9 Days • 8 Nights
Pacific Northwest & National Parks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Seattle's Space Needle, waterfront and market
- Mount Rainier's peak and wildflower meadows
- The moss-draped Olympic rainforest and coast
- The sea stacks of the wild Oregon coast
- The vivid blue caldera of Crater Lake
- Old-growth forests, eagles and elk
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Explore the waterfront and the famous Pike Place Market, and enjoy a welcome dinner of fresh Pacific seafood.
A day exploring Seattle, the Space Needle, the Chihuly glass garden, the museums and the buzzing markets and neighbourhoods of this creative city.
You collect your car and drive to Mount Rainier National Park, where the glacier-clad volcano towers over meadows of wildflowers. Hike the trails at Paradise for staggering alpine views.
You travel to the Olympic Peninsula, a UNESCO wilderness of rainforest, mountains and coast. Walk among the giant moss-draped trees of the Hoh Rainforest, one of the greenest places on earth.
A day exploring the park's wild edges, the driftwood-strewn beaches and sea stacks of the Pacific coast, the alpine views from Hurricane Ridge, and old-growth forest trails, watching for eagles and elk.
You drive south, crossing into Oregon, to its spectacular coastline of crashing surf, towering sea stacks and charming seaside towns like Cannon Beach.
You head inland to Crater Lake National Park, where an impossibly blue lake fills the caldera of a collapsed volcano, ringed by cliffs, one of the most beautiful sights in America.
A morning at Crater Lake before driving north to Portland, the quirky, green city famous for its food carts, craft beer, bookshops and gardens. A farewell dinner celebrates the journey.
After breakfast you return your car and transfer to Portland airport for your onward flight, refreshed by the wild Northwest.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a national park lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle, all national park entries, and Seattle and Portland sightseeing
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Visa Waiver Program travellers (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved ESTA authorisation before flying; other nationalities need a US B-2 visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted virtually everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Prices are usually shown before sales tax, which is added at the register
- Tipping: Tipping is an essential part of US culture and service staff rely on it; budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers, bartenders and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Distances & getting around: The USA is vast, so itineraries combine domestic flights, rail and self-drive; if driving, remember Americans drive on the right, and we arrange car hire, transfers or flights as needed
- Best time to visit: Timing depends on the region; summer suits the northern parks and coasts, autumn brings spectacular colour to the East, spring and autumn are ideal for the deserts and cities, and winter suits the south and skiing
- Health & insurance: No vaccinations are required, but US healthcare is very expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging
- Age & ID rules: The legal drinking age is 21 and photo ID is required to buy alcohol or enter bars regardless of age; some car-hire firms add fees for drivers under 25
- Power & connectivity: Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; wifi is widespread, and a US eSIM or roaming plan keeps you connected on the road
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for this trip?
Summer and early autumn (July to September) are ideal, when the mountain passes and park roads are open, the wildflowers bloom at Rainier and the weather is driest. Spring and late autumn are greener but wetter.
How much hiking is involved?
There are wonderful hikes at every stop, from easy rainforest boardwalks to alpine meadow trails, but all are optional and can be tailored to your fitness. Much of the scenery is accessible from viewpoints and short walks too.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. America's dining is a highlight in itself, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with recommendations from us.
How do we get around such a large country?
We combine the most efficient options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, scenic rail where it shines, and self-drive or private transfers for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to travel?
It depends on the regions in your itinerary, summer for the northern parks, autumn for East Coast colour, spring and autumn for the deserts and cities, and winter for the south. We will advise the best timing for your chosen route.
Is tipping really expected?
Yes — tipping is a genuine part of US culture and service staff rely on it. Budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides and drivers; we brief you fully so there are no surprises.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights and rail, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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