Seattle is often known for its booming tech industry and as the birthplace of Amazon and Starbucks. However, did you know, that within an hour or two drive from downtown (minus traffic of course!) you can find yourself in some of the most unique nature across the country? Here are the best day trips from Seattle you must experience for yourself!
San Juan Islands
It’s a stretch to say that you can truly do this in a single day, but the ferry terminal in Anacortes, WA that takes you to the San Juan Islands, is only about an hour and a half away from Seattle. Make sure you make reservations for the ferry if you plan on taking your vehicle, otherwise you could spend your entire day waiting to grab some of the few precious last-minute spots available. From Anacortes, you can go to any of the San Juan Islands such as Shaw, Lopez, Orcas, or San Juan Island. A visit to San Juan Island will take you into the quaint tourist town of Friday Harbor where you can have a phenomenal dining experience at Mike’s Cafe and Wine Bar or book a full day sailing excursion to potentially see the Southern Resident Killer Whales!
North Cascades National Park
Just a hair under 2 hours to the northeast, you’ll find yourself in North Cascades National Park, which boasts glacier-topped peaks, booming waterfalls, deep valleys, and lush forest. Over 99% of the park is considered wilderness, which means you’ll have to get out and hike along the 400 miles of trails in order to experience it all. But, if you just have an afternoon to spend, you can drive along Route 20 to some of the best views this park has to offer, like stunning Diablo Lake.
Big Four Ice Caves
Located about an hour and a half away from Seattle, the Big Four Ice Caves are one of the most unique natural spectacles in the area. Forming in the shadows of Big Four Mountain, the ice caves are made by avalanche debris that congregates at the base of the mountain. Beware, do not enter the caves themselves as the melt causes chunks of ice to fall from the ceiling and people have been killed in the caves. It’s best to stay safe and experience the awe from a distance. This is the most popular hike in the entire Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and brings in over 50,000 visitors per year, so expect some company on the trails.
Snoqualmie Falls
Located 30 minutes east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall that is extremely accessible. If you’re a fan of the show Twin Peaks, you may recognize this place! There is a very large parking lot located just a quick walk from the falls but can definitely fill up quickly so you may have to make a few loops to find a spot. On the observation deck, you are granted the full view of the falls where you will be able to take that iconic shot.
Mount Rainier National Park
An hour and forty minutes to the southeast brings you right into the heart of Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier has one of the most complex glacier systems located in the lower 48 states and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world! Over 97% of the park is designated as wilderness so there will be no further development in that area. Take a close look at the trees as you’re walking around, you’ll notice many of them are bent and twisted and that is because they are buried by as much as 30 feet of snow during the winter! If you see the top of the mountain, consider yourself lucky! Nearly 300 days of the year it is at least partially, if not fully, obscured by clouds.
Where are your favorite day trips from Seattle? Let us know down below in the comments!
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