12 Epic Day Trips From Seattle You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re visiting Seattle or just looking for a fun way to spend a day in the Pacific Northwest, these Seattle day trips will get you out of the hustle and bustle of this 4M+ metro population and into nature, where you will surely have an enjoyable time.

Most of these are outdoor activities, but some are pretty chill, while others require more driving with the potential for epic hikes and views along the way. However you choose to spend your day trip from Seattle, I’m positive you’ll have a great time!

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Don’t Miss These Awesome Seattle Day Trips

1. Explore Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee

One of the most popular areas in Washington is the Leavenworth area. The cute Bavarian-styled town has great food, breweries, and festivals like Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets. This is also near the famous Enchantments hike, which draws tens of thousands annually.

Another great place to hang out is Lake Wenatchee. There’s camping, paddleboarding, and more at this stunning lake. (Snowshoe options are also available in the winter.)

Best time to do this: Year round

RELATED: Five-day itinerary for Leavenworth and Lake Chelan

2. Check out Mount Rainier National Park

The greatest attraction in Washington is Mount Rainier National Park. It is a 2.5—to 3-hour drive from Seattle, and it is magnificent to spend a day there. While I highly recommend doing more than just a Seattle day trip, still make it happen if that’s all you can do.

You can choose from the Paradise or Sunrise side for the most popular hikes or visit the less crowded areas at Mowich Lake or Carbon River.

In 2024, Mount Rainier instituted their first time-entry permit during the summer months. It’s unknown if this will continue or if it was just a one-time test. (I expect it’ll continue.)

As for winter excursions, the road to Paradise Visitor Center is open weather permitting year-round, but they make you get out by 4 or 5pm.

Top hikes in the area:

• Skyline Loop Trail
• Fremont Lookout
• Burroughs Mountain Trail
• Tolmie Peak Lookout
• Grand Park
• Dege Peak
• Pinnacle Peak
• Snow and Bench Lakes
• Tipsoo Lake

Best time to do this: Summer and Fall

3. Take a Whale Watching Trip

There are multiple places to set off for your whale-watching expeditions. You can do it in downtown Seattle, Edmonds, or Bellingham. I’ve done the Edmonds one with Puget Sound Express (twice) and San Juan Cruises in Bellingham.

However, I can understand those spending time in Seattle will find the local one much easier to access.

While humpbacks can be spotted in the area, the PNW’s claim to fame is our orcas. We have them year-round but tend to be more prevalent in winter and early spring.

Best time to do this: Year Round (though summer offers the best weather)

4. Go Kayaking on Lake Washington

Trying to keep your drive time short? That’s okay! Head to the north side of Lake Washington at Juanita Beach and rent kayaks at Seattle Paddle. Jaimie and I spent a lovely day on the water before heading to Woodinville for wine tasting.

Best time to do this: Summer (or any sunny day)

5. Hike near Mount Baker at Artist Point

One of the most scenic areas in the entire state, Artist Point is a cheat code for photography and views. It’s one of the highest paved roads in the state, giving you unparalleled access to the North Cascades and views that would otherwise require a sizeable hike to reach.

The road usually opens by the end of June. Until then, you can park at the Mount Baker Ski Resort and snowshoe the two miles up to Artist Point. It’s a magnificent way to spend a day trip from Seattle.

How to enjoy Artist Point:

• Take photos at Picture Lake
• Hike Chain Lakes Loop
• Walk out to Huntoon Point
• Hike Ptarmigan Ridge
• Explore Yellow Aster Butte
• Hike to Winchester Lookout

Best time to do this: Summer and fall (though you can ski/snowboard/snowshoe in the winter)

6. Drive up to Bellingham

If traffic is light, it’s an easy 90-minute drive from Seattle entirely on I-5. Bellingham is an adorable city and is a fantastic home base for a calm weekend, exploring the outdoors, getting on the water, or a pitstop before venturing into Canada.

Whatever you plan to do, spend some time in B-Ham, as you’ll love it!

Things to do around Bellingham:

• Whatcom Falls
• Whale watching
• Chuckanut Drive
• Lake Whatcom
• Go Wine Tasting
• Check out breweries

Best time to do this: Year Round, but Summer is best

7. Head out to Bainbridge Island or Whidbey Island

A short ferry ride from Seattle/Edmonds will get you onto Bainbridge Island or Whidbey Island. Here, you can explore the shops, go wine tasting, or find some less-visited areas in Puget Sound.

I’ll be upfront: I haven’t done much on these islands as they look pretty much the same, and I’m much more of a mountain person. But my fiancee has enjoyed going to Bainbridge, and Whidbey Island has many camping options for those looking to spend some time in nature.

Best time to do this: Year-Round

8. Spend a day in the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are for you if you enjoy being near the water, kayaking, or slowing down on island time. The only time I’ve been out here was on a three-day kayaking trip, but it’s also a great spot to get a hotel or Airbnb and enjoy the cute towns and forests.

The islands are accessible by ferry via Anacortes, about a 90-minute drive from Seattle if traffic is light. You can park overnight at the ferry terminal, and if I remember right, it takes about 75 minutes to get to Friday Habor (the main town on San Juan Island).

What to do in the San Juan Islands on your Seattle day trip:

• Hike
• Kayak
• Whale Watch
• Fish
• Swim
• Camp
• Shop
• Wine Taste
• Enjoy local cuisine

Best time to do this: Year-Round

9. Experience the North Cascades

You don’t have to do an epic hike in the North Cascades to experience it. (Though that is the best way to see the stunning views.) An easy drive out to turquoise Diablo Lake or beautiful Washington Pass will immerse you in the jagged peaks of this hallowed ground.

This is easily one of my favorite Seattle day trips, though it will be a long day. Plan to do it during summer when light sticks around until 9:45pm.

If you’re looking for some good hikes, these are the ones I recommend:

• Cutthroat Pass 12 miles, moderate
• Blue Lake – 6 miles, moderate
• Maple Pass – 6-8 miles, moderate
• Cascade Pass and Sahale Glacier Camp – 7-15 miles, moderate to hard

Best time to do this: Summer and Fall

10. Chase Waterfalls in Washington or Oregon

I know this one’s a bit vague, but Washington has many nice waterfalls, both near and far, that make for perfect day trips. You can see my guide here.

My favorite Washington waterfall hike is Wallace Falls, which offers three gorgeous viewpoints on a six-mile trail. You can also do Twin Falls in Olallie State Park, a handful in Mount Rainier, Teneriffe Falls, or Boulder Falls.

If you want to drive a bit further, head down to Oregon and explore the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. These are undoubtedly some of the most stunning sights in the entire PNW.

• Multnomah Falls
• Fairy Falls
• Latourell Falls
• Wakeena Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Horsetail Falls

Best time to do this: Fall through Spring/Early Summer

11. Hike around Deception Pass State Park

Just an hour and a half north of Seattle, Deception Pass is a magically lush area connecting Whidbey Island and the mainland near Anacortes. There’s excellent hiking, beach access, and, if lucky, orcas!

I’ve done a few hikes in the area—nothing too hard—and they’re a nice way to get out and enjoy the scenery.

Two hikes to check out during your day trip from Seattle:

• Lighthouse Point and Lottie Point via Rosario Head – Moderate, 5 miles
• Goose Rock Loop Trail – Moderate, 3 miles

Best time to do this: Year Round

12: Explore Olympic National Park

The Olympics are hard to visit as a day trip, though it is possible if you’re okay leaving home at 6 a.m. and getting back at midnight. The three-plus hour drive each way from Seattle/Tacoma is a nuisance, but there are so many gorgeous views to make it worth it.

Visiting Hurrican Ridge offers epic views and doesn’t take you too far west past Port Angeles. Other nice options are Lake Crescent, Mt. Storm King, and Marymere Falls.

While it is one of my favorite Seattle day trips, I would recommend at least three days. You can read my Olympic National Park itinerary here.

Best time to do this: Year round, but weather is wet and rainy from October through March

Final Thoughts on these Seattle Day Trips

As you can see, these Seattle day trips can take you all over the state, showcasing what makes Washington one of the most exquisite places in the nation. From towering volcanoes to jagged peaks and crystal clear water to epic wildlife sightings and soaking in nature’s natural beauty, you have it all exploring around Seattle.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your day trip from Seattle.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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