We are so excited about our trip to Oregon and Washington State! We are planning to drive from Portland along the coast to Olympic Nat. Park and staying in Port Angeles for 5 nights. If anyone can give advice on the best route inland back to Portland - we have 3 days to explore! We love nature but not sure if Mt. Rainier will be super crowded. Can anyone recommend any other outdoor areas that are beautiful? Also we do not want to spend a hefty amount on lodging. Is Seattle a not to miss city? Should we stay an extra day in Port Angeles and try to take a ferry to the Islands? Thanks so very much for any suggestions!!

Well, geography matters. Is Port Angeles your sole stopping place on the Olympic Peninsula? The reason for asking is that some of the most scenic and exciting destinations in Olympic National Park are located on the Pacific side of the peninsula, hours by car from Port Angeles. Here's a map that shows a possible route; note that several destinations in the park - Lake Quinault, Ruby Beach, the Hoh rain forest and the La Push beaches - are all on the west side of the park. The Hoh visitor center, for example, is over two hours' drive from Port Angeles, so while you can base there, it makes for awfully long days. https://goo.gl/maps/GYJKDhfTYYH2

Of course Seattle is a don't-miss city, but it's very expensive during the summer/cruise season (which is when you're coming, I presume? You don't say.) However you can stay outside the city and drive in - the cost of parking for a day will be much less than the additional hotel cost.

If by "the islands" you mean the San Juan Islands, these aren't accessed from Port Angeles, but from Anacortes on Fidalgo Island instead. From Port Angeles the only island you can reach is Vancouver Island, with several ferries daily from PA to the Inner Harbour at Victoria. This is a very worthwhile day trip from PA (go as foot passengers to save a lot of money for the car) but you'll need passports.

Mt. Rainier is also a don't-miss, and yes, the visitor centers can be crowded, particularly on weekends. That doesn't mean you should skip it, just come as early as possible. The map shows visiting Paradise, then following a loop down the incomparable Stevens Canyon road to the Grove of the Patriarchs, then back out to I-5 to continue south to Portland. If time permits, you could also do a side trip up to the Johnston Ridge observatory on the side of Mt. St. Helens, quite spectacular.

How much time do you have overall, when is this trip, how flexible are you with stopover points, and do you plan to visit the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River valley and Mount Hood while you're in the Portland area? These are all important considerations as you make your plans.

We are planning to drive from Portland along the coast to Olympic Nat.

In Oregon 101 is a drive along the coast, but in Washington it is almost entirely inland.

If anyone can give advice on the best route inland back to Portland.

If by best you mean most scenic, that would include 101 along the west side of Hood Canal.

We love nature but not sure if Mt. Rainier will be super crowded

Mt. Rainier is less crowded in the early hours or late hours on weekdays.

Also we do not want to spend a hefty amount on lodging.

If motele are too expensive in Port Angeles, check out Forks.

Is Seattle a not to miss city?

Many feel that way.

Should we stay an extra day in Port Angeles and try to take a ferry to the Islands?

Vancouver Island is the only island I know of that is linked to PA by ferry.