Fodorite018

Mt Rainier will have even more snow covered trails. Those don't typically melt out until July, but this year it might even be later given how much snow we have had.

Gardyloo

I'd also caution that May is still the middle of Mt. Rainier's cloud/rain season, and it's entirely possible (probable, in fact) that everything will be socked in at higher elevations on the mountain. Lowland areas will be accessible, but I'd weigh the cost in terms of hours on the road v. a less-than-optimal time once you arrive. This is much less an issue with Olympic NP, and while Hurricane Ridge is subject to alpine conditions, the park has lots of other activities to compensate.

Bobmrg

If your only interest in the Sol duc Hot Springs Resort is to look at the springs, save yourself some time and skip it. They are concrete swimming pools, not the scenic, romantic, sylvan glades of your imagination.

WarrenWST

This was so helpful!!!

We can't wait. We actually go to Seattle twice a year now because one of our children lives there. We just can't seem to get enough of the Pacific Northwest. We actually changed the plans; we are now going in mid August but still plan on keeping the same itinerary, i.e., 2 nights Seattle, 1 night Olympic Lodge in PA, 2 nights, Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push, 1 night at Lake Quinault Lodge and then 2 nights back in Seattle. Our favorite place in Seattle is Inn at the Market although we are tempted to explore some AirBNB. We have never done that but considering it. Thanks again and I know it's a long time off but I will let you all know how it worked out especially considering all the effort you all put in to advising.

Thanks, W

Fodorite018

Warren--Since you are familiar with the usual Seattle stuff, I do recommend trying an Airbnb in one of the different neighborhoods. A couple years ago, a handful of us locals had a handful of friends come visit and instead of staying at one of our homes, we opted for an Airbnb on Queen Anne. It was perfect for us and a very good experience. Obviously much more room than a hotel, but also a hot tub, patio area, etc. There are some wonderful areas around town to try

WarrenWST

HI. That is a great idea any we actually are looking into that as well and have come up with some great options. I guess it is like Uber and Lyft, we were reluctant at first but now we use it all the time.

Thanks, Warren

volcanogirl

I got an email today from Lake Quinault that they are renovating the boat house rooms with new paint, floors, showers, lighting, mirrors, vanities, furniture, etc.

WarrenWST

Thanks for the info. Warren.

WarrenWST

Hi everybody. I wanted to share our experience of our wonderful 8 night vacation since you were all so helpful.

We flew Delta from Boston to Seattle. Flight was excellent. Delta does a great job with service and comfort.
Once we arrived and retrieved our luggage we went to pick up our car from EZ car rental which we had previously reserved. What a terrible experience. I would advise everybody to stay away from them. We obviously fell scam to their low price offering for a midsize car. You truly get what you pay for. They told us they had no midsize cars available even though we reserved it and couldn't honor the price for anything else that they had. Our only option was to wait for one to return! Really! They had no idea when that might be,. To top it off, the agent was arrogant. It was a very busy terminal and lines were long. Thrifty said they had cars but it would cost us $780 for a midsize. We went to SIXT, told the agent Bile our story and he said, no worries, I have the ability to offer you a manager's discount and can put you into a Volvo luxury sedan fully loaded for $350 all inclusive. Amazing!!! He was so special. The car was so nice. Anyway, back to the actual trip...
We spent the first two nights at Inn at the Market in Seattle. It is a favorite of ours. We met up with our daughter and son in law and spent the next two days hiking and stopping by some great breweries and restaurants. We then all went to the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles for one night which was very nice. After check in we went immediately to Hurricane Ridge for a hike. It was beautiful. It was actually my favorite hike. We had a great dinner at the Next Door Gastropub in Port Angeles. Very casual and excellent service and food. The next day we went to the Quileute Oceanside Resort in La Push. On the way we stopped at Crescent Lake and did a small hike. It is a beautiful lodge and surroundings. The Quileute Oceanside resort is amaizing. It is right on first beach and our room had a balcony right on it and is so inexpensive. The location is perfect! After we checked in we took to the beach were my son in law surfed and the rest of simply enjoyed the sun, sand, and beach. Early evening we visited second beach which is a short hike from the trail head. Caution..it is down hill on the way to the beach but obviously up hill on the way back. Well worth it.. For dinner, my daughter and son in law cooked wild salmon since our room also had a full kitchen and we wanted to enjoy some wine, beer, music, (Bob Marley) and the view. The next day we went to the Hoh Rain Forest and hiked 3 trails. Beautiful. I love rain forests. Funny thing is that we had great weather throughout. All sun. At night we ate at the Rivers Edge restaurant. We had a good time but the place is just okay. Then we went off to Lake Quinault for one night. Another beautiful lodge. We stopped at Ruby beach and the Big Cedar attraction on the way. At Quinault we took two great long hikes and ate at the Salmon House restaurant. My best meal...Dill wild king salmon! Lastly we went back to Seattle for 2 nights and stayed at the The Charter Hotel by Hilton. It was very nice but Inn at the Market is still my favorite. Did more hiking and eating and yes, checked out two more breweries. It was a fantastic vacation and I appreciate everybody's input. Thank you all again. Warren

sludick

Thanks for the follow-up, Warren, sounds like an overall wonderful trip. You've given us information on some places that I don't see mentioned often, and I'm planning to add this to my "details for great trips" file. We have taken the trail to Second Beach with another couple - saw some young ladies wearing flimsy sandals on the trail, and one of the friends with us just looked and murmured, "Brilliant." I still laugh about it. But they may not have had a good hike with that footwear.