National Parks around Washington
The Pacific Northwest is a symphony of natural wonders. Bellevue's skyline is reflected in the waters of Lake Washington, the state's second largest lake, which combined with Lake Sammamish to the east, provides the city with 4 square miles of waterfront. Mount Rainier commands attention from our downtown streets with its snow-capped peak, full of majestic appeal, and becomes an invitation to explore. The Cascade Mountains paint our eastern scenery, with jagged peaks forming nature's own skyline. Zoom past our neighbor Seattle for two hours in the car and you'll find the Olympic National Park unfolding its dramatic range of ecosystems - from rainforests to glaciated peaks to wild Pacific beaches. As an urban gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Bellevue provides convenient access to some of the region's most breathtaking national parks.
Best Way to Visit the Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks
The three majestic national parks live just beyond Bellevue and our locals sure do take advantage of that benefit. Bellevue offers a range of accommodation options within our multicultural community, with urban amenities and easy access to some of America's most breathtaking natural wonders. Renting a car makes it a classic road trip adventure, and you can stock up on food and snacks at the local delis, cafes, and supermarkets in the early mornings and return to satiate your hunger in the evenings. Explore the majestic peaks, captivating lakes, mystic waterfalls, ancient forests, and more in the national parks near Bellevue, Washington.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the nation, established in 1899. Standing at 14,410 feet tall, Mount Rainier is actually an active volcano that has been sleeping for around 150 years. For centuries, Native Americans considered the mountain to be sacred, traversing its landscape to gather resources. The iconic park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, and a multitude of birds. As the closest National Park to Bellevue, Mount Rainier is an easy day trip with relatively short hikes and plenty to do throughout the year.
Getting there
Driving to Mount Rainier will take a little over an hour, depending on which entrance you take. Before you visit, make sure you get an entrance pass that can be purchased online. In the peak summer months, a park reservation may be required.
Best time to visit
Mount Rainier is one of the most popular parks in the region, so plan your visit during midweek and outside of busy holidays. Summer and fall are most popular times to visit, with scenic wildflower meadows and snow-free trails. In the winter, snow recreation is wildly popular, but it calls for extra planning for dramatic weather conditions.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is a wilderness lover's paradise, known for its rugged beauty, dramatic peaks, and pristine lakes encompassing over 500,000 acres. Established in 1968, the park often known as "The American Alps" encompasses a vast and diverse landscape, with over 300 glaciers, an endless inventory of waterfalls, and many wild, rugged and remote areas to explore. As one of the lesser-visited national parks, the North Cascades offers a variety of trails and hikes for every activity level, but cell service is practically impossible to find. The hiking experience here is a crown jewel, offering stunning views and mixed terrains. You can even explore lakes like Diablo Lake and Ross Lake by boat or kayak.
Getting there
Driving to the North Cascades from Bellevue will take approximately 2 hours going north, depending on the specific destination within the park. The drive is stunning. Access this park without fees or park pass requirements, but if you choose a hike in the National Forest Service lands, a Forest Pass may be required. Campers will need to make campground reservations as early as possible, and is limited from May to September.
Best time to visit
Most people visit the North Cascades in April through October, when the season brings long sunny days. July and August are the busiest months, but you won't need to plan around the crowds. These are the months where you'll be able to access higher elevation passes, when the snow melts. You'll find plenty of hiking, camping, pristine lakes, and In the winter, the park is largely inaccessible, but experienced backcountry travelers can enjoy winter adventures.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a testament to the incredible diversity of the Pacific Northwest, encompassing a remarkable range of ecosystems across its nearly million acres. Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, the park has lush temperate rainforests to see, old-growth forests to explore, hot springs to find, and rugged Pacific Ocean beaches to experience with the backdrop of glacier-capped peaks. Whether your beachcombing, enjoying scenic drives, or hiking popular trails, Olympic National Park offers something for all activity levels.
Getting there
Driving to the Olympic National Park from Bellevue will take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the specific destination within the park. Entrance passes are required for entry and can be purchased online. When you get to the Highway 101, which encircles the park, enjoy the scenic highway's views.
Best time to visit
The winter season runs from late November to late March, with plenty of snow activities and recreation at Hurricane Ridge. Summer months are the busiest, and wildflower meadows explode with color. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the wettest places in the United States, with May through September being its driest season. It'll still rain on some days, because it is a rainforest. Olympic National Park is so biodiverse, that there really is something incredible to experience any time of the year.
How to plan your National Park adventure
Advanced planning is your best friend when visiting these national parks. Securing camping reservations, or entrance reservations during peak seasons, is paramount. Please remember to check the National Park Service pages for each park before your visit, to see if there are any updates on closures or weather.
For those looking for specific trails, Washington Trails Association is the most comprehensive database of hikes in Washington, and it provides up to date information from local hiking experts and user submitted information. Use their Hiking Guide to look for hikes, and you can filter by the national park region, trail features, and more to customize your search.
For those who are looking for something a less hands-on, there are some great tour outfitters that will help lead your adventure.
Bellevue serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the incredible natural beauty of Washington State. With three national parks within easy reach, outdoor enthusiasts have countless opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more.
