8 Nights, 9 Days in Washington State: A Music Lover’s Road Trip from Seattle to The Gorge (With National Park Detour Options)

If you’ve ever planned a trip around a concert, you already know, music has a way of shaping travel in the best possible way. This 8-night, 9-day Washington State road trip itinerary was built entirely around ending our adventure at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington, one of the most iconic live music venues in the world and a true bucket-list destination for us.

Before diving in, one important detail: we rented a car for this trip and it was absolutely essential. Washington is made for road trips, and having a car allowed us to explore cities, mountain towns, hiking trails, wineries, and remote concert venues on our own schedule.

At the time, I was only dating my now-husband and decided to take this trip with him, his brother, and two of his guy friends. Traveling with all men was definitely a learning curve (lol), but it ended up bringing us so much closer and allowed us to get to know each other fast, which made the trip even more memorable.

If you’re a music lover, outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for a perfect mix of city exploring, hiking, and unforgettable experiences, this Washington State itinerary is for you.

Washington State Road Trip Overview

Trip Length: 8 Nights / 9 Days

Starting & Ending Point: Seattle, Washington

Seattle: 2 nights (July 1–3)

Leavenworth: 3 nights (July 3–6)

The Gorge (Camping): 3 nights (July 6–9)

Transportation: Rental Car

Best Time to Go: Late June – Early July (ideal weather, long daylight hours)

This itinerary is based on our real experience traveling through Washington State, including exact places we stayed, hikes we completed, and concerts we attended.

Days 1–2: Seattle – Coffee, Baseball & Golden Hour Views

Seattle, Washington

We flew into Seattle and stayed in a super cute Airbnb in a walkable neighborhood, close to restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Since we were staying a few nights, it was perfect for a group, everyone had a comfortable place to sleep, and there was even a great backyard with a charcoal grill, fire pit, and seating area (which would be amazing after a long day exploring the city).

My husband and I were the first to arrive and lucked out with early check-in. We dropped our bags, claimed our room (very important when traveling with a group), and headed out to explore.

West Woodland & Breweries

We ventured into West Woodland, where we found a great brewery to grab drinks and food while waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive. This area is packed with bars and restaurants all within walking distance, perfect for casually exploring and enjoying cocktails. Most places had outdoor seating, which was a huge plus because the weather was perfect, about 75 degrees and sunny. One thing about Seattle is this city is HILLY so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothes if you plan on walking around.

Coming from Orlando, Florida in July, this felt like a real treat.

Pike Place Market & Seattle Mariners Game

The next morning, we woke up early to fit in as much as possible before heading to a Seattle Mariners game in the afternoon.

First stop was Pike Place Market, which is a must-see if you’ve never been to Seattle. We were lucky enough to have a local friend show us around and guide us to the best food spots. A non-negotiable stop: Pike Place Chowder. If you’re a New England clam chowder fan, this is some of the best I’ve ever had and my dad is from New England, so that says a lot.

After eating our way through the market, we headed to T-Mobile Park for the baseball game. With the sunshine and slight breeze, it was the perfect day for baseball. I honestly can’t remember if they won, but it was such a fun afternoon and the ballpark was iconic!

Sunset at Golden Gardens Park

We ended the day at Golden Gardens Park, which is actually more of a beach than a garden. The sunset views over Puget Sound with the Olympic Mountains in the distance were unreal and easily one of my favorite Seattle moments.

Highly recommend timing this stop for sunset.

Optional Nature Detours from Seattle

If you want to swap a city activity for nature, here are a few incredible options although unfortunately, we did not see them:

• Mount Rainier National Park – Wildflower meadows, glaciers, and iconic Washington views

• Olympic National Park – Rainforests, rugged beaches, and mountain hikes

• Snoqualmie Falls – An easy, scenic stop just outside the city

Days 3–5: Leavenworth – Riverfront Cabins & Alpine Hiking

Leavenworth, Washington

We packed up the car and drove to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style mountain town that completely exceeded my expectations. We stayed in a unique riverfront cabin Airbnb that comfortably slept six and featured a hot tub, fireplace, fire pit, huge backyard, and a fully stocked kitchen.

We stayed here for three nights (including the 4th of July), so we made a grocery run and cooked most of our meals at the cabin. The river in the backyard was unreal. Every day we jumped in for a freezing cold plunge and followed it up with the hot tub to warm up.

The tall trees, flowing river, and quiet surroundings made it feel completely off the grid. We even saw a family of brown bears which was equally epic and scary.

🔗 Airbnb Link: Paradise Riverfront Cabin

Hiking Colchuck Lake (Fourth of July)

One of my favorite days of the trip was hiking Colchuck Lake. The hike is straight up the mountain and about 6 miles each way, so come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and good hiking shoes. It was one of the hardest hikes I did with difficult terrain in certain areas plus the altitude change but the reward of the views and lake at the top was totally worth it. One thing to remember, when you want to quit, KEEP GOING!

We were lucky to visit when it wasn’t overly crowded, and everyone was friendly and respectful especially around the lake where people were sharing space to jump in. The water was absolutely freezing. I chickened out and didn’t jump in (and still regret it), but everyone who did said they'd do it again.

Take this as your sign to bring a towel and be braver than I was.

That evening, we were completely exhausted and spent a quiet night at the cabin cooking dinner and sitting by the fire.

Exploring Leavenworth Village

The next day, we explored Leavenworth Village, which truly feels like stepping into Germany or at least what I imagine Germany to be like. The entire town is Bavarian-style, with charming shops, restaurants, and beer gardens.

If you like brats, good beer, and pretzels bigger than your head, you’ll love it here. A must-stop is München Haus for Bavarian sausages. They were thick and juicy, just how I like em. ;)

Because we had a car, we loved being able to come and go as we pleased, spending time in town and then heading back to the cabin to swim in the river, play yard games, and relax. Evenings were spent around the fire pit playing board games provided by the Airbnb.

More Outdoor Options Near Leavenworth

• The Enchantments (permit required)

• Icicle Gorge Trail – An easier, scenic hike

• North Cascades National Park – Often called the American Alps

Days 6–8: Camping at The Gorge Amphitheatre

George, Washington

On July 6th, we drove about 1.5 hours from Leavenworth to The Gorge Amphitheatre and camping area. We stopped at Walmart beforehand to stock up on camping supplies and arrived early to avoid long entry lines. One thing to note is if the weather is hot, stock up on ice in coolers if you can. We had to make a trip every day to the market on the camping grounds which was a little bit of a walk especially when carrying lbs of ice back to the site.

We stayed in Premier Camping, which was 100% worth it. It included more space, flushable bathrooms, private showers, and a much shorter walk to the venue. Our campsite was also close to the food vendor village, though everything was pricey so packing your own food is highly recommended.

Normally I’d suggest packing layers for nighttime, but it was actually very hot while we were there, especially during the day. Shade structures like canopies and tapestries are a must. If you have solar powered or battery operated fans, bring those as well.

Escaping the Heat: Rattlesnake Cove & Cave B Winery

It was hot so on our first full at The Gorge, we left the campsite (make sure to grab a re-entry wristband) and visited Rattlesnake Cove, a swimming beach on the Columbia River. Go early for a good spot and bring a chair because it’s rocky, not sandy.

We also stopped at Cave B Estate Winery, which was beautiful. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, wine and beer, and even had a pizza vendor on-site. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery in the shade before heading back to prepare for the first night of music.

Our second day, we explored the grounds, attempted to nap in the heat and relaxed as we were all very tired from a night full of dancing and were preparing for round two.

Seeing a Concert at The Gorge

We had lawn seats both nights, and while the lines to enter were long, the experience was unforgettable. Picture this: The sound amplified in the natural setting of the gorge while the sunset and the wind blew as we danced the night away. The experience was indescribable and the views overlooking the Columbia River Gorge were next-level. Yes, it was hot and yes, the lawn is steep but I would go back in a heart beat.

If you’re a music lover, seeing a show at The Gorge Amphitheatre is a must-do at least once in your life. Camping is optional so you can also drive in and out for the concert.

Day 9: Back to Seattle & Heading Home

On July 9th, we drove back to Seattle, dropped off friends and the rental car, and took the train back into the city. We had dinner at Fisherman’s Restaurant on Pier 57, right on the waterfront. If the weather is nice, definitely sit outside, the views of the Seattle Great Wheel and the water are stunning. Not to mention, the seafood was extra fresh (as it should be being right next to the ocean) and the service was impeccable. 10/10 would recommend lunch or dinner here on the outside patio.

After dinner, we walked to the train station, which has a direct route to the airport. One thing I learned on this trip: Seattle’s public transportation is unmatched.

Final Thoughts

This 8-night, 9-day Washington State road trip had it all, live music, epic hikes, mountain towns, river swims, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a music-focused trip or want a balanced Washington itinerary with city and nature, this is a route I’d happily recommend again.

And yes… next time, I’m jumping into Colchuck Lake.