National Parks near Seattle, Washington

National Parks near Seattle is a list of some of the most incredible national parks in the contiguous United States!

The parks start from downtown Seattle and provide visitors the opportunity to learn more about Pacific Northwest history, explore gorgeous scenic views, explore several of the best hikes in the park system, go camping, stay in some of the finest National Park Lodges, and more.

Seattle National Parks

Getting to Seattle

Seattle is an easy city to get to. By Interstate, you can simply take I-5 which runs North-South, or I-90 which runs East-West.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has all the major airlines including the top five U.S. carriers; United, Delta, Southwest, American, and Alaska Airlines.

Seattle has nearly 100 domestic non-stop flights and 30 non-stop international flights daily making for an easy and affordable destination to fly into.  Just make sure to keep an eye out for Mount Rainier as you approach Seattle by plane, it's quite impressive!

Park Ranger John Pro Tip

The Seattle area averages 156 rainy days a year so always come prepared for rain. This is perhaps why on clear days you will hear locals say the mountain is out today referring to America's 5th National Park and highest peak in Washington, Mount Rainier.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Distance from Seattle -Located in Seattle

Top Attractions - The Visitor Center, a restored 1890s-era hotel, explore the colorful history of Seattle’s Gold Rush. 

Lodging - There is no National Park lodging within the park, but there are tons of epic hotels in Seattle.

Camping-  There is no camping within the park

Park Address - 319 Second Ave S. Seattle, WA 98104

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of the Gold Rush era.

Located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, the park offers a range of exhibits and programs designed to educate visitors about this significant period in history. One of the highlights is the Visitor Center, housed in a beautifully restored 1890s hotel.

Here, you can view exhibits featuring the rush for gold in Alaska and Canada. An outdoor exhibit showcases the surviving artifacts of the old neighborhood, including cobblestones and original street-front features that survived the Great Seattle Fire.

The park also offers a variety of ranger-led and walking tours of the historic district, where you can learn in-depth about Seattle's gold rush history.

 

Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum is an affiliate site with the National Park Service

Distance from -Located in Seattle

Top Attractions - History, art, and culture of the Asian Pacific American community, educational programs, and public walking tours

Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.

Camping-  There is no camping within the park.

Park Address - 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104, United States

The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle's Chinatown-International District is a great place to learn about the history, culture, and art of Asian-Pacific Americans.

Established in 1967 and named after Wing Luke, who was the first Asian American elected to the Seattle City Council, the museum has a permanent exhibit that tells the story of Asian Pacific American communities in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

The museum also hosts changing exhibits that showcase various aspects of Asian-Pacific American history and culture, from traditional arts to contemporary issues.

It offers educational programs for schools and community groups as well as public walking tours of the historic neighborhood. The museum is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the rich and diverse contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans to American life.

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

Distance from Seattle - 61 miles, located on Whidbey Island

Top Attractions - Visit one of the three state parks in partnership with Ebey's Landing; Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, and Ebey;s Landing State Parks. Explore the historic town of Coupeville, one of the oldest towns in Washington.

Ebey's Landing Bluff trail, The Crockett Farm Preserve,  the Jacob Ebey House, the Ferry House, and the Island County Historical Museum. 

Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.

Camping-  Ebey's Reserve in Washington State has two very popular campgrounds called Fort Ebey State Park and Fort Casey State Park. Another option is Rhododendron Park, though it only allows limited camping from April 1st to October 31st.

It's important to remember that National Park Service properties like the Cottage at Sunnyside, the Prairie Overlook, and the Prairie Wayside don't allow overnight camping.

There are also restrictions on camping at Ebey's Landing State Park and the Island County public beach next to the state park. So, plan your stay accordingly and make the most of the beautiful surroundings in Ebey's Reserve.

Park Address - 162 Cemetery Road Coupeville, WA 98239

The Reserve is home to a rich collection of historic landmarks, scenic trails, and recreational activities that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

From hiking along the bluff trail to camping in the Fort Ebey State Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's natural wonders. For those interested in history, the Jacob Ebey House, the Ferry House, and the Island County Historical Museum provide a glimpse into the colonial and pioneer eras.

The Crockett Farm Preserve, with its well-preserved farmhouse, is perfect for those interested in learning about early settlers' way of life. Bird watchers can enjoy observing the Reserve's diverse range of avian inhabitants. With so much to offer, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is an absolute must-visit destination.

Olympic National Park

Distance from Seattle- 83 miles

Top Attractions - Hurricane Ridge,  Hoh Rainforest, Tree of Life (Kalaloch Beach), Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Springs, sandy beaches, fishing, boating, hiking, camping and wildlife watching

Lodging - Olympic National Park offers a variety of lodging options, including Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. These rustic cabins, modern motels, and historic hotels date back to the early 1900s. It's highly recommended to book reservations in advance, as rooms fill up quickly, particularly in July and August. 

Camping - Olympic National Park has 16 campgrounds providing various experiences to explore the natural beauty of the park. Visitors have options to choose from coastal, rainforest, and mountainous settings. Some campgrounds are seasonal and have limited amenities, while others are open throughout the year with flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. 

Park Address - 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA

Olympic National Park is a beloved destination for nature lovers. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, the park offers a variety of attractions including breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, temperate rainforests, and alpine meadows on the Cascade Range. Visitors can take in the breathtaking mountain views at Hurricane Ridge, or explore the temperate rainforest at Hoh Rainforest, known for its lush greenery and unique trees.

The park’s coastline is equally captivating, featuring sandy beaches and rocky sea stacks along with adorable harbor seals and sea otters. For history buffs, Lake Crescent Lodge is a fascinating site with vintage architecture, boating, and fishing activities.

With endless hiking, camping, and nature exploration options, Olympic National Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. With its mix of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and history, it’s no surprise that Olympic National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

Mount Rainier National Park

Distance from Seattle -107 miles

Top Attractions - Wildflower-filled meadows of Paradise, biking, Reflection Lake, Tipsoo Lake, camping, climbing, wildflower viewing, skiing, fishing, and boating

Lodging - There are two inns located inside Mount Rainier National Park, the National Park Inn, and the Paradise Inn.

Camping - Mount Rainier National Park has four front-country campgrounds: Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake. These campgrounds are open seasonally and provide a range of camping experiences, from rustic tent camping to group sites and RV access.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season from mid-June through September. However, some campsites are first-come, first-served.

To ensure a successful camping trip, check the park’s website or call the ranger station for the latest information on each campground’s amenities, accessibility, and restrictions.

Park Address - 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304 

Mount Rainier National Park is a wonderland of natural marvels. Standing at almost 14,000 feet, the park's namesake peak is awe-inspiring.

Other notable attractions include the stunning wildflower-filled paradise meadows, Reflection Lakes which are a photographer's dream, and the picturesque narrows of the Nisqually River.

Adventurers can spot diverse wildlife like elk, coyotes, black bears, and native red foxes. The park offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, such as skiing, fishing, and hiking, with over 260 miles of trails to explore.

Hiking options range from low difficulty levels for leisurely walks to challenging extended hikes. Mt. Rainier is truly one of the iconic National Parks near Seattle, WA. 

San Juan Islands National Historical Park

Distance from Seattle - 112 miles (you need to take a ferry to reach the park)

Top Attractions - American Camp at San Juan Island, Lopez Island, the lighthouse on Patos Island, and the abundant wildlife, hiking, kayaking, and tide-pooling.

Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park

Camping - There are no campgrounds within the park

Park Address - 4668 Cattle Point Rd. Friday Harbor, WA 98250

San Juan Island National Historical Park is rich in Coast Salish history and is famous for the Pig War conflict between the US and Great Britain.

Visitors can explore the largest publicly accessible wild coastline in the San Juan Islands and hike through coastal prairies. Ranger-led programming, wildlife encounters, and kayaking opportunities are also available.

The park preserves and protects unique ecosystems and global history, including Hawaiian islanders working for Hudson's Bay Company and homesteaders who built a life on the island after the conflict ended. Military officers also played a role in peacemaking, preventing a global conflict from breaking out in the Pacific Northwest.

North Cascades National Park

Distance from Seattle - 116 miles

Top Attractions - Rugged mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, pristine forests, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Diablo Lake overlook, hiking trails, fishing, boating, and swimming.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is considered part of North Cascades National Park and is definitely worth visiting. Stop in Chelan Washington and take the two-hour ferry ride aboard the Lady of the Lake to the town of Stehekin. Here you can forget about the world and all of its everyday hassles like cell phones and computers. Here you can simply enjoy nature, walk around the town of Stehekin, or go enjoy its numerous miles of hiking trails.

Personally speaking, the best time to see this park is early fall. Make sure to drive the scenic drive through the park to the town of Winthrop. After a fun day of exploring go have a great meal or stop at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery. 

Lodging - There are 2 overnight accommodations within the park. The Ross Lake Resort and North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin 

Camping - There are six designated drive-in campgrounds available within the park, along with a few boat-in sites and wilderness sites

Park Address - 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284nb

North Cascades National Park is a stunning wilderness area located in the state of Washington. This park is known for its rugged mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and pristine forests.

Some of the top attractions in North Cascades National Park include the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which offers over 500 miles of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

The Diablo Lake overlook is another popular destination, offering breathtaking views of the blue-green lake against the backdrop of surrounding mountains. For those interested in mountaineering, Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan offer challenging climbs and spectacular views.

Finally, the historic mining town of Stehekin is a must-see, where visitors can take a scenic ferry ride and explore the charming community nestled deep in the heart of the park

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Distance from Seattle - 166 miles

Top Attractions - Pearson Field, Hudson's Bay Company Store, museum exhibits, living history, hiking, and bird watching

Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park

Camping - There are no campgrounds within the site

Park Address - 612 E Reserve St, Vancouver, WA 98661, USA

Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, this park offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and an urban landscape. The park has a rich cultural past that spans from a frontier fur trading post to a powerful military legacy, the history of flight, and the origin of the American Pacific Northwest.

Visitors can learn about the park's transition and settlement, and the conflicts and communities that have emerged over time.

The park features four unique sites that showcase a range of historical and cultural experiences.

Overall, this introduction invites readers to explore an intriguing and diverse park that offers a wealth of historical and cultural significance.

It effectively conveys the park's stunning natural setting and invites visitors to engage with the diverse stories and perspectives that have shaped the region's past and present.

The concise, point-wise structure makes it easy to read and understand, while the tantalizing language creates a sense of curiosity and intrigue that leaves readers wanting to explore the park for themselves.

Lewis & Clark National Historical Park

Distance from Seattle - 187 miles

Top Attractions - Paddle tour, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and fort programs

Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park. 

Camping - There are no National Park Campgrounds within the park.

Park Address - 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103, United States

The Lewis & Clark National Historical Park is located in the northwestern part of the state of Oregon, near the town of Astoria. The park covers over 12,000 acres and contains several landmarks associated with the historic journey of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

These include Fort Clatsop, where the explorers spent the winter of 1805-1806, as well as several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits and educational programs.

The park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at the visitor center. Once inside the park, visitors can obtain maps and other information to help plan their visit. The park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. While there is no admission fee to enter the park, fees may be charged for certain activities or programs.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Distance from Seattle - 231 miles

Top Attractions - Grand Coulee Dam, kayaking and canoeing, hiking trails, camping, scenic drives, fishing, boating, Wildlife Viewing

Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park 

Camping - There are 16 standard campgrounds, 5 group camping areas, boat-in campgrounds, and shoreline camping is also available within the park

Park Address - Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area 1008 Crest Drive Coulee Dam, WA 99116

 Lake Roosevelt is a beautiful natural wonder in Northeast Washington. It is surrounded by stunning walls of stone and was formed by ice age floods long ago.

This area has a rich history, from American Indians to traders and trappers, settlers, and dam builders who once lived here. You can explore the scenic shorelines, and learn about the fascinating stories of the people and cultures that once called it home.

Enjoying various water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as hiking and camping. The Grand Coulee Dam created this hidden gem, which is a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking adventure.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Distance from Seattle - 255 miles

Top Attractions - walking trails, ranger programs, picnicking

Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park

Camping - There are no campgrounds within the site

Park Address - 328 Whitman Mission Road Walla Walla, WA 99362

 The Weyiiletpuu mission grounds are worth walking around. You can also visit the visitor center to watch a park film or check out the museum.

For a peaceful moment surrounded by a beautiful view of the Walla Walla Valley, you can climb to the top of Monument Hill. The park is in southeastern Washington, just seven miles west of Walla Walla off Highway 12.

Nez Perce National Historical Park

Distance from Seattle - 317 miles

Top Attractions - Bear Paw Battlefield, Buffalo Eddy, Spalding site, Big Hole National Battlefield picnicking, petroglyphs, and pictographs

Lodging - There are no National Park Lodges within the park

Camping - Park sites do not offer camping opportunities. Parking lots do not allow overnight parking. However, campgrounds run by federal, state, and private entities are available close to the park sites for camping purposes.

Park Address - Nez Perce National Historical Park 39063 US Hwy 95 Lapwai, ID 83540-9715

The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a place of remembrance for the Nez Perce War of 1877. The park features various sites that visitors can explore, including the Big Hole National Battlefield which has a visitor center, museum, and a self-guided tour through the battlefield.

Another site is the Bear Paw Battlefield in Chinook, Montana, providing visitors with a self-guided tour of the battlefield where the Nez Perce War ended.

The Spalding Visitor Center located in Lapwai, Idaho, offers visitors a chance to experience Nez Perce culture and history through informative displays and exhibits. Canoe Camp is also available, situated along Clearwater River and once a gathering place for Nez Perce people, features displays and a picnic area.

Visitors can also hike a short distance to see petroglyphs and pictographs at the Buffalo Eddy Park site. 

The hope that this article helps you find epic national parks near Seattle, Washington. I know it can be hard to find national parks near me at times and know which park is the best one to head to.