In this episode of the Travel Squad Podcast, we’re taking you on a breathtaking journey through two of Washington State’s most iconic national parks — Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park.

Mount Rainier is home to the tallest peak in the Cascade Range, towering at 14,411 feet and surrounded by glaciers, wildflower-filled meadows, and scenic alpine trails. Olympic National Park, located on the Olympic Peninsula, offers an entirely different terrain — lush temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, serene lakes, and towering waterfalls. The diversity of ecosystems in these parks makes them a must-visit for nature lovers and national park enthusiasts.

We share our full 4-day itinerary exploring the best of both parks, complete with squad tips for maximizing your time, avoiding the crowds, and seeing some of the most stunning views in the Pacific Northwest. From hiking to waterfalls to summiting bucket-list-worthy trails, this episode is packed with helpful travel advice and must-see highlights.

Highlights from Mount Rainier National Park include:

• Naches Peak Loop - A scenic 3.3 mile trail bursting with wildflowers and panoramic views of Mount Rainier
• Grove of the Patriarchs - A peaceful 1.3 mile walk among towering, ancient trees and a suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River
• Narada Falls - A quick but steep trail to a powerful 188-foot waterfall
• Crystal Mountain Gondola - Take a relaxing ride with epic Rainier views and grab a drink at the summit
• Skyline Trail - A challenging 6-mile hike with unforgettable mountain and meadow views, plus a detour to Myrtle Falls
• Nisqually Vista Trail - A shorter, family-friendly alternative with great vistas
• High Steel Bridge - Stop en route to Olympic for views from one of the highest railway bridges in the U.S.

Highlights from Olympic National Park include:

• Hoh Rainforest: Hall of Mosses & Spruce Nature Trail - An enchanting 3-mile loop among moss-draped trees in one of the world's few temperate rainforests
• Rialto Beach - Driftwood-lined shores, sea stacks, and crashing waves on Washingtons dramatic coastline
• Sol Duc Falls - An easy forest walk to a thundering triple waterfall
• Mount Storm King - A heart-pounding 5.3 mile hike with ropes and scrambles leading to jaw-dropping views of Lake Crescent

To make it easier to finding your accommodations for this trip easier, we have included a link HERE for you to search for hotels .

Don’t forget to check out our Viator Experience page for additional activities and things to do in Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, as well as the surrounding region that may be of interest to you!

If you're looking for a flight deal to these national parks, the surrounding region, or anywhere else, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you!

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