Western Washington National Park Circle Tour

Back on Highway 542, and unto I-5, today’s journey will take you from Northwest region into North Central region of Washington State. This generally sunny region stretches from the eastern slope of the Cascade Range across the upper Columbia River Basin and to the surrounding high desert. Colorful towns serve as handy bases for alpine hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and skiing and snowboarding.

Arriving in the town of Leavenworth, WA, with its Bavarian-inspired architecture and walkable downtown, this mountain hamlet abounds with spirited festivals and enchanting boutiques, bistros, beer ga,dens, and unique attractions such as its renowned Nutcracker Museum.

Spent the afternoon in this charcter town, and enjoy a toast to the Pacific Northwest.

Overnight in Leavenworth, WA.

Continuing driving through the North Central Region today, you will first drive further East into the region toward the desert area and visit the Wild Horse Windfarm Visitor.

The wind and sun of Kittitas County are a tremendous natural resource for producing clean, renewable energy. Set high on a ridge, the Windfarm’s Renewable Energy Center provides visitors with an up-close look at the facility’s 149 wind turbines, as well as 360 degree views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Basin.

If time permits, drive further east to visit the Wild Horse Monument. The road sign calls it Wild Horses Monument, but the real name of this artwork is ”Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies.”; created by Chewelah sculptor David Govedare (1950-2021), it was to be completed and then presented as a gift during Washington’s Centennial celebration in 1989. And despite the work on it having begun in 1989, it remains incomplete to date.

Return to Ellensburg for a late lunch, and discover thriving art spaces and upbeat bars and restaurants in this compact historic city that is home to Central Washington University and the rollicking Ellensburg Rodeo over Labor day weekend.

Driving south on I-84 and at the foot of Yakima Valley, sits the City of Yakima, your pit stop for this leg of the trip. Its central location within the State of Washington has earned its name as the Heart of Washington. Sip on wines from local award-winning Craft Beer and Wineries, and enjoy a soothing evening in this vibrant city in the desert.

This region is the known as the Wine Country in Washington State, which is also the location for the oldest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the Pacific Northwest. Nourished by soil wrought from volcanic eruptions, Ice ages, and massive floods, the region produces some of the Nations most sought-after wines. As you drive through the region, visit the many award winning vinters for some of their famous cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlots.

Continuing driving south on Highway 97 and crossing over the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge, your trip will actually take you over the State boundry and into Oregon State. Drive along Interstate 84 and head West towards Portland, you will witness the 80-miles long stretch of soaring cliffs and ridges of the Columbia River Gorge.

At the historic town of Cascade Locks, you will again cross the State line back into Washington by driving over on the Bridge of the Gods that spans over the mighty Columbia River. Here, you will arrive at tonight’s pitstop of Skamania Lodge. Built in 1993 with rustic, turn-of-the-century, Cascadian architecture, it offers upscale, nature-focused accommodations, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.

Countinuing the trip, we are now entering the Southwest Region of Washington State.

You will first drive West on Highway 14, and reach the City of Vancouver, Washington. It is one of the fastest growing, and Washington’s largest city on the Columbia River. Vancouver’s rich history invites exploration—from the Indigenous peoples who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, to the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1806 and the early roots of the Pacific Northwest. Explore its stories that are still visible in the city’s landmarks, trails, and cultural sites.

Continue driving north on I-5, until Highway marker 68, and turn onto US Route 12 toward Mount Rainier National Park. Along the way, visit the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad at Elby Washington and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mt. Rainier by stepping aboard and take a ride through history, pulled by a vintage steam locomotive through forests, farmland, and foothills rich with stories of resilience and ingenuity. Every mile of restored track and every whistle echo reminds us of the generations who were effected by westward expansion, built, logged, maintained, and lived along these rails.

Make stop at the Paradise Valley Hotel where you will be spending the night.

Today’s itinerary will trade up the rigrous mountains of the Cascades for the evergreen rainforest of the Peninsulas. Drive north toward Tacoma, WA, and continue on a scenic drive up Route 16 to Port Townsend.

Stroll among the stately Victoira buildings of this maritime community known for its eclectic festivals, cozy cafes and boutiques, and engaging historic sites. Visit the Fort Worden Hlstorlcal State Park & Point No Point Lighthouse This well-preserved lighthouses and former military outposts present hands-on opportunities to discover the rich maritime heritage of the area.

Overnight in Port Townsend.

Continuing driving westward to Port Angeles.

As a coastal city, Port Angeles is the perfect place to begin an exploration of Olympic National Park. This spectacular 1,442-square­mile wonder preserves the quintessential landscapes of the Pacific Northwest: temperate rain forests, soaring snowcapped mountain peaks, pure alpine lakes, tranquil old­growth forests, and sweeping driftwood-strewn beaches.

In Port Angeles, visit its vibrant waterfront communities, or simply soak in a panoramic view of the Olympic National Park as its backdrop. Take some time and visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, and receive a crash course on the importance of the Rainforest that breaths life into the Pacific Northwest.

Driving on Hurrican Ridge Road, this scenic, 45 mintues drive will lead you from sea-level to an iconic landmark in Olympic National Park, the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, sitting at 5,242 feet.

In the afternoon, continue driving westward to Forks, Washington, the rainiest town in the contiguous US. Discover the region’s logging history while in town!

Overnight in Forks, WA

Did you know? The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park’s most popular destinations.

In the morning, take a 50 minute drive to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and learn the past and the significance this improtant Rainforest.

By the afternoon, return to Port Angeles for your ferry to Vicotira, BC across the Straigth of Juan de Fuca of the Salish Sea.

Nestled between the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea and the mighty rainforests of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a city unlike any other. This capital city of British Columbia is filled with hoistoric artifacts, and its buildings were constructed with an European flare.

Feel free to roam the streets of Downtown Victoria in the evening, and quickly fall in-love with this romantic City by the waters.

Overnight in Victoria, BC

Head to the Malahat Skywalk for an unobstructed view of the Saanich Inlet and its surroundings. Offering guests a special connection to nature, this architecturally stunning experience features a 600-metre elevated walkway through Arbutus and Douglas Fir treetops leading to a 10-storey spiral tower with panoramic views of the Salish Sea.

Return to Greater Victoria area and visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisguard Lighthouse; this is another important piece of history the Pacific Norhtwest, as it served as protection and safe harbour for many during its peak.

Before returning to Vancouver, make sure you make a stop at the World Famouse Butchard Gardens and savour its stories before this journey draws to a close as you return to Vancouver in the evening.