Washington State: National Park Wonders & City Vibes
- Kayla
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Every year, my husband and I set aside time for an anniversary getaway to enjoy some time together and explore. Last summer, we traded the Carolina heat and humidity for the dramatic landscapes of Washington state- where I would like to add that unfortunately the heat followed us. From the deep greens of the Olympic Peninsula to the white-capped peaks of Mt. Rainier, it was a trip defined by beautiful sites and great coffee.
Our Hoodsport Stay
We began our journey in Hoodsport, staying in a spectacular Dome Home that felt like staying in a piece of rustic art tucked into the woods. Home Sweet Dome was SUCH a vibe and the perfect launching point. From the moment we walked in it was special. It wasn't just the unique look of the dome home, but it was the touches by the host as well. The host had NPR playing thumpy local music on a Bose speaker to greet us. I enjoyed it so much that I turned it on every night and morning. This is the first Airbnb I have stayed in that provided local coffee along with a ton of different apparatuses to prepare it. We have since expanded our own coffee brewing library to include a gas stove percolator and a dripper for pour overs. In addition to the coffee, the host also left a basket of snack and drink items made in Washington. So generous!
Before hitting the trails and after, we fueled up at Hoodsport Coffee Company. As a baker, I’m always on the hunt for local flavors, and their coffee and ice cream did not disappoint. Our favorite dinner we had in town was at The Fjord Oyster Bank. If you go be prepared to wait! Everything is cooked fresh to order, and everyone else in town wants to eat there too : )
When searching for a local hike we settled on the Mt. Ellinor area. If you’re looking for a challenge, the Mt. Ellinor Lower Trailhead delivers.
The Stats: A 6.2-mile round trip with a brutal 3,300+ foot elevation gain.
The Reality: We hit it during an abnormal U.S. heat surge for that area. Hiking that kind of incline in record-breaking heat while managing venous insufficiency was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I have done harder hikes, but not in extreme heat.
There was a moment on the trail where I just had to stop, pull my shoes off, and let my feet cool down. It was a humbling reminder that our body has limits and pushing through when you can is rewarding, but a real challenge. Travel isn't always easy for me, but I am always glad I did something when it is over.
Low Tides and Black Sands
After the intensity of the mountain, the coast was a welcome reprieve.
Dosewallips State Park: We explored the beach at low tide, which felt like walking onto another planet. It was truly one of the most rustically, beautiful places I have ever been. We even spotted majestic elk grazing near the water.
The Olympic Coast: We drove out to Ruby Beach and Kalaloch. The unique black sand and the tiny sea creatures clinging to the rocks provided that moody, PNW aesthetic that I am still dreaming of.
Pro Tip: If you make the drive out to the Olympic Coast don't skip the Kalaloch Big Cedar Nature Trail. Standing next to those beautiful ancient giants is a once in a lifetime feeling.
City Bites & Coffee Obsessions
After a few days we made our way over to Tacoma, where we stayed in a cozy converted garage Airbnb. One of our favorite evenings of the trip was our delicious dinner at The Lobster Shop and walking around Point Defiance Park. The gardens were so beautiful! Dinner at Duke’s Seafood is also a must for dining in the area; there is nothing like their fresh-caught seafood dishes!
In Seattle, we did the classic Pike Place Market crawl. We saw fish throwing at the seafood stalls, located the gum wall, and sampled pastries and coffees. Our favorite place we discovered was Storyville Coffee. While in Seattle we also visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (an incredible "bean-to-cup" theater that I’m so glad we experienced before its recent closure).
Foodies Note: The coffee at Storyville was so exceptional that we’ve started ordering it regularly. It’s the perfect companion for a fresh-baked breakfast treat!
The Grand Finale: Mt. Rainier
We capped off the trip at Mount Rainier National Park. We spent the day driving the park’s winding roads and hiking from Reflection Lake to Paradise Inn. Once we reached Paradise Inn we hiked the Skyline Trail to get those iconic, sweeping views of the mountain that look like a painting. We ended our hike back at Reflection Lake with a quiet picnic lunch, watching the mountain’s peak shimmer in the water. It was the perfect, peaceful end to an anniversary trip we’ll never forget.
Are you planning your next great escape? Whether you seek a strenuous mountain hike or a coffee-fueled city tour, I’d love to help you bake some adventure into your life!
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