Things to Do in Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and Day Trips
Volcanoes, rain forests, island ferries and wine country within a day's reach.
See top-rated activities »About Day Trips
Few American cities have as much wild country within reach as Seattle. Mount Rainier, a 14,410-foot volcano wrapped in glaciers, is the centerpiece. The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park, about two and a half hours from Seattle, has wildflower meadows in late summer, trails with close views of the glaciers and a historic inn. The road to Sunrise, on the northeast side, is the highest in the park and usually opens only from July to early fall. Guided day tours handle the driving, and the National Park Service has used timed-entry reservations at busy times, so check before you go.
To the west, Olympic National Park covers mountains, wild Pacific beaches and the moss-draped Hoh Rain Forest. It is a long day from Seattle, and most visitors cross Puget Sound by ferry or drive around through Tacoma. Closer to the city, Snoqualmie Falls drops 268 feet into a canyon about 30 minutes east of Seattle, with an overlook beside the lodge that appeared in the TV series Twin Peaks. Woodinville, northeast of the city, has dozens of winery tasting rooms in a compact area, many pouring wines made from grapes grown in eastern Washington.
The islands are the other classic outing. Bainbridge Island is a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, with a walkable village of shops, cafes and wineries near the terminal. Whidbey Island, to the north, has small farming towns and Deception Pass, where a high bridge spans a narrow tidal channel. The San Juan Islands, reached by ferry from Anacortes or by seaplane from Seattle, are known for whale watching; resident orcas and passing humpbacks are most often seen in summer.
Farther afield, Mount St. Helens, the volcano that erupted in 1980, can be visited on a long day, and in April the Skagit Valley north of Seattle fills with fields of tulips.
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Glaciers, meadows and old-growth forest around a 14,410-foot volcano, about two and a half hours from Seattle.
Rain forests, alpine ridges and wild coastline on the peninsula west of Seattle; a long day trip or better an overnight.
A 268-foot waterfall with a free observation deck and a trail to the river below, about 30 minutes east of Seattle.
A ferry ride from downtown Seattle to a small walkable village with shops, cafes and wine tasting rooms.
Ferries from Anacortes and seaplanes from Seattle reach islands known for whale watching, kayaking and quiet harbors.
Fields of tulips and daffodils north of Seattle each April.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Day Trips
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best of Seattle-Tacoma may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Day Trips — FAQ
Do I need a reservation to enter Mount Rainier National Park?
The National Park Service has required timed-entry reservations for some areas during the busiest summer months in recent years, on top of the park entrance fee. Check the official park website before you go; joining a guided tour usually takes care of entry.
When is the best time for whale watching near Seattle?
Summer, roughly May through September, is the best time for orcas around the San Juan Islands, while gray and humpback whales pass through other parts of Puget Sound in spring and fall.
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