Unspoilt nature – Day trips from Seattle

The mountains are enormous, the vegetation is lush and the view is breathtaking: the US is a land of overwhelming natural wonders, and North Cascades National Park is powerful proof of this. It has turquoise mountain lakes, dense forests and the imposing 300 glaciers of the North Cascade Mountains that form part of the Rocky Mountains. The park is less touristy and not as frequently visited, but still (or for this very reason) well worth a short trip. You can enquire about the campsites available and great hiking routes set in unspoilt nature at the Visitor Centre in Newhalem. Also be prepared to acquaint yourself with bears, mountain lions, wolves, moose and wapitis.

North Cascades National Park

It has a very special attraction close to the city: the Boeing Everett factory is a testament to impressive engineering and a key showcase for the global aviation industry. This is where some of the world’s most advanced aircraft are built, from the iconic 747 to the modern Dreamliner. Tours of the factory offer visitors an insight into the fascinating world of aircraft assembly, so you can experience first-hand how technical innovations make the dream of flying a reality. We recommend you book tickets early due to the high demand.

Boeing factory tour

A trip to Leavenworth is like a trip to a charming Bavarian village, nestled among the majestic Cascade Mountains. The remaining residents decided to create this pseudo-alpine design to boost tourism in the 1960s, when it was threatened with becoming a ghost town after the closure of a large freight station. After around two hours’ drive you arrive among charming half-timbered houses, inviting cafés and a lively farmers market held every Saturday in summer. Wander through the picturesque streets, visit handicraft shops or enjoy traditional southern German cuisine. Hiking trails like the Icicle Gorge Trail offer breathtaking views for nature lovers. Leavenworth transforms into a romantic setting in the evening, perfect for relaxing and sighs of contentment.

Leavenworth
Icicle Gorge Trail

If you’d like to experience an amazing natural spectacle first-hand, you should visit Snoqualmie Falls, just a 45-minute drive from Seattle. The water here plunges into the depths from a height of 82 metres – twice as high as Niagara Falls. The waterfalls are also familiar from the TV series “Twin Peaks”. You can see and feel a refreshing spray of the water jets from several well-constructed viewpoints. Hiking trails lead from here towards the waterfalls through the lush flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest to some tranquil riverside spots for bathing.

Snoqualmie Falls

Olympic National Park extends between Seattle and the Pacific, and is one of the most spectacular natural paradises in the US. It contains vast lakes and ancient moss-covered trees that rise like a green cathedral over the hiking trails in the park. A special highlight is the view from Hurricane Ridge, where the panorama of the rugged mountain peaks unfolds. Guided day trips are offered from Seattle, just 130 km away, and if you wish to enjoy the magnificent park on a longer visit, you can stay at one of the idyllic campsites set in unspoilt nature.

Olympic National Park