Mt. Rainier & North Cascades National Parks

The mountain you’ll most often see from Seattle is Mt. Rainier. You’ll hear the locals ask “is the mountain out”?

Even though Mt.Rainier is only 80 miles southeast of the city, it is quite often hidden from view by the clouds.

But never fear, it will be revealed to you on your trip to Paradise on the south side of the National Park. Trails through the meadows give great views of the glaciers that cover this 14,000 foot volcanic peak.

You can drive to the mountain, but many visitors prefer taking an escorted bus tour. Oh, you’ll want to take along a sweater or jacket. It can get cold at that elevation.

Other Washington State mountains to visit in the Cascade Range include Mt. St. Helens to the south and Mt. Baker north, near the Canadian border. Make a day trip from Seattle to either one of these volcanic mountains. You can see more about the National Parks in my travel video: Washington State A Scenic Tour.

North Cascades National Park

Washington State has three National Parks and the North Cascades put you closest to the wilderness country. It’s about 3 hours north on Interstate 5 and east on the North Cascades Highway. This National Park is up the Skagit River through little towns like Sedro Woolley, Concrete and Newhalem.

If you want to experience the Cascades first hand, stop at the Visitors Center in Newhalem to check on trail conditions. There are hikes for every skill level. This is Bald Eagle country, so keep a watchful eye out for these magnificent birds.

The family will want to take the Skagit Project tour.

Go aboard the ‘Alice Ross’ at the Seattle City Light Dam for a cruise on Diablo Lake. Advance reservations are required. Seattle City Light Tours

One of my favorite views of the Cascades is a few miles east at Washington Pass, the highest road in Washington. From the ‘Outlook’ trail get a billion dollar view of Liberty Bell Mountain and other craggy Cascade peaks.

Break the trip back to Seattle with a stop for a meal at one of the small towns along Hiway 20. If the day is getting long, look for overnight accommodations in Mt. Vernon and Burlington where Highway 20 meets the Interstate 5 freeway.