9 Annoying Travel Mistakes First Timers Make in Washington State

Washington State attracts visitors with its blend of mountainous landscapes, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant cities. For newcomers, the variety is appealing, but a few overlooked details can turn a trip sideways. Weather, transportation, and planning quirks often catch first-timers off guard.

This guide shines a light on nine frequent travel missteps in Washington. Here, I’ll share practical advice, drawn from real experience and up-to-date local insights, so your visit feels less stressful and more rewarding.

1. Underestimating the Weather

My first introduction to Washington weather taught me a memorable lesson. The sky over Seattle can be gray and drizzly, but just a few hours east, in Spokane or the Tri-Cities, the sun can beat down relentlessly. Packing for just one side of the state leaves you unprepared for the other.

Locals know that layering is essential, even in July. I once watched a family shivering in shorts near Mount Rainier while nearby hikers wore hats and fleeces. The rapid shift between microclimates is real, and it’s not just about rain, but wind, sun, and sudden cold snaps.

Don’t let the forecast for one city set your whole packing list. Weather apps don’t always capture the full story, especially in mountain regions. Instead, plan for variety and unpredictability. A waterproof jacket, comfortable layers, and shoes that can handle both city streets and muddy trails will save your day. This flexible approach means you’re ready for whatever Washington throws your way, whether it’s a misty morning ferry or a sun-soaked afternoon in wine country.

2. Ignoring Ferry Schedules

Waiting at the Bainbridge ferry dock, I’ve watched more than one visitor express disbelief at how long the lines can get. Missing a ferry crossing can mean you’re stuck for hours, especially on weekends or holidays. The ferries are a lifeline across Puget Sound, so schedules are precise, but the system is easy to overlook for newcomers.

Some routes fill up quickly, and late arrivals might not even get a spot. Many travelers don’t realize that popular times, like summer afternoons, require reservations or early arrivals. I’ve learned to check the Washington State Ferries website well in advance, keeping an eye on service alerts or schedule changes that can pop up with little warning.

It’s worth signing up for text updates if you’re depending on a specific crossing. If your trip includes the San Juan Islands or Olympic Peninsula, build in buffer time. That way, ferry delays won’t derail your itinerary. Skipping this step is a classic mistake that’s simple to avoid with a little digital prep.

3. Driving Without Planning for Traffic

“It’ll take us 20 minutes, tops.” That’s what I thought my first time driving from downtown Seattle to the airport at 5 p.m. Instead, I spent over an hour in stop-and-go traffic, nervously watching my flight clock tick down. Traffic in and around Seattle is a beast that surprises a lot of visitors.

Rush hours can stretch from early afternoon to well past 7 p.m., especially on corridors like I-5 or I-405. Locals sometimes joke that Seattle has only two traffic conditions: gridlock and ‘almost’ gridlock. Navigation apps are helpful but can’t always predict sudden slowdowns from accidents or construction.

If you plan to drive to ferries, airports, or even scenic spots like Snoqualmie Falls, give yourself generous extra time. Weekend traffic heading toward mountain trails or the coast can be just as dense as weekday commutes. The upside? Planning around traffic lets you relax and enjoy the ride, instead of white-knuckling through waves of brake lights.

4. Expecting Easy National Park Access

Pulling up to Mount Rainier National Park without a reservation, I once found myself circling the packed parking lot, hoping for a miracle. Many first-timers are caught off guard by how much planning these iconic parks demand. Olympic, Rainier, and North Cascades each have seasonal closures, strict permit systems, and limited parking, especially in high summer.

Timed entry reservations are now required at Mount Rainier during summer (Paradise and Sunrise areas), and popular backcountry zones in North Cascades have strict quotas. Olympic National Park doesn’t use a timed-entry system, but parking fills quickly and some roads open late due to snow or repairs. Wildfires and seasonal closures can also affect access, so checking each park’s website before your trip is essential.

I recommend reserving campsites or permits as early as possible, and always having a backup plan. Expecting a spontaneous visit rarely works these days. With a little homework, you’ll skip the stress and actually get to see the waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountains you came for.

5. Overpacking Itineraries

It’s easy to get excited by Washington’s endless possibilities, but I’ve learned the hard way that trying to fit too much into one trip only leads to exhaustion. One summer, we attempted to cram the Olympic Peninsula, Mount St. Helens, and Walla Walla into a five-day itinerary. All we really experienced were long stretches of highway and hurried photo stops.

Washington’s geography is more sprawling than it seems on a map. Winding roads, ferries, and unpredictable weather all add hours to travel. Instead of racing from place to place, I now pick a region or two and slow down. That approach always leads to richer memories and less car time.

Don’t worry about missing out, there’s no way to see everything in one visit. Prioritizing a handful of experiences allows for spontaneous discoveries and time to actually soak in the landscape. Your feet (and travel companions) will thank you for it.

6. Forgetting Outdoor Permits

On my first hike near Snoqualmie Pass, I was so eager to get on the trail that I missed the sign about needing a Northwest Forest Pass. An awkward conversation with a ranger and a scramble for cash taught me to double-check permit rules. Many trails require either a Northwest Forest Pass (for national forest land) or a Discover Pass (for Washington state parks).

They aren’t interchangeable, and visitors are often caught off guard. Some places, like The Enchantments, even use a lottery system.

Check your destination’s website a week or two before you go and download or print permits in advance. That small step helps you avoid fines and makes it easier to focus on the beauty waiting at the trailhead.

7. Misjudging Distances Between Destinations

Nothing throws off a Washington adventure quite like underestimating how long it takes to get from one highlight to another. I once planned to hit Seattle, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier all in a single day, the GPS said it looked doable. Reality, however, involved ferries, mountain passes, and hours more than expected.

Maps can be deceptive, especially in the Pacific Northwest where roads wind around water, forest, and volcanoes. Even locals sometimes forget how far apart places really are. Taking into account ferry crossings, traffic, and road closures can dramatically change your timing.

Plan for longer stretches on the road and give yourself permission to explore fewer places more deeply. Focusing on a specific region, like the San Juan Islands or Columbia River Gorge, often gives a richer trip. Letting go of “see it all” thinking is one of Washington’s best travel lessons.

8. Overlooking Eastern Washington

Ask most first-timers about Washington, and they’ll list Seattle, Mount Rainier, and maybe the coast. The eastern side of the state, though, feels like a world apart: sun-baked hills, sprawling vineyards, and charming small towns. The Palouse region, in particular, looks like something out of a storybook when the wheat turns gold.

I once spent a week in Walla Walla and Spokane discovering wineries, local art, and friendly, low-key neighborhoods. The climate here is drier, the pace slower, and the crowds thinner. It’s a different flavor of the Pacific Northwest, and skipping it means missing out on a huge part of what makes Washington unique.

If you have extra time, crossing the Cascades rewards you with stunning views and a true sense of the state’s scale. Eastern Washington is more than worth the detour, it’s a chance to see another side of the region’s personality.

9. Assuming Rain Means Umbrellas

The first time I visited Seattle, I packed two umbrellas, convinced I’d need them daily. But as the drizzle started, I noticed locals walking briskly, hands free, hoods up, and umbrellas nowhere in sight. Wind makes umbrellas a hassle and most Seattleites don’t even bother.

Instead, people rely on lightweight, waterproof jackets and layer up underneath. This approach makes it easier to stay comfortable whether you’re squeezing through Pike Place Market or hiking a city trail. Umbrellas, on the other hand, are often more trouble than they’re worth, flipping inside out or getting left behind in coffee shops.

Investing in a good rain jacket is the easiest way to blend in and stay dry. Leave the umbrella at home and you’ll not only look like a local but feel much more at ease in Washington’s signature weather. Over time, you’ll realize that steady drizzle is just another part of the experience here.