Tacoma's Mountain Escapes: Day Trips to Mt. Rainier and Olympic Peninsula

First things first, mates. Tacoma might lack the flashy reputation of Seattle, but that's precisely why it makes such a brilliant base for mountain excursions. Lower accommodation costs, less traffic, and a more relaxed vibe – reminds me of the difference between central Liverpool and the quieter suburbs where you could actually breathe.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express downtown, nothing fancy but clean rooms and a decent breakfast included. From Tacoma, you're looking at about a 1.5-hour drive to the Nisqually entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park or 2 hours to the eastern edge of Olympic National Park. The strategic location means you can wake up at a civilized hour and still beat most of the Seattle crowds to either destination.

If you're renting a vehicle (and you should), I recommend a mid-size SUV with decent ground clearance. You don't need a monster truck, but those mountain roads can get a bit dicey, especially if you venture onto some of the more remote trailheads.

Mt. Rainier isn't just a mountain; it's a proper character with moods that change faster than British weather. Standing at 14,411 feet, this volcano dominates everything around it. Reminds me of my old route supervisor in Liverpool – impossible to ignore and occasionally terrifying.

For a day trip from Tacoma, Paradise is aptly named and your best bet. It's the most accessible area of the park with facilities, ranger stations, and trails for all levels. The Skyline Trail (5.5 miles) offers spectacular views without requiring technical climbing skills. On clear days, you'll see wildflower meadows that put the botanical gardens back home to shame.

Before heading out, I strapped on my trekking poles which saved my knees on those steep descents. After decades of sitting in a bus seat, my joints appreciate the support, and they collapse down small enough to strap to your pack when not needed.

If you're visiting between July and August, you'll catch the wildflower display. I've hiked mountains across five continents, and I'll tell you straight – few places match Rainier's meadows in full bloom. Pack a proper lunch rather than relying on the limited options at the visitor center. My insulated food container kept my homemade stew piping hot even after a morning of hiking.

If Rainier is the show-off of Washington's mountains, the Olympics are the mysterious old souls. The range creates its own weather patterns – resulting in everything from temperate rainforests to alpine meadows to hurricane-force coastal winds. Reminds me of driving routes across Sydney – you could experience four seasons in one shift.

For a day trip from Tacoma, I recommend focusing on Hurricane Ridge. It's about a 2-hour drive, but the payoff is worth every minute. The 17-mile road from Port Angeles climbs to 5,242 feet, delivering panoramic views that'll make your jaw drop faster than when I first saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Hurricane Hill Trail (3.2 miles round trip) is manageable for most reasonably fit folks and offers 360-degree views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and on clear days, Canada. I spotted a family of mountain goats just 20 feet from the trail – closer than the buses I used to pass on narrow Liverpool streets!

Bring a water filtration bottle to refill from streams along the way. I've used mine across Nepal and Peru, and it's never let me down. Saves carrying litres of water and reduces plastic waste – something I've become more conscious of after seeing pristine mountain environments slowly degraded over my decades of travel.

Now, I can't write about mountain escapes without talking proper transport logistics – it's in my blood after all these years behind the wheel. While public transportation exists to both parks, it's limited and time-consuming. For a weekend trip, renting a car gives you the freedom these mountains deserve.

If you're determined to use public options (and I respect that – I've spent my life advocating for them), you can reach Mt. Rainier via the Rainier Connect shuttle from Tacoma during summer months. For Olympic, it's trickier – you'll need to combine multiple bus services and accept limited schedules.

Before any mountain drive, I always pack my emergency road kit which has saved my bacon more than once. These mountain roads can be unpredictable, and cell service is spotty at best.

For navigating inside the parks, ditch the phone GPS and get yourself a proper topographic map of the area. Battery-free, waterproof, and won't lose signal when you need it most – reminds me of the paper route maps we used before all the fancy tech came along. Sometimes the old ways are still the best!

After three decades of navigating bus route meal breaks, I've mastered the art of eating well without breaking the bank. Both mountain areas have limited and often overpriced food options, so I recommend packing provisions.

In Tacoma before heading out, stop by Metropolitan Market for picnic supplies or the farmers' market if you're there on a weekend. For a hot meal that won't cost you a fortune, my go-to is MSM Deli – their sandwiches are built like small mountains themselves and will fuel any hike.

On the trail, I always carry my pocket stove for a proper cuppa tea with a view. There's something deeply civilized about sipping hot tea while perched on a mountain overlook – a habit I picked up hiking in Nepal that's stuck with me ever since.

For keeping snacks accessible while hiking, I use a simple trail running belt rather than stopping to dig through my backpack. Keeps energy bars, nuts and my camera within easy reach without the bulk of a chest pack or the annoyance of constantly removing my pack.