How to Easily Plan a 10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip

The Pacific Northwest of the United States is known for breathtaking views and outdoor adventures, and it earns the title! But, there’s so much to do that it’s hard to decide how you could possibly fit it all in! This 10-day Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary is a great place to start!

This post will detail must-see stops and some bonus options to consider if you have more time. It also covers where to eat, sleep, and what you should see at each stop. You won’t be able to see everything in 10 days but if you plan it well you can see a lot!

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Where to Start Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

The main road trip itinerary in this post will start in Seattle and end in Portland. You can easily reverse the itinerary if you want to fly into Portland.

I pick multi-city flights because it saves driving time and allows more time to explore.

But, if you love roundtrip flights you can always drive back to the city you flew into.

Flying into Seattle means you’re looking for flights into Sea-Tac and Portland is PDX.

If you’re traveling from the east coast you should plan to arrive the night before. It usually takes us all day to get out to the west coast! But, on the plus side, you can usually find a flight in the afternoon or evening. So, at least it isn’t more vacation time.

Getting Around on a 10-Day Pacific Northwest on this Road Tri

I’ll forever swear that the best way to get around on a trip like this is by campervan. I’m not an affiliate for Escape but I’ve taken several trips with their campervans and have had a great trip every time. The brightly colored vans are super fun.

Being able to camp and make spur-of-the-moment decisions makes a road trip like this extra special. I also find it makes eating easier since your food is with you.

But, if you aren’t a camper that’s also fine. You’ll still need a rental car so don’t forget to book that.

When to Take a Pacific Northwest Road Trip

The mountains in the Pacific Northwest make it beautiful all year. In the winter the snow is stunning, in fall leaves are changing, and in spring waterfalls flow.

But, summer boasts the best weather in the Pacific Northwest. Seriously, when I was visiting locals made sure to tell me I was experiencing the few weeks of weather that made everyone stay through the dreary months.

So, this 10-day road trip itinerary is designed for the summer. It’s the easiest time for most Americans to take vacations and the weather is incredible. So, it’s worth it to deal with the crowds.

But, since this itinerary is for a busy season, that means you need to plan super early for the best picks on where to stay!

Entrance to the National Parks

On this itinerary, you’re going to see Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Crater Lake National Park. Plus, you’ll get to visit Mt. St. Helens. Entrance to each park is around $30 and the parking at Mt. St. Helens is $5.

The annual national park pass is $80 and can be purchased at any park (but not online). This annual pass is the way to go.

Note that many parks are moving to a cash-free system starting in 2023. So, have a credit/debit card with you.

My Essentials for National Park Trips

Great Hiking Shoes. I love Chacos sandals AND my Timberland boots. I really hate hiking boots so it’s high praise for these Timberlands! Chacos pro tip- don’t be tempted by the 3-string option. They are impossible to adjust.

Thick, comfortable socks to keep my boots from rubbing my feet. As a bonus, I can wear them with my Chacos like a total dork for that weird “not quite warm enough” weather.

My Osprey Day Pack. I’ve had it for years. I have no intention of ever getting another day pack.

Binoculars are a must. Every time I forget them I regret it.

My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.

My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is the best rain jacket.

10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip- Overview

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 1 – Seattle

Kick off your 10-day Pacific Northwest road trip in Seattle. You could easily spend more than 1 day in Seattle. But, the natural wonders in the area are my favorite so that’s what we’ll focus on. But, you’ve got to spend one day in Seattle!

If you are taking the campervan route be sure to pick up your campervan today if you haven’t already. But, it’s also nice to explore Seattle before you have a big van to deal with.

When in Seattle hit the big sites. The Pike Place Market is a must-see. Stroll the market and check out the shops. Try to see one of the famous fish-throwing spectacles. It’s hard to time but it’s so fun to watch.

The first Starbucks is right across the road from the market. The line is ridiculous. So, if you love Starbies you can stand in the line. But, if you’re just a coffee lover check out a local coffee shop. The line will be shorter and I like the coffee better anyway.

From the market head down to the Seattle Waterfront Park. It’s a pretty short walk but it’s worth a visit to see the waterfront. You can take a ride on the Ferris wheel if that’s your thing.

After the waterfront park, head up to the Seattle Public Library. It’s not often that a public library ends up on a list of things to do but this library is special. It’s a beautiful space to spend some time. Grab a coffee, or keep sipping the one you already have, and spend some time admiring the ambiance.

The Space Needle is very cool to see from the ground even if you choose not to go up. Take public transit over to the Space Needle. The Museum of Pop Culture is nearby as well as Olympic Sculpture Park.

Wander around Belltown or Capital Hill. These two neighborhoods are great places to spend some time walking and eating. Capital Hill is home to one of my favorite restaurants, Capital Cider.

Where to Sleep in Seattle

There are so many options in Seattle! But, visiting in the summer means the city will be busy. So, still, book your hotel early.

Since you only have one day you can stay near the Pike Place Market so you’re close to some of the sites.

The Moore Hotel is one of the more affordable downtown options.

I stayed out by the airport because I didn’t want to deal with driving in Seattle.

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 2 – Drive to Olympic National Park

Today, you’ll be driving up to Port Angeles to get set up for exploring Olympic National Park. The drive takes a few hours but you’ll have time to explore a bit more of Seattle in the morning. If you missed out on Capital Hill or Belltown you can spend the morning here.

If you’re done in Seattle you can head out earlier but there is so much to see you can find something to do. A second visit to Pike Place Market isn’t a bad way to spend the morning!

Leave after lunch, or earlier, so you have time to get to Port Angeles.

Getting to Port Angeles

Port Angeles is about 2.5 – 3 hours from Seattle but there are two different options to get there.

Option 1, you can drive north and take the Edmonds Ferry. This is a fun option if you don’t live somewhere there are ferries like this. But, it can take a long time and can be unpredictable. Be sure to avoid trying to board the ferry during rush hour.

I don’t live anywhere near a ferry like this so taking my bright campervan on the ferry was a fun experience for me. But, it did take much longer than expected.

If the ferry you want is full you just have to wait until the next one. So, it requires some flexibility.

Option 2, avoid the ferry. Drive south through Sea-Tac on Interstate 5. Then exit for US 16 and head north. This way you’ll have two bridges and it may be a bit more mileage. But, there is no ferry to contend with so it can be more predictable (which may make it less stressful for you).

Where to Sleep in Port Angeles

I think you should do this part of the road trip in a campervan so I’ll be sure to provide options for camping. But, since I know some of you will choose to drive in a car I’m including some hotel options too!

Port Angeles- Camping

Heart O’ the Hills Campground isn’t in Port Angeles. It’s 20 minutes outside of the city. So, if you’re camping be sure to stop and stock up on food for a few days before heading out. You can eat dinner in Port Angeles if you’d like.

This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and provides a total of 124 camping spots. The nightly fee for camping at this location is $24.

Port Angeles- Hotels

Although Port Angeles is not a large town, there are a variety of hotel options available. As there are not many chain hotels, it may be helpful to rely on reviews from third-party sites to assist you in selecting a hotel. In my opinion, the Red Lion Hotel would be a great choice. However, if you prefer chain hotels, look in Sequim.

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 3 – Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is massive. Even with a good plan, you’re going to have to move fairly quickly. Start your day off early to beat the traffic.

Hurricane Ridge

Head to Hurricane Ridge to begin the day. The Hurricane Ridge area of the park has breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains as well as hikes through the alpine meadows. As of 2023, the visitor center here is closed for renovations. But, the area is still open.

This road is small and curvy so when it gets busy it can be frustrating. Be sure to get there before 10:00 am at the latest.

Hike Hurricane Ridge

There are three hikes you should consider in Hurricane Ridge. You don’t need to do all of them, and likely won’t have time. But, you should get out of the car for a little bit to experience the area.

The Big Meadow Trail is an easy, flat loop trail that begins at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The trail is a quarter-mile in length and is paved. The trail meanders through the alpine meadows, providing opportunities to witness alpine flowers, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain range views.

The Cirque Rim Trail is longer at 0.75 miles but is also paved, offering panoramic views of Port Angeles and Canada. The Big Meadow Trail is part of the Cirque Rim Trail, so it is feasible to walk both trails.

The Hurricane Hill Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, offering 360-degree mountain range views at the end (weather permitting). It is a moderate hike, stretching nearly 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 700 ft. The trailhead is located beyond the visitor center, and two parking lots are available.

Lake Crescent

Head back out to Port Angeles when you’ve finished hiking around Hurricane Ridge. Make your way to Lake Crescent. This beautiful lake is a perfect place to spend the afternoon.

There are more hikes here or you can spend some time on the water if that’s your thing.

The Marymere Falls trail is a great easy hike option. It starts at the Storm King ranger station. The trail is 0.9 miles long. It’s a relatively flat walk until you have to head up to see the falls.

The Mt. Storm King trail also begins at the Storm King ranger station. It splits off from the Marymere Falls trail to continue for 2.1 miles.

Although the hike offers exceptional views of Lake Crescent from the summit, it is considered a difficult hike as it climbs over 2,300 ft in elevation and crosses a landslide area.

This is also a popular trail, and although the view from the top is incredible, the downclimb can be quite challenging, especially for those who are scared of heights or less experienced hikers.

While the view may be worth the effort for some, it might not be worth the risk for others.

After my hike, I’m not sure if it was worth it. I wouldn’t do it again. For what that’s worth.

Where to Sleep

To make the next day easier drive to Forks. If you’re a Twilight fan you’ll be extra happy here!

If you’re camping, consider the Olympic Adventures RV Park.

Non-campers, consider the Lake Crescent Lodge so you can experience a little more time on the lake.

Or, in Forks, this B and B has some amazing views!

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 4- Olympic

Today you’ll experience the coast and the rainforest in Olympic National Park. It may be one of the most unique days you can have in a national park.

Coast

The coast of Olympic NP is extra special. The beaches offer tide pools and unique vistas dotted with sea stacks. There are lots of beaches to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. You won’t be able to see all of them but pick two so you can see some variety.

The best of the coast does require you to hike and these are some great options.

Note: Check the tidepool chart so you know when to visit. You need to be on the beaches at low tide for the best experience.

The Hole in the Wall hike starts at Rialto Beach. The hike is a 1.5-mile walk along the beach, where you’ll see stunning sea landscapes and eventually arrive at the Hole in the Wall, a rock with a hole that frames an incredible picture.

The trailhead to the secluded 2nd Beach has limited parking spaces, but the hike is easy, spanning only 0.7 miles down to the beach. It’s best to visit during low tide, where you can explore tide pools and discover starfish and other sea creatures. The water features striking sea stack rock formations.

The hike to 3rd Beach is less popular but still a worthwhile option. The trailhead has a small parking lot, and the hike is an easy 1.4 miles, winding through the forest and leading you to the water’s edge. You may have to climb around some driftwood to access the beach.

Hoh Rainforest

After hiking and exploring the coast, head inland to the Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the must-see places in Olympic National Park, and although it’s a relatively small area, it’s worth a visit.

Among the trails in the rainforest, the Hall of Mosses Trail is an easy 0.8-mile walk near the visitor center, which takes you through the forest to see various trees and plants. The trail derives its name from the moss on the trees, which creates a unique and enchanting ambiance.

Another trail that you can explore in the area is the Spruce Nature Trail, which is a 1.2-mile loop trail that starts at the visitor center and takes you closer to the Hoh River. Unlike the Hall of Mosses Trail, the two trails don’t overlap.

If you have enough time and energy, it’s highly recommended to take on both of these flat and easy trails in the rainforest.

Where to Sleep

Kalaloch is a popular beachside campground that you could book early. Alternatively, South Beach Campground is also an amazing option, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and fills up quickly. If you prefer to stay in the rainforest, you can make reservations ahead of time for the Hoh Campground.

As for hotels, you’ll need to head back to Forks or stay at the Kalaloch Lodge. If necessary, you could also continue driving towards Quinault or beyond.

10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Day 5 – Olympic to Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is about 4 hours from Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park. After breakfast, get started on the journey to the next national park. You want to navigate to the Nisqually Historic Entrance to Mount Rainier.

You won’t be sad to have some extra time in the park if you can get there shortly after lunch. One day in Mount Rainier can be enough but any extra hours won’t be wasted.

After you arrive at the park, start in the Longmire area of the park. There are a few hikes to consider here to stretch your legs after several hours in the car.

Longmire used to be the headquarters of the national park. You can find a museum detailing the history of the park.

If you’re interested in history the Trail of Shadows shows the early history of the resort. It’s a short .7-mile trail around the meadow that starts across from the museum.

The other hike to consider is Christine Falls. This is basically doing one section of the Comet Falls Trail. Drive toward Paradise and look for the trailhead on the left. If you see the falls from the road you’ve gone too far.

Descend about 100 ft in the .3 miles and you can see Christine Falls. It’s short but it’s beautiful.

Where to Sleep

Even though you’re spending one full day in Mount Rainier National Park you’re going to want to stay two nights in, or near, the park.

For non-campers, The National Park Inn in Longmire and The Paradise Inn near Mt Rainier are both open in the summer.

For my camping friends, please note that all campsites are on a first come first served system. Check-in usually starts around 3:00 pm. So, explore the park but make sure you’re there to get a spot!

You can still make a reservation to Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh online for some of the spots. But, you should still arrive at the campground at check-in.

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 6- Mount Rainier National Park

Today, explore Mt Rainier!

Start the day off with some hiking in one of the prettiest areas in the park!

My top pick for a hike in Mt. Rainier National Park is the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point, which is a 5.4-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet. Starting at the Paradise Meadows & Skyline Trailhead, you’ll pass through stunning alpine meadows. Once you reach Panorama Point, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley, the mountains, and Mt. St. Helens (weather permitting, of course).

It’s worth noting that even in mid to late June, there could still be snow on the trail, depending on the snowfall that year. Be sure to pack accordingly and check the trail reports at the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center before embarking on your hike.

The hike can take anywhere from 3-4 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop. Once you reach the top, take some time to enjoy the scenic vistas and savor a well-deserved snack.

If you don’t want a big hike, check out the Nisqually Vista and Myrtle Falls trails.

After hiking, head to Inspiration Point and then Reflection Lake for amazing pictures of the volcano.

Then, head down to the Ohanapecosh area. This is the home of the old-growth forest section of the park. The Grove of the Patriarchs is the highlight in the area. But, the trail is closed and not expected to open in 2024.

fSo, check out Hot Springs Nature Trail or the Silver Falls Trail instead.

At night, look for the stargazing event. Check with the visitor center to see if it’s happening. The sky has to be dark enough and the weather has to cooperate. But, if the conditions are right, you’ll have the chance to do some stargazing.

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 7- Drive to Eugene via Mt St Helens

This is a long driving day. But, I promise it’s worth it to see Crater Lake! It is one of the highlights of a road trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Leave Mt Rainier National Park after an early breakfast and drive to Mt St Helens. Navigate to the Ape Cave Interpretive Site. It’s about 3 hours from the Longmire area of Mt Rainier.

Mt. St. Helens

Mt. St. Helens is in the same mountain range as Mount Rainier. The volcano had a major eruption in 1980. So, the landscape is quite different from Mount Rainier.

Bring a headlamp with you; mine is old so the designs have changed but this one is similar. You can use your phone flashlight in a pinch but having your hands free for balance is helpful.

The best part of visiting Mt. St. Helens is taking a hike through the lava tube! This is one of the most interesting hikes I’ve ever done!

The caves are only open in the summer and you’ll need to make a timed reservation to visit. Parking is $5 but it’s covered if you have a national park’s annual pass.

There are two different options for hikes in the tubes.

The lower cave route is a ¾ mile one-way path that is suitable for families and considered relatively easy. Meanwhile, for those seeking more adventure, the upper cave route spans 1.5 miles and includes a climb up an eight-foot rock wall and scrambling over rock piles. This route eventually leads to an exit, followed by a 1.5-mile hike above ground back to the parking lot.

I enjoyed the upper cave route and didn’t find the climb to be scary or dangerous.

Where to Sleep: Eugene or Crater Lake

After you finish up at Mt St Helens you can make your way to Eugene or to Crater Lake.

Eugene is another 3 hours from the parking lot of the hike. The Mazama Campground is 6 hours away.

I’d recommend driving to Eugene so you can rest a bit. But, if you don’t mind the long drive you can stay two nights at the campground!

If you’re staying in Eugene there are several hotel options. I always love Hampton Inn.

10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Day 8- Crater Lake

As long as it’s summer and the snow has melted off Crater Lake is a special place to visit! So, even though it’s out of the way it’s worth it!

If you’re in Eugene, the park is 3 hours away. So, get an early start to get there.

If you’re staying in the park you can go ahead and start exploring!

There are two things you should be sure to do in the park.

Drive the Rim Drive

Crater Lake is a massive crater that turned into a lake. The lake is only fed by snow melt and rain. So, it’s incredibly clear and beautiful. Driving around the edge of the crater means you get all of the incredible views.

Be on the lookout for Wizard Island, The Phantom Ship, and maybe The Old Man if you’re lucky.

Wizard Island is an easy-to-spot island in the middle of the lake. Phantom Ship is a smaller island nearer to the edge of the water. The Old Man is actually a tree that has somehow managed to float vertically in the lake for years. He moves around and is much smaller so consider yourself lucky if you spot him!

Hike Cleetwood Cove

The Cleetwood Cove trail is one the most popular in the park and if you’re looking to access the water at Crater Lake, the Cleetwood Cove trail is your only option. However, be aware that this trail is quite demanding and not for the faint of heart. The trail spans 1.1 miles and descends a steep 700 feet to the water’s edge.

The way down isn’t so bad but the way up is tough!

If you choose to hike down to the water you will be rewarded! You can cliff jump into the lake.

You can also take a boat ride around the lake or to Wizard Island.

If Cleetwood Cove isn’t a hike you’re interested in there are other options. Watchman’s Peak, Sun Notch, Discovery Point, and Castle Crest are good places to start!

Where to Sleep

The Mazama campground is the only camping option within the park. It’s open seasonally, typically opening sometime in June and closing in the fall. Tent sites cost $21, while RV sites are a bit pricier.

During June, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while from July to September, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.

If the Mazama campground is already fully booked, Diamond Lake Campground is the best alternative. This campground also requires reservations but offers additional amenities, including showers and facilities; Most other campgrounds only have vault toilets.

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 9- Drive to Portland

On day nine of your 10-day Pacific Northwest road trip leave Crater Lake and drive to Portland.

The drive to Portland will take about 5 hours.

After you arrive in Portland and get checked in head out for dinner. Tonight, wander around downtown Portland

10-Day PNW Road Trip
Day 10- Portland

Finally, round out your 10 Day road trip with some time in Portland. You could spend more than a day here if you want to extend your trip. But, if you only have a day check out some of the highlights.

Rose Test Garden and Japanese Garden

Portland is well known for these two gardens. The International Rose test garden is free to visit. It’s at its prime in the summer so go check out all of the roses!

The Japanese Garden is nearby. It boasts that it’s the best Japanese Garden outside of Japan. Pay the $22 entrance fee and enjoy wandering around the gardens.

Donuts and Food Carts

Portland is known for having an incredible food scene (especially if you’re gluten-free).

Try some of the wild donuts; this is where Voodoo Donuts got its start.

Then, find a food cart lot and eat at one of the many food carts in the area.

10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip

10 days is actually a pretty short trip around the Pacific Northwest. You’ll see a lot if you have a good place and move quickly. You could always cut out a location if you want. But, this itinerary allows you to see the highlights of a lot of things!

I hope you enjoy your trip. Drop me a note to let me know how it goes or how your plan is working out!