Seattle Day Trips Bundle

Mount Rainier National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders,

There’s still a wonderful day of Mount Rainier waiting for you! Longmire, Paradise and Stevens Canyon are open, bringing together forest scenery, waterfall stops, mountain views and plenty of reasons to pull over. Plan around 6–8 hours exploring these areas, with short walks, photo stops and a picnic break.

Sunrise Road is closed to vehicles because of wildfire activity, and the Ohanapecosh developed area is closed for construction. Focus your day on the open southern route, where some of Rainier’s most memorable scenery awaits.

No timed-entry reservation is required in 2026. Several scenic roads begin closing for the season October 19, with Stevens Canyon scheduled to close October 26, weather permitting. Check official road conditions and construction updates while planning and before leaving. Give yourself time to linger. Rainier rewards it!

Lizzie
Mt. Rainier tour writer

Olympic National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders!

Mossy rain forests, Lake Crescent’s shoreline and dramatic coastal scenery make Olympic a rewarding fall and winter adventure. Plan a full day for selected stops in one region, or several days to explore more at a relaxed pace.

Expect rain, shorter daylight and weather-dependent road access. Hurricane Ridge has limited winter opening days, and all vehicles must carry tire chains during its winter season.

Temporary October notice: Highway 101’s Hoh River Bridge is scheduled to reopen at noon October 13, then close nightly from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. through October 19. During those hours, traveling between northern and southern areas requires a drive around adding at least four hours. Hoh remains reachable from Forks. Rialto Beach access remains closed through October 15.

Check the bridge schedule and park road conditions before departure, then enjoy Olympic’s wonderfully wild side!

Matt and Andrew
Olympic tour writer and producer

North Cascades National Park Tour

Hi Shaka Guiders!

Newhalem’s history and Diablo Lake’s mountain scenery make the western North Cascades a rewarding half-day outing when roads are open. The broader tour can fill a day with high-country viewpoints and walks during the pass-road season.

Snow and avalanche conditions close SR20 through Rainy and Washington Pass in winter, usually from late November or early December until spring. Those eastern stops cannot be reached during the closure; plan your winter visit around accessible western stops instead. Services have seasonal hours.

Check WSDOT’s North Cascades Highway status and park road guidance while planning and before departure. If the alpine crossing is your highlight, I recommend visiting in its open season.

Matt
North Cascades tour writer