Washington Road Trip

The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. From North America’s only rainforest to towering glaciated peaks, an enchanting, craggy coastline, and massive pines, the PNW has everything you need for the adventure of a lifetime. From the city on the Sound in Seattle, you can easily access three national parks within a few short hours: Mount Rainier National Park, Northern Cascades National, and the Olympic National Park. In this 7-day itinerary, we tackle two of Washington’s most pristine national parks, Mount Rainier and Northern Cascades, as well as the charming mountain town of Leavenworth, while traveling from our Escape Vans location in Seattle.

Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park & North Cascades National Park

This 7-day Washington road trip takes campers to North Cascades National Park, where alpine lakes and glaciers dominate the landscape. Next, you’ll travel to the charming mountain town of Leavenworth before heading south to Mount Rainier National Park, where the PNW’s tallest mountain rises over 14,000 feet into the sky.  Pick up your Escape camper van at our Seattle location and start your journey. 

Travel Time from Seattle to Mount Rainier, Northern Cascades, and Back to Seattle

This itinerary covers 562 miles with 10 hours and 59 minutes of driving. We recommend 7 days for this Washington road trip. 

Washington Road Trip through the Mountains Stops

 

North Cascades National Park, WA 

After picking up your Escape Camper Van at our Seattle location, head north towards North Cascades National Park and watch the landscape around you transform. The park is marked by alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers. It’s bisected by the Ross Lake Recreation Area, which contains three mountain lakes along the Skagit River. The park system offers travelers everything from otherworldly hikes and climbs to dips in ice-cold alpine lakes and over 300 glaciers. North Cascades National Park is the most glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska. As a national park, North Cascades offers an abundance of camping opportunities, from dispersed camping on federal land to park-maintained campgrounds and nearby private campsites. Check out these apps to find dispersed camping. 

Camping in North Cascades National Park 

Colonial Creek Campground–State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283: Located near the shores of the glistening Diablo Lake, Colonial Creek offers creek-side and forested campgrounds by reservation from May to September.  Goodell Creek Campground– State Rte 20, Marblemount, WA 98267: Located off the North Cascades Highway on the west side of the park, this campground has 19 first-come, first-serve campsites and two large reservable areas for groups.  The Cascade River Retreat is a private campground in Marblemount, WA, along the Cascade River. This campsite is a Native American Homestead offering riverside camping near the park.   

Hikes & Adventures in North Cascades National Park

Thornton Lake Trail: This difficult 9-mile out-and-back hike climbs 3,000 feet to one of the park’s most pristine mountain lakes. Thornton Lake Trail is popular as both a day hike and for backpacking. Register with the park if you plan to camp overnight.  Thunder Knob Trail: This 3.4 mile out and back is a moderately easy hike with only 675 feet of elevation gain. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with views of an electric blue alpine lake that has to be seen to be believed.  Desolation Peak Trail Via Ross Lake: In 1965, Jack Kerouac manned the fire tire at Desolation Peak. His time there inspired his novel Desolation Angels. This strenuous trail climbs for over 4,500 feet over 8.7 miles.  Rainy Lake: This 2.0-mile out-and-back is an easy hike that ends with a stunning alpine lake. Enjoy lake views and mid-hike dips on this easy trail.  Visit Stehekin: Stehekin is an isolated community located on the shores of Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in the United States. There are only 75 permanent residents and no road access.   Travelers can visit Stehekin by taking the Stehekin Ferry launches from Field’s Point Landing, backpacking to the town, or seaplane. There are campgrounds within Stehekin.  

Where to Eat in North Cascades National Park 

The Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a long day in the mountains or fuel up before taking a dip in a chilly mountain lake. This casual eatery offers phenomenal views of Lake Chelan.  Stehekin Pastry Company offers fresh pastries and full pies along with their full breakfast and lunch menus. This quaint family-owned bakery has become a staple of the local community.  The Sun Mountain Lodge Restaurant offers a fine dining experience immersed in the natural beauty of the Methow Valley. The Sun Mountain Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an exquisite wine list and a diverse, seasonal menu. 

Leavenworth, WA

Leavenworth is a small mountain town cradled by Washington’s Cascade Mountains. This tiny town has deep German roots, which are evident in everything from the architecture to the cuisine. Beyond the abundance of Bavarian culture, Leavenworth offers unparalleled access to some of Washington’s most majestic mountains and trails. Leavenworth sits just south of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and near Lake Wenatchee State Park, so there are plenty of camping opportunities both for dispersed camping and reservable campsites. Beyond camping in state and federal forests, there are dozens of private campsite options around town. 

Camping in Leavenworth

Lake Wenatchee State Park-21588 WA-207, Leavenworth, WA 98826: Lake Wenatchee State Park offers year-round camping with RV hook-up sites and group tent sites within the state park. Reservations are required. On occasion, same-day reservations are available.  Eight Mile Campground– Icicle Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826: Eightmile Campground, located along Icicle Creek, sits just outside of town and offers a mix of reservable campsites and first-come, first-serve sites. The campground is located on federal land within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.  Earthlight Camping-35 Rivendell Rd, Orondo, WA 98843: Earthlight Camping is a private campground located outside of town that offers campers 8 sites with complete privacy in the Washington wilderness. With campsite views of the Columbia River, this private campsite cannot be beaten. 

Leavenworth Hikes & Activities 

Colchuck Lake Via Stuart Lake Trail: This arduous hike stretches for nearly 9 miles as part of the Enchantments Trail. The Enchantments is a popular backpacking route with a lottery system for permits that takes hikers 20 miles through the famed Asgard Pass. Hiking to Colchuck Lake gives day hikers a taste of the brutal climb the Enchantments offers, as well as the surreal beauty.  Float the Wenatchee River: Spend a leisurely day tubing in the gently flowing Wenatchee River. Floating the river is the perfect way to unwind after hiking in the mountains. Rent your tube at the Leavenworth Outdoor Center.  Tour a Vineyard: Eastern and Central Washington produce some of the country’s finest wines. Tour one of the nearby vineyards or visit a downtown tasting room.  Visit Waterfront Park & Blackbird Island: Waterfront Park near Leavenworth is the perfect dose of nature near town. HIke the 2-mile loop, take a dip in the lake, or kayak and paddleboard on a warm summer day.  Icicle Ridge Trail is a moderate 4.8 mile out and back hike that takes hikers up roughly 1700 feet of elevation. 

Where to Eat in Leavenworth 

Mana serves an elegant farm-to-table dinner menu created by renowned chef Colin Patterson. If you’re looking for a multi-course date night spot, Mana should be at the top of your list.  München Haus is a staple of Leavenworth and the place to go to experience the town’s Bavarian roots. This German-style beer and food haul serves classic Bavarian dishes with the decor to match.  Tumwater Bakery is located in town on a small side street. This bakery offers a wide selection of baked goods as well as full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are best known for their pizza.  J5 Coffee is Leavenworth’s go-to coffee shop and breakfast spot, serving baked goods, fresh coffee, and breakfast.