an hour’s drive or a 1.5-hour bus and ferry experience from Seattle, but it surely offers you a completely completely different impression of the area. However it’s most well-known for its underwater park for scuba divers. For anybody PADI certified, there are tons of corals and marine life to work together with. Exhausting to not love, proper? Fort Ward Park is a hidden gem for a lot of, so take into account it the darkish horse of this information on one of the best day journeys from Seattle.

Fort Ward Park is about on Bainbridge Island, which we’ll cowl as a day journey attraction later. Nonetheless, we needed to first spotlight Fort Ward Park as a standalone attraction – primarily attributable to its huge scuba diving potential. It is without doubt one of the finest dive spots in miles round. And whereas a PADI is required to scuba dive at Fort Ward Park, you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the 4,300 ft of shoreline with a scenic footpath with out getting your ft moist.

Day Journeys from Seattle: FAQs

It’s so simple to really feel impressed by these day journeys from Seattle; pure magnificence is a assure, which we love. Earlier than you go, although, be aware of these further snippets of information. These are our Seattle day journeys FAQs.

What to go to exterior of Seattle?

Undoubtedly squeeze in some nationwide park visits when visiting Seattle. Olympic Nationwide Park and Mount Rainer Nationwide Park are the 2 huge ones. You also needs to make time to go whale watching as effectively.

What cities are one hour from Seattle?

Olympia, Bremerton, and Tacoma are all inside an hour of Seattle. With three hours, you possibly can attain cities like Portland and Vancouver.

Is Bainbridge Island value visiting?

Bainbridge Island is famend for its nature and has the forested Bloedel Reserve to go to. It additionally has some cultural sights just like the Bainbridge Island Museum. It’s a good allrounder in terms of day journeys from Seattle.

What’s 5 hours away from Seattle?

Siuslaw Nationwide Forest and plenty of different main Oregon sights are 5 hours away from Seattle. You too can enterprise throughout the Canadian border and into the agricultural areas round Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

To Conclude

Day journeys from Seattle are thrilling – however you don’t want us to inform you that. Now you already know the total extent of town’s day journey potential for your self. In case you fancy tradition, there may be Port Angeles, rainforest hikes, Olympic Nationwide Park, and snowboarding, Mount Rainier. Oh, and you may see humpback whales and typically even orcas from Could to October. Seattle is someplace the place it is advisable enable further days simply to make use of town as a base.

Wait, have you ever received lodging already? If not, selecting a Seattle neighborhood is simply as essential as planning a Seattle day journey or two. Which neighborhood you select will massively impression your expertise, so be sure that to differentiate your Fremont out of your West Seattle. You’ll additionally wish to pay shut consideration to your neighborhood of alternative and the way it impacts your distance to sure day journey sights.

Have an excellent time visiting Seattle. Whether or not you go to Mount Rainier or Whatcom Falls, you’ll have a spectacular time embracing all its thrilling environment.