This Incredible Road Trip Through Washington Passes Countless Stunning Lakes
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published May 24, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Begin your adventure in the caboose of Elbe's Hobo Inn, a beloved and quirky train-turned-hotel often featured in popular Washington travel write-ups. Boasting a restaurant and endless photo ops, Hobo Inn has served as the launch pad for unforgettable road trips since guests first came aboard in 1987.
It's easy to get squirrely on a long drive, so I prefer breaking up long stints in the car with opportunities to stretch my legs. On your way to the next overnight spot, pull off at the trailhead for Lake Christine. At under four miles, this gorgeous hike is a fantastic route curling through Mount Rainier's old-growth forests.
Spend your next night at Paradise Inn, easily one of our national park system's most iconic accommodations. Located at 5,400 feet above sea level, this incredible hotel has hosted guests since 1917, offering regular people views of Rainier that— till that point— had been exclusively enjoyed by rangers and mountaineers. Extend your stay and hike the Skyline Trail or keep your visit short and oh-so-sweet.
On the morning of your departure, pack a lunch and head to Reflection Lake, just ten minutes from Paradise Inn. It's easy to see why this six-and-a-half-mile loop is famously beautiful.
Stevens Canyon Road, Stevens Canyon Rd, Washington, USA
Though it'll put a hurtin' on your calves, Summit Lake trail is a fixture of any self-respecting hiker's mountain lake bucket list. The reward for your grueling 1,400-foot climb is a mesmerizing view overlooking one of Washington's loveliest lakes, boasting dazzling blue waters and a picture-perfect Rainier on the horizon.
This summer road trip near Mount Rainier is a hiker’s dream, passing numerous jaw-dropping alpine lakes. All you need are your hiking shoes, favorite car snacks, and a sense of adventure for the trip of a lifetime!
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