Ready to hit the road and pack in a whole bunch of wow in just one trip?
This Seattle to Portland road trip has it all—breathtaking nature, weird museums, small towns with big personalities, and countless photo (or snack) stops.
It’s the kind of drive where you’ll go from city skylines to volcano craters, glass art to wildflower trails, and end up somewhere that smells like coffee and books.
Get ready for a road trip you’ll want to do again and again.
1. Seattle, WA
Seattle sits in the northwest corner of Washington, framed by water, dense forests, and the snow-covered Mount Rainier that looks too perfect to be real.
It’s the home of the very first Starbucks, the futuristic Space Needle, and Pike Place Market, where people literally throw fish through the air.
If you’re into music, this city gave us grunge and Nirvana, and if tech’s your thing, it’s where Amazon set up shop—so yeah, Seattle’s kind of a big deal.
2. Tacoma, WA
Just about 40 minutes south of Seattle, Tacoma brings a totally different vibe.
Think cool art, old-school charm, and way less traffic.
It’s famous for its world-class glass art, especially the stunning Museum of Glass with its giant flame-blowing cone and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass.
Don’t forget to spend some time walking along the waterfront and exploring the quirky antique shops in town.
If you’re into your cars then you absolutely have to check out the vintage cars at LeMay (one of the biggest car museums on the planet).
3. Mount Rainier National Park (White River Entrance), WA
After soaking up the city sights, it’s time to trade buildings for trees at Mount Rainier National Park—an incredible scenery switch.
This place is all about wildflower-covered meadows, waterfalls crashing down cliffs, and the massive Mount Rainier itself towering at 14,410 feet.
And if you’re lucky, catch marmots sunbathing like tiny, furry hikers.
By going to the White River Entrance you’ll be able to see the ‘Sunrise’ area of the park.
Sunrise is actually the highest point in the park that you can reach by vehicle at a height of 6,400 feet above sea level!
Just be aware that the road to this entrance is only open for a few months out of the year so plan your trip accordingly.
4. Ashford, WA
If you thought you were done with Mount Rainier, then think again.
Near to the Nisqually Entrance of the National Park, Ashford is your cozy little town where flannel is the dress code and campfires are a nightly ritual.
By using the Nisqually Entrance you’ll be able to explore the ‘Paradise’ area of the park and Ashford is a great place to base yourself.
This tiny town is packed with rustic lodges, cozy cabins, and a few spots to grab a burger that tastes even better after a long hike.
It’s also the go-to place for booking guided climbs up Mount Rainier or snagging last-minute trail snacks.
5. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
A couple of hours south, Mount St. Helens brings the drama with an actual volcano that blew its top off in 1980 and reshaped the land around it.
You can walk through blast zones, see trees frozen mid-fall, and stare into the crater from spots like Windy Ridge Viewpoint (wild, right?).
It’s not just a science lesson in real life—it’s also a great hiking spot with trails that wind through lava fields, wildflowers, and jaw-dropping views.
6. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, WA
Not far from the Mount St. Helens, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge slows things down with peaceful wetlands and more birds than you can count (over 200 different species!).
This hidden gem near the Columbia River is perfect for spotting herons, eagles, and even the occasional beaver—yes, pack those binoculars.
You can cruise along the auto tour route or wander the walking trails where frogs croak, dragonflies zip by, and every step feels like a nature documentary in real life.
7. Portland, OR
And just like that, you’ve rolled into Portland.
This is a city that’s part hipster paradise, part book lover’s dream, and 100% delicious.
It boasts hundreds of food trucks, the giant Powell’s City of Books (seriously, it takes up a whole block), and more funky murals than you can count.
Whether you’re biking across bridges, eating voodoo doll-shaped donuts, or treasure hunting at Saturday Market, Portland keeps it weird in all the right ways.
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