Exploring the Pacific Northwest on Points: Olympic, Rainier & North Cascades (with a Detour to Vashon Island)

🎙️ Listen to Wonderland On Points Episode 115

There's something magical about the Pacific Northwest—misty coastlines, moss-draped forests, towering peaks, and glacial lakes that shimmer like gemstones. For travelers with a love of nature (and a Southwest Companion Pass in hand), this region offers an unforgettable adventure through three of Washington’s most spectacular national parks—Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades—plus a whimsical side trip to Vashon Island. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a scenic drive connoisseur, this 10-day journey packs in bucket-list stops, cozy overnights, and loads of point-friendly travel hacks.

🛬 Getting There: Flying In on Points

Start your journey by flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). SEA is a hub for Alaska Airlines as well as Delta, start your flight search there. Remember, sometimes Delta reward flights can be booked through Virgin Atlantic for less. OR if you have a Southwest Companion Pass, you can cut travel costs and bring a friend along for just the cost of taxes and fees. After landing, pick up your rental car (tip: book through Costco and monitor with Autoslash for price drops), and you're ready to hit the road.

🏞️ Days 1–3: Olympic National Park – Tide Pools, Rain Forests & Beaches

Olympic National Park is nature’s variety pack: rugged coastline, ancient rainforests, and alpine ridges all wrapped into one.

Highlights:

• Madison Falls for a gentle walk to a picturesque cascade.

• Beach 4 and Rialto Beach’s Hole-in-the-Wall for phenomenal tidepooling (plan around the tides!).

• The famous Tree of Life near Kalaloch.

• Hike the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest and visit Lake Quinault Lodge.

• Wrap up your days with sunset and stargazing at Ruby Beach.

🛏️ Overnight Base: Dew Drop Inn (Forks, WA) – affordable, centrally located, and points-friendly.

🍴 Food Tip: Try the frybread tacos at Longhouse Restaurant and grab a slice at Dino’s Pizza.

🚢 Optional Add-On: Vashon Island – Art, Coffee & Coastal Views

On your way from Olympic to Rainier, take a detour via the Point Defiance Ferry Terminal in Tacoma and spend a relaxing day exploring Vashon Island.

Must-See Stops:

• Oscar the Bird King Troll – a forest sculpture straight out of folklore.

• Point Robinson Lighthouse – perfect for photos with Mt. Rainier in the distance.

• Vashon Coffee Roasterie – part historic museum, part artisan café.

• Vashon Country Store & Farm – browse gifts and enjoy local vibes.

🏔️ Days 4–5: Mount Rainier National Park – Wildflowers & Waterfalls

Now it’s time to get up close and personal with Washington’s most iconic peak. Mount Rainier dominates the skyline and the trails here are among the state’s best.

Day 4 Highlights:

• Comet Falls – one of the tallest and most photogenic waterfalls in the park.

• Reflection Lakes, Christine Falls, and Myrtle Falls for easy-access beauty.

Day 5 Must-Do:

• The Skyline Trail Loop via Golden Gate. This 5.5-mile hike has it all: marmots, meadows, and panoramic views of Rainier, Baker, and Adams.

🛏️ Overnight Base: Gateway Inn – rustic charm right near the park entrance.

🍴 Dining Picks: Copper Creek Inn (legendary blackberry pie!) and Basecamp Bar & Grill.

Day 6: Leavenworth – Bavarian Charm in the Cascades

• To position for North Cascades National Park, head to Leavenworth, a charming alpine-style town.

Along the Way:

• Stop at Franklin Falls for a short, scenic hike.

• Visit the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery to learn about salmon conservation.

• For something quirky, check out the Creation Museum.

🛏️ Stay: Icicle Village Resort – great for families and couples alike.

🍴 Dinner: Embrace the Bavarian spirit at München Haus or Andreas Keller.

🏔️ Days 7–9: North Cascades National Park – Washington’s Wildest Gem

Often overlooked, North Cascades is a hiker’s paradise full of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and serene forests.

Day 7 Choices:

• Boat ride on Lake Chelan to see Rainbow Falls, or

• Hike Maple Pass Loop or Blue Lake Trail for alpine bliss.

Day 8 Key Stops:

• Washington Pass Overlook, Thunder Knob Trail, Diablo Lake Vista, and the Trail of the Cedars.

Day 9 Crown Jewel:

• Hike to Cascade Pass + Doubtful Lake (9.5 miles RT). This is one of the most beautiful trails in the state, with glacier views that will leave you speechless.

🛏️ Overnights: Mt. Gardner Inn or Skagit Base Camp (great Airbnb/VRBO options nearby).

🍴 Eats: Methow Valley Ciderhouse, Upriver Grill & Taproom, and don’t miss dessert at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe.

🏁 Day 10: Concrete Curiosities & Back to Seattle

Before heading back to SeaTac, make a final fun stop in the quirky town of Concrete.

Fun Stops:

• 5b’s Bakery for a hearty breakfast.

• Baker River Fish Trap & Hatchery to witness salmon migration.

• Lower Baker Dam Overlook for a quick scenic finale.

Final Thoughts

This 10-day road trip showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest's wilderness with a little whimsy along the way. Whether you’re tidepooling in Olympic, hiking skyline ridges in Rainier, or chasing waterfalls in the North Cascades, this journey is ideal for nature lovers who know how to stretch their points for big adventure.

🎙️ Listen to Wonderland On Points Episode 115 for more tips and a preview of what you'll experience along the way! Huge thanks to our Travel Journalist friend, Cami, for joining us on this episode.

Get the FULL Itinerary HERE.