Olympic National Park and the Pacific Northwest

Overview

This trip by season

The same trip. Very different weeks.

• Summer

  June to August

  Everything open

  The full itinerary runs and every road and trail is open. These dates are popular, so they fill first.

  2 summer departures ›

• Autumn

  September to November

  Fall color and wildlife

  Aspen and cottonwood turning, wildlife on the move, and quieter trails once school is back.

  1 autumn departure ›

Day by day

1. 

   Day 1

   Arrival in Seattle, WA

   Begin your Pacific Northwest adventure in Seattle, Washington, the vibrant gateway to the region’s most breathtaking national parks and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, transfer to your comfortable hotel and settle in for the evening. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Feel free to relax, explore independently, or make your own arrangements to join a guided downtown Seattle city tour. Discover iconic attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the historic waterfront while soaking in views of Puget Sound and the surrounding Cascade Mountains.

   This flexible arrival day allows you to unwind after travel while setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through Washington State’s natural wonders. Whether you choose to explore the Emerald City’s renowned food scene, coffee culture, and waterfront parks, or simply prepare for the adventures ahead, your Seattle arrival experience offers the perfect blend of comfort and exploration.

   OvernightDoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport

2. 

   Day 2

   Mount Rainier's Glaciers

   Begin your morning with sweeping views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier as you approach the park. At the Sunrise Visitor Center, enjoy a gentle hike to the Emmons Vista Overlook, where expansive views of the Emmons Glacier unfold before you. Continue at an easy pace to the peaceful Silver Forest, known for its open meadows, unique weathered trees, and frequent wildlife sightings.

   Returning to Sunrise, take in panoramic alpine scenery from the trails and the visitor center. On especially clear days, distant volcanic peaks may appear along the horizon. Pause here for a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by unforgettable scenery. In the afternoon, travel to the south side of the mountain with scenic stops at Tipsoo Lake, Backbone Ridge Overlook, Martha Falls, Reflection Lake, and Inspiration Point.

   Arrive at the historic Paradise Inn, where you can unwind, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and take in a beautiful sunset over Mount Rainier.

   OvernightParadise InnMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. 

   Day 3

   Mount Rainier's Views and Vistas

   Today begins with breakfast overlooking the grandeur of Mount Rainier at the historic Paradise Inn. Step outside and explore a network of scenic trails. Stroll along sections of the Skyline Trail to the picturesque Myrtle Falls, continue toward the open meadows of Alta Vista, or enjoy quieter paths like the Waterfall Trail and Avalanche Trail. For those who wish, a visit to the dramatic Narada Falls offers an up-close look at one of the park’s most impressive cascades.

   Along the way, take in ever-changing alpine scenery, wildflower-filled meadows in summer, golden hues in fall, and sweeping views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. Keep an eye out for marmots in the meadows and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the mountain at your own pace.

   This flexible day can be enjoyed with a guide or explored independently, allowing you to tailor the experience to your comfort and interests. Return to Paradise Inn in the evening for a relaxing final night surrounded by the beauty of Mount Rainier.

   OvernightParadise InnMealsBreakfast, Lunch

4. 

   Day 4

   Olympic National Park - Lake Quinault

   Lake Quinault | NPS

   After breakfast, continue your Pacific Northwest adventure with a scenic journey from Mount Rainier National Park to the diverse landscapes of Olympic National Park and the breathtaking Olympic Peninsula. Traveling through the heart of the Cascade Range, you’ll witness dramatic shifts in terrain—from volcanic peaks to temperate rainforest and rugged coastline—all in a single day.

   Your first stop is the peaceful Lake Quinault region, one of Olympic National Park’s most serene and least visited areas. This lush rainforest environment is home to towering old-growth trees—some of the largest in the world—along with moss-draped branches, fern-lined trails, and tranquil lakeside views. Explore this enchanting ecosystem while learning about the unique biodiversity that makes Olympic a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   Continuing west, the landscape opens to reveal the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean along Washington State’s remote coastline. Windswept beaches framed by twisted spruce and shore pines create a striking contrast to the inland forests.

   Settle into your oceanfront accommodations for a two-night stay, where every room features sweeping coastal views. Enjoy a leisurely beach walk, listen to waves rolling onto shore, and savor dinner overlooking the Pacific—an unforgettable highlight of your Olympic National Park tour experience.

   OvernightKalaloch Lodge at Olympic National ParkMealsBreakfast, Dinner

5. 

   Day 5

   Hoh Rain Forest

   Discover one of the most extraordinary ecosystems in the United States with a guided visit to the legendary Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park—often described as one of the quietest places on Earth and a true Pacific Northwest bucket-list destination. The name “Hoh,” meaning whitewater, reflects the glacial-fed river that winds through this ancient temperate rainforest, born from the icy slopes of Mount Olympus.

   Begin at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center before walking the iconic Hall of Mosses Nature Trail, where towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock rise above a forest floor draped in lush green mosses and ferns. Continue along the Hoh River Trail, enjoying a peaceful riverside lunch surrounded by cathedral-like groves of old-growth trees. Keep watch for Roosevelt elk moving quietly through the meadows. With more biomass per acre than almost anywhere else on Earth, this vibrant rainforest immerses you in countless shades of green from canopy to forest floor.

   Later, experience the dramatic coastal beauty of Ruby Beach, famous for its sea stacks, tide pools, and windswept Pacific shoreline. Return to your oceanfront lodge to unwind, listening to waves crash along the coast—an unforgettable highlight of your Olympic National Park tour.

   OvernightKalaloch Lodge at Olympic National ParkMealsBreakfast, Lunch

6. 

   Day 6

   Lake Crescent - Hurricane Ridge

   Begin your day with a scenic drive north to Lake Crescent, one of the clearest and deepest lakes in the United States and a crown jewel of Olympic National Park. Surrounded by steep forested slopes and steeped in regional legend, Lake Crescent offers both stunning beauty and fascinating history. Learn about Mount Storm King and the geological forces that shaped this glacially carved basin. Enjoy a peaceful forest walk to a secluded waterfall, where moss-covered trees and fern-lined paths showcase the lush diversity of the Olympic Peninsula.

   Continue to the Elwha River, a powerful symbol of ecological restoration. Here, witness the remarkable transformation following one of the largest dam removal projects in U.S. history, allowing salmon runs and native ecosystems to thrive once again.

   After lunch, ascend to Hurricane Ridge, the highest point of your Olympic adventure. Known for intense winds and heavy winter snowfall, this alpine environment features sweeping meadows, rugged peaks, and panoramic vistas. Watch for black-tailed deer, mountain goats, and the rare Olympic marmot, found only in these mountains. From Hurricane Hill, take in breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and even Vancouver Island.

   Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Sequim, where you can enjoy dinner on your own and reflect on another unforgettable day exploring Olympic National Park.

   OvernightHoliday Inn Express & Suites Sequim by IHGMealsBreakfast, Lunch

7. 

   Day 7

   Port Townsend - San Juan Islands - Whale Watching

   Set out this morning for an unforgettable San Juan Islands whale-watching tour, one of the premier wildlife experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Cruise through the pristine waters of the Salish Sea in search of orca whales, humpback whales, and minke whales, along with bald eagles, porpoises, harbor seals, and sea lions. This nutrient-rich marine ecosystem is one of the best places in the United States for whale watching, offering exceptional opportunities for up-close encounters in their natural habitat.

   As you navigate the scenic channels and forested shorelines of the San Juan archipelago, your expert captain shares fascinating insights into the region’s maritime history, complex geology, and thriving marine life.

   Enjoy a two-hour stop in Friday Harbor, the charming seaside village on San Juan Island, where you’ll have time to explore local shops and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Later, return to Port Townsend for a festive farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable experiences of your Olympic and Pacific Northwest adventure.

   This evening, travel back to Seattle, bidding farewell to the Emerald City as your journey through Washington State’s national parks and coastal wonders comes to a memorable close.

   OvernightDoubleTree by Hilton Seattle AirportMealsBreakfast, Dinner

8. 

   Day 8

   San Juan Islands - Return to Seattle

   Depart Seattle at your leisure today, taking advantage of the convenient hotel shuttle transfer to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As your Pacific Northwest journey comes to a close, reflect on the unforgettable experiences that defined your adventure—from the glaciers of Mount Rainier National Park and the lush landscapes of Olympic National Park to whale watching in the San Juan Islands and exploring the vibrant city of Seattle.

   Leave with lasting memories of breathtaking scenery, remarkable wildlife encounters, and immersive guided experiences that showcased the very best of Washington State. Your national park and Pacific Northwest tour may be ending, but the landscapes, stories, and connections made along the way will travel home with you.

   MealsBreakfast

Tour details

Gallery

Departures

Pricing

SWAT Trip Protection Plan

The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.

Read the full Trip Protection terms — eligibility, how to buy, cancelling, rescheduling and refund timing.