From the Sea to the Mountains, an Iconic Washington State Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA

Travel:

• Drive to Anacortes, WA, to catch the ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Ferries depart regularly from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. It's recommended to reserve a spot for your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. ○ The ferry ride offers scenic views of the Salish Sea and takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.

Stay:

• Check into Tucker House Inn in Friday Harbor. Relax and settle into your cozy accommodations. Check out the town of Friday Harbor.

Tucker House Inn

Dinner:

• Coho Restaurant: Enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes in a charming setting, just a short walk from Tucker House Inn.

Day 2: Explore San Juan Island 

Morning Activity: Whale Watching Tour

• Book a morning whale-watching tour with Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching. This 3-4 hour tour will take you around the islands to spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife.

Lunch:

• Market Chef: Stop by for a delicious lunch featuring sandwiches, soups, and salads made with fresh, local ingredients.

Evening Activity:

• Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
• After lunch, join a kayaking tour with Discovery Sea Kayaks. Paddle through the calm waters around San Juan Island, observing seals, otters, and seabirds.

Dinner:

• Duck Soup: Dine at this intimate restaurant offering Pacific Northwest cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and local produce.

Day 3: Island Hopping in the San Juan Islands

Morning Ferry to Orcas Island:

• Take the inter-island ferry from Friday Harbor to Orcas Island. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes and offers beautiful views of the surrounding islands.

Activities on Orcas Island:

• Moran State Park: Hike to Cascade Falls or drive up to Mount Constitution for panoramic views of the islands and beyond.

Lunch:

• Bistro at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm ○ Eastsound: Visit this charming village for shopping, art galleries, and a relaxed lunch. Try Mijitas for Mexican cuisine or Island Skillet for casual American fare.

Head to Lopez Island in the Afternoon:

• Shark Reef Sanctuary: Visit this serene spot on nearby Lopez Island by taking a short ferry ride. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore and take in the stunning coastal views.

• San Juan Island Brewing Co.

Day 4: Ferry to Anacortes, Deception Pass State Park, Colette’s B&B

• Take the morning ferry back to Anacortes
• Drive approximately 15 minutes to Deception Point State Park and see the Maiden of Deception Pass and the Kukutali Preserve.

Lunch:

• https://www.oystercatcherwhidbey.com/ (Sat/Sun only)
• Penn Cover Brewing Co

Travel to Port Angeles:

• Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Port Angeles. 

• Check into Colette's Bed & Breakfast, a luxurious oceanfront inn with stunning views. 

Colette's Bed and Breakfast 

• Salty Girls Seafood Co in Sequim

Day 5: Olympic National Park Exploration

Morning Activity: Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls

• Drive to Lake Crescent, about 30 minutes from Colette’s. Hike the Marymere Falls Trail (1.8 miles round trip) to see the beautiful waterfall, or relax by the lake.

Lunch:

• Lake Crescent Lodge: Enjoy a meal at this historic lodge with views of the lake.

Afternoon Activity: Hurricane Ridge

• Head to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park (about an hour's drive). Enjoy breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and take a short hike to experience the alpine meadows. This area is only accessible from June to September due to snow in other months.

Dinner:

• Alder Wood Bistro

Day 6: Hoh Rain Forest Adventure

Morning Drive to Hoh Rain Forest:

• Start early for a scenic 2-hour drive to the Hoh Rain Forest. Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) or the longer Hoh River Trail to experience one of the most iconic rainforests in the U.S., with its lush greenery, moss-draped trees, and unique wildlife.

Lunch:

• Pack a picnic to enjoy in the forest or grab a bite at a local café in Forks on your way back.

Return to Port Angeles in the Afternoon:

• Spend the evening relaxing back at Colette’s, enjoying the sunset over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Dinner:

• Bella Italia (of Twilight fame).

Day 7: Travel to Leavenworth

Travel:

• Drive from Port Angeles to Leavenworth (approximately 4.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic route, with opportunities to stop along the way, such as in Seattle or the scenic mountain towns.

Stay:

• Check into Abendblume, a charming Bavarian-style bed and breakfast. 

• Wildflour: or Watershed cafe

Day 8: Hiking and Exploring Leavenworth

Morning Activity: Colchuck Lake Hike

• Set out early for the Colchuck Lake hike, a challenging but rewarding 8-mile round-trip hike. Experience breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding peaks. This hike is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a packed lunch at the lake or grab a bite back in Leavenworth.

• Visit local cideries like Leavenworth Cider House or Rootwood Cider Co. for a tasting experience.

Dinner:

• Mozart’s Steakhouse: Enjoy European-style dishes and steaks in a cozy setting.

Day 9: Enjoying Leavenworth’s Bavarian Charm

Morning Activity: Leavenworth Village

• Explore the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Stroll through shops, visit art galleries, and enjoy the unique architecture.

Midday Treat: Whistlepunk Ice Cream

• Stop by for a refreshing and unique ice cream treat with flavors that reflect the local character.

Additional Activities:

• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: Visit to learn about reindeer and have a chance to interact with them.
• Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum: Discover a quirky collection of nutcrackers from around the world.

Lunch:

• Munchen Haus: Enjoy Bavarian-style sausages, pretzels, and beer in an outdoor setting. 

Afternoon Activity: Icicle Creek Hike

• Take a more moderate hike along Icicle Creek to enjoy the forested surroundings, scenic views, and the sound of the rushing creek.

Dinner:

• Andreas Keller Restaurant: Experience authentic Bavarian cuisine in a traditional setting.

Day 10: Departure

Travel:

• Begin your journey home, taking time to enjoy the scenic drive back. If you have extra time, consider a stop in nearby Wenatchee or the city of Seattle before heading home.