We have a short window of time in NW Washington in late September where we would like to visit Mt. Rainier and Olympic NP. I've drafted an itinerary below and would appreciate any comments. We are outdoor, active people.

Monday afternoon - fly into Seattle, drive to the Paradise area (Mt. Rainier). (Any suggestions on lodging?)
Tuesday - spend the day at Mt. Rainier
Wednesday - leave early to drive to Olympic NP - Port Angeles area. Book lodging for two nights around Port Angeles.
Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday morning - Spend time in the park, hiking, Hurricane Ridge, Crescent Lake area etc., visit Tongue Point and maybe Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Would love to add some unusual, outdoor adventure as a surprise for my adult "kids". Any suggestions?
Friday - mid day - drive to Bainbridge Island (there for a wedding weekend). Anything of interest to see on the drive from Port Angeles to Bainbridge Island?

I know that we will be missing the Hoh rain forest and the coast attractions, but I think adding those would be too much driving and not enough time enjoying where we are. Thoughts on this?

Thanks for any input you can send along!

MMS' suggestions are spot on, but just as a thought experiment you might think about doing a clockwise loop around the peninsula, starting by going from Mt. Rainier to Lake Quinault, maybe for a late lunch at the Lake Quinault Lodge. Since it's a Wednesday, see if you could book into Kalaloch Lodge for the night (shouldn't be impossible) which would let you explore the Quinault Valley rain forest, and maybe watch the sun set from Ruby Beach, just up the road from Kalaloch. Then on Thursday drive up to the Hoh Valley and do your walkies, at least the Hall of Mosses trail, or up the river trail if you have the energy and time. Then drive into PA before dark. Friday morning, head up to Hurricane Ridge, then make your way to Bainbridge.

As for stops between PA and Bainbridge, I'd look at Poulsbo, a pretty waterfront town very proud of its Norwegian heritage, or maybe stop at Chief Seattle's grave in the Native American village of Suquamish. It's quite moving. Map - https://goo.gl/maps/prtnKZWqJeS2

Both of the places gardyloo mentioned, Lake Quinault Lodge and Kalaloch, are great! We have stayed at both a number of times. They are not that far from each other, so just stay at one (kalaloch makes the most sense since it is further north) but definitely check out both areas. Especially if you do not stay at LQL, definitely take some time to check out the lodge, inside and out, as it is really interesting.

Thank you MMS and Gardyloo for your input. I'm surprised that you both recommend more time at Mt. Rainier and less at ONP, given that ONP is much more diverse. Great input and I'll dial it all into my planning. MMS: are there any particular cabins you like in the Mt. Rainier area? I checked out the Paradise Lodge, seems rather expensive for a teeny room!!!! Thanks!

12kelsy--We love Almost Paradise cabins. They are rustic, but well maintained and very close to the park entrance. The owner is great! I have heard very good things about Storm King cabins as well and Copper Creek Inn, so you might check all of these out. One of the reasons I recommend more time at Rainier in September is that the foliage is absolutely stunning and you don't get that at ONP.