Washington Big 3

Day 1

The adventure begins with the group meeting at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by late morning. From there, everyone will board the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a 35-minute crossing that offers breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains. Once on the Olympic Peninsula, the group will enjoy a water-view hike at Sequim Bay State Park, a perfect introduction to the region’s coastal scenery. In the evening, a welcome dinner and orientation will provide the chance to connect with fellow travelers and set the stage for the journey ahead. Overnight accommodations will be in Sequim, where the group will stay for the first two nights.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a grocery stop to gather picnic supplies before heading into the heart of Olympic National Park. The morning is spent at Hurricane Ridge, where a visit to the Visitor Center and a hike along the Hurricane Hill Trail (3.4 miles RT, 650’ gain) reveal panoramic mountain vistas and wildflower meadows. By midday, the group will enjoy a picnic lunch along the shores of Lake Crescent, followed by an afternoon of kayaking or canoeing on its crystal-clear waters. A short hike to the enchanting Marymere Falls rounds out the afternoon before dinner in nearby Port Angeles (reservations required). The group returns to Sequim for the night.

Day 3

The morning begins with a journey into the lush Hoh Rain Forest, where moss-draped trees and dense greenery frame short walks along the Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Trail. In the afternoon, the itinerary shifts to the rugged Pacific Coast with a visit to Rialto Beach, including a hike along the Hole-in-the-Wall Trail (3 miles RT, tide dependent), where sea stacks, tide pools, and dramatic ocean views create an unforgettable scene. The evening concludes with a relaxing soak at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where the group will also stay overnight, surrounded by forest and mountain landscapes.

Day 4

Departing from Sol Duc in the morning, the group makes the five-hour journey to Mount Rainier National Park, stopping in Tacoma for lunch along the way. By afternoon, the group will arrive at the Paradise area, famous for its meadows of wildflowers and iconic views of Rainier’s glaciers. Time will be spent exploring the Visitor Center exhibits, joining a ranger program, and hiking the Skyline Trail short loop (4–5 miles RT) as well as the short walk to Myrtle Falls. Dinner will be enjoyed in the town of Ashford before settling in for the night.

Day 5

The morning begins at the Sunrise Visitor Center (6,400’), the highest point in the park accessible by car. From here, the group sets out on the Fremont Lookout Trail (4.5–5 miles RT, 1,100’ gain), a hike that rewards with sweeping views of Mount Rainier and surrounding valleys. After a picnic lunch in the alpine setting, the group departs for the drive north, arriving in Burlington, which will serve as the base for the next two nights.

Day 6

From Burlington, the group embarks on a scenic drive into North Cascades National Park, one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. The morning highlight is a stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook, where turquoise waters framed by jagged peaks create an iconic viewpoint. The afternoon includes a visit to the North Cascades Visitor Center, followed by a moderate hike on the Thunder Knob Trail (3.6 miles RT), offering elevated views over Diablo Lake. The group then returns to Burlington for another night.

Day 7

The final full day of adventure is spent on one of the most celebrated trails in the North Cascades—the Maple Pass Loop. Depending on conditions, the group will complete a shortened 4–5 mile version of the trail, which still showcases alpine lakes, wildflowers, and expansive mountain views. After a picnic lunch in the park, the group begins a scenic return drive back toward Seattle, arriving by early evening at a hotel near the airport. This evening marks the conclusion of the guided portion of the trip, with time to reflect on a week of unforgettable landscapes and shared experiences.

Day 8

Following breakfast, travelers will depart from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, carrying with them memories of the Olympic Peninsula’s coastline, the majesty of Mount Rainier, and the rugged beauty of the North Cascades.

• 8 days/ 7 nights fully guided tour by a Canyon Calling Trip Leader
• All land transportation as outlined in this itinerary
• Hotel accommodations, double occupancy
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8
• All activities and excursions, and all activity guide gratuities
• All site entrance fees and taxes

• Round-trip transport to/from Seattle, WA.
• Alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature
• Optional travel insurance and gratuity to your Trip Leader at the end of the tour