Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Seattle, Washington to Seattle, Washington in Washington State, Cascade Range, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is July to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip.

Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens: A Cascade Volcano Loop from Seattle

Q: How long is the Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens: A Cascade Volcano Loop from Seattle route?

This route takes 6 days taking in 5 stops.

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The route · 5 stops

1
Seattle
1 night
Gateway to the Cascade volcanoes and the place to pick up a hire car and stock up before the mountains. Wander Pike Place Market and the waterfront, ride to the top of the Space Needle, then point the car south-east. A first night here helps beat jet lag before the alpine driving starts.
Gateway to the Cascade volcanoes and the place to pick up a hire car and stock up before the mountains. Wander Pike Place Market and the waterfront, ride to the top of the Space Needle, then point the car south-east. A first night here helps beat jet lag before the alpine driving starts.
Any car handles the paved park and SR 504 roads. Buy an America the Beautiful pass to cover both Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens fees.
2
Sunrise & Crystal Mountain
1 night1h 41m · 121 km from previous
The high, dry north-east shoulder of Mount Rainier. Sunrise is the park's highest road-accessible point at 6,400 ft, with subalpine wildflower meadows and head-on views of the Emmons Glacier. Ride the Crystal Mountain gondola for a wider panorama, then base in Greenwater or at the resort.
The high, dry north-east shoulder of Mount Rainier. Sunrise is the park's highest road-accessible point at 6,400 ft, with subalpine wildflower meadows and head-on views of the Emmons Glacier. Ride the Crystal Mountain gondola for a wider panorama, then base in Greenwater or at the resort.
Sunrise Road and the gondola open only early July to early October. Arrive before 10am in summer, as the car parks fill fast.
3
Paradise & Longmire
2 nights18m · 21 km from previous
The classic heart of the park. Paradise draws crowds for its summer wildflower meadows, the Skyline Trail and the historic Paradise Inn. Lower down, Longmire has gentle trails, the Nisqually River and waterfalls at Narada and Christine. Two nights allow a full hiking day plus the Stevens Canyon scenic drive.
The classic heart of the park. Paradise draws crowds for its summer wildflower meadows, the Skyline Trail and the historic Paradise Inn. Lower down, Longmire has gentle trails, the Nisqually River and waterfalls at Narada and Christine. Two nights allow a full hiking day plus the Stevens Canyon scenic drive.
Base in Ashford just outside the Nisqually entrance, open year-round. There is no fuel inside the park, so fill up in Ashford or Packwood.
4
Mount St. Helens
1 night1h 48m · 129 km from previous
The west side of the 1980 blast zone, reached on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR 504) from Castle Rock. Start at the Silver Lake Visitor Center, stop at the Hoffstadt Bluffs overlook, and walk among the debris-avalanche hummocks. A sobering, fascinating look at an eruption and the slow return of life.
The west side of the 1980 blast zone, reached on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (SR 504) from Castle Rock. Start at the Silver Lake Visitor Center, stop at the Hoffstadt Bluffs overlook, and walk among the debris-avalanche hummocks. A sobering, fascinating look at an eruption and the slow return of life.
Johnston Ridge Observatory and the upper SR 504 are closed for bridge repairs until about 2027. The lower west-side viewpoints stay open.
5
Seattle
2h 43m · 196 km from previous
Return north on I-5 to close the loop in Seattle. Drop the hire car, or stay a final night before flying home. On a clear day the drive frames both volcanoes you have just circled, a fitting end to the trip.
Return north on I-5 to close the loop in Seattle. Drop the hire car, or stay a final night before flying home. On a clear day the drive frames both volcanoes you have just circled, a fitting end to the trip.
Time the final I-5 leg to dodge Tacoma and Seattle rush hour, which can add an hour in either direction.

Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens: A Cascade Volcano Loop from Seattle

The route · 5 stops

Seattle

Sunrise & Crystal Mountain

Paradise & Longmire

Mount St. Helens

Seattle

Route highlights

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Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens: A Cascade Volcano Loop from Seattle

The route · 5 stops

Seattle

Sunrise & Crystal Mountain

Paradise & Longmire

Mount St. Helens

Seattle

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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