National Parks Near Seattle

Location:

Olympic Peninsula, WA

Highlights:

If you're searching for jaw-dropping variety—from alpine peaks to moss-draped rainforests and wild Pacific beaches—Olympic National Park has it all in one epic adventure.

Recommended For:

Hikers, campers, beach trekkers, wildlife watchers, and anyone craving the ultimate nature escape with unmatched diversity.

What I Love: ♥

UNESCO World Heritage recognition, 70+ miles of rugged coastline, and three unique ecosystems all packed into one stunning park.

• Explore nearly one million acres of protected wilderness across coastline, temperate rainforest, alpine ridges, and dry forest terrain.
• Backpack the nine-mile Ozette Loop, one of the park’s most iconic coastal hikes for beach lovers and trail trekkers alike.
• Hike through interior alpine and rainforest zones with options for every level of adventurer.
• Experience boating, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and camping at one of 16 scenic campgrounds.
• Visit three visitor centers offering museum exhibits, ranger-led programs, and nature trails.

Cost:

$30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass; annual and interagency passes available.

Best time to visit:

Summer for trail access and beach hikes; Winter for snow-covered alpine adventures.

Local tips:

Dress in layers and check weather updates—conditions can vary wildly across park regions!

Distance:

About 2.5 hours from Seattle, WA.

How to Get to Olympic National Park:

From Seattle, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island or drive south via Tacoma, then head west toward Port Angeles—home base for many park visitors.

Address:

Olympic National Park, WA

Location:

North Cascades, WA

Highlights:

If you’re ready for raw wilderness, jagged peaks, and unmatched biodiversity, North Cascades National Park is Washington’s wildest secret—perfect for serious outdoor lovers.

Recommended For:

Backpackers, mountaineers, photographers, botanists, and anyone craving remote wilderness exploration.

What I Love: ♥

Towering glaciers, rugged hiking routes, the most plant species of any U.S. national park, and strikingly scenic alpine views.

• Explore over 680,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the park’s glacial range, part of the North Cascades National Park Complex.
• Discover the highest level of plant biodiversity in any national park—ideal for nature study, birdwatching, and macro photography.
• Hike, camp, and climb in some of the most rugged terrain in the lower 48, with wilderness permits required for backcountry activities.
• Visit two informative visitor centers, including the Golden West Visitor Center with rotating exhibits from local artists.

Cost:

Free entry; permits required for overnight camping and backcountry use.

Best time to visit:

Summer and early Fall when trails are accessible and wildflowers bloom across alpine meadows.

Local tips:

Be prepared for sudden weather changes and bring layers—even summer nights get cold at elevation!

Distance:

About 2.5 hours from Seattle, WA.

How to Get to North Cascades National Park:

Take I-5 North from Seattle to WA-20 East (North Cascades Highway), which runs through the heart of the park. Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center near Newhalem for maps and updates.

Address:

North Cascades National Park, WA

Romantic Denver Parks

Location:

Pierce and Lewis Counties, WA

Highlights:

For epic mountain views, glacier hikes, and some of the most iconic scenery in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park is an unforgettable must-visit.

Recommended For:

Hikers, climbers, families, photographers, and anyone eager to experience the majesty of a 14,411-foot volcano up close.

What I Love: ♥

Towering glaciers, the legendary Wonderland Trail, and Sunrise—one of the most breathtaking drive-up viewpoints in any national park.

• Explore over 236,000 acres surrounding Mount Rainier, the tallest peak in the Cascade Range and an active stratovolcano.
• Climb to new heights—over 10,000 people attempt to summit Rainier each year, making it a major mountaineering destination.
• Hike the Wonderland Trail to pass glaciers and experience dramatic alpine landscapes at every turn.
• Visit Sunrise, the highest point in the park accessible by car at 6,400 feet, for unforgettable panoramic views.
• Stay in one of the park’s five developed areas with access to museums, restaurants, campgrounds, and scenic lodges.

Cost:

$30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass; annual and interagency passes available.

Best time to visit:

Late July to September for snow-free trails and wildflower meadows in full bloom.

Local tips:

Arrive early—parking fills quickly at Paradise and Sunrise during summer weekends!

Distance:

About 2 hours from Seattle, WA.

How to Get to Mount Rainier National Park:

From Seattle, take I-5 South to WA-7 or WA-167, then follow signs for the Nisqually, Sunrise, or White River entrances depending on your route.

Address:

Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Recommended Mount Rainier Tours:

• From Seattle: Mount Rainier National Park Guided Tour – Price: From $178 per person.
• Seattle: Mount Rainier Park All-Inclusive Small Group Tour – Price: From $344 per person.
• From Seattle: Customized Mount Rainier Tour – Price: From $195 per person.

Location:

Coupeville, WA

Highlights:

If you love coastal views, living history, and a peaceful rural vibe, Ebey’s Landing offers a stunning blend of heritage and Pacific Northwest scenery right on Whidbey Island.

Recommended For:

History enthusiasts, hikers, lighthouse seekers, scuba divers, and anyone who appreciates preserved farmlands and ocean breezes.

What I Love: ♥

Sweeping sea views from bluff trails, historic working farms, and the laid-back charm of nearby Coupeville.

• Walk through 19th-century settlement landscapes preserved since the 1850s under the Donation Land Claim Act.
• Explore Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks for fort tours, lighthouse visits, and dramatic coastline trails.
• Dive or fish in Puget Sound, or boat and bike through scenic open landscapes with views of the Olympic Mountains.
• Visit the seasonal Jacob and Sarah Ebey House visitor center, and enjoy local history at the Island County Historical Museum.
• Celebrate local flavor at events like the Penn Cove Musselfest, March 7–9, 2025 in Coupeville.

Cost:

Free to explore; state park areas may charge day-use or activity fees.

Best time to visit:

Spring and Summer for wildflowers, festivals, and clear coastal hiking conditions.

Local tips:

Wear layers—it’s often breezy on the bluff trail—and check ferry schedules if you’re driving from the mainland.

Distance:

About 2 hours from Seattle, including ferry time.

How to Get to Ebey’s Landing:

From Seattle, take the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry to Whidbey Island, then drive north on WA-525 to Coupeville. Follow signs to Cemetery Road and the reserve.

Address:

162 Cemetery Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone: 360-678-6084

Denver Parks for Families

Location:

Sedro-Woolley, WA

Highlights:

If you're drawn to crystal-clear lakes, backcountry trails, and a slice of literary history, Ross Lake National Recreation Area is a wild and serene slice of the North Cascades worth exploring.

Recommended For:

Paddlers, campers, backpackers, and fans of Jack Kerouac looking for a peaceful and scenic Pacific Northwest escape.

What I Love: ♥

Gorgeous lakes for canoeing, hidden campgrounds, and the iconic Desolation Peak fire tower featured in Kerouac’s writings.

• Paddle Ross, Diablo, and Gorge Lakes—man-made but stunning, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and quiet forest.
• Hike trails that link directly to North Cascades National Park routes, with options for short walks or extended backcountry adventures.
• Camp at developed sites along North Cascades Highway, offering both tent and RV options with beautiful surroundings.
• Visit Desolation Peak Lookout, once manned by author Jack Kerouac, for incredible views and literary nostalgia.

Cost:

Free to enter; some campsites and boat rentals require reservations and fees.

Best time to visit:

June to September for the most accessible hiking and paddling conditions.

Local tips:

The area is remote—bring all necessary supplies, and check road and trail conditions before you go!

Distance:

About 2.5 hours from Seattle, WA.

How to Get to Ross Lake National Recreation Area:

Drive east on WA-20 (North Cascades Highway) from Sedro-Woolley. Entry points and trailheads are located between Diablo and Ross Lakes.

Address:

810 WA-20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: 360-854-7200

Location:

Seattle, WA

Highlights:

Want to experience the gold-fueled drama that helped shape Seattle? Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park brings this pivotal story to life in the heart of the city.

Recommended For:

History buffs, families, museum lovers, and anyone interested in Seattle’s past and economic rise.

What I Love: ♥

The preserved Cadillac Hotel setting, immersive exhibits, and short films that dive deep into the feverish rush for gold.

• Learn about the 1897 Klondike gold rush, which drew nearly 70,000 people to Washington and southwestern Canada in search of fortune.
• Explore two floors of hands-on exhibits and displays housed in Seattle’s historic Cadillac Hotel building.
• Watch daily showings of three documentary films that reveal the personal and economic stories behind the rush.
• Understand how the gold rush helped end the Panic of 1893 and launched Seattle into national prominence.

Cost:

Free admission; no reservations required.

Best time to visit:

Year-round—great for a rainy day or as part of a downtown Seattle walking tour.

Local tips:

Combine your visit with nearby Pioneer Square attractions for a full day of local history and architecture.

Distance:

Located in downtown Seattle; 30 minutes from Sea-Tac Airport.

How to Get to Klondike Gold Rush NHP:

Head to Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood. The park is located inside the historic Cadillac Hotel on Second Avenue South.

Address:

319 Second Ave S., Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-220-4240

Denver Parks for a Date

Location:

Sedro-Woolley, WA (accessed via Lake Chelan or North Cascades trails)

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a remote retreat with deep alpine waters, mountain views, and no roads in sight, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a wild Washington escape you’ll never forget.

Recommended For:

Boaters, backpackers, off-the-grid campers, history lovers, and anyone seeking serenity in the Cascades.

What I Love: ♥

The boat-only access, the crystal-clear 1,500-foot-deep lake, and the preserved pioneer charm of Stehekin.

• Arrive by passenger ferry, floatplane, or hiking trail—this backcountry destination is beautifully secluded year-round.
• Explore Stehekin Valley and visit the Buckner Homestead Historic District and Stehekin School for a glimpse of frontier life.
• Relax on the shoreline or camp lakeside while enjoying some of the most pristine mountain views in Washington.
• Stop by the Golden West Visitor Center for maps, info, and ranger insights on trails and local history.
• Take the off-road shuttle during summer to reach upper valley trailheads more easily.

Cost:

Free entry; ferry and floatplane rides, campground use, and shuttle service fees vary.

Best time to visit:

Late Spring to early Fall—especially July to September—for best weather and transportation options.

Local tips:

Book ferry or floatplane tickets early in peak season, and bring your essentials—there are no major stores in Stehekin!

Distance:

Access is from Chelan, WA (via boat or floatplane); drive time from Seattle to Chelan is about 3.5 hours.

How to Get to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area:

From Seattle, drive to Chelan, WA. Take a passenger ferry or floatplane to Stehekin. The area is also accessible via hiking trails from North Cascades National Park.

Address:

810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: 360-854-7200

Location:

Friday Harbor, WA

Highlights:

If you love history with a side of sea breeze, San Juan Island National Historical Park offers peaceful trails, preserved 19th-century military camps, and sweeping views of the Puget Sound.

Recommended For:

History fans, nature walkers, coastal explorers, and anyone curious about the Pig War boundary dispute.

What I Love: ♥

Original 1850s-era buildings, coastal hikes with tidepools, and the surreal fact that two armies camped peacefully here—for years.

• Visit both the American and English Camps, preserved from the 1859 Pig War—a bloodless border standoff between Britain and the U.S.
• Tour historic buildings like the commissary, barracks, officers’ quarters, and more—many still standing today.
• Explore hiking trails with great views of the Haro and Rosario Straits, and bring binoculars for birdwatching along the way.
• Enjoy coastal activities like berry picking, shelling, and tidepooling while soaking in views of Vancouver Island across the water.
• Learn at two visitor centers filled with exhibits that explain the unusual international history of the island.

Cost:

Free entry year-round; no reservations required.

Best time to visit:

Late Spring through early Fall for best weather, wildlife sightings, and open visitor centers.

Local tips:

Consider taking the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor—walk-ons are welcome and it's a scenic ride!

Distance:

About 3.5 hours from Seattle, including drive and ferry time.

How to Get to San Juan Island National Historical Park:

Take I-5 North from Seattle to Anacortes, then catch the ferry to Friday Harbor. Follow signs to the American or English Camp locations once on the island.

Address:

P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: 360-378-2240