---
title: "Washington State: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Washington? Read on for tips to help you prepare for your trip.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-paul-crook-unsplash-mt-rainer-national-park.jpg
---

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# Washington State: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Washington State: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-paul-crook-unsplash-mt-rainer-national-park.jpg)

### About Washington State

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#packing)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/north-america/washington-state#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

The Pacific Northwest, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, is home to iconic destinations like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park. Mount Rainier, a stratovolcano standing at 14,410 feet, is located in Mount Rainier National Park, southeast of Seattle. This majestic peak holds cultural significance for indigenous tribes and was first summited by Hazard Stevens and P.B. Van Trump in 1870. The national park features glaciers, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests, offering a range of activities such as hiking, climbing, and wildlife viewing. West of Seattle lies Olympic National Park. Designated in 1938, the park encompasses diverse ecosystems including temperate rainforests and rugged coastlines. Visitors can explore the Olympic Mountains, the Hoh Rain Forest, and stunning coastal areas, and experience the ecological richness of the region firsthand. Both Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park epitomize the natural beauty and adventure opportunities that define the Pacific Northwest experience.

 

**Capital City: **Olympia

**Population:** 7.786 million 

**Time Zone:** Pacific Standard Time (UTC/GMT-8)

**Emergency Number:** 911

**Outlet: **Type A

![A deer in the forest in Washington.](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-hunter-reilly-unsplash-washington-deer.jpg)

![The Washington coast in the Olympic National Park.](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-ana-shuda-unsplash-washington-coast.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Rain Shell** - Waterproof/breathable jacket. The Pacific Northwest sees a lot of rain so waterproof gear is essential!

**Comfortable Hiking Clothes** - Moisture-wicking base layers, hiking pants, fleece pullover.

**Layers, Layers, Layers!** - Washington can get cold so warm layers of all kinds will be your best friend. Base layers, wool socks, warm gloves, puffy coats, and rain jackets are all essential! Wool is a better material than cotton for warmth and quick drying, so choose your layers carefully. We highly recommend Gore-tex pants and jackets for the cooler months.

**Active shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails, and more! For hiking, we recommend sturdy and supportive hiking boots. Our go-to is Goretex, but any waterproof brand will do.

**Sneakers/comfortable shoes** - For walking around after hiking or long days.

**Socks** - Comfortable for hiking. Wool is recommended for warmth. Regular cotton socks may be comfortable in the evenings when relaxing.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days.

**Rain cover (for backpack) ** - If your backpack is not waterproof.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

**Toiletries** - Shampoo, toothbrush, chapstick, and lotion just to name a few.

**Binoculars (recommended)** - Great for wildlife and nature observation.

**Hand Sanitizer ** - Need I say more?

**Flashlight/headlamp** - For later in the season (mid-late August and beyond).

**Camera & Charger ** - You won't want to miss a single moment.

**Portable Chargers ** - Stay juiced my people.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have just in case.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

**Collapsible Hiking poles (optional)**

![The Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington.](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-jachan-devol-unsplash-olympic-national-park.jpg)

#### Weather

[SEATTLE WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/47d61n122d33/seattle/?unit=us)

 

[MT RAINIER WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/46d89n122d69/rainier/?unit=us)

 

[PORT ANGELES WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/48d12n123d43/port-angeles/?unit=us)

 

#### Fun Facts

- Mount Rainier's Glaciers: Mount Rainier is home to 26 major glaciers, which cover about 35 square miles of the mountain. These glaciers are iconic features of the landscape and contribute significantly to the park's ecosystem.
- Wildflower Spectacle: Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its spectacular wildflower displays, especially during the summer months. The meadows burst into vibrant colors with lupines, Indian paintbrush, and other alpine flowers, attracting visitors from around the world.
- Olympic Rainforest Diversity: Olympic National Park's Hoh Rain Forest is one of the wettest places in the continental United States, receiving an average of 12 to 14 feet of rainfall annually. This lush environment supports unique flora and fauna, including mosses, ferns, and towering old-growth trees.
- Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Olympic National Park, was named by British explorer John Meares in 1788. He named it after the home of the Greek gods due to its grandeur and imposing presence.
- Olympic National Park's coastline is rugged and diverse, featuring sea stacks, tide pools, and pristine beaches. It's a prime spot for beachcombing, birdwatching, and watching dramatic Pacific Ocean waves crash against the shore.
- Both Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park are home to Roosevelt elk, the largest of the elk species. Visitors often have the chance to spot these majestic animals grazing in meadows or forests, adding to the wildlife experience in these parks.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers, and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them. 

Your Guide will also often be your driver throughout your trip. In this case, we recommend tipping the combined amount ($20-30) per person/per day.

| **Guides** |  | USD $10-15 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $10-15 per person/per day |

 

 

#### FAQ

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all Travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! 

**Where can I find information on travel safety?** Check out the [National Park Service's website ](https://www.nps.gov/index.htm)for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

**How should I prepare for mosquitoes? **Tight-weave cotton shirts and pants work better than more porous synthetics. Wear khaki or other neutral colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue. Stay away from scented soaps, lotions, and shampoos. 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all Travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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