Weekend plans often include Mount Rainier, Olympic, or North Cascades. From the airport, Rainier’s Paradise area is roughly 110 miles (about 2.5–3 hours via I‑5 and WA‑7), Olympic’s Hurricane Ridge typically starts with a ferry then US‑101, and Diablo Lake in the North Cascades is about 120–130 miles. To keep timing tight, secure your car rental before you land so pickup is quick and predictable.
Mileage policies: In the U.S., standard categories commonly include unlimited miles for personal travel within permitted regions. Exceptions can appear on specialty vehicles, some vans, or local‑use rates. One‑way returns may add a drop fee, and off‑pavement driving is typically excluded. Read the agreement for distance limits, geographic boundaries, and surface restrictions, then align your itinerary to paved park roads and signed overlooks. Many visitors also prefer to arrange car hire in the city when their plans start downtown.
Vehicle choice for parks: For snow shoulders and rougher parking lots, consider traction and clearance. Budget for fuel stops in Enumclaw, Port Angeles, or Marblemount instead of relying on remote pumps. For value on weekend escapes, compare Thrifty weekend deals or explore National options if you prefer speed at the counter.
Plan for conditions: Check weather and possible construction delays, pack a paper map as cell service can fade in valleys, and keep wildlife distances in mind near dusk. If roads close, do not detour onto unsigned forest tracks; coverage and agreements usually exclude them.
Park‑day planning tips
- Start early to beat day‑use traffic at Paradise, Hurricane Ridge, and Diablo Lake.
- Carry water, snacks, and a warm layer even in summer.
- Top up fuel before entering the parks; services are limited.
- Build buffer time for ferries on Olympic Peninsula routes.
- Share your route and ETA with your lodging host or friends.
Hola Car Rentals keeps trips simple with an All‑Inclusive+ Rate, cashback on tolls, and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Book with Hola Car Rentals and make your Seattle‑to‑parks weekend effortless.
