Planning a trip to Washington State and wondering how to make the most of your time? Whether you’re considering a Washington State Itinerary for 10 days or 14 days, this guide has you covered.
From vibrant cities to breathtaking national parks, Washington offers endless possibilities. Discover what to see in Washington State and uncover the best things to do in Washington State with our carefully curated itineraries.
Whether you choose for 10 days or 14 days in Washington State, you’ll experience the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Dive into our guide and start planning your perfect 10 days or 14 days trip of the Pacific Northwest today.
For the first 7 days, follow this 7-day itinerary
> > Washington State 7 days Itinerary
Day 8: Explore Leavenworth – A Bavarian-Themed Village
Morning: Drive to Leavenworth
Start your journey by heading to Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed village nestled in the waterfall Mountains. The drive from Seattle takes about 2.5 hours, with scenic views along the way. Consider stopping at Stevens Pass for a quick photo op and to stretch your legs.
Afternoon: Discover Leavenworth – Shops, Gardens, and Wineries
Come to Leavenworth and spend an afternoon exploring the town’s unique Bavarian architecture, shops, and attractions. The town is known for its cheerful atmosphere, plenty of outdoor activities, and homes that look like they were built in the Alps.
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum has a huge collection of nutcrackers from around the world. You can also take a walk in the beautiful Waterfront Park and look out over the Wenatchee River. If you love wine, Leavenworth has several farms and tasting rooms where you can try some local wines.
Evening: German-Style Dinner and Alpine Lodge Stay
For dinner, enjoy a traditional German meal at one of Leavenworth’s many restaurants, such as Andreas Keller or München Haus. Afterward, consider staying overnight in one of the town’s charming lodges or bed and breakfasts, like the Bavarian Lodge or Enzian Inn, both of which offer cozy accommodations with a European flair.
Day 9: Outdoor Adventures in Leavenworth – Hiking or River Rafting
Morning: Hike in the Cascade Mountains – Icicle Gorge Trail
Leavenworth is a great place to begin an outdoor adventure. You can go hiking, river rafting, and more. Start your day with a walk along the Icicle Gorge Trail, an easy 4-mile loop that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and Icicle Creek.
This trail is well-maintained and good for people of all ages, making it a great morning activity.
Afternoon: River Rafting on the Wenatchee River
For those looking for more excitement, consider an afternoon of river rafting on the Wenatchee River.
The river offers various sections suitable for different skill levels, from gentle floats to more challenging rapids. Several local outfitters provide guided tours, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience.
If you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, you can also explore Leavenworth’s local art galleries, or visit the nearby Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, where you can get up close to these fascinating animals.
Evening: Relax in Leavenworth
After a day of adventure, unwind with a stroll through town, enjoying the evening lights and festive atmosphere. If you’re staying another night, consider having dinner at Visconti’s, known for its Italian cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist.
Day 10: Drive to Lake Chelan – Wine Tasting and Relaxation
Morning: Scenic Drive to Lake Chelan
On day ten, leave Leavenworth behind and head to Lake Chelan, a popular destination known for its crystal-clear waters and world-class wineries.
The drive from Leavenworth to Lake Chelan takes about 1.5 hours and offers beautiful views of the Cascade foothills and vineyards.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting at Lake Chelan’s Vineyards
Once there, spend the afternoon sipping wine at some of the area’s best farms. Lake Chelan is home to more than 30 wineries, many of which offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Many people choose Tsillan Cellars, Vin du Lac Winery, and Benson Vineyard Estate Winery. If wine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to do outdoors in Lake Chelan, such as fishing, paddleboarding, or sitting on one of the many beaches around the lake.
Evening: Dinner and Sunset at the Lake
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants, such as Campbell’s Pub & Veranda or Sorrento’s Ristorante, both of which offer delicious meals with lake views. Afterward, take a walk along the shore to watch the sunset over the water, a perfect way to end your day.
Accommodation Options
Consider staying overnight at one of the many resorts or vacation rentals around Lake Chelan, such as the Lake Chelan Shores Resort or the cozy Riverwalk Inn.
These main attractions may be covered easily in 10 days.
“But if you explore Washington in depth, you may extend your trip from day 10 to day 14”
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Day 11: Explore Lake Chelan – Boat Tour and Stehekin Adventure
Morning: Take a Boat Tour to Stehekin
Start your day with a scenic boat tour to Stehekin, a remote village accessible only by boat, plane, or hiking.
The Lady of the Lake ferry offers regular service to Stehekin, and the journey itself is a highlight, offering incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Afternoon: Discover Stehekin – Hiking, Waterfalls, and Local History
When you arrive in Stehekin, you’ll find a quiet, untouched landscape that’s great for exploring. Rainbow Falls is a great place to see waterfalls. It’s just a short walk from the boat pier. If you want a longer adventure, you can hike one of the nearby trails or bike around the canyon. Before heading back to the boat, you should stop at the Stehekin Pastry Company for a delicious treat. The Golden West Visitor Center has exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural past that you can use to learn about the area’s history.
Evening: Return to Lake Chelan
After a day of adventure, take the ferry back to Lake Chelan. Spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation, enjoying the calm atmosphere of the lake.
Day 12: Travel to the North Cascades National Park
Morning: Drive to North Cascades National Park
On day twelve, embark on a journey to North Cascades National Park, known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and over 300 glaciers.
The drive from Lake Chelan to the park’s entrance at Marblemount takes about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes, including the Methow Valley and the Skagit River.
Afternoon: Explore the North Cascades – Easy Hikes and Scenic Viewpoints
Once you arrive, start by visiting the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, where you can pick up maps and learn more about the park’s geology and wildlife.
Then, take a short hike on the Trail of the Cedars or the River Loop Trail, both of which offer easy walks through old-growth forests with views of the Skagit River.
For breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers and peaks, drive along the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) and stop at overlooks like Diablo Lake Vista Point and Washington Pass Overlook.
Evening: Overnight in the North Cascades
For the evening, consider staying overnight in the park or nearby. Options include camping at Colonial Creek Campground or staying at one of the rural lodges like the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin.
If you prefer more comfort, you can find accommodations in the nearby town of Winthrop, known for its Wild West-themed downtown.
Day 13: Day of Hiking in North Cascades National Park
Morning: Hike to Cascade Pass or Blue Lake
On the thirteenth day, you should go hiking in the North Cascades. If you want to try something new, you can hike to Cascade Pass, which is one of the most popular trails in the park. The round-trip 7.4-mile hike gives you amazing views of the mountains, glaciers, and rivers in the area. Even though the trail isn’t very easy, the views are worth it. If you want to take things easier, you can walk the 4.4-mile Blue Lake Trail, which leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by steep mountains. The walk is fairly easy, and there are plenty of opportunities to take photos and spot wildlife.
Afternoon: Continue Exploring – Ross Lake or Rainy Lake
After your morning hike, spend the afternoon exploring more of the park. Drive to Ross Lake for a peaceful afternoon of kayaking or canoeing, or hike the Rainy Lake Trail, a short, accessible trail that leads to a picturesque lake nestled in the mountains.
Evening: Relax and Unwind
After a day of outdoor adventure, unwind at your accommodation. If you’re staying in Winthrop, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, such as the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, known for its craft beer and hearty meals.
Day 14: Return to Seattle and Departure
Morning: Scenic Drive Back to Seattle – Stop at Deception Pass
On your final day, begin your journey back to Seattle. The drive from the North Cascades to Seattle takes about 2.5 hours, but you can extend your trip by stopping at Deception Pass State Park along the way. Deception Pass is known for its dramatic bridge, rugged cliffs, and scenic beaches.
Take a walk across the bridge for stunning views of the swirling waters below, or explore one of the park’s many hiking trails.
Afternoon: Final Shopping and Sightseeing in Seattle
Once you’re back in Seattle, take the afternoon to do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing. If you didn’t get a chance earlier, visit the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) in South Lake Union, which offers fascinating exhibits on Seattle’s history and innovation.
You might also want to visit the Seattle Art Museum or take a relaxing stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park, which offers a mix of art and nature with views of Puget Sound.
Evening: Departure
Your 14-day trip through Washington State is almost over. It’s time to leave, so head to the airport. Think about the beautiful sights, unique experiences, and fond memories you created during your trip. The beauty and charm of Washington State will stay with you long after you return home.
Final Tips:
- Packing: Ensure you have everything packed and ready for your journey home, including any souvenirs, gifts, or local treats you may have picked up along the way.
- Transportation: If you rented a car, make sure to return it on time and account for traffic when heading to the airport, especially during peak hours in Seattle.
- Souvenirs: If you still have some time, consider picking up any last-minute souvenirs at Pike Place Market or the Seattle Airport’s gift shops, which offer a variety of local products and memorabilia.
Conclusion: A Memorable 10-day or 14-Day Journey Through Washington State
Your 10 day or 14-day adventure through Washington State has offered you a good exploration of the state’s diverse landscapes, from the vibrant city life of Seattle to the tranquil beauty of its national parks and charming towns. You’ve experienced the lush rainforests, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and the Pacific coastline, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This itinerary allowed you to delve deeper into the heart of Washington State, discovering hidden gems and popular attractions alike.
If you’ve enjoyed this 10-day or 14-day Washington state itinerary, don’t hesitate to share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your journey and what made your trip special.
For more travel inspiration and detailed guides, be sure to explore our other blog posts on Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.
FAQs
What is the number one attraction in Washington?
Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular place to visit in Washington state. It is a famous and beautiful place with a large mountain, amazing views, and many outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching. Many people visit to see the amazing views and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
What is Washington unique for?
Washington is special because it has a variety of landscapes such as mountains, forests, and beaches. It has famous natural sights such as Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. Washington is also known for its rapidly growing technology business. Microsoft and Amazon are two companies that have their headquarters there.
Why is Washington state so rich?
Washington State is rich because of its big tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon, major trade ports, valuable natural resources like timber and agriculture, a culture of innovation, and strong universities.
Does it snow in Washington State?
Yes, it snows in Washington State. The mountains get heavy snowfall, while cities like Seattle see less. Eastern Washington, like Spokane, gets more snow than the west.