THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YOUR PNW ROAD TRIP
Make the most of your PNW road trip by following this guide.
Based in Seattle, Washington, Peace Vans has years of experience exploring the Pacific Northwest in our camper vans. We’ve created the ultimate guide to planning your road trip that can be paired with any of our detailed itineraries–continue reading for advice from the experts!
When is the best time of year to visit the Pacific Northwest?
Much of the Pacific Northwest is accessible year-round due to the mild climate. . The activities you enjoy most will determine when you should visit. If you enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing, you may want to visit in the winter. If you’d prefer to hike and spend time on the beach, then plan your trip for the summer months. Summer is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is perfect–however, this requires more advanced planning to avoid the crowds, especially when visiting our national parks.
We believe the shoulder season is the best time of year to camp in the van, as the temperatures are still mild but crowds are minimal, and campgrounds are open. We have a shoulder season special right now–if you reserve your trip for any dates before May 31, 2023, you’ll get $100 off. Camping in a van is always comfortable, even if it rains–we have heaters and linens available, and you can always keep the pop top down for the night.
How should I spend a week in the Pacific Northwest?
There is so much to do in this region that narrowing it down to one week is hard. However, we have a few locations that are a must-hit when you’re here. These include Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula, the Oregon Coast, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades (if you have extra time).
Seattle: Hit the city’s popular tourist attractions: the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. Seattle is a foodie city, so we recommend checking out some of our favorite restaurants: Reckless Noodles, Woodshop BBQ, Ciudad, Flora Bakehouse, and Marination Ma Kai.
Olympic Peninsula: Full of natural wonders, the Olympic Peninsula is a must-stop on your PNW road trip. Head towards Lake Crescent and spend time in one of the many quaint towns along the way (Port Townsend, Sequim, or Port Angeles).
There are plenty of beautiful trails around the lake for all skill levels. For our more experienced hikers, head to Mount Storm King, a 4.1-mile trail with 2,106 feet in elevation gain. Be prepared to use the built-in ropes to make your way to the peak–we recommend bringing gloves to avoid rope burn. The views are spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Marymere Falls Trail is an excellent choice if you'd prefer an easier hike. At 1.7 miles in length and with 298 feet of elevation gain, this trail winds through the forest and ends at a beautiful ravine. There is much to see on the Olympic Peninsula, but don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting!
Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast is home to fantastic restaurants and breweries, epic seascapes, charming campgrounds, and tiny towns with eclectic boardwalks. If you choose to explore the coast, you’ll have endless opportunities for adventures. Our favorite destinations along this drive include Cannon Beach, Florence, Cape Perpetua, Newport, Manzanita, Fort Stevens, and Cape Disappointment.
Mount Rainier: One of the most iconic parks in the country is Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier is Washington’s tallest peak at 14,411 feet. Explore the area’s wild rivers, lush forests, massive glaciers, rushing waterfalls, alpine lakes, sweeping views, convenient campgrounds, and tasty restaurants. The park is an outdoor lover's paradise; whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or just like to hang outside, there’s something for everyone.
North Cascades: The North Cascades National Park is Washington state's largest and most diverse park. Be sure to stop at Cascade Pass, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Winthrop—the views are so jaw-dropping you just may feel like you’re transported to the Swiss Alps!
How should I split up my drive time?
We’ve found that 125 miles per day works well for most travelers, especially when taking a classic PNW road trip. You can make it up to the Olympic Peninsula without a problem and work your way down the coast while exploring our favorite spots.
Our rental vans have a mileage limit of 125 miles per day. After that, it costs an additional $0.55/mile. However, the mileage is cumulative–so if your trip is five days, you have 625 miles to split up however you’d like. Once you reach that limit,an additional $0.55 per mile will be charged.
What are the best resources for planning my road trip?
To find the best campsites, use Campendium, The Dyrt, HipCamp, Free Roam, iOverlander, and State and National Park resources. Book your campsites in advance if you’re visiting during the crowded summer months.
If you need additional help, we offer countless resources for planning your road trip: a dedicated team, detailed road trip itineraries, and books and guides.
When you rent a van from us, our team is dedicated to making sure your trip goes smoothly and is memorable. Don’t miss the opportunity to set up a trip planning call to chat through your itinerary and get personalized recommendations from the experts!
What are the most scenic drives in Washington?
There are plenty of beautiful, scenic drives in Washington within a few hours of Seattle—here are some of our favorites:
Highway 2: Drive from Seattle to Leavenworth along Highway 2. You’ll wind through the Cascade Mountains and drive along flowing rivers. If it’s summertime, you can even stop for a swim. Head to Wallace Falls State Park for relaxed hiking.
Highway 101 (Hood Canal): The stretch of Highway 101 from Hoodsport to Quilcene is sure to impress. This drive goes up the side of Hood Canal, and along the base of the Olympic Mountains. Stop by Hama Hama Oyster Saloon for a classic PNW experience, where you’ll sit in an A-frame structure on the water while you enjoy fresh seafood. If you have extra time for a hike, check out Staircase Rapids Loop, Murhut Falls, or Mount Ellinor (all different skill levels).
Highway 20: Drive from Seattle to Winthrop via Highway 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway. Drive over turquoise lakes and wind through the mountains. Stop in the small Western town of Winthrop. East 20 Pizza is one of our favorite spots after a long day of exploring and driving.
What is the sunniest city in Washington? The rainiest?
The state's east side is sunnier than the west side, with Ellensburg getting 204 days of sun per year. This side of the state has a more desert-like environment. If this interests you, we recommend checking out the Columbia River, Lake Chelan, and Palouse Falls.
The Olympic Peninsula typically sees the most rain, with Forks getting an average rainfall of 120 inches yearly. But don’t let that deter you—we think the Olympic Peninsula is pretty stellar!
Ready to start planning your PNW road trip?
Check out our fleet of rental vans! Spots fill up fast–book your summer rental as soon as possible. Our reliable campers are the perfect choice for PNW road trips. The shoulder season is often the best time to rent–get $100 off if you book your trip for any dates before May 31st.
