From Seattle skyline views to rainforests and mountains

Our travel agent trip to Seattle and Washington State last month revealed just how diverse this corner of the USA really is. In one week we sampled stylish city stays, world class cruise ships, whale filled waterways, UNESCO listed wilderness and characterful small towns. If you are curious about combining Seattle with an Alaska cruise or want to see “real” Washington beyond the city, we have found this itinerary to be a brilliant template for a tailored Pacific Northwest adventure.
We travelled out to Seattle in Delta Premium Select, enjoying the extra space, upgraded dining and relaxed service that made the long flight feel far more comfortable and refined.

Day 1: Holland America Line’s Eurodam and city exploration
We toured the Eurodam, an elegant, art filled ship with a refined, grown up atmosphere, excellent dining and impressive entertainment spaces. A Washington inspired lunch at Pinnacle Grill showcased their “Destination Dining” concept, using local flavours to immerse guests in the region even before they sail. I think Eurodam is an ideal option if you are considering an Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle and prefer a sophisticated feel.

On shore, summer mini golf at Olympic Sculpture Park was a fun surprise, weaving through contemporary artworks with harbour views. The nearby Seattle Aquarium is a great family stop to learn about the marine life of Puget Sound. For evening views, we swapped the big name towers for historic Smith Tower, with its vintage bar and atmospheric panoramas over Elliott Bay, then rounded off with classic waterfront seafood at Ivar’s Acres of Clams.

Day 2: Star Princess, Boeing & Burgers
The cruise theme continued with our visit to Star Princess, where the adults only Sanctuary Club and lively teppanyaki lunch at Umai Teppanyaki really stood out. This ship is a great fit if you enjoy a buzzy, high energy atmosphere.

Later we headed to the Boeing Everett Factory for an 80 minute tour, including the Future of Flight Gallery and a behind the scenes look at aircraft production. It was absolutely fascinating, whether you are an aviation fan or simply curious about what gets you in the air. Dinner that night was a relaxed, local affair at Blazing Onion Burger Company in Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall.

Day 3: Whales, Ferries & The Olympic Peninsula
Leaving the city behind, we travelled to Edmonds for a whale watching trip with Puget Sound Express. We were lucky enough to see orcas, grey whales and sea lions: a superb option for wildlife lovers who do not want to travel as far as Alaska. A whistle stop buggy tour of Edmonds (including a buggy driven by the town mayor) added plenty of small town charm.

A scenic ferry then took us to Port Angeles, gateway to Olympic National Park. This lively coastal town combines waterfront views, trails and easy access to marine adventures. We stayed at Olympic Lodge by Ayres, a welcoming lodge-style hotel that feels very in tune with its natural setting.

Day 4: Hurricane Ridge, Twilight Country & Ruby Beach
With the guide from Olympic Hiking Co we drove up to Hurricane Ridge, the most accessible mountain area in Olympic National Park. At 5,242 feet, it offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, Canada and the San Juan Islands on clear days, really showcasing the park’s alpine landscapes.

We stopped in Forks, famous as the setting for the Twilight series, where fans can spot film costumes, the Swan house, Bella’s truck and Forks High School. It is a fun, light-hearted detour on a nature-focused itinerary.

Later we visited Ruby Beach, one of the most photographed beaches on the US west coast, with dramatic sea stacks, driftwood logs and soaring bald eagles. A short walk brings you to wide Pacific views and superb photo opportunities. That evening we checked in to historic Lake Quinault Lodge in the Quinault Rain Forest, a 1926 lodge with roaring fires, rustic charm and serene lake views. Dinner at Salmon House Restaurant on Lake Quinault was a standout for fresh, local salmon and superb smoked fish.

Day 5: Rainforest, Tacoma & Glass Art
We spent the morning exploring the rainforest with Valley of Giants Nature Tours, where towering evergreens, ferns and mosses bring Washington’s “Evergreen State” nickname to life.

We then continued to Tacoma, visiting The Music Project / Kurt Cobain Tribute Gallery and LeMay America’s Car Museum, which is a must for car enthusiasts. A short city tour with Visit Tacoma Pierce County introduced us to downtown, the Museum District and the Ruston Way waterfront.

In Tacoma we stayed at Hotel Murano, a stylish boutique hotel showcasing museum quality glass art throughout. It feels modern and creative, and we found it ideal for couples or culture focused travellers. We also toured Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston, an appealing waterfront option overlooking Commencement Bay. Dinner was at Woven, a Puyallup Tribe owned waterfront restaurant created with Chef Roy Yamaguchi that blends Pacific Island, Native American and Pacific Northwest flavours using local ingredients. The combination of cuisine, bay views and cultural connection made it a very special dining experience.

Day 6: Mount Rainier & A Close Encounter
Our final full day was a day trip from Seattle to Mount Rainier, one of Washington’s most iconic peaks. We walked near Longmire through old growth forest of Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar, with natural springs hinting at the volcanic forces below. Higher up, we enjoyed big mountain views and were lucky enough to safely see a black bear near Myrtle Falls, a truly memorable wildlife moment with a guide present.

In summer, trails here offer wildflower meadows and berry picking; in winter, Paradise is known for deep snow and peaceful snowshoeing. It is a destination that changes character with the seasons and really rewards repeat visits. We then headed back to Seattle and flew home to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy, which was a very comfortable way to end a full itinerary.

If you are keen on combining a dynamic city with national parks, coastal scenery, wildlife, culture and cruise options, Seattle and Washington State make a fantastic pairing. We can use this first-hand experience to tailor a route, pace and mix of stays that match your interests, whether that means more time in the rainforest, extra days in Seattle or building in an Alaska cruise before or after.

Who I am & how I help
I am Lisa Byers and I run my own independent travel business in partnership with Travel Counsellors. I offer a one to one, tailor made service, taking the time to understand what you really want from your holiday, then designing and organising every detail for you.

Many people are too busy to research flights, hotels and hidden gems: that is where I come in. I combine personal care, expert knowledge and full financial protection, so you can simply look forward to going away.

Let me take the stress out of planning your next Moroccan escape, Pacific Northwest adventure or any other trip you are dreaming of. All you need to do is pack.

Contact details
Lisa Byers
07899 997070