Portland to mt St. Helens and my rainer
 

What is the best way to drive from Portland to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier and back to Portland in two days? We won't be doing any hiking. Also best place to spend the night.

Welcome to Fodor's!

My favorite route would be a loop through the Columbia Gorge and up US 97 to US 12, then west over White Pass and the Stevens Canyon Rd. to Paradise on Mount Rainier, then back south to Portland via the Johnston Ridge visitor center at MSH. Map - https://goo.gl/maps/3a6bkXexs912 (You can do this in either direction.)

Stay at the Paradise Inn on Mt. Rainier if there's room, otherwise Ashford or even Centralia/Chehalis. Stop at the Maryhill Museum if there's time.

If by "best" you mean "most direct," that would be straight up I-5. Then take Highways 12, 123, and 410 to Sunrise and then 410, 123, and 706 to Paradise.

If by "two days" you mean "one night," spend the night in Ashford at Nisqually Lodge where you will have a TV, breakfast included, and restaurants nearby.

The next day take 7, 12, I-5 and 504 to Mt. Saint Helens National Monument.

HTtY

Thanks so much Gardyloo and happytrailstoyou for your advice.