Great Daytrips from Seattle?
 

Hi, everyone! Do you have any ideas for one or two great daytrips out of Seattle? I'd like to get out of the city and see some of the natural sights, but don't have a clear idea of the distances involved. Could we take a ferry somewhere for the day? We'll have a car, so driving is an option, too. Thanks!

Numerous. East to Snoqualmie Falls (45 min.) or over the mountains to red rocks along the Columbia River (2 hrs); south/southeast to Mt Rainier (2 hrs.) or Mt. St. Helens (3 hrs depending on where).

North to the North Cascades National Park (3 hrs) or Vancouver (3 hrs plus border - ouch.) Also north is a version of the Cascades Loop - US 2 over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee (via Leavenworth, faux Bavarian village) then return via I-90, Snoqualmie Pass. Great mountain and orchard country scenery.

West via ferry to Bainbridge Island (45 min ferry) or Port Townsend (90 min. more) or to Port Angeles (also 90 min. from Bainbridge) for Hurricane Ridge in Olympic NP (30 min. from PA). Also north/west, you can drive past the biggest building in the world (Boeing 747/777 plant) to the Mukilteo ferry to Whidbey Island, then up Whidbey to the Port Townsend ferry, over to PT (cute Victorian town) and return to Seattle via Bainbridge Island ferry. This is a great daytrip.

As an alternative to Gardyloo's itinerary, here is a day trip I really enjoyed: Drive north to Mukilteo. While you're waiting for the ferry, enjoy a superb clam chowder at the little cafe at the ferry waiting area. Take the ferry to Whidbey Island and drive and explore the Island. I enjoy being on Whidbey on weekends in the summer. There are usually a variety of flea markets, festivals, and celebrations to visit. Make a visit to Deception Pass State Park. I also enjoy watching the small boats trying to buck the current when it is running strongly below the Deception Pass Bridge. Cross the bridge back to the mainland and return to Seattle.

My apologies that its been too long ago I'm unable to recall how long it would take but there is a lovely little town on the coast called Westport. Excellent fishing from the large pier there. The pier itself is like a town - very large. Saw whales come thru there once. Might consider it. I hope its still as nice now as it was then.

I found Olympic NP to be a great day trip, but leave early because it is a full day trip especially if going all the way over to the ocean and the rain forest. but it is really a great trip!

I just went on a absolutely great daytrip for Mother's Day--Twin Falls. It's off of I 90 (I think it's exit 34). Only about 30 miles from Seattle, with good trails and maps to find them. If you go, make sure you take the steps down to the waterfall view--it's fabulous.

Taking a ferry to Bainbridge is really fun too. There's a little winery when you get off the ferry with lovely gardens. Don't know the name--anybody?--but it's near the ferry dock.

Have a great trip.

Have a good trip.

Thanks so much, everyone! These are great ideas, just what I was looking for, and I really appreciate all the details. I'm always blown away by the generosity of posters on this site, with their time and their expertise. I'm looking forward to a wonderful few days out there... thanks again!