Born To Be Wild: A Guide for Washington National Parks

Home to the American Goldfinch and loads of rain, Washington state is known for its square dancing and juicy apples. With a population of around 7.7 million, Washington has half of its state living in a semi-arid climate, while the other half (the western side) enjoys the cool oceanic climate. A state with such a diverse atmosphere means diversity within its species and land. It should come as no surprise that Washington State has tourists coming from all over to check out its varied parks. Washington is home to three national parks across their forest-lush state, and each unique area brings different things to do. The questions of where to stay and what to eat might be overwhelming. Have no fear; we’re here to help!

A Guide for Washington State National Parks

Olympic National Park

This park is known for its wide range of precipitation and elevation. Surrounding a million acres, it’s not surprising the amount of diversity that encompasses the area. The park has 1,000 years of human history under its belt and quite a few different ecosystems, which include mountains, rainforests, and miles of extensive coastline. When it comes to wildlife, there’s much to see here. On land, you can find animals like raccoons, beavers, and mink, but the valleys and meadows have animals like deer, elk, and cougars. A little-known fact about the sea life of this park is that it has the largest amount of Pacific salmon outside of Alaska. The park is stunning and well worth a hike or exploration.

Where to eat Near Olympic National Park: Dupuis Restaurant

When it comes to national park trips, you don’t want to find yourself at a restaurant you’ll regret, which is why we’ve chosen Dupuis Restaurant. This restaurant has been around since 1920, and although it has passed through quite a few owners over the years, the restaurant remains unscathed. The interior will bring you back in time to the mountain life of the roaring ’20s; you’ll see the burgundy carpet, sealed wooden accents, and chandeliers that light the evening. When it comes to food, you won’t be sorry; the menu at Dupuis has items like Steak Dupuis, which involves Charbroiled, bacon-wrapped filet mignon capped with Dungeness crab, and burgundy cremini. If that’s not enough to convince you of their cuisine, try their Chimichurri Petite Tender for size. Either direction your taste bud goes in, the Dupuis restaurant is bound to be the right one.

Where to stay Near Olympic National Park: Quality Inn & Suites Sequim at Olympic National Park

Sleeping is important, and we want only the best for our Washington National Park travel crew. When it comes to staying near Olympic National Park, the Quality Inn & Suites Sequim has the best bang for your buck. The experience starts at breakfast, with a freshly made and free meal to start your day. Enjoy some leisure time swimming laps in their heated indoor pool and grab a cup of tea or coffee while you’re at it because that’s also free anytime. There’s a business center for you and your group to collaborate in and a fitness room for when you need a little time to yourself. The guest suites have Wi-Fi, microwaves, and refrigerators. If that’s not enough, there’s a new marketplace within the Quality Inn for things like meals, snacks, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages. End your day of adventure in comfort.

Mount Rainier National Park

The Mount Rainier National Park is meant for all you mountain lovers, sitting at 14,410 feet above sea level; this park holds majestic landmarks like an active volcano, and not to mention Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A, towering over five major rivers. The atmosphere of the park is a maritime climate that brings animals like black bears, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, Cascade red foxes, fishers, raccoons, minks, striped skunks, and short and long-tailed weasels. The Mount Rainier National Park has over 150 mapped trails to choose from, making it perfect for those who like options.

Where To Eat Near Mount Rainier National Park: Rainier Basecamp Bar & Grill

When it comes to food near Mount Rainier, why not go to a spot that is so perfect for this national park trip, it’s even in the name of the restaurant. At Rainier Basecamp Grill, you get a casual outdoor mountain setting with benches and pavilion-like outdoor seating; it’s the kind of spot you stop during an adventure. After a day of mountain climbing, you’re going to want something hearty, which is why this menu is perfect. Rainier Basecamp Bar and Grill serves hot pizzas right out of the oven and warm sandwiches like hot ham and cheese. Don’t think they could forget how good soup is on a cold day; they have that too. Come in to warm up and fuel up; it’s the perfect end to a trip.

Where To Stay Near Mount Rainier National Park: Silver Skis Chalet

Let Mount Rainier brighten your day, and Silver Skis Chalet can put a comfortable end to it. Aside from its elegant name, this lavish place to lodge is only 150 yards from the Gondola and chairlifts, and it also has, as you may have already guessed, skiing accommodations. While here, you will be accommodated with all the amenities that will feel like home. All condos fit up to eight guests which is perfect for your Washington National Park crew to space out in. The condos come with kitchens and living rooms along with an outdoor heated pool and barbecue grill. With a place this lush, you and your Washington National Park group won’t want to leave.

North Cascades National Park

This gorgeous park is less than three miles from Seattle with sharp-edged mountain peaks and over 300 glaciers. The area has a climate ranging from the rainforest on the wet west side to the dry ponderosa pine ecosystem on the east. When it comes to animals, the park is plentiful with black bears, wolverines, river otters, cougars, lynx, and bobcats. There’s plenty to see while here; you and your Washington National Park group won’t regret it.

Where To Eat Near North Cascades National Park: Upriver Grill & Taproom

Coming in with a restaurant that will make you feel as though you’re visiting a cabin in the woods, Upriver Grill & Taproom is the perfect place to cleanse your palates in between adventures to the North Cascades. While here, you will enjoy local draft beers, craft cocktails, and a wide range of whiskeys. We don’t know how you could, but don’t pass up their food; the menu has items like pulled pork sandwiches and a smashed meatball hoagie. Come to Upriver Grill & Taproom to either get warm, get fed, or both.

Where to stay near North Cascades National Park: Sun Mountain Lodge

When it comes to resting in the North Cascades area, there is truly no better spot than Sun Mountain Lodge. The options for lodging here are not only endless but always luxurious with fluffy down comforters and modern furnishings in combination with cabin-like fixtures. This hotel is equipped for corporate, weddings, and group gatherings which means you and your Washington national park group will be more than comfortable. The Sun Mountain Lodge has award-winning Gourmet Dining Options within the premises and even a spa to get some self-care in between mountain visits. At Sun Mountain Lodge, your mountain vacation awaits.

Washington National Park Group Travel: Chartering A Bus

While on this journey, the question arises: how will you navigate your adventures with your Washington National Park Group? Fear not, for when it comes to luxurious and dependable transportation, we’ve got your back. Choose us for a premium experience on the road because just like our driving, we’re committed to ensuring you’re always headed in the right direction. You can request a quote here.