According to forum posts, travelers frequently recommend visiting Washington's national parks such as Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier, and North Cascades National Park. The Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge are specifically called out for their stunning natural beauty.

Some travelers mentioned exploring the historic towns and cultural sites around Washington. The Underground Tour in Seattle’s Pioneer Square offers a quirky historical perspective, while the San Juan Islands are praised for their scenic beauty and wildlife, particularly orca watching.

For outdoor enthusiasts, posts suggest hiking at Mt. Baker or engaging in activities like kayaking and whale watching in the San Juan Islands. The Ape Caves near Mt. St. Helens provide a unique spelunking experience.

The Washington coast is also a highlight, with destinations like Long Beach and Ocean Shores mentioned for their serene beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Some travelers recommended staying in Winthrop for its better lodging and dining options. Others mentioned Glacier and Marblemount as closer bases for accessing certain hikes but with limited facilities.

Travelers highlighted the North Cascades for its stunning hikes and scenic drives. The Maple Pass Loop and Yellow Aster Butte were specifically called out for their beautiful trails. The North Cascade Highway was recommended for those looking to explore scenic routes with numerous hiking spots.

According to forum posts, planning is crucial due to the potential for crowded trails, especially during peak seasons. Some users advised checking current road and trail conditions on reliable hiking websites to ensure accessibility and safety.

For those interested in a mix of outdoor activities and local culture, Winthrop was suggested as a good base with amenities like breweries and good food, enhancing the outdoor experience of the North Cascades.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend using the Amtrak train or bus services to travel from Portland to Seattle and then on to Vancouver. This is a popular route for those covering major cities in the Pacific Northwest.

For exploring outside of Seattle, some travelers have suggested driving or taking a ferry to the San Juan Islands. Specifically, the Washington State Ferries operate from Anacortes, approximately 45 miles north of Seattle, and accommodate vehicles, enabling travelers to explore the islands more extensively.

For those looking to avoid city traffic, an alternative route mentioned involves taking Highway 2 east from Everett to bypass the busier Interstate 5 corridor. This route is noted for its scenic value, though it may take about an hour longer than the more direct I-90 path.

Additionally, travelers have shared routes for accessing natural attractions like Olympic National Park or the North Cascades. For instance, driving east on WA 20 at Burlington over the North Cascades highway is suggested for those seeking spectacular natural vistas, especially during less congested travel periods.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend visiting the Olympic National Park, where families can enjoy hiking and exploring the Hall of Mosses Trail. Additionally, the Hoh Rainforest offers a short, scenic trail that is suitable for all ages.

Travelers have called out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach as great locations for families to visit. These beaches offer stunning views and opportunities to explore tide pools, which can be a fun and educational experience for children.

Some visitors suggested that taking a whale watching tour from San Juan Islands could be an exciting activity for families. Additionally, kayaking tours, such as those departing from Roche Harbor, provide a unique way to explore the coastal areas and potentially spot wildlife.

For families interested in educational activities, the Museum of Flight in Seattle is highly recommended. This museum offers interactive exhibits that can engage children and adults alike, making it a perfect day trip activity in the city.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend taking Highway 101 for its scenic views, especially through Oregon. This route offers continuous coastal scenery, which has been described as non-stop eye candy by some users.

For a more varied landscape, some travelers suggest taking Highway 1 from Mendocino to Trinidad in California. This stretch is known for its beautiful coastal views and is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy natural landscapes.

In contrast, several posts mentioned that the coastal drive through Washington on Highway 101 is less scenic. It often moves inland through areas that are not as visually appealing, leading some travelers to recommend skipping this part if limited on time.

Travelers have advised against planning extensive stops along Washington's Highway 101 due to its less scenic nature compared to Oregon's and California's coastal routes. Instead, they recommend heading straight to Oregon to start the scenic coastal journey there.

According to forum posts, Olympic National Park (ONP) offers diverse photography opportunities with its mountains, wild ocean beaches, and rain forests. However, access and parking can be challenging during peak times. Mount Rainier National Park is highly recommended for its stunning views and alpine wildflowers, especially around the Paradise area, which is renowned for its scenic beauty and floral displays during late July and August.

Some travelers have noted that ONP requires careful planning due to its layout and the distances between key sites. For Mount Rainier, staying at the Paradise Inn can provide early access to trails and avoid parking issues. Travelers have called out that the timing of your visit can significantly impact the photographic opportunities, particularly for capturing wildflowers at their peak.

According to forum posts, visitors to Mount St. Helens can engage in a variety of activities including hiking, visiting the Johnston Ridge Observatory, exploring Ape Cave, and enjoying the Lava Canyon Trail. Some travelers recommended focusing on the trailheads near your hikes for convenient access.

Travelers have called out that the visitor centers at Mount St. Helens offer educational exhibits and films about the volcano's history and geology. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is noted for its impressive views of the crater, though it may be seasonally closed.

For those planning multi-day stays, some users suggested looking into nearby motels or cabins through local rental platforms, as direct accommodations on the mountain are limited. It's advisable to plan lodging early, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Mount St. Helens offers stunning vistas and natural beauty, with options for less strenuous activities like short hikes and bird watching, particularly around areas like Coldwater Lake.

According to forum posts, the Moore Hotel is frequently mentioned as a budget-friendly option, offering basic lodging in central downtown Seattle. However, some travelers have noted that it lacks air conditioning, which could be uncomfortable during a heatwave. The Mayflower Park Hotel is highly recommended for its location and quality, though it may be above some budget constraints.

For travelers seeking different experiences, the Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth offers a more rustic stay, while the Sun Mountain Lodge provides a luxurious resort experience in the Washington Cascades. Both offer unique atmospheres and amenities tailored to different preferences.

Travelers have called out that budget accommodations in Seattle can be challenging to find, especially during the summer tourist season. Some suggest considering hostels like HI or City Hostel for the most economical options, particularly when hotel prices surge.