Planning a trip to Seattle with kids and are thinking about Seattle day trip ideas? Keep scrolling to check out my comparison of Olympic National Park vs Mount Rainier National Park!
This comparison of Mount Rainier National Park vs Olympic National Park was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
As a local Seattle mom, I get a LOT of questions from families wondering whether or not they should add in a national park when they visit Seattle.
The Pacific Northwest is so beautiful, and it’s no wonder families want to explore Mount Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park as part of their Seattle itinerary.
I’ve visited both parks with my family and you really can’t go wrong with either of them. But, they are very different experiences.
Keep scrolling to hear about my personal experiences with Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park, so you can decide which to visit.
Overview of Olympic National Park
If you’re eyeing a day trip from Seattle and crave a mix of ocean views, lush rainforests, and dramatic mountain vistas, Olympic National Park is a dazzling choice.
Situated about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, including a scenic ferry ride which the kids always love, Olympic offers a stunning variety of landscapes. This park isn’t just enormous—it’s like several parks rolled into one!
At Olympic, you can start your morning walking through the misty trails of the Hoh Rainforest, one of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S., where everything is draped in fifty shades of green.
By the afternoon, you could be exploring Hurricane Ridge‘s mountainous terrain, with its panoramic views perfect for family photos.
Or, opt for a sandy adventure at Rialto Beach, where the kids can hunt for driftwood and you can all marvel at the sea stacks dotting the coastline. And hike to the Hole-in-the-Wall.
Each of these spots showcases the park’s incredible diversity, making it feel like you’re stepping into a new world at each turn. It’s the perfect setting to let the kids burn off energy and ignite their sense of wonder!
Overview of Mount Rainier National Park
If your family is drawn to majestic mountains and stunning wildflower meadows, then a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park could be the perfect adventure.
Just about a two-hour drive from Seattle, this park centers around the awe-inspiring Mount Rainier, standing proudly as the highest peak in Washington. It’s an iconic sight that’s visible from the city on clear days, but nothing beats seeing it up close!
At Mount Rainier, you can spend your day exploring areas like Paradise, aptly named for its vast meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer. It’s a kid-friendly spot with easy trails that let little ones wander and explore safely.
Another must-visit is Sunrise, the highest point that can be reached by vehicle in the park, offering breathtaking views and a range of hiking trails that cater to all levels.
Don’t miss the waterfalls either—Christine Falls and Narada Falls are both spectacular and accessible, making them perfect for a quick stop to snap some beautiful family photos.
Mount Rainier provides a picturesque backdrop for family memories, whether it’s the blooming meadows or the cascading waterfalls.
Best Activities for Kids
Deciding between Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park for a family day trip? Each offers unique activities that are perfect for kids.
Things to do at Olympic National Park with Kids
At Olympic National Park, the Hall of Mosses Trail is a short, easy hike that feels like stepping into a fairy tale—ideal for little legs and big imaginations.
Another hit with the kids is tide pooling along the park’s beaches, where they can discover sea stars, crabs, and other marine life in their natural habitats.
For a touch of adventure, take a paddle on Lake Crescent, where the clear waters and surrounding forest scenery are absolutely enchanting.
Things to do at Mount Rainier National Park with Kids
Over at Mount Rainier National Park, the Junior Ranger program gives kids a fantastic opportunity to learn about the park’s ecology and wildlife through interactive, educational activities.
Winter visits open up a snowy playground at Paradise, where families can enjoy snowshoeing or sledding amidst a winter wonderland.
During the warmer months, the meadows around Paradise serve as a great spot for a family picnic after enjoying some of the gentle hiking trails (including our favorite to Myrtle Falls) that offer stunning views of Mount Rainier itself.
Both parks provide a wealth of activities that can keep your kids engaged and excited, making either one a great choice for a day filled with nature and discovery.
Considerations for a Day Trip
When planning a day trip from Seattle to either Olympic or Mount Rainier National Park, there are a few practicalities you’ll want to consider to make sure your adventure goes smoothly.
Travel Time
Firstly, let’s talk travel time. Olympic National Park is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, which includes a gorgeous ferry ride from Seattle—something the kids always get a kick out of.
But, keep in mind, this park’s sprawling nature means you might spend additional time driving between sites once you’re there. For instance, it’s a 2-hour drive from Rialto Beach to Hurricane Ridge.
Mount Rainier is closer, about a two-hour drive, making it a bit more straightforward for a quick trip. If you go through Ashford, there’s an easy loop drive up to Paradise that will only take you about an hour (not counting stops).
During the summer, particularly on weekends, it’s wise to head out early to beat the traffic and secure a parking spot. Plus, remember to reserve your entry in advance for Mount Rainier during peak summer months, as it gets incredibly busy.
Weather Conditions
Weather-wise, both parks offer distinct seasonal experiences. Olympic’s coastal sections can be foggy and damp, ideal for cool forest hikes, even in summer. We were so glad we packed rain gear in August!
Rainier, while stunning in the summer with its wildflower blooms, is also a winter wonderland perfect for snow activities but do check road closures and weather conditions before you go.
Dining Options
For dining, Olympic National Park offers a few more rustic options. The Lake Crescent Lodge is a charming spot for a family meal with a view.
There are also some restaurants in Forks and La Push (we like the Three Rivers Resort Restaurant for burgers and Twilight vibes).
Picnicking along Rialto Beach can also be magical—just pack your sandwiches and snacks.
At Mount Rainier, the Paradise Inn offers seasonal dining with historic ambiance, and there are numerous picnic areas throughout the park, like the ones near Longmire and Ohanapecosh, perfect for a family lunch surrounded by nature.
There are also cool places to eat in Ashford, such as Copper Creek Inn Restaurant and Paradise Village Restaurant.
Pros and Cons
Still deciding between a day trip to Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle?
Here’s a little mom-to-mom advice on the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best option for your family’s next adventure.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is like a natural playground with its stunning variety of landscapes.
You can hike through lush rainforests, stroll along misty beaches, or explore serene lake shores. It’s a fantastic spot for teaching kids about diverse ecosystems and the importance of environmental conservation.
However, there’s a catch: the drive is a bit longer, about two and a half hours including a ferry ride, which adds to the adventure but also to the travel time.
Given its vast size and the distance between major attractions, you might find yourself wishing for more time.
I often recommend planning at least two days to truly appreciate everything Olympic has to offer, so it might be more than a day trip can cover if you want to explore thoroughly.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is much closer, making it ideal for a shorter trip.
Only about two hours from Seattle, it offers breathtaking views of the iconic volcano and has plenty of kid-friendly trails. The beauty and accessibility make it perfect for a spontaneous day out.
Yet, it’s not without its downsides. The park can get quite crowded, especially during the summer and on weekends, sometimes resulting in long waits to enter.
Also, the winding road to Paradise is known for causing car sickness, so if your little ones are prone to it, you might want to prepare accordingly.
Each park offers its own unique set of wonders and challenges, so consider what type of experience you’re looking for and the needs of your family when making your choice.
Whether it’s the diverse landscapes of Olympic or the majestic mountain views at Rainier, both promise memorable outings filled with natural beauty.
Best National Park in Washington State Wrap-Up
Our family really enjoys both Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
Personally, I’d only recommend doing a day trip to Olympic National Park if your kids enjoy road trips and don’t mind a lot of driving. The cool things there are pretty far apart and I honestly recommend making it a 2-3 day trip.
Mount Rainier National Park is a LOT easier to do as a day trip or overnight trip. The attractions are a lot closer together and it will be a solid day of adventuring and taking cute photos.
If at all possible, I suggest adding both to your Seattle itinerary. You can do a day trip to Mount Rainier and then extend your trip with a night or two at Olympic National Park.