Hi. We are finalizing our trip to Seattle and the area for this August. I originally booked 2 nights at the Paradise Inn in Mt. Rainier (wishing I had booked 3 but they are all sold out right now) and 5 nights at the Inn at the Market in Seattle. Reasoning is that we will be visiting a family member who is currently living in Seattle. It is our first trip out there. However, now I am wondering if we are better off keeping the 2 nights at Mt. Rainier and book 2 nights in Port Townsend and then 3 in Seattle. We are in our late fifties and enjoy hiking, scenery, restaurants, etc. Just started thinking that 5 nights in Seattle may be too much. Don't know if it is feasible or recommended to go straight to Port Townsend from Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is our first stop. We arrive in Seattle Int. Airport at approx. 11am PST. From there we will be driving right to Mt. Rainier. After that is the big question. We fly out of Seattle as well so thinking it best to end our stay in Seattle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

2 nights at Mt. Rainier is plenty. I would stop on Seattle after Rainier. You could fill up your 5 days in Seattle without a problem, depends on what you want to do and see. Port Townsend is a nice getaway for a night or two. Read otherchelebi's trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...a-and-back.cfm

Since you enjoy hiking, your 2 nights at Rainier will be great Yes, it is easy enough to drive from there to PT as it is only about a 3 1/2 hour drive or so, depending on which way you go and ferries, etc. PT is great for a night or two. It is too far to really see much of Olympic National Park, but you could spend a day over in the Hurricane Ridge area by Port Angeles. Lots of great hiking there and stunning scenery. I would definitely want to be in Seattle at the end of the trip to make it easier to get to the airport. You do NOT want to be caught over near PT on the day of departure. Things like the Hood Canal Bridge opening, ferries, etc could be problematic.

Thanks for the great replies. Any suggestions on where to stay in Port Townsend as well as best way to go to PT from Mt. Rainier and then from Port Townsend to Seattle? We will have a rental car. Also, any thoughts on staying at the Inn at the Market vs the Marriott Waterfront in Seattle? Thanks again, Warren.

This is where we have always stayed in PT. They have a few other places in town as well, and you can see those on their webpage, but this is the cottage that we use and love.

http://www.morganhillgetaways.com/guestcottage/

I would take 7 to 16 over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to 3 to 104 and over the Hood Canal Bridge then up either 19 or 20 into PT. We usually do 19, but 20 is fine too.

Chevy Chase Beach Cabins , Port Townsend for a beach and Olympic Mt views.

Thank you all. Can't wait! Warren.

All I can say is that I really love Port Townsend and Fort Worden State Park for sitting at the beach. The water is crystal clear and beautiful and you can walk to the lighthouse. I'd definitely add time to walk around PT and hang out. Such a cute little town and especially in summer.