Three spectacular national parks are within 100 miles of the city. Olympic is home to temperate rainforests, Sound-of-Music-esque ridges and pristine alpine lakes. Mount Rainier National Park offers incredible views of โThe Mountainโ from both easy and advanced hiking trails (want to sound like a local? Saying โthe mountain is outโ is a great way to announce clear, sunny skies!). The underrated North Cascades National Park is a gem, with majestic peaks hiding around every corner – hikers shouldnโt miss this one!
Looking for water adventures? Hop a ferry to the San Juans and lose yourself in the artsy culture, fresh seafood and stunning sunsets of this island chain.
HUB
Seattle, Washington
SEASON
June – September
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
20 Minutes
Recommended Trip Length
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
4-6 Days
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
4-6 Days
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
3-4 Days
NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK
3-4 Days
Kick off your adventure by hopping a ferry to Bainbridge Island and continuing west to the Olympic Peninsula, home to Olympic National Park – nearly a million acres of wilderness and incredibly diverse ecosystems. Trek to stunning 360-degree ocean and mountain views, kayak on glacier-carved lakes, meander past cascading waterfalls tucked under towering evergreen trees, and take a dip in natural hot springs. Make your way along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Cape Flattery, the furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United States. Further south, the Hoh Rain Forest is not to be missed – one of the few protected temperate rainforests in the Northern Hemisphere, it boasts more shades of green than youโve ever imagined. You can even trek with llamas and float the Hoh River! Round out your Olympic Peninsula adventure by exploring the tidal pools at Kalaloch or combing for garnet-colored sand at Ruby Beach.
Insider Recommendations
One of the most visited national parks, Mount Rainier is dominated by its namesake mountain – an active volcano that is over a mile taller than the adjacent peaks! Although itโs the most glaciated precipice in the contiguous USA, during the summer months you can hike among wildflowers at Paradise, trek to dramatic waterfalls, mountain bike through the high alpine wilderness or take a scenic gondola up Crystal Mountain. The park is flanked on the north and south by two stunning scenic byways, and a plethora of state park and national forest land means that you can have as few or as many neighbors as youโd like! Keep an eye out for the sasquatchโฆ
Insider Recommendations
About two and a half hours northeast of our Seattle campervan hub lies North Cascades National Park, a rugged landscape of staggering alpine beauty. This vast wilderness, speckled with turquoise lakes and home to over 300 glaciers, is one of the least-visited national parks in the United States, attracting fewer than 20,000 visitors in 2021. The North Cascades are a true hikerโs paradise – uncrowded trails, pristine lakes, and narrow forested valleys capped by jagged mountain peaks. Drive the North Cascades Scenic Highway, hike a myriad of spectacular trails, take in the views at multiple stunning overlooks and kayak on impossibly blue waters. Set out on an overnight backpacking trip for some quiet wilderness exploration. Be one of the 20,000 and come see the โNorth American Alpsโ for yourself – youโre bound to want to return.
Insider Recommendations
Between Vancouver Island and the Washington mainland, the San Juan Islands dot the straits dividing the United States and Canada. Although there are over 450 islands, rocks and pinnacles in the archipelago, there are only four islands serviced by the Washington State Ferry system: Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw. Each isle has a distinct flavor; slow down to โisland timeโ and take a few days to explore this wonderful corner of the globe brimming with outdoor adventure.
On San Juan, peruse Friday Harbor with its bustling boutiques and eateries before breaking out the binoculars at Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the country for on-shore whale watching. Hop the ferry to Orcas and spend a couple days kayaking the inlets, hiking around mountain lakes and feasting on fresh seafood. Take a day to cycle around Lopez, where friendly locals call out hellos as you peddle past. Consider adding a Canadian adventure – the San Juan ferry continues to Sidney, BC, gateway to historic Victoria and wild Vancouver Island.
Insider Recommendations
Explore the wilderness around Jackson Hole, Wyoming with our fully planned campervan tours.
Did You Know: Excited about all the possibilities and potential, but not sure where to begin? Click below to download a free copy of our Moterra Insiderโs Guide to do a deeper dive into our favorite routes and recommendations, as well as access more detailed information about campgrounds and activities to help you maximize your time in these beautiful areas.
ABOUT MOTERRA
307.200.7220 / info@gomoterra.com
1565 W. Berger Ln, Jackson, Wyoming (Headquarters)
ยฉ 2019-2023 Copyright Moterra Campervans
ยฉ 2019-2023 Copyright Moterra Campervans
