Things To Do
Tacoma
Our Tacoma recommendations: - Dining: Antique Sandwiches, Dukes Chowder House, Blue Beard Coffee, The Lobster Shop, Copper & Salt - Point Defiance Park and Zoo and Owen Beach - Ruston Way Waterwalk - Museum of Glass - University of Puget Sound - Vashon Island Ferry
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is about 90 minutes from Tacoma. Our favorite trail is Skyline (5.5 miles) for the panoramic views, wildflowers, and flowing streams. After hiking, grab a late lunch or dinner at Blackberry Restaurant for delicious Nepalese food and pie. *Note: You will need a national parks annual or day pass to enter Mount Rainier and the Skyline or Paradise visitor centers. Bring good hiking shoes and clothes, plenty of water, and sun protection. Check the conditions and policies on the National Parks website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm. Other fun trails in the park: - Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 mile loop; flat) - Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls (1 mile; paved) - Silver Falls Trail (3 miles)
Olympic National Park
If you have a few extra days to explore farther west, we highly recommend visiting Olympic National Park. Some of our favorites: - Marymere Falls Trail (1.8 miles) - A lovely rainforest walk that ends at a beautiful waterfall. Afterwards, grab a fun drink at Lake Crescent Lodge or ice cream at Granny's Cafe. - Mount Storm King (4.3 miles) - Claire's favorite! The last quarter mile includes a slightly treacherous rope section, but if you’re up for it, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Lake Crescent. - Hoh Rainforest - Several beautiful trails begin at the visitor center, including the Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail. - Mount Townsend (8 miles) - A Janssen family favorite! A challenging hike with beautiful terrain and craggy rocks at the summit. - Hurricane Hill (3.4 miles) - A classic Olympic National Park hike full of wildlife and mountain views. - For the coast - We love Second Beach, Rialto Beach, and Ruby Beach.
Seattle
Our top Seattle recs: - Take the monorail to the Chihuly Glass Museum and Space Needle - Take a picture with the Fremont Troll and walk to Gas Works Park on Lake Union - Enjoy the beach at Golden Gardens or hike to the water at Carkeek or Discovery Park - Stroll about Volunteer Park and check out the botanical garden and Asian Art Museum - Explore Pike Place including the fish mongers, gum wall, and flower market
Cascade Range
For hiking closer to Seattle in the Cascade Mountain Range: - Little Si (3.5 miles) - 45 mins from Seattle - Rattlesnake Ledge (5 miles) - 45 mins from Seattle - Lake Annette (6 miles) - 50 mins from Seattle - Snow Lake Trail (6.5 miles) - 1 hour from Seattle - Lake Serene (7.8 miles) - 1 hour from Seattle - Mailbox Peak (7.7 miles) - 45 mins from Seattle