We had heard from so many friends that the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, so we decided to check it out over a long weekend. We still need to visit during the winter, but we’re fairly convinced we’ll make somewhere in Washington or Oregon “home” when we retire because it is absolutely breathtaking! For this trip we stayed in two places, Seattle and Port Angeles. From Seattle, we spent our first day at Mt. Rainier National Park and the last day exploring the city. In the middle of our trip, we used Port Angeles as a base to hit four different areas of Olympic National Park located on the Olympic Peninsula. We visited in May, so aside from a little fog, the weather and temperature were near perfect. Olympic is Nick’s favorite park, because it comprises some of the most diverse biomes in such a small area: green and snow-capped mountains, pebble-lined beaches, and lush rainforest. So understandably, we recommend northwestern Washington to anyone who has a soft spot for nature.
What We Did
Mount Rainier National Park: What a beautiful park! When we visited, it was really foggy on the snow fields, but honestly, it added to the mysterious atmosphere that is the PNW ($30/vehicle for one day). We did quite a bit of driving around, but when we finally got out to hike around, we saw some of the gorgeous waterfalls the park has to offer.
Myrtle Falls: At about 0.9 mi round-trip and 150 feet of elevation gain, this was a nice, easy, short hike. Again, it was super foggy, but the path was well-marked, and there was quite a bit of snow to have a snowball fight on the way to and from the falls.
Narada Falls: I don’t think we did the “official” trail, but we stopped right off the road to see these famous, feathery falls. We were happy that we stopped.
Comet Falls: We honestly don’t remember hiking very far to this beautiful spot. But, according to the Internet, it’s about a 3.8 mi round-trip hike with 900 feet of elevation gain. Nick went down to the bottom of the falls and got soaked from the spray! There’s also Christine Falls right by the road, which is also really beautiful.
Olympic National Park (in the order we did it):
Hurricane Ridge: We mostly just wandered around the general visitor center area for a couple of hours taking in the views. They’re amazing.
We stopped for a photo at Lake Crescent en route to the Hoh Rainforest and beach, which has great views we were able to enjoy.
Hoh Rainforest: We went on the short round-trip Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses hikes near the visitor center (1.2 and 0.8 mi, respectively), as well as about half a mile down the Olympic Hot Spring Trail, which were a perfect taste of the forest given we didn’t have much time. However, we’re really looking forward to walking these mystical forests again!
Rialto Beach: This was by far my favorite part of the trip. It’s tough to describe just how magical the combination of deep rainbow-colored beach pebbles, towering sea stacks, massive ancient Redwood tree driftwood, tidal pools filled with brightly colored anemones, and sky-enveloping fog. Walking those beaches is something I could do every day.
Seattle
Fremont Troll: I don’t know of anything else like this cement troll installation. Parking was tough when we went around midday, but we’re glad we got the photo op.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: $59/person for this AND the Space Needle when we visited during the day (bundle saves about $10), but this place is really spectacular. The glass exhibits are so beautifully made, and there are installations both inside and outside. You can take some cool pictures of glass with the Space Needle in the background.
Space Needle: Again, $59/person to do this and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. The iconic spire is worth the visit solely for the unbelievable views of the surrounding Seattle area.
Pike Place Market: Fun to just walk around and people-watch. Check out the fish market (the guys working add a bit of entertaining flair when moving fish around), artists selling their work, and the beautiful views of the water. Make sure to take some time to hang out around the grassy area across the way from the “original” Starbucks!
Gum Wall: Fun photo stop and an opportunity to add your contribution :P’’’’’
Food
Starbucks Reserve: Big lines that move fast, but worth a visit once. We had the reserve that used to only be sold at this location. Once through the line, we enjoyed our coffee on the green area across the street on a beautiful, sunny day.
Bathtub Gin and Co.: Hidden speakeasy-type bar with fancy mixed drinks. Difficult to find on purpose, so hopefully this link will help you out. A woman tried to help us in exchange for a cigarette, which was awkward since we don’t smoke…
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