20 Perfect Summer Getaways
Seattle: SAVE
Where to Go: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington.
Distance from Seattle: 80 miles southeast.
Where to Stay: Paradise Inn, a grand national park lodge, reopened in May 2008 after two years of renovations. Keeping the ambience of its original 1916 construction, the 121 guest rooms are simple, with wood paneling and flowered bedspreads, but just step outside for dramatic views of Mount Rainier, Nisqually Glacier, and wildflower-filled meadows.
Price: Doubles from $149 with bath, $99 without.
What to Do: The meadows in the park are known for wildflowers—red Indian paintbrushes, purple asters, yellow cinquefoil, white American bistort, and others. To get a good close-up look at those beauties, lace up your boots and hike the less-traveled 2.5-mile round-trip Moraine Trail, which meanders along meadows and also has spectacular views of Mount Rainier. Feeling adventurous?Hike the five-mile round-trip Paradise Glacier Trail, which wanders past waterfalls and into wilder areas of the park.
Insider Tip: Heavy snows last winter mean trails may not open until July or be clear of snow patches until August. Snow or not, always wear sturdy boots on these trails.
