Seattle's position between Puget Sound, the Cascades, and the Olympic Peninsula makes it one of the best campervan departure points in the US. Here's what you can reach:

Mount Rainier National Park - (150 km southeast, 2-2.5 hours via SR-706) Active stratovolcano at 4,392 m, 26 named glaciers, wildflower meadows (Paradise area, mid-July to August peak—among the most photographed landscapes in the US), Skyline Trail loop (8km, stunning views), Reflection Lakes, Grove of the Patriarchs (ancient cedars and firs, some 1,000+ years old), Sunrise visitor centre (highest road-accessible point, 2,073m). Cougar Rock Campground ($20-30/night, book via Recreation.gov 5 months ahead). Best July-September; Paradise Road open year-round, Sunrise Road closes October-June. Download NPS app and offline maps before entering—limited cell service throughout park.

Olympic National Park - (170 km west, 2.5-3 hours via US-101 or ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge then SR-3) Three ecosystems in one park. Hoh Rain Forest: moss-draped ancient Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, Hall of Mosses trail (1.6km, otherworldly), heavy rainfall year-round (3.5m/year). Pacific Coast: Rialto Beach (sea stacks, tidal pools), Ruby Beach (one of Washington's most photographed), Kalaloch Campground ($22-28/night, directly on Pacific cliffs). Hurricane Ridge: alpine meadows at 1,600m, deer common, views of Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Entry $35/vehicle/week. Download NPS app—limited cell service. Book campgrounds via Recreation.gov.

North Cascades National Park - (230 km northeast, 2.5-3 hours via SR-20) One of the least-visited and most spectacular national parks in the US. Over 300 glaciers, Diablo Lake (electric turquoise from glacial flour), Cascade Pass trail (5km each way, stunning alpine views), Ross Lake National Recreation Area. North Cascades Highway (SR-20) is one of America's great scenic drives—fully closes mid-November to April. Goodell Creek Campground ($10/night), Colonial Creek Campground ($15/night). Download NPS app and offline maps—zero cell service in most of the park.

San Juan Islands - (Anacortes ferry terminal 130km north, 1.5 hour drive plus ferry) Washington State Ferries serve San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), Orcas Island, and Lopez Island from Anacortes. Orca whale watching (resident pods, best June-September, $70-90 tours from Friday Harbor), kayaking, whale museum ($15), Moran State Park on Orcas Island (hiking, Mount Constitution at 734m, views of Gulf Islands and Cascades), cycling Lopez Island (flat, scenic, 80km loop). Campervan ferry crossing $50-100 depending on vehicle length—book weeks ahead in summer. Alternatively, park campervan in Anacortes and take foot passenger ferry for day trips.

Portland and Columbia River Gorge - (280km south to Portland, 3 hours via I-5; Gorge starts 320km south at Hood River) Portland: food carts (70+ pods, $8-14), Powell's Books (world's largest independent bookstore), craft beer (75+ breweries), Pittock Mansion (panoramic city views, free grounds). Columbia River Gorge: Multnomah Falls (189m, Oregon's tallest, $2 parking reservation required), Vista House at Crown Point, Hood River windsurfing ($80+ lessons). Camping: Ainsworth State Park ($25/night, near Multnomah Falls), Viento State Park ($25/night, on the river).

Vancouver, British Columbia - (230km north, 2.5 hours via I-5/BC-99) Passports required. Stanley Park (400 hectares, seawall, totem poles, Vancouver Aquarium), Granville Island public market, Gastown cobblestone district, skiing at Whistler (160km north, $100-150 CAD lift tickets). Valid US vehicle insurance covers Canada. Caravan parks: Capilano RV Park ($65-90/night CAD), Dogwood Campgrounds ($50-70/night CAD).

Snoqualmie Pass and I-90 Corridor - (55 km east, 50 min via I-90) Snoqualmie Falls (82m, free overlook), Twin Peaks filming locations, Snoqualmie Pass ski area (winter, $80-100 lift tickets), Iron Horse State Park (Palouse-to-Cascades Trail, cycling/hiking along former railroad grade). I-90 continues east through Cascades to Eastern Washington wine country (Yakima Valley, 200km east).

Roads vary significantly. I-5 (Seattle to Portland, Vancouver) is fast and multi-lane. SR-20 (North Cascades Highway) is spectacular but single-lane in places and fully closed in winter. US-101 (Olympic Peninsula loop) is excellent and campervan-friendly. Mountain passes (Snoqualmie, Stevens, White) require chains in winter. Ferry crossings on Puget Sound are part of the Pacific Northwest experience.

Here's what sets us apart:

Unlimited kilometres - Seattle to Olympic National Park and back (340km), Seattle to Mount Rainier return trip (300km), Seattle to Portland (560km return trip)—drive without distance caps. Critical in the Pacific Northwest where parks are widely spread and distances substantial.

Flexible one-way hire - Drop off in Portland, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. No need to return to Seattle. Perfect for Pacific Coast Highway runs or southbound road trips down the entire West Coast.

Kitchen kits included - Full cooking equipment. Cooking next to the Pacific Ocean or under old-growth rainforest beats any restaurant. Seattle restaurants run $25-45/person—cooking saves significantly on extended trips.

24/7 roadside assistance - Critical in remote areas like the North Cascades or Olympic Coast where cell service is non-existent.

Pet-friendly options - Travelling with a dog? Several campgrounds across Washington and the Pacific Northwest welcome dogs on leash. However, national park dog rules are strict and worth knowing before you go:

• Olympic National Park: Dogs allowed in campgrounds, on paved roads, and in parking areas, but not on any backcountry or forest trails (only on a few designated trails such as Rialto Beach to Ellen Creek). This is one of the most restrictive national parks for dogs in the US—plan hikes accordingly if bringing a pet.
• Mount Rainier National Park: Dogs allowed in campgrounds, parking areas, and within 15.2 m of paved roads and car parks, but not on trails or in meadows. Dogs can accompany you on the Carbon River Road (gravel road, vehicle-accessible) and in the campground loop.
• North Cascades National Park: Similar rules—dogs allowed in campgrounds and on the North Cascades Highway corridor but not on backcountry trails.
• Washington State Parks: Generally dog-friendly on leash ($1/day extra fee at some parks). Deception Pass, Moran State Park (Orcas Island), and Salt Creek Recreation Area all welcome dogs.
• National Forests (dispersed camping): Dogs generally welcome on trails and campsites—BLM and USFS lands are the most dog-friendly option in the Pacific Northwest.

Best dog-friendly stops near Seattle: Deception Pass State Park (beach trails, dog-friendly), Golden Gardens Park (Seattle, beach off-leash area), Twin Falls Trail (North Bend, dogs on leash allowed), and the Carbon River Road area of Mount Rainier. Confirm pet policy when booking your vehicle

July-September is ideal. The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rain, but Seattle summers are genuinely dry and warm—and the access to national parks and wilderness is unmatched. The key is timing your visit right.

Spring (March to May)

Temperatures: 9-15 °C, cool
Rainfall: Moderate to high (80-120mm/month)

Shoulder season with mixed weather and great value. Wildflowers begin blooming at lower elevations (April-May), waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. Many mountain roads still closed (Hurricane Ridge intermittent, Sunrise Road closed, North Cascades Highway closed until April). Olympic coast and Hoh Rain Forest accessible year-round and beautiful in spring green. Fewer crowds, lower prices (20-30% below summer). Grey whale migration along coast (April-May). Memorial Day weekend (late May) sees price spikes and campground demand increase. Sasquatch! Music Festival at Gorge Amphitheatre (280km east, Memorial Day weekend) draws significant crowds—campervan hire spike, book 2-3 months ahead.

Best for: Olympic rainforest, coastal camping, waterfall viewing, whale watching, shoulder season pricing, avoiding summer crowds.

Summer (June to August)

Temperatures: 18-26 °C, warm and dry
Rainfall: Near zero July-August

Peak season and genuinely spectacular. Seattle summers are warm, dry, and long (sunset 9pm in June). All park roads open (Hurricane Ridge, Sunrise Road, North Cascades Highway all accessible). Wildflower meadows at Paradise (Mount Rainier) peak mid-July to August. Orca whale season in San Juan Islands (June-September). Lake swimming at Diablo Lake and Lake Chelan. The Pacific Northwest delivers its best in summer and rewards travellers who time it right. Book campgrounds 3-5 months ahead for prime locations. Watershed Festival at Gorge Amphitheatre (August) and Bumbershoot (Seattle Center, Labour Day weekend, September) are highlights of the season—campervan demand spikes around these events, book 2-3 months ahead.

Best for: All national parks (all roads open), Rainier wildflower meadows, San Juan Islands orca watching, North Cascades Highway, long daylight hours, warm swimming lakes, guaranteed dry weather, family holidays (school break), festival season.

Autumn (September to October)

Temperatures: 12-18 °C, cooling
Rainfall: Increasing September, higher October (60-100mm/month)

Excellent early fall window. Crowds thin dramatically after Labour Day, prices drop 20-25%, campgrounds easier to book. Fall colours in the Cascades (October) and vine maple in Hoh Rain Forest (October). Mushroom season (Pacific chanterelles). North Cascades Highway closes mid-November—visit before then for fall colour drives. Bumbershoot (Seattle Center, Labour Day weekend) kicks off the season. October brings more rain but also fewer tourists and lower prices.

Best for: Fall colours, mushroom foraging, fewer crowds, lower prices, Bumbershoot festival, shoulder season campground availability.

Winter (November to February)

Temperatures: 3-8 °C, cool and wet
Rainfall: High (120-150mm/month November-January)

Off-peak but viable for experienced campers. Mountain snow creates excellent skiing (Crystal Mountain near Rainier $80-110/day, Snoqualmie Pass $60-80/day, Mount Baker). North Cascades Highway closed. Olympic Peninsula coast and rainforest accessible year-round—dramatic winter storms, powerful surf, very few visitors. Lowest prices (40-50% below summer), empty campgrounds. Holiday weeks (Christmas, New Year) see price spikes. Chains required for mountain driving.

Best for: Budget travellers, skiing near Rainier or at Snoqualmie Pass, dramatic coastal storms on Olympic coast, Hoh Rain Forest in total solitude, experienced cold-weather campers.

Most popular months: July, August, September (65% of annual hire).

Washington State Ferries: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Ferries are part of everyday life in the Pacific Northwest, and part of the adventure. Here's what to know before building them into your itinerary:

Do I need to reserve a ferry for my campervan?

• Seattle (Coleman Dock) to Bainbridge Island and Edmonds to Kingston: Vehicle reservations are not available, first-come, first-served. Arrive 30-45 minutes before your intended sailing. Summer weekends can mean 1-2 sailing waits (60-90 min delay). Arrive earlier or travel off-peak (before 8am or after 7pm weekdays).
• Anacortes to San Juan Islands: Reservations strongly recommended for campervans in summer (June-September), without one, you may wait 2-4 sailings. Book vehicle reservations at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries weeks ahead. Summer weekends sell out within hours of reservations opening. Foot passenger travel requires no reservation (walk on, leave campervan in Anacortes).

Best campervan ferry routes:

• Seattle to Bainbridge (35 min): Best scenic route to Olympic Peninsula, compact crossing, easy.
• Edmonds to Kingston (30 min): Less congested alternative to Seattle terminal, better option for campervans heading to Hood Canal and northern Olympic Peninsula.
• Anacortes to Orcas or San Juan Island (1-1.5 hr): Most scenic and rewarding but requires most planning. Worth every minute.

Ferry costs by vehicle size (approximate westbound fares):

Seattle to Bainbridge Island:

• Small campervan (under 4.27 m): $20-22 + $8-9/adult
• Mid-size campervan (14-6.71 m): $28-34 + $8-9/adult
• Large motorhome (22-12.2 m): $40-60 + $8-9/adult

Anacortes to San Juan Islands:

• Small campervan (under 4.27 m): $50-60 + $8-9/adult
• Mid-size campervan (14-6.71 m): $65-80 + $8-9/adult
• Large motorhome (22-12.2 m): $90-110 + $8-9/adult

Eastbound crossings (returning to Seattle mainland) are free on most routes. Prices are seasonal, higher June-September.

3 to 5 Days

Mount Rainier and Cascades (400km return trip, 3-4 days)
- Day 1: Seattle to Mount Rainier via SR-706 (150km), Cougar Rock Campground
- Day 2: Paradise area hike (Skyline Trail), Reflection Lakes, Narada Falls
- Day 3: Sunrise Road (if open July-September), Grove of the Patriarchs, scenic drive
- Day 4: Return via Crystal Mountain area or Enumclaw

Olympic Peninsula Loop (600km, 4-5 days)
- Day 1: Seattle ferry to Bainbridge Island (35 min) to Port Townsend (90km from ferry)
- Day 2: Hurricane Ridge (views of Olympic Mountains), drive to Hoh Rain Forest (150km)
- Day 3: Hall of Mosses walk, Rialto Beach, Kalaloch cliffside camping
- Day 4: Ruby Beach, Lake Quinault, return to Seattle via US-101/SR-8

San Juan Islands (3 days)
- Day 1: Drive to Anacortes (130km), ferry to Orcas Island, Moran State Park
- Day 2: Mount Constitution hike, kayaking, ferry to San Juan Island
- Day 3: Friday Harbor whale watching tour, ferry back to Anacortes, return to Seattle

7 to 10 Days

Pacific Northwest National Parks Loop (1,400km, 8-9 days)
Seattle to Mount Rainier (2 nights) to Olympic National Park via US-101 (3 nights: Hoh Rain Forest, coast, Hurricane Ridge) to North Cascades via I-5/SR-20 (2 nights, open July-October) to return to Seattle (280km)

Seattle to Portland via Oregon Coast (1,200km, 7-8 days)
Seattle to Mount St. Helens (1 night) to Columbia River Gorge and Portland (2 nights) to Oregon Coast south (3 nights: Cannon Beach, Newport, Crater Lake access) to return or one-way drop-off Portland

Washington State Parks Tour (1,000km, 7 days)
Seattle to Deception Pass State Park (120km, 1 night) to San Juan Islands (2 nights) to Olympic Peninsula (3 nights: Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, coast) to return via US-101

14+ Days

Pacific Coast Highway South (2,500km, 14-16 days)
Seattle to Olympic Peninsula (3 nights) to Oregon Coast (4 nights: Cannon Beach, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Dunes) to Redwood National Park California (2 nights) to San Francisco (3 nights). One-way drop-off in San Francisco recommended.

Pacific Northwest Grand Tour (3,000km, 16-18 days)
Seattle to North Cascades (2 nights, open July-October) to Okanagan Valley BC (2 nights, vineyards) to Banff National Park Alberta (3 nights, 1,200km from Seattle) to Spokane (1 night) to Columbia River wine country (2 nights) to Crater Lake (2 nights) to Portland (2 nights) to return to Seattle via I-5

Yellowstone and Rockies Epic (4,000km+, 21+ days)
Seattle to Mount Rainier (2 nights) to Bozeman Montana (2 nights, 1,100km) to Yellowstone (3 nights) to Grand Teton (2 nights) to Salt Lake City (2 nights) to Boise (1 night) to Oregon (3 nights) to return to Seattle or one-way drop-off

Most travellers find 7-10 days ideal for Seattle plus 2-3 major destinations (Rainier plus Olympic plus North Cascades, or Olympic plus Oregon Coast plus Portland).

Fuel Stations

• Chevron - Widespread in Seattle and Washington State, reliable diesel
• Shell - Common along I-5, US-101, major highways, diesel available
• 76 - Good Washington State coverage
• Arco - Budget option, slightly cheaper
• Fred Meyer (Kroger) - Pacific Northwest supermarket chain with petrol stations, competitive prices, fuel rewards linked to grocery purchases, multiple Seattle area locations
• Costco - Cheapest fuel (members only), $0.05-0.11/L less than other stations. Seattle area locations: Seattle (1st Ave S), Kirkland, Issaquah, Tukwila, Lynnwood.

Average diesel price: $1.11-1.24/L (Seattle area, rural Washington $0.20-0.30 cheaper)

Washington fuel notes:

• Fuel up before entering Olympic National Park (limited stations inside park; Forks on US-101 outside park has full services)
• North Cascades Highway: fill up in Marblemount—last station eastbound before 80km with no services
• Eastern Washington (Yakima, Ellensburg) $0.30-0.50 cheaper than Seattle
• Oregon (Portland, I-5 corridor) similar or slightly cheaper than Seattle

Propane Refill Stations

• U-Haul locations - Multiple Seattle area locations (Seattle South, Renton, Bellevue, Lynnwood, Tacoma), $0.79-1.06/L propane, open 7 days, campervan-accessible, most convenient option for propane refills
• AmeriGas - Various Seattle and Tacoma area locations, propane specialists
• Costco - Select locations (Issaquah, Tukwila), members only, cheapest rates—call ahead to confirm propane availability
• Camping World - Auburn location (35km south of Seattle via I-5), full campervan supply store with propane, open 7 days

Propane notes: Critical for campervan travel in the Pacific Northwest—powers fridge, stove, and heating (especially important in cooler coastal and mountain temperatures). National parks have no propane. Fill up in Seattle, Port Angeles, or Forks before heading deep into Olympic National Park. Typical campervan tank 20-114 L, costs $60-120 to fill from empty.

Dump Stations

• KOA Seattle/Tacoma - Auburn (35km south) | Full hookups, dump station, $15 non-guests
• Trailer Inns RV Park - 15531 SE 37th St, Bellevue | $10 non-guests, easy I-90 access
• Pilot Travel Center - Multiple I-5 locations (Marysville, Centralia, Kelso) | $12-15, 24-hour
• Olympic National Park campgrounds - Kalaloch, Hoh, Heart O' the Hills have dump stations | $5-10, campers or day-use fee
• Mount Rainier National Park - Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds | $5-10 fee
• Most Washington State Park campgrounds allow non-guest dumps $5-15.

Helpful Apps

• Park4Night - Free camping spots, campgrounds, dump stations, works well in Pacific Northwest
• iOverlander - Free camping on USFS and BLM lands, reviews, GPS coordinates
• Hipcamp - Private land camping, farms, ranches, unique Pacific Northwest stays
• Roadtrippers - Route planning with attractions along route
• NPS (National Park Service) app - Download offline maps before visiting Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades—no cell service in most areas of all three parks
  Recreation.gov - Federal campground bookings (national parks, national forests), essential for planning
• WSDOT app - Washington State Department of Transportation, real-time road conditions, mountain pass chain requirements, ferry wait times
• Washington State Ferries app - Real-time ferry schedules, loading times, vehicle reservations
• GasBuddy - Real-time fuel prices across the region

Requirements

• Minimum age: 21
• Valid driver's licence (international licence accepted)
• Credit card for deposit

What's Included

• Unlimited kilometres (critical for Pacific Northwest—parks widely spread)
• Kitchen kit (pots, pans, utensils, cookware) and cleaning kit
• Basic protection plan
• 24/7 roadside assistance

Seasonal Considerations

• March-May: Whale watching, waterfalls, Olympic rainforest, some mountain roads closed, lower prices, Sasquatch! Festival (May)
• June-August: Peak season, all roads open, Rainier wildflower meadows (July-August), book campgrounds 3-5 months ahead, Watershed Festival (August)
  September-October: Excellent early fall, Bumbershoot (September), fall colours, North Cascades Highway open until mid-November
• November-February: Off-peak, skiing at Crystal Mountain and Snoqualmie, dramatic Olympic coast, lowest prices, mountain passes require chains

Speed Limits

• Motorways: 60-113 km/h (97-113 km/h) depending on road
• Rural highways: 55-96.6 km/h (90-97 km/h)
• Urban streets: 25-48.3 km/h
• School zones: 32.2 km/h (when children present, flashing lights)

Washington State Patrol (WSP) active. Speeding tickets $200-500+. Construction zone fines doubled.

Road Conditions

Excellent: I-5, I-90, US-101 (Olympic Peninsula) well-maintained year-round.
Seasonal closures: North Cascades Highway (SR-20) fully closed mid-November to April. Sunrise Road (Mount Rainier) closed October-June. Hurricane Ridge Road (Olympic) closes occasionally in winter for snowfall.
Rain: Pacific Northwest rain is constant October-May. Roads are well-maintained for wet conditions—allow extra stopping distance and watch for hydroplaning on I-5 in heavy rain.
Mountain grades: Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and White Pass have significant grades. Use low gear on downgrades.

Driving Culture

Lane discipline: Right lane for slower traffic, left for passing. Washington drivers are generally more courteous than California by US standards.
Roundabouts: More common in Washington than most US states. Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout.
HOV lanes: I-5 and I-405 have HOV 2+ lanes during peak hours. $136 fine for solo driving in HOV lanes.
Wildlife crossings: Watch for deer, elk, and bears crossing roads, especially at dawn and dusk throughout the Cascades and Olympic Peninsula.

Alcohol Limit

0.08% BAC (0.00% for under 21). DUI fines $1,000-10,000+. Marijuana is legal in Washington State but DUI laws apply—never drive impaired.

campervan-Specific

Height: Know your height (typically 9-3.35 m). Some Washington State Ferry vehicle decks have lower clearance on certain vessels—confirm when booking.
Length: Know your length. Olympic National Park campgrounds have varying length limits. Kalaloch: max 10.7 m. Some North Cascades campground access roads: max 6.71 m.
Propane: Turn off when boarding Washington State Ferries (ferry policy). Turn off when refueling.
Mountain driving: Use low gears on downgrades (Snoqualmie Pass descent, Cascade passes). Engine braking preferred over riding brakes—pull over if brakes smell hot.
Rain preparation: Awning operation in Pacific Northwest rain is essential. Practice before the trip. Condensation inside campervan is common in cool, wet weather—ventilate when parked.
Mud and gravel: Some campground access roads are unpaved. Larger campervans may have difficulty on wet gravel in spring and autumn—check campground road conditions in advance.

Campervan hire: $850-1,800 (varies by season/vehicle size)
Fuel: $280-450 (diesel $1.11-1.24/L, 600-1,287 km typical week, 19.6-29.4 L/100km = 50-379 L)
Propane: $30-60 (if refill needed mid-trip)
Ferry crossings: $40-120 (1-3 crossings typical, $20-100 per crossing depending on vehicle size and route)
Tolls: $10-25 (SR-520, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, if used)
National and State Park entry: $35-80 (national park $35/vehicle/week, Discover Pass $10/day or $30/year, or America the Beautiful Pass $80/year covers all federal lands)
Campgrounds: $175-315 ($25-45/night x 7, Washington State Parks and national park campgrounds are well-priced compared to California)
Food: $250-500 (groceries vs restaurants, Seattle restaurants $25-45/person)
Activities: $150-400 (Space Needle $37, whale watching $70-90, Chihuly $32, Alcatraz-style tours, kayaking $60-80)

Total estimates:

• Budget: $1,900 (smaller campervan, cook all meals, state park and national forest camping, free hiking, America the Beautiful Pass for park entry)
• Mid-range: $3,200 (mid-size campervan, mix cooking and restaurants, national park and state park campgrounds, major attractions, ferry crossings to San Juan Islands)
• Premium: $4,800 (larger campervan, frequent dining out, premium campgrounds, all attractions, whale watching tours, San Juan Islands ferry, kayak tours)

Washington State Parks are excellent value compared to California, campgrounds $25-45/night versus $65-155/night in California coastal parks. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) pays for itself after visiting 3 national parks and is strongly recommended.

Seattle to Portland (280km, 3 hours via I-5) - Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Oregon wine country
Seattle to San Francisco (1,300km, 13 hours via I-5, allow 5-7 days via Oregon and California coast) - Pacific Coast Highway, redwoods, wine country
Seattle to Los Angeles (2,000km, 20+ hours via I-5, allow 10-14 days) - Full West Coast road trip, Oregon coast, California
Seattle to Bozeman (1,100km, 11 hours via I-90, allow 4-5 days) - Yellowstone National Park gateway, Montana Rockies, Grand Teton access
Seattle to Salt Lake City (1,500km, 15 hours via I-84, allow 5-7 days) - Oregon, Idaho, Utah's national parks gateway (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches)
Seattle to Las Vegas (2,200km, 22+ hours, allow 10-12 days) - Oregon, Crater Lake, California, Nevada desert

One-way fees vary. Confirm availability when booking.

Seattle sits at the gateway to the most diverse wilderness in the contiguous United States. Mount Rainier's glaciated volcanic peak is visible from the city on clear days. Olympic National Park's ancient rainforest, rugged Pacific coast, and alpine meadows are 2.5 hours west. The North Cascades, with more glaciers than anywhere else in the lower 48, are 3 hours northeast. Orca pods patrol the San Juan Islands year-round. Add major festivals (Bumbershoot, Sasquatch!, Watershed), a world-class sports scene (Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Kraken), and a ferry system that turns island-hopping into part of the adventure, and Seattle delivers a road trip experience unlike any other city in America.

The practical advantages are just as compelling. Seattle summers are genuinely warm and dry, one of the continent's best-kept secrets for campervan travel. Washington State Parks offer excellent campgrounds at reasonable prices. And one-way hire to Portland, San Francisco, or Los Angeles open some of the most iconic road trip routes in North America: the Pacific Coast Highway, the Oregon coast, and the California redwoods.

Over 18,000 travellers hired campervans from Seattle last year, with July and August the peak months for Rainier wildflower meadows and San Juan Islands orca season. Find your campervan and start planning your Pacific Northwest adventure.