This glaciated peak is accessible on the 17.4-mile Hoh River Trail, which can be done on an overnight backpacking trip. While places like Rialto and Ruby Beach are popular, chances are the most life you'll see is in the tide pools brimming with exotic sea creatures.įor larger adventures, Mount Olympus is primed for experienced mountaineers. Same goes for the coastline of Olympic National Park. But with an extensive trail system stemming throughout the area, it's not difficult to find your own private spot to explore. Hurricane Ridge is one of the most accessible mountain areas within the park. For land lovers, Olympic National Park offers enough backpacking and hiking trails to keep your feet moving forward for a lifetime. This diversity of ecosystems in the park lends to a wide range of things to do.Īctivities: The park's many rivers, lakes, and wild coast lend to fishing and boating opportunities throughout the year. Perhaps best known for its large regions of temperate rainforest, including the popular Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park also contains glaciated mountains and wild coastline. Olympic National Park protects nearly a million acres of wilderness on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington. Olympic National Park Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park Rainier that includes transportation and a professional guide.Īddress: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, Washington Tour: If you're staying in Seattle and short on time, but really want a chance to see the park, you can take a guided day-trip from Seattle to Mt. Accommodations outside of the park, like the Copper Creek Inn, offer more modern accommodations close to park entrance gates. Other Places to Stay: For a less primitive overnight experience, visitors have a wide range of lodging options such as the historic Paradise Inn within the park. These camping spots can often be filled completely in the busy summer months. Four designated campgrounds are available. Rainier National Park.Ĭamping: Mount Rainier offers plenty of spots to pitch a tent. September and October are some of the best months to ride when the roads are less busy. And, the world-famous Wonderland Trail encircles the entire base of Mount Rainier, offering a 93-mile bucket-list backpacking trip.īicycling is popular on the park roads. Here, the Skyline Loop Trail offers a great introduction to the mountain with variable-distance loops.Īnother popular hike is the Naches Peak Loop near the White River Entrance on the park's east side. The park is generally split into six different hiking regions, including the aptly named Paradise Area. Hiking is the best way to explore the park's natural areas, and the diversity of hiking trails caters to every level of experience. With so much space to explore, the biggest question for your trip next is, where to begin? The mountain itself features 25 glaciers. The park encompasses over 350 square miles, including 260 miles of hiking trails. In spring, summer, fall, and winter, you can find visitors exploring the subalpine meadows, alpine lakes, and rugged peak in Mount Rainier National Park. The national park surrounding this active volcano is one of the most scenic in the nation. Standing 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the most iconic peak in the state of Washington. Mount Rainier National Park Mount Rainier National Park | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Whether you're looking for places to visit for a little adventure, or maybe a multi-day excursion, or even a view to remember for years to come, check out our list of the best state and national parks in Washington.ġ. However, don't skip out on Washington state parks, which pack in just as much adventure and sightseeing, and rank among the top tourist attractions in Washington state. Washington's National Parks-Rainier, Olympic, and the North Cascades-deserve the millions of visitors they receive each year. Sunset at Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington Sprawled throughout its many state and national parks are landscapes like glaciated mountains, active volcanoes, accessible hot springs, alpine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. Washington state, in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is one of the most adventure-endowed states in the nation. He's visited all of Washington's National Parks and many state park units. Author Brad Lane lives in the Pacific Northwest and considers Washington his favorite destination.
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