The Takeaways from the 6-day Seattle Trip

Vincent Yuan · updated on Sep 14, 2023 · 13 min read

Life

During the extended Labor Day weekend of 2023, I embarked on a memorable journey to Seattle, where I indulged in a delightful six-day stay. This trip stands out as one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had, primarily due to the following reasons:

I was fortunate to witness some of the most breathtaking vistas in both the city of Seattle and the adjacent national parks.
The culinary highlights of my adventure included savoring the most delicious seafood I've had since my arrival in the United States.
Unexpectedly, I acquired a valuable new skill during my time there, a delightful surprise that added an extra layer of richness to my travel experience.

1 Trip Blueprint

The journey commenced in the morning at O'Hare Airport, bound for Seattle Tacoma Airport. The flight duration was three and a half hours. However, owing to the two-hour time difference between Seattle and Chicago, when I landed, it was still considered morning, and to my pleasant surprise, the weather was excellent.

Our primary points of interest on this trip were the captivating city of Seattle and the enchanting Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks, as outlined below. Given our tight six-day schedule, we regrettably had to exclude the North Cascades National Park from our itinerary.

The initial three days were devoted to exploring Seattle city and Mount Rainier National Park, while the remainder of the trip was dedicated to Olympic National Park. To optimize our travel experience, we followed the recommendation of staying overnight at intermediate locations, thus we made reservations for two Airbnb accommodations in Tacoma and Port Angeles.

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Upon arriving at Tacoma Airport, please follow the signs leading to the baggage claim area. From there, take the shuttle to the car rental area, where you'll find several companies, including Hertz and Avis, providing rental services.

2 Seattle

Seattle, Washington, is known for several distinctive features and cultural elements:

Coffee Culture: Seattle is often referred to as the coffee capital of the United States, and it's the birthplace of the world-famous coffee chain, Starbucks. The city has a strong coffee culture, with numerous independent coffee shops and a deep appreciation for high-quality coffee.
Tech Hub: Seattle is home to some of the world's most influential technology companies, including Microsoft and Amazon. The presence of these tech giants has led to a thriving tech industry and a high concentration of tech professionals in the area.
Space Needle: Seattle's iconic Space Needle is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair and offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Boeing: Boeing, one of the world's largest aerospace companies, has a significant presence in the Seattle area. The company's facilities in the region are responsible for the production of numerous commercial aircraft.
Cultural Diversity: Seattle is known for its diverse and inclusive culture. It's a hub for progressive politics and has a reputation for tolerance and acceptance of different lifestyles and perspectives.
Food Scene: Seattle has a thriving food scene, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The city is known for its seafood, including salmon and Dungeness crab, and its diverse culinary offerings, including international cuisine and food trucks.
Sports: Seattle has professional sports teams, including the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Seattle Mariners (MLB). The sports culture in the city is passionate, and attending games is a popular pastime.
Pike Place Market: This historic market is a popular tourist destination, known for its fresh produce, unique artisan shops, and the famous fish-throwing vendors.

These are just a few of the things that Seattle is known for, making it a vibrant and diverse city with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike.

2.1 Food:

Fantang Asian Cafe offers some of the finest Asian cuisine in Seattle, and it comes at a wallet-friendly price.
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar specializes in American-style seafood, with their crabs and oysters being standout options, though it can be a bit on the pricey side.
FOB Poke Bar serves up Poke bowls that are exceptionally delicious, thanks to their use of fresh seafood - no exaggeration!
Pike Place Chowder, an award-winning establishment located in the Pike Public Market, is renowned for its variety of chowders. While the food is generally tasty, finding a seat can be a bit challenging due to its popularity.
Don't limit yourself to the first Starbucks you see; Seattle boasts a plethora of delightful local coffee shops that serve top-notch coffee and create a relaxed ambiance for you to enjoy.

2.2 Attractions:

Kerry Park is situated in the heart of downtown Seattle and offers a perfect vantage point for admiring iconic sights such as the Space Needle, the downtown Seattle skyscrapers, and the majestic Mount Rainier in the distance.

Capitol Hill: this location also provides an exceptional bird's-eye view of the entire city of Seattle from a unique perspective. Perched atop the hill, you can effortlessly take in the panoramic vista, extending from the charming houses lining the road, all the way to the picturesque bay, and finally culminating in the breathtaking city skyline, as depicted in the image below.

Amazon Spheres: this is indeed a unique destination, especially for those interested in uncovering the fascinating stories behind Amazon and the Amazon Spheres. Visitors can look forward to dedicated insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of these entities, in addition to the diverse array of plant life on display.

Gas Works Park: this location is also an excellent spot to relax, soak in the scenery, and capture some stunning photos of Lake Union, the Seattle downtown skyline, and even a gasification plant.

Golden Garden Park: this is the ultimate destination for witnessing a breathtaking sunset in Seattle. Due to its immense popularity, parking spaces tend to fill up quickly, making it advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

3 Mount Rainier

Indeed, on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier from Seattle. However, setting foot on Mount Rainier itself offers an entirely distinct and awe-inspiring experience.

One of the most renowned trails on Mount Rainier is the Skyline Trail, and it's highly recommended to arrive at the Skyline Trail Visitor Center by 8 AM. Otherwise, finding a parking spot can become quite challenging.

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Prior to embarking on a hike in Mount Rainier, it's crucial to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Mount Rainier is known for occasional heavy fog and intense rain, which can severely limit visibility, making the hike both unpleasant and potentially hazardous.

3.1 Skyline Trail

Skyline Trail Overview

Skyline Trail

Distance, round trip: 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1700 feet
Hiking time, round trip: 4.5 hours
Wilderness Camps: None

Trail Description
Note: Check current trail conditions before starting this hike. Early season hiking on this trail may be hazardous. Rest on benches or rocks. Stay on trail to protect delicate subalpine plants.

The trailhead is located near the entrance to the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise, marked by stone steps inscribed with a quote by John Muir.

Hiking the loop clockwise, the trail climbs 2 miles until reaching Panorama Point, where a toilet is provided for hikers. Past Panorama Point use of the High Skyline Trail avoids a dangerous icy slope that does not melt. This connects back to the Skyline above the junction with Golden Gate trail (an alternative for a shorter hike). Another 0.75 mile and the Skyline Trail reaches the Stevens-Van Trump Memorial and its junction with the Paradise Glacier Trail. From there it descends into the Paradise Valley, then climbs slightly to Myrtle Falls and finally back to Paradise.

NOTE: Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Log footbridges frequently wash out during the winter or other conditions could be affecting the trail.

Along the Trail
The trail offers stunning displays of subalpine wildflowers, a close-up look at Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier, and, on a clear day, views of peaks as far south as Oregon's Mount Hood.

Backpacking
Several sections of the park are designated as open to day use only. These areas have been closed to overnight camping due to previous resource damage caused by concentrations of people in areas too fragile to sustain such use. Paradise is a day use only area. Please hike only on the constructed trails and help minimize impact on this delicate environment. Current trail conditions are available at park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Treat water before drinking. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails.

We arrived early in the morning and captured several stunning photos of the trails and the mountain before the thick fog rolled in.

Throughout the trail, you'll encounter various breathtaking vistas, each offering a unique and captivating perspective. The demanding ascent required to reach these stunning viewpoints is, I believe, one of the reasons why hiking holds such appeal for many people.

3.2 Reflection Lake

Reflection Lake Overview

This popular destination is named for lakes that reflect views of Mount Rainier. During the summer, hikers must stay on trails at all times to protect the delicate subalpine meadows around the lake. Boating and fishing is not permitted in Reflection Lakes. During the winter, snowshoers and hikers can still access the area and winter camp around the snow-covered lake.

Hiking
Several trails intersect around Reflection Lakes. The Lakes Trail is an approximately three-mile loop trail that starts from either end of the parking lots next to the lakes. Starting from the west side of the lake, the trail climbs up to the ridge above the lake, follows the ridge to Faraway Rock, then descends back to the lake. Faraway Rock overlooks Louise Lake and Stevens Canyon to the east, as well as providing views to the southwest of the Tatoosh Range and Reflection Lakes. The trail is dirt, broken at times by tree roots and rocks. The eastern side of the loop from Faraway Rock to Reflection Lakes is steeper, with rock and log steps. Trails connecting to the Lakes Trail lead to Paradise through the Paradise Valley or along Mazama Ridge to the Skyline Trail.

Pinnacle Peak Trail is a popular 2.5-mile roundtrip trail that starts to the south of Reflection Lakes. The rocky trail climbs 1,050 feet up several switchbacks through subalpine meadows to a saddle between Pinnacle Peak and Plummer Peak in the Tatoosh Range. The trail can have patches of snow lingering well into summer and steep, exposed drop-offs. From the saddle, view Mount Rainier to the north or look south for glimpses of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. Pinnacle Peak Trail reaches the edge of the designated Butter Creek Research Natural Area (RNA). This is intended as a pristine natural area for ecological study and is closed to public use except pursuant to a scientific research permit, consistent with the national RNA system. Please stay on the trail and followLeave No Trace principles.

The Wonderland Trail also connects to Reflection Lakes. To the west, the Wonderland Trail descends towards Narada Falls, while to the east the trail follows Stevens Canyon.

Reflection Lake provides an exceptional vantage point to admire the encompassing mountain, lake, and woodland. However, please note that it's accessible to visitors only during the summer season. Additionally, on foggy or rainy days, the mountain may be scarcely visible, so it's advisable to choose a clear day for your visit.

4 Olympic National Park

This is a national park in the western area of Seattle, and it has a few well-known attractions:

Hurricane Ridge: This popular destination offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can access the ridge by car and enjoy hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Hoh Rainforest: The Hoh Rainforest is one of the few temperate rainforests in the United States. It's characterized by lush greenery, towering trees (including moss-draped old-growth trees), and abundant wildlife. The Hall of Mosses Trail and the Hoh River Trail are popular hiking routes here.
Ruby Beach: Known for its rugged coastline, sea stacks, and stunning sunsets, Ruby Beach is a photographer's paradise. Visitors can explore tide pools, take in the dramatic scenery, and enjoy beachcombing.
Sol Duc Valley: This area is famous for its hot springs, which are accessible through the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Nearby, you'll find the Sol Duc Falls, a beautiful waterfall reached via a short hike.
Lake Crescent: A picturesque glacial lake surrounded by forests and mountains. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking around the lake. The Marymere Falls Trail is a popular nearby hiking route.
Olympic Coastline: The park features a rugged and wild coastline with sea stacks, tide pools, and stunning vistas. Backpackers can explore the coastal wilderness, while day visitors can access various beaches and viewpoints.
Ozette Loop Trail: This loop trail takes you through coastal forest and along the rugged coastline, showcasing the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. It's known for its petroglyphs and the Cape Alava Trail.
Enchanted Valley: A remote and pristine area of the park accessible via the Quinault Rainforest. It offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and is known for its abundant wildlife and waterfalls.
Elwha River: The Elwha River Restoration Project, which removed two dams, has allowed the river to return to its natural state. Visitors can hike along the river and witness the ecological recovery of the area.
Mount Olympus: The highest peak in the Olympic Mountains, Mount Olympus is a challenging climb. Even if you're not attempting the summit, you can enjoy views of the mountain from various vantage points within the park.
Wildlife Viewing: Olympic National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, and numerous bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts can find excellent opportunities for observation throughout the park.
Backcountry Camping: Olympic National Park offers a range of backcountry camping opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wilderness. Permits are required for overnight stays, and reservations are recommended during peak season.

These are just a few of the many attractions within Olympic National Park. The park's diverse ecosystems, ranging from rainforests to mountains to coastlines, make it a truly unique and captivating destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

4.1 Hurricane Ridge

This is a destination you're sure to relish, with absolutely stunning vistas available at various points along the trails. Unlike Mount Rainier, the hiking here is more accessible. You can begin at the Hurricane Ridge visitor center as below, embark on a short trail, and then drive to the official Hurricane Ridge trailhead to reach the summit.

Undoubtedly, the view here offers a distinct contrast to that of Mount Rainier. Hurricane Ridge boasts a rugged landscape with an abundance of rocky terrain, harmoniously complementing the surrounding woodlands, even on overcast days. Personally, my favorite sight is the mesmerizing sea of clouds, an absolutely breathtaking spectacle.

4.2 Rialto Beach

This beach is situated alongside the Pacific Ocean. Unlike most other beaches, Rialto Beach features a shoreline primarily composed of cobblestones and scattered tree trunks. As the sun sets, these stones take on an appearance reminiscent of black gold, creating a breathtaking harmony with the sea.

4.3 Sol Duc Valley

Sol Duc Falls, located within the enchanting Sol Duc Valley, are tucked away amidst the forest. To reach this destination, you'll need to embark on a hike that typically takes around 20-30 minutes from the visitor center, depending on your pace. The falls boast a remarkable beauty, making the journey well worth the effort if you can fit it into your schedule.

4.4 Other Places

Others good places in the Olympic National National Park include Lake Crescent, Quinault Valley, Ruby Beach etc. Note that these places are mostly one to two hours drive away from each other, so it is suggested to make a good plan for your time if you want to go through them all.

5 Remarks

During my journey, I relished the amazing seafood at Crab King in Tacoma, discovered countless breathtaking vistas in the national parks, developed a newfound passion for hiking, and even acquired the skill to change a flat tire.

In my perspective, traveling isn't solely about savoring picturesque landscapes or delectable cuisine; it's about venturing beyond one's comfort zone. It's about anticipating the unexpected, embracing new experiences, and carrying these valuable lessons forward. What an incredible trip it has been!

If you're interested in the original photos from this adventure, you can find them in my Unsplash gallery at:

Reference

Olympic National National Park offcial site:

Mount Rainier National Park offcial site: