Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads.
Does anyone have recommendations on some of the very best national parks and especially rain forests that are within an hour or two drive from Seattle?
This sounds lazy, but my family who is coming to Seattle for the first time, probably won't be bringing hardcore outdoorsy clothing, so a good option would be a place we could more or less drive through and take in the sights rather than go on a major hike or climb.
I know Washington is in no shortage of Parks, but I'd really love to see the rain forests. And my dad LOVES to get his National Park passport thingy stamped.
One of our favorites is the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge on the Dungeness Spit near Sequim. It's an easy 1/2 mile hike on a path through a forest that leads to a long sand spit strewn with logs and rocks. The view is beautiful, great bird watching and deer everywhere. You can walk just a short distance down the spit, or if you're up for it, walk all the way to the lighthouse at the end of the spit (5-6 miles). It's probably about a 2-hr trip from Seattle, and would include a ferry ride that your family might enjoy. Be aware that the Hood Canal Bridge (from Kitsap Peninsula to the Olympic Peninsula) is going to be closed for six weeks starting May 1, although you can also drive around--but it would take longer.
As for the rainforests, we are truly blessed in the Seattle area to have two incredible rainforests within driving distance, the Hoh and the Quinault. They are both truly spectacular, but I personally prefer the Quinault. It's about a 3-4 hr drive from Seattle, so it really should be an overnight trip at least. The Quinault rainforest is smaller than the Hoh, but just as beautiful, and has some easy hiking trails. The old growth forests are just magical. If you have the time to make a trip to either of the rainforests, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Heh, I'm a walking advertisement! I'm wearing my Kalaloch shirt today under my Orcas Island jacket! Quinault IS absolutely amazing but it is a 3-hr drive. Wonderful lake, mountains, and rainforest right there. Love it.
You can get out to Lake Crescent and walk the Marymere Falls trail. It takes less than 2 hrs to Port Angeles, then another 30 min drive to the park. Its pretty easy, and you walk through old growth trees. it's so nice. and you don't have to wear special clothing, except decent shoes!!
Heh, I'm a walking advertisement! I'm wearing my Kalaloch shirt today under my Orcas Island jacket! Quinault IS absolutely amazing but it is a 3-hr drive. Wonderful lake, mountains, and rainforest right there. Love it.
Me too! But I'm on the other side of the planet! I must say you have great taste jen!
Guy seriously I cannot urge you enough to organize an overnight at Lake Quinault or Kalaloch Lodges and spend a little time there! It's is without doubt one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen.
The third and most overlooked rain forest is the Queets valley. Moonshadow and I spent an afternoon here in almost complete solitude. Beyond the end of the road, you ford a river and can walk for miles in magnificant rain forest.
This interactive map will show you how to get there. Queets is between the Hoh and Quinault valleys. Click the down arrow alittle then zoom in right to the area. Lower Queets Valley Road is washed out so you to take forest service Rd.21 to upper Queets Valley Rd. to the end.
In terms of actual national parks, there are three in the State of Washington: Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier is the closest to Seattle, maybe 90 minutes from Seattle. You and your parents don't have to climb to the top to enjoy the place, and the Paradise Lodge in the park is another place for a nice Sunday brunch..Also, at the right time of year ( July?) the area is full of wildflowers.
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
National Parks and Rain Forest?
Me too! But I'm on the other side of the planet! 
Linear Mode
