If you’re like us, you’re in Seattle because you love the outdoors. Living in Washington gives us access to two mountain ranges, three national parks, eight national forests, 670 square miles of BLM Land, and 28,000 miles (about 45061.63 km) of shoreline. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or not getting outside yet while living in Seattle, read on for some quick weekend trips. There are dozens of convenient weekend destinations just a stone’s throw from Seattle, whether you’re popping over to the Cascades, heading west to the Olympics, south to Oregon, or crossing the border to Canada. Gearhouse is your one-stop shop for all things adventure in Seattle, from trip planning to gear rentals. Our team put together a list of Our Favorite Weekend Trips from Seattle to inspire you to hit the road this summer. Dive in below!
In-State Weekend Trips from Seattle
Leavenworth, Washington
For many Washington residents, Leavenworth serves as the gateway to the Cascades. This Bavarian-inspired mountain town attracts tourists from around the country with its old-world charm and plethora of tourist attractions. The real magic in Leavenworth lies just outside of town in the nearby peaks and lakes. Leavenworth gives travelers access to some of the most breathtaking trails in the Cascade Range, like the Enchantments, Icicle Gorge Trail, Lake Wenatchee, and Lake Valhalla Trail. Leavenworth is just two to three hours from the city, making it one of the most convenient and ideal weekend trips from Seattle.
Olympic National Park
For a mix of surfing, trekking, and coastal exploration, take the ferry across the Sound (or drive the long way to the south of Hood Canal) and head to the Olympic Peninsula. Olympic National Park spans a whopping one million acres of protected wilderness, which includes glaciated mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and roughly 70 miles of coastline. Olympic National Park possesses an overwhelming amount of adventure, and it can be tough to know where to begin. Most visitors to the park stick to the coastline and beach hikes, but the mountains are well worth your time. Some of our favorite hikes on the Olympic Peninsula include the Hall of Moses, Hurricane Hill, Rialto Beach Trail, and Mount Ellinor.
Mount Rainier National Park
Perhaps the most quintessential weekend trip from Seattle is the 2-hour drive to Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier dominates the Seattle skyline, towering above the city to the south at a gargantuan height of 14,411 feet. While summiting Rainier is on every Washington adventurer’s bucket list, there’s so much more to the park than conquering the largest mountain in the Cascades. Home to powerful waterfalls and rivers, 155 hiking trails, and some of the best Mount Rainier views around, a weekend trip to Mountain Rainier National Park should be on every Seattleites bucket list.
Out-of-State Weekend Trips from Seattle
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Travel south along the coast for just under 4 hours into Oregon, and you’ll arrive at Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is one of Oregon’s most picturesque beach towns, where surfers, beachgoers, and hikers marvel in the shadow of the iconic Haystack Rock. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous weekend of surfing and coastal exploration or a relaxing escape full of brewery visits, dinners out, and beach walks, Cannon Beach, Oregon is the ultimate coastal weekend trip from Seattle.
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, is the PNW mountain town to which all others are compared. Bend is a mecca of adventure where climbers, skiers, hikers, and adventurers of all walks of life gather. Bend is a world-renowned destination celebrated equally for its outdoor recreation access and natural beauty. Located just south of Smith Rock State Park, Bend, Oregon, attracts climbers and mountain lovers from all over the world. With an electric food and brewery scene, unapparelled outdoor access, and pristine wilderness, the 6-hour drive from Seattle is more than worth it.
Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada
Located on the northwest corner of Vancouver Island, Tofino serves as the capital of Canadian surfing and coastal adventure. While Tofino is roughly a 7-hour drive from Seattle, it caps off the list of our favorite weekend trips from Seattle because of its diverse offerings. Beyond the world-class surf, Tofino possesses miles of rocky coastline, just waiting to be explored. From whale watching to hiking in Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino is truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
Head to Gearhouse to stock up on outdoor gear for your next weekend away. Our trip planning department will help you carve out the ultimate weekend itinerary for your next adventure.
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