places to visit in south washington state

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6 Charming Small Towns Not To Miss In Southwest Washington State

• Destinations
• United States

In Southwest Washington, visitors will find the undeveloped Willapa Bay with miles of pristine waterfront with nary a house in sight. The bay flows into the Pacific Ocean and a relatively unknown area of Washington known as the Cranberry Coast. In between are charming small towns that are just now being discovered as destinations for travel.

Visit now before this area becomes more popular. It is like Rick Steves’s Cinque Terre, Italy, before he popularized the area by writing about it. I love this region of Washington; it is so off the beaten path and the drive around the bay is just gorgeous.

I take day trips to these little towns often. I will either visit Raymond, South Bend, and Ilwaco, or Raymond, Tokeland, Grayland, and Westport. From Raymond, you head out on Highway 105, which will take you to Westport with a short detour to Tokeland. Highway 105 offers views of the Pacific Ocean and beach access via coastal Washington State Parks.

Pro Tip: When you reach the Pacific Ocean on Highway 105, watch the roads on the left for Old Highway 105. There are two viewpoints on a bluff that provide stellar views of the Pacific and two of the Raymond Wildlife Heritage Sculptures.

Quaint Fishing Village

This fishing village is located on the Columbia River right before it flows into the Pacific Ocean. There are some cute shops, restaurants, a few inns, and fishing charter companies overlooking the marina. On Saturdays during the summer, a popular market is held with lots of handcrafted items. Make sure to visit the Waterline Pub for their incredible seafood nosh board. It is more than enough for two to share and is full of fresh seafood, warm Brie, and grilled bread. Nearby, explore Cape Disappointment State Park with its windswept cliffs and lighthouses. Observe where the Columbia River pours into the Pacific Ocean and explore where the Lewis and Clark expedition first saw the Pacific Ocean.

Pro Tip: Explore the Teal Slough at the Willapa Wildlife Refuge. It is 1.6 miles past the refuge headquarters on Highway 101. Keep an eye out for the bridge crossing Teal Slough. Right past is a small pullout. Park there and do not block the gate. Follow the old road until you see a small arrow. These arrows mark the trail and these six huge trees that in some miraculous bit of fate were not logged. This little trail is mostly unknown and I have had it to myself every time I have stopped. The trees are mind-bogglingly huge and some of the largest in the state.

2. South Bend

Famous for oysters and the pacific county courthouse.

After a beautiful drive along the shores of Willapa Bay, the highway turns inland following the Willapa River until you reach the town of South Bend. If you blink, you’ll miss it. This darling town is famous for its oysters and the Pacific County Courthouse. It is known as the “Gilded Palace of Extravagance.” When the original design for the interior proved too costly, an inmate at the jail who happened to be an artist painted lovely murals. They also painted the concrete columns to look like marble. On a nice day, Robert Bush Park overlooking the river is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal of Willapa Bay Oysters you can pick up from a South Bend restaurant.

Pro Tip: Once you leave South Bend, keep a lookout as you get closer to Raymond for rusty stainless-steel sculptures. This is the Raymond Wildlife Heritage Sculpture Corridor . Visitors will find the statues throughout Raymond and the roads leading into it. So unique and it is fun to see how many you can see of the more than 200 sculptures.

Historic Logging Town

Raymond is a historic logging town. A visit to the Northwest Carriage Museum is a must. This museum is such a surprise as it has one of the best collections of horse-drawn vehicles in the United States and carriage aficionados come from all over to view this amazing collection. The vehicles are split between two rooms with those of the wealthy creatively displayed. There are famous carriages that appeared in movies such as one from “Gone with the Wind.” The second room has a variety of farm vehicles and wagons. The museum is next to Riverfront Park so it is a great place to park to explore the town. Walk to the waterfront and view the interpretive sign. 

Rent a kayak from Willapa Paddle Adventures , which was started in 2015 by Baylee Countryman who was 17 at the time. She will help you launch right from the dock into the Willapa River. Stop by the Dennis Company located near the park. The historic company dates back to the early 1900s and has a mural highlighting the logging history of Raymond covering one side of the building. It is impressive.

4. Tokeland

Home to the historic tokeland hotel.

See more of Willapa Bay as you head towards Tokeland. This tiny town is home to the Tokeland Hotel , which is a time capsule into life in the late 1800s. Built in 1895, it is the oldest hotel in Washington. The beds are comfy and the bathrooms are down the hall. I enjoyed my stay here and felt like I had stepped back in time. Chef Heather Earnhardt owned a popular restaurant in Seattle before taking on the challenge of reviving the hotel with her husband Zac Young and five children. 

The food here is incredible. Earnhardt incorporates some of her favorite ingredients like Boonville Flour and Daniel Boone Grits from living in the south with the bounty of the Pacific Northwest into a cuisine that has people driving the distance to enjoy her food. They are the perfect owners to continue the heritage of this historic hotel.

Pro Tip: At the end of the peninsula is the Tokeland Marina where you will find Nelson Crab. The cannery was opened in 1934 and processes albacore tuna sustainably caught and Dungeness Crab. Their seafood shop moved from the cannery to the marina and is run by Kristi Nelson, the third generation of Nelsons. The shop at the marina not only carries fresh seafood and Nelson’s canned products but also is a coffee shop and an art gallery/gift shop. Upstairs is a community space. Well worth the stop. In season you can pick up a license and supplies at the Dennis Company in Raymond and catch crab right from the dock.

5. Grayland

A rural beach town.

Grayland is a darling hamlet located on Highway 105. Make sure to stop at Pomegranate , an intriguing gift shop in an old schoolhouse. It is such a pleasant surprise. My favorite beach access in the area is Twin Harbors State Park . The park has a nice parking area with restrooms and lovely trails to the beach. Grayland is what I term a rural beach town. It has more vacation rentals than hotels and is quieter in the winter. On my recent visit, Pomegranate was packed but when I went to the beach, there was only one other couple. It is so magical walking on the beach when you have it all to yourself.

6. Westport

Home to the largest marina in washington.

The town of Westport is well known in our area for the fresh fish right off the boats. The town has the largest marina in Washington and more than 100 million pounds of seafood come from these docks each year. When you visit, make sure to head down to the docks at the Westport Marina even if you aren’t going to go on a fishing charter as the local sea lions often frolic in the area or hang out on the docks. 

Visitors are welcome to this commercial area and you can purchase locally caught seafood right from the fisherman or at a market. The waterfront district has a variety of shops and restaurants overlooking the marina. Take the time to hike to the top of the Port Centennial Viewing Tower for the gorgeous views of both South and North Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Westport has more resort-type lodging for a beach vacation. If you are physically fit, a stop at Grays Harbor Lighthouse is a must. The lighthouse was dedicated in 1898 and it is 135 steps up to the lantern room. What makes this lighthouse unique is that it still has its original third order clamshell-shaped Fresnel lens built in Paris, France. The effect is worth it to reach the top for 360-degree views. For those not up to the climb, the lighthouse is impressive and makes for a great photo.

Pro Tip: Make sure to visit the Westport Winery Garden Resort . I have to say this is like the Disney World of wineries. There is a fun gift shop and a bistro for lunch. Oddly enough or should I say, “How awesome!” The property also has the International Mermaid Museum. Fun fact about me. I lived in Florida when I was younger and my dream job was to be a Weeki Wachee mermaid. In Florida, you can become a mermaid when you grow up.

For more information about traveling to Washington , check out these articles:

• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• How To Spend A Perfect Long Weekend Visiting Skagit Valley’s Tulip Festival
• 3 Lesser-Known Islands To Visit In Washington State’s Beautiful San Juan Archipelago

She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine , 253 Lifestyle Magazine , and other regional publications. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die , Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?"

25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington State

Written by Brad Lane Updated Aug 1, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The natural world is larger than life in the state of Washington. The state is stacked with sleeping volcanoes, lush rainforests, and islands full of attractions. And surrounding these verdant landscapes are cities big and small, brimming with cultural appeal.

Washington State attracts millions of tourists each year. These visitors and potential transplants descend upon the state for various reasons. For those that haven't explored the massive appeal of the Evergreen State, from world-class adventures to one-of-a-kind music and artistic scenes, there's no better time than now to find out what makes Washington so special.

Fun things to do and exciting places to visit are found in every direction in Washington, including the more arid eastern side of the state in cities like Spokane. One trip to Washington will never be enough, and even living there for years won't uncover the entire splendor of the state. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Washington State.

1. Olympic National Park

2. seattle center and the space needle, 3. san juan islands, 4. mount rainier national park, 5. seattle downtown, 6. leavenworth, 7. north cascades national park, 8. puget sound, 9. mount st. helens national volcanic monument, 10. deception pass state park, 11. port angeles, 12. riverfront park, spokane, 13. bellingham, 14. mount baker-snoqualmie national forest, 15. sol duc hot springs, 16. pacific crest trail, 18. snoqualmie falls, 19. fort worden historical state park, port townsend, 20. bloedel reserve, bainbridge island, 21. winthrop, methow valley, 22. palouse falls, 23. washington state capitol building, 24. vancouver, 25. future of flight, everett.

From ocean beaches to glaciered mountaintops, Olympic National Park overflows with incomparable scenery. The park covers most of the Olympic Peninsula, and roads only circle the wild terrain, never cutting through the park's mountainous heart. While auto-touring is fun, the best way to experience Olympic is by hiking trail.

Iconic coastal areas like Ruby and Rialto Beach define the rugged western edge of the park. This stunning slice of the Washington coastline is only a short drive from the oversized trees and abundant foliage in the Hoh Rain Forest . Other popular attractions at the park include the snowy peaks of Hurricane Ridge and the welcoming waters of Sol Duc Hot Springs .

The hiking trails at Olympic National Park traverse many different landscapes, including a Hall of Mosses and the family-friendly Marymere Falls . The Hoh River Trail is an absolute must-do hike for all ages. This lush hiking trail explores the rainforest and river corridor with a flat path for 13 miles before ascending to the lateral moraine of Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus.

For excellent places to spend the night, the campgrounds at Olympic National Park put visitors close to the awe-inspiring scenery presented by this wild western region of Washington. Camping is easier in Olympic NP than in other national parks in Washington, with more campgrounds also dispersed throughout the adjacent Olympic National Forest .

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm

Of all the top attractions in Seattle, the Space Needle within the Seattle Center is perhaps the most iconic. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair and stands today as a centerpiece of the sprawling Seattle Center . Surrounding the spinning observation deck are more of the city's most iconic attractions , including some of Seattle's best museums .

Alongside the Space Needle, the Seattle Center's 74-acre campus is home to the Monorail, parklands, museums, and restaurants. Among the indoor sightseeing options are the colorful glass artworks at Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Frank O. Gehry-designed Museum of Pop Culture .

Other fun things to check out at the Seattle Center include a plethora of art installations, various theater and stage accommodations, and multiple garden and fountain settings, and on any sunny day in Seattle, the campus offers an excellent place to stroll outside.

Author's Tip: Look into the official Seattle CityPass if you're considering visiting more than one big attraction. This discounted package includes a ride on the Space Needle and automatic entry into the Seattle Aquarium. It also includes three admissions into a selection of other nearby places to visit.

Official site: http://www.seattlecenter.com/

The San Juan Islands are north of Puget Sound, off the northwest mainland. They are a collection of 174 named islands, with the four largest readily accessible by ferry. These four islands are San Juan Island, Orcas Island , Lopez Island, and Shaw Island . The county seat, and most populous city, Friday Harbor , is on San Juan Island and is often a jumping-off point for bigger adventures.

Each main island has a mix of galleries, seafood restaurants, and parks, including San Juan Island National Historic Park. The historic park encompasses both a British and an American Camp that date to the mid-1800s. Here, the park details life at the camp and the conflict known as the Pig War dispute.

Popular destinations within the San Juan Islands include Friday Harbor , Eastsound, and Moran State Park, where visitors will find one of the best campgrounds in Washington . Favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands include sea kayaking, whale watching, and dining on local fare.

Mount Rainier is an iconic Washington landmark seen miles from every direction, including certain vantage points in Seattle on clear days. It's the tallest peak in the state (14,410 feet) and is at the center of its namesake national park.

Two areas of particularly stunning interest include the Sunrise and Paradise regions of the park. The road to Paradise is open, weather permitting, year-round, allowing visitors to reach high elevations for hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter. The Sunrise area, on the park's northeast side, lives up to its name and is well worth a pre-dawn drive.

Hiking trails at Mount Rainier National Park tour mountain meadows, massive waterfalls, and groves of ancient forests, including the around-the-mountain Wonderland Trail . The country-spanning Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park's boundaries.

Four auto-campgrounds are among some of the best campgrounds in Rainier . Two of the campgrounds, Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh , accept reservations and often book out fast. Visitors also find several other places to pitch a tent or park an RV in the national forests surrounding the park.

Other attractions are within easy distance of the park, including Northwest Trek wildlife park in Eatonville and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in the little town of Elbe.

It's a large, densely packed city, but downtown Seattle reveals its more relaxed side at the waterfront. Here, piers and parks rim the shoreline, and the chatter of visitors, traffic, and fish throwers add to a vibrant summer soundtrack. Pike Place Market is the standard draw for tourists, but other historic buildings and venerable institutions add diversity to a visit.

Visitors will likely wish to catch an underground tour near Pioneer Square or a performance at Benaroya Hall. And back on the waterfront, a sea-level exploration takes you from the Olympic Sculpture Park in the north to the Seattle Aquarium and ferry terminal farther south. The waterfront is also a popular spot to depart on some of the best day trips from Seattle .

Read More: Best Beaches in the Seattle Area

After the town of Leavenworth experienced the bust following a boom in the logging industry, city leaders rallied and decided to change the town's image. Today, the town of Leavenworth proudly recognizes itself as a Bavarian Village , and it's common to see residents wearing lederhosen or blowing a morning serenade on an alphorn.

Alongside the encompassing Bavarian theme of this tourist town comes several annual festivals. Perhaps one of the most spirited is the annual Christmas Lighting Festival , where the nighttime streets transform into something of a surreal snow globe scene.

Outdoor recreation is also a primary draw to Leavenworth. Craggy Cascade mountains backdrop the town to the west, with iconic destinations like the Icicle Gorge and Alpine Lakes Wilderness nearby. These mountain playgrounds comprise several of Leavenworth's best hiking trails , including the world-famous Enchantments Thru-Hike .

• Best Things to Do in Leavenworth
• Best Campgrounds near Leavenworth

The North Cascades are one of the most unspoiled tracts of country in the United States. And the national park encompassing these mountains caters to anglers, walkers, and nature lovers. To the north, the park shares a border with British Columbia, Canada.

A drive through the park on the North Cascades Scenic Byway is rewarded with fantastic views. Some of the many highlights of this drive include the Washington Pass Overlook, the aquamarine waters of Ross Lake , and the western-inspired town of Winthrop in the Methow Valley.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area borders the southern edge of the national park and is home to one of the deepest lakes in the country. It also provides a stunning backdrop for the mountain town of Stehekin (only accessible by foot, boat, or seaplane).

Many hiking opportunities in the North Cascades are steep, though some of the best hikes in the area also incorporate family-friendly treks with stunning mountain views. Head to the North Cascades Institute within the park for other family-friendly adventures in the North Cascades. This non-profit institution offers educational opportunities and overnight visits.

On the state's western border, separating the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle, Puget Sound is a watery region filled with inlets, islands, and unique worlds to discover. Several cities and harbors surround all sides of Puget Sound, offering endless access and places to visit. Some things to do in Puget Sound include sea kayaking, whale watching, and visiting the vibrant communities that define the islands.

An extensive ferry system accesses the different destinations in Puget Sound, allowing for easy day trips and island hopping. A top spot to visit is Whidbey Island , the largest island in the Sound. It's home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the adjacent city of Oak Harbor , located on the island's north side. The island's north side is also home to Washington's most visited State Park: Deception Pass State Park .

South of Oak Harbor, the rest of the island has a quieter tone and more rugged landscapes to explore. Here, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve encompasses several seaside state parks and historic farmlands. It also includes the charming community of Coupeville , where fresh seafood restaurants serve meals by the water.

To look into the native cultures that once inhabited the region, the nearby Tillicum Village on Blake Island Marine State Park offers another popular day trip from the city.

Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18th, 1980, reducing its peak by 1,300 feet and leveling much of the surrounding area. A cloud of ash rose 13 miles into the air, houses were overwhelmed by masses of water and mud, and almost 150 square miles of forest were destroyed. And most tragically, 57 people lost their lives.

Mount St. Helens's landscape is still rebounding from the massive event. Today, visitors are encouraged to learn more about the geological processes underway at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

One of the most popular places to observe and learn about the mountain is the Johnston Ridge Observatory at the end of the Spirit Lake Highway (SR 504). This unique visitor center offers further insight into the eruptive history of the mountain and is a launching point for many of Mount St. Helens' best hiking trails .

A bucket-list adventure at Mount St. Helens is hiking/climbing all the way up to the remaining crater. This challenging endeavor is usually done from the Climber's Bivouac trailhead on the south side of the mountain. Permits are required for any summit attempt on Mount St. Helens.

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/mountsthelens

Read More: Best Campgrounds near Mount St. Helens, WA

The Deception Pass Bridge is an iconic landmark of the region and a civic achievement dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps. The historic bridge spans Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in Puget Sound, and on both sides of this scenic bridge, Deception Pass State Park easily ranks high as one of the best state parks in Washington (and most visited).

Activities like tide pooling, hiking, and boating are some of the most popular things to do at the park. Several campsites spread across three campgrounds within the park, facilitating multiple days of adventure. Knowing the tides is the key to success for those interested in passing under the bridge with a boat.

Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Washington

Official site: https://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-Pass

The town of Port Angeles lies along the northern shores of the Olympic Peninsula, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The region is known for the huge number of things to do outdoors, such as hiking, biking, golfing, boating, kayaking, fishing, birding, and more.

Port Angeles is also an access point to Olympic National Park , including nearby areas like Hurricane Ridge . At this high alpine recreation area, hiking trails fan out from the visitor center leading to wildflower meadows in spring.

Back at sea level in Port Angeles, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center features changing Northwest exhibits in the semi-circular hilltop gallery. On the extensive grounds, visitors will find a museum without walls featuring over 100 sculptures along rustic trails.

Port Angeles has many great hotels, eateries, and a waterfront downtown district. It's also where ferries depart for Victoria, Canada. And even if you're not interested in active days taking in all the natural wonders, you'll enjoy the laidback nature of the town and the plenty of bench seats overlooking the water.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Port Angeles

Eastern Washington is notably different than the west side of the state. The weather is considerably sunnier; farmland dots much of the landscape; and the population is less dense in much of the region, besides in the major cultural hub of Spokane – the second largest city in Washington.

A crown jewel of Spokane attractions is the illustrious Riverfront Park. This sprawling parkland received a massive revitalization just in time for the 1974 World's Fair. Today, it's dotted with community attractions, including a hand-carved carousel made in 1909. The Spokane River also rushes through the area, with several vantage points overlooking its falls.

Other places to visit in Spokane include gardens, parks, and museums. And for the adventurous, the city offers access to several outdoor playgrounds, including the extensive Riverside Park . Skiing and year-round adventures are also available on the nearby Mount Spokane . Take some time to visit the historic Manito Park , established in 1904 and located south of Interstate 90 and the Spokane River.

Bellingham is north of Seattle, less than an hour from the Canadian border. It's an access point for several iconic Pacific Northwest adventures, including Mount Baker . The town also has a notable collegiate appeal and culture, known for its laid-back vibe and a community emphasis on outdoor adventure.

For a quick introduction to this corner of the Pacific Northwest, stroll through Fairhaven Historic District and duck into local art galleries or catch some sun on a restaurant patio. Outside of this historic district, Western Washington University has amassed an excellent Outdoor Sculpture Collection among its academic offerings, and its campus is dotted with works small and large.

In the surrounding area, visitors can take scenic drives through the mass fields of Skagit Valley tulips in spring or follow the twisting, narrow route of Chuckanut Drive year-round. The Chuckanut Mountains, or the Chuckanuts , are a recreation staple in the area, home to many of the best kikes and best campgrounds near Bellingham . Another popular outdoor attraction is Whatcom Falls Park, with four sets of falls and numerous walking trails.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Bellingham

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest runs along the slopes of the Cascade Mountains, with North Cascades National Park to the south and the Canadian border to the north . The wide range of recreational opportunities includes numerous hiking trails, forest cabin rentals, alpine climbing, and one of the best ski resorts in Washington state .

On the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), the town of Glacier is the closest base camp to the peak. The very small town does offer limited tourist amenities, such as restaurants and lodging. At the end of the highway, the stunning Artist Point area of the mountain offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Here, several hiking trails, like Yellow Aster Butte and Winchester Mountain Trail, expose beautiful views of both peaks.

Mount Baker is also a major ski and snowboard destination come winter. Mount Baker Ski Area consistently ranks high as one of the best ski spots on the West Coast. The steep 1,000 acres encompassed by the ski area are best suited to moderate or advanced downhill enthusiasts.

The Sol Duc region is at the heart of Olympic National Park and an hour's drive from Port Angeles. The area has several visitor attractions, including iconic hiking trails and the namesake waterfalls. One of the steamiest reasons to visit is the relaxing pools at Sol Duc Hot Springs.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is operated by a concessionaire and features rooms, cabins, and suites adjacent to the Sol Duc River. Those staying within the resort have free access to the mineral pools and spas, and anyone interested in checking out the rejuvenating water can pay a day-use fee.

The resort also operates a nearby campground for pitching a tent or parking an RV. The only way to stay within the campground or at the resort is with advance reservation.

Spanning the entire length of the United States from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) traverses some of its biggest landscapes as it travels through Washington. Beginning at the sea-level Columbia River Gorge, the PCT heads north to hit such iconic landscapes as the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Snoqualmie Pass, and the mountain town of Stehekin before arriving at the Canadian border.

You don't have to be a long-distance hiker to enjoy any part of the PCT – some of the best day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail span Washington, Oregon, and California. A few recommended day hikes on the PCT in Washington include Lake Valhalla , north of Stevens Pass, and the challenging but rewarding Kendell Katwalk , north of Snoqualmie Pass.

Located between Seattle and Olympia, Tacoma is one of Washington's larger cities. Once industrial in feel, the city has developed a variety of exceptional museums and cultural venues. Perhaps the most notable, The Museum of Glass features exquisite, translucent pieces by world-renowned artist and Tacoma-native Dave Chihuly.

Extending from the Museum of Glass, a walkway decorated with glass sculptures, known as the Bridge of Glass , allows visitors to reach the nearby Washington State History Museum.

Be sure to spend time at Point Defiance Park when visiting Tacoma. This signature outdoor space encompasses a peninsula jutting into Puget Sound with amazing views across the water. It's also home to the world-renowned Port Defiance Zoo & Aquarium , the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Owens Beach , and a vast network of hiking and biking trails connecting them all.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Tacoma, WA

This stunning 270-foot waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions in the state. Its accessibility from Seattle, less than a 30-mile drive to the west, adds to its popularity. But its sheer stature also lends credence for a visit.

A two-acre park near the falls offers a popular observation deck with different vantage points. The Salish Lodge & Spa is also nearby, offering one of the nicest places to stay within an hour's drive of Seattle. All the rooms at this four-star hotel are spectacular, but the ones facing the falls offer an unbeatable view.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Snoqualmie

Port Townsend is a charming seaport city on the northeast edge of the Olympic Peninsula . It's a spot of cultural and historical value and home to Fort Worden – once part of the coastal defense center known as the Triangle of Fire . Today, visitors to this decommissioned military fort enjoy walking through history and the seaside scenery.

The park encompasses over 400 acres, with several batteries and barracks spread throughout. For those looking to explore the densest collection of these cement structures, head to the park's Artillery Hill. Other on-site attractions include the Coast Artillery Museum and the Point Wilson Lighthouse .

After exploring Fort Worden, the rest of Port Townsend also deserves some attention. The city's most defining feature is its several pieces of 1800s Victorian architecture throughout its uptown and downtown district. These storefronts and homes offer a particular type of charm that pairs well with the saltwater smell of the ocean nearby.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Port Townsend

The Bloedel Reserve is a magnificent 150-acre property on the north side of Bainbridge Island. It once belonged to Virginia and Prentice Bloedel, who amassed their fortunes in the timber industry. And the Bloedels spent more than 30 years cultivating the natural and landscaped gardens still seen today.

The Bloedel Reserve opened to the public in 1988 and has been a top place to visit on the island ever since. For the price of admission, visitors are welcome to take the two-mile looped hiking trail throughout the property. A must-see stop is the Residence itself, surrounded by some of the most intricate gardens.

Bainbridge Island's proximity to Seattle makes it a popular weekend destination . Several other attractions on the island also demand attention, including a Grand Forest laced with hiking trails. And head to Fay Bainbridge Park , near the Bloedel Reserve, for one of the best places to camp and spend the night on the island. It's also a great park to catch a stunning sunset across the water.

The Old West-inspired town of Winthrop in northern Washington is worth more than a weekend visit. This uniquely themed town is within the stunning Methow Valley and is a gateway to the big world of North Cascades National Park . Its year-round adventure status also adds to its appeal.

During the summer months, take some time to mosey about the downtown district, made to resemble the 1850s Old West. Along the wooden boardwalk and within the old-timey storefronts, several modern establishments offer places to shop and dine.

The summer is also the time to explore the expansive Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest surrounding the town.

Come winter, the Methow Valley has a world-class reputation for its extensive collection of cross-country ski trails. The non-profit Methow Trails organization oversees a remarkable 200-plus kilometers of groomed cross-country routes, all open to the public for the price of a day or season pass.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Winthrop, Washington

Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago carved the present-day Palouse Falls in southeast Washington. And today, this stunning display of gravity is one of the last active waterfalls along this ancient floodway. That's why, in 2014, the Legislator named Palouse Falls the state's official waterfall .

Designation or not, the 200-foot Palouse Falls is quite a sight. For those looking for the best vantage point, head to Palouse Falls State Park . Here, three designated viewing areas offer commanding looks at the falls and interpretive information about their creation.

The park's semi-remote location makes visiting a challenge. The park has minimal camping, but a nearby KOA has spots near the Snake River. This area of Washington is prone to intense heat during the summer, and visitors should check out Palouse Falls as early in the day as possible this time of year.

Set against the southern end of Puget Sound, Olympia is a relatively quiet state capital. Here, the grand white dome of the Washington State Capitol building rises 287 feet above the tree-lined streets and center of town. It's hard to miss the eye-catching architecture when visiting, and the landscaped grounds deserve special attention, especially when the sun is out.

Free, guided public tours highlight the building's interior, including the five-ton Tiffany chandelier and permanent sculptures. Other top attractions of Olympia surrounding the Capitol building include The Olympia Farmers Market, the Hands On Children's Museum, and the nearby Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Address: 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, Washington

In southern Washington near the Columbia River Gorge, Vancouver is a city filled with history and cultural appeal. Some of the attractions of Vancouver include Esther Short Park and Playground, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site , and a summer farmers market filled with live music.

History and natural appeal run deep in Vancouver, and places like the Waterfront Renaissance Trail and Officer's Row add even more unique things to do. With easy access to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, across the Columbia River, Vancouver is also a popular jumping-off point for exploring the City of Roses.

Even those who aren't plane buffs will likely be impressed by this jet assembly plant tour at the Boeing Factory, located north of Seattle in Everett. Detailed tours through the facility happen daily under the attraction name Future of Flight.

These popular tours take members of the public through the assembly process of some of Boeing's biggest planes and throughout the working environment of the world's biggest building (by volume). Those interested in taking the tour are advised to book their spot beforehand.

Address: 8415 Paine Field Boulevard, Mukilteo

Official site: http://www.futureofflight.org/

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Everett, WA

More on Washington

12 Incredible Things To Do In Southwest Washington

• Last updated May 07, 2023
• Difficulty Intemediate

• Category United States

Southwest Washington is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by its more popular neighbors like Seattle and Portland, but this region truly deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. With its stunning natural landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history, Southwest Washington offers a plethora of activities that will leave you awestruck. From hiking to sightseeing to indulging in local cuisine, here are 12 incredible things to do in Southwest Washington that are guaranteed to make your trip unforgettable. Get ready to discover a side of Washington that you never knew existed.

What You'll Learn

Hike the ape cave in the gifford pinchot national forest, visit the mount st. helens national volcanic monument, explore the columbia river gorge national scenic area, walk through the lavender fields at the rusty grape vineyard, kayak on silver lake, take a scenic drive along the pacific ocean in long beach peninsula, visit the saint martin's abbey and seminary in lacey, go birdwatching at the ridgefield national wildlife refuge, visit the international kite museum in long beach, tour the vancouver historic reserve, shop at the olympia farmers market, relax at the carson hot springs resort.

Southwest Washington is a beautiful part of the United States that boasts a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers. One such activity is hiking, and one of the best hikes in the area is the Ape Cave in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Located near the base of Mount St. Helens, the Ape Cave is a lava tube that was formed thousands of years ago during a volcanic eruption. The cave is a popular hiking destination not only for its natural beauty but also for its unique geology.

Hiking the Ape Cave is a fun and challenging activity that requires some preparation. The cave is dark, and hikers need to bring headlamps or flashlights to navigate the caverns. The cave is also long, measuring over two miles, so hikers need to be physically fit and prepared for a strenuous hike.

The hike begins at the cave's entrance, where hikers will descend a long staircase into the cave. Once inside, the cave's natural beauty is immediately apparent. The walls of the cave are covered in lava stalactites, and the floor is made up of uneven, rocky terrain.

As hikers make their way deeper into the cave, the terrain becomes more challenging. There are places where hikers need to climb over large boulders, crawl under low-hanging rocks, or squeeze through narrow passages. However, these challenges are what make the hike so rewarding.

At the end of the cave, hikers will find a skylight that provides a glimpse of the outside world. This is a great place to take a break, rest, and take in the beauty of the surrounding forest.

After resting, hikers can either turn back and retrace their steps through the cave or make their way out through a side exit. The side exit is shorter than the cave's entrance, but it requires a steep climb up a rocky slope.

Hiking the Ape Cave is a unique and unforgettable experience that every hiker should add to their bucket list. The beauty of the cave, coupled with the physical challenge of the hike, makes it a must-do adventure in Southwest Washington.

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Southwest Washington is a beautiful region that is rich in history and natural wonders. One of the most significant landmarks in this area is the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This destination draws visitors from all over the world who want to witness the impact of one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in U.S. history.

If you are planning a trip to southwest Washington, you cannot miss visiting the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Here are some reasons why:

Learn about the eruption of Mount St. Helens

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 destroyed more than 230 square miles of forest, killed 57 people, and caused over a billion dollars in damage. You can learn about this catastrophic event through a variety of exhibits, films, and ranger programs at the visitor center.

Hike the trails

The monument offers several trails where you can hike and explore the area. There are trails for all levels of experience, from easy ones for families to challenging ones for experienced hikers. You can take a guided tour or explore the area on your own. Either way, you will witness the remarkable changes in the landscape since the eruption.

See the Johnston Ridge Observatory

The Johnston Ridge Observatory is the closest visitor center to the volcano. From here, you can look down into the crater and see the devastation caused by the eruption. You will also enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Witness the rebirth of nature

One of the most remarkable things about Mount St. Helens is how nature has rebounded since the eruption. Visitors can see how the ecosystem has regenerated and how plants and animals have adapted to the new environment. You will see how the ash-filled streams and lakes have transformed into thriving habitats for fish and wildlife.

Enjoy the attractions in the area

Besides the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the surrounding towns have a lot to offer. You can explore the charming towns of Castle Rock and Clatskanie, visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, or hike the numerous trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

In conclusion, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a must-visit destination if you are in southwest Washington. You will marvel at the power of nature and witness the incredible transformation of the landscape since the eruption. Plus, you can enjoy the area's other attractions and activities, making it an unforgettable trip for the whole family!

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Southwest Washington is a beautiful region with a lot of natural wonders to explore. One of the most popular destinations in this area is the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This incredible park is located along the Columbia River and features stunning views, hiking trails, and recreational activities. In this article, we will explore the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in more detail, and provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a 292,500-acre park that stretches for 85 miles along the Columbia River. The park is located just east of Portland, Oregon, and west of Hood River, Oregon. It includes both the Columbia River Gorge itself, as well as several adjacent areas, such as the Sandy River Delta, Rooster Rock State Park, and Beacon Rock State Park.

One of the most popular activities in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is hiking. The park features over 80 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. The most popular hike is the Angels Rest Trail, which is a 4.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Other popular hikes include the Multnomah Falls Trail, which leads to the famous Multnomah Falls, and the Eagle Creek Trail, which features several waterfalls and stunning views of the Gorge.

In addition to hiking, there are plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Fishing is a popular activity, as the park is home to several species of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. There are also plenty of opportunities for boating, kayaking, and rafting on the Columbia River.

If you're looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the park, there are plenty of scenic drives to take. The Historic Columbia River Highway is a 75-mile drive that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the park. Along the way, you'll pass by several waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls, as well as several overlooks with stunning views of the Gorge.

Finally, if you're interested in history, there are several historic sites to visit in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is a great place to learn about the geological and cultural history of the Gorge, while the Bonneville Lock and Dam provides a fascinating look at the engineering feats that have made the Columbia River such an important resource.

In conclusion, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Southwest Washington. With its stunning views, hiking trails, recreational activities, and historic sites, there's something for everyone in this incredible park. Be sure to plan your visit soon, and get ready to experience the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge!

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Southwest Washington is home to a hidden gem that promises a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Rusty Grape Vineyard is a picturesque vineyard located in Battle Ground, WA, that boasts stunning lavender fields that are a must-visit during the summer months.

The Rusty Grape Vineyard, which was established in 2006, has been dedicated to producing high-quality wines that embody the essence of the Pacific Northwest. The vineyard was founded by a group of friends who shared a passion for wine and the Pacific Northwest's beauty.

Walking through the enchanting Lavender Fields at Rusty Grape Vineyard is an experience like no other. The fields are teeming with blooming lavender flowers that come in different shades of purple, from pale lilac to deep violet. The lavender fields span across four acres of land and offer visitors the chance to stroll through the fields and immerse themselves in the calming scent of fresh lavender.

The Lavender Fields at Rusty Grape Vineyard aren't just a sight to behold; they also have practical uses. The vineyard uses the fragrant flowers to produce lavender-infused wine, lavender essential oils, and other lavender-scented products.

While visiting the Rusty Grape Vineyard, be sure to check out the tasting room, which offers an array of wines that can only be found at the vineyard. Wine enthusiasts can sample the vineyard's award-winning wines, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

Rusty Grape Vineyard is not just known for its wines and lavender fields. The vineyard is also home to a tranquil pond stocked with fish, which provides visitors with a peaceful setting to cast a line and enjoy the serenity of nature.

In conclusion, if you're in search of a peaceful escape, look no further than the Lavender Fields at Rusty Grape Vineyard in Battle Ground, WA. Take a leisurely stroll through the lavender fields, sample some of the best wines the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and cast a line in the tranquil pond – all in one place. We guarantee you won't be disappointed.

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Southwest Washington is a beautiful region that is packed with outdoor activities, including kayaking on Silver Lake. This tranquil lake is nestled in Cowlitz County and is an excellent spot for paddling enthusiasts.

Kayaking on Silver Lake is a popular activity for both locals and visitors to soak in the breathtaking scenery, the clean, crisp air, and experience the quiet stillness of this pristine body of water. The lake is surrounded by lush green forest and is home to an abundance of wildlife making it a pristine oasis for nature lovers.

The lake is spacious enough for novice kayakers to feel comfortable while still offering challenges for advanced kayakers who want to explore more of the lake's scenery. Kayakers can rent equipment and put-ins available by the park.

The lake is also teeming with an abundance of fish such as Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. Anglers can try their hand at fishing, while the plenitude of flora and fauna present around the lake provides ample opportunities for photographers and nature lovers to take photos or even birdwatch.

The calm and serene small lake is perfect for paddling at your own speed, immerse oneself in the scenic beauty and tranquility of this secret gem. The lake is also an excellent location for picnics, camping or simply to wade out and relax in its crystal-clear waters.

Overall, kayaking on Silver Lake is an excellent activity that offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Southwest Washington. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or just looking to relax in the lake's serene surroundings, Silver Lake is undoubtedly worth checking out.

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Southwest Washington is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. One of the most popular destinations for a road trip in this region is the Long Beach Peninsula, which stretches for 28 miles along the Pacific Ocean. If you are planning a trip to Southwest Washington, taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach Peninsula is a must-see and must-do activity.

The Long Beach Peninsula is located on the southwestern edge of Washington state, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Willapa Bay to the east. The drive along the peninsula offers stunning views of the sea and sky, with miles of pristine sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and dramatic ocean vistas stretching out before you. The scenery is breathtaking and offers plenty of opportunities for stops along the way to take photos, go for a walk, fly a kite, or just soak in the natural beauty of the area.

There are several different routes you can take when driving along the Long Beach Peninsula, depending on your interests and the amount of time you have available. One popular route is to begin in Ilwaco, a small fishing village at the southern end of the peninsula, and follow Pacific Way to the north. This route takes you past the waterfront, where you can watch fishing boats and cargo ships float by, and through historic neighborhoods filled with charming homes and bed and breakfasts.

As you continue along Pacific Way, you will pass through the Long Beach Boardwalk, a lively beachfront strip with amusement rides, arcades, and souvenir shops. The boardwalk is a great place to park and take a stroll, with several beach access points where you can dip your toes in the water or relax in the sun.

Another popular route is to take Sandridge Road, which runs parallel to Pacific Way on the east side of the Long Beach Peninsula. This route takes you through a different kind of landscape, with rolling hills, pastures, and farmland stretching out as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you will pass through small towns like Ocean Park and Nahcotta, where you can stop for a cup of coffee, a meal, or to shop for souvenirs.

No matter which route you choose, a visit to the Long Beach Peninsula is not complete without a stop at Cape Disappointment State Park. This park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Willapa Bay, and the Columbia River, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and historic landmarks like the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.

In conclusion, a scenic drive along the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach Peninsula is a must-see and must-do activity when visiting Southwest Washington. With its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and charming towns, this area offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of the Long Beach Peninsula.

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If you find yourself in Southwest Washington, you may want to consider a visit to the Saint Martins Abbey and Seminary in Lacey, located just outside of Olympia. This peaceful retreat offers visitors a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the tranquility of the abbey's surroundings.

The Saint Martins Abbey and Seminary was established in the mid-1800s by a group of Benedictine monks from Bavaria, Germany. Today, the abbey remains a hub of Benedictine spirituality and has a long-standing tradition of educating men for the Catholic priesthood.

When visiting, you can expect to see gorgeous architecture and religious artwork, as well as experience a sense of peace and serenity that is characteristic of Benedictine monastic life. The grounds of the abbey are open to visitors and feature walking paths, gardens, and meditation areas. Additionally, there is a bookstore on site that offers a selection of spiritual texts and devotional items.

For those interested in learning more about the abbey's history and tradition, guided tours are available. During the tour, you will learn about the Benedictine way of life, the history of the Saint Martins Abbey and Seminary, and see some of the most notable features of the abbey, including the towering Romanesque-style church.

The abbey is also home to a seminary where men prepare for the priesthood. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass and other religious services, although it is advised to check the schedule in advance.

In conclusion, a visit to the Saint Martins Abbey and Seminary in Lacey is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful escape from everyday life in Southwest Washington. The historic architecture, serene surroundings, and focus on Benedictine spirituality offer visitors a chance to deepen their faith or simply enjoy a quiet, reflective atmosphere.

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Southwest Washington is a beautiful destination for nature lovers, and one of the best places to visit for birdwatching enthusiasts is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Located just 20 miles north of Vancouver, Ridgefield boasts more than 5,300 acres of diverse habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species, making it a must-visit spot for any bird enthusiast.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 250 species of birds, including bald eagles, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, and hundreds of other species that pass through during migration. Visitors can explore the four-mile auto tour route that offers stunning views of the wetlands where these birds nest and feed. The refuge's wildlife and bird photography opportunities are a great way to spend your afternoon or weekend.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is also home to several popular birdwatching events that draw bird enthusiasts from all over the world. The Bird Fest and Bluegrass Celebration is a popular annual event that attracts thousands of visitors each year, and includes guided bird walks, lectures by experts, music, food, and much more. In addition, the refuge hosts several free bird walks throughout the year where visitors can learn about bird identification and observe thousands of birds in their natural habitats.

If you are planning a trip to southwest Washington, make sure to include a visit to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The stunning vistas and diverse habitats offer bird enthusiasts an opportunity to observe some of the most magnificent bird species in North America. Don't forget your binoculars and camera as you will not be disappointed with the endless birdwatching opportunities.

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Southwest Washington is a charming region that boasts several gems, including the International Kite Museum located in Long Beach. If you're looking for a unique and fun experience, you shouldn't miss out on visiting this museum.

The International Kite Museum is a fascinating place that showcases the world's largest collection of kites, even recognized by the Guinness World Records. Visitors to the museum will have the chance to see over 1600 kites from 26 countries, spanning across centuries of kite-making history. You'll be amazed by the diverse designs, shapes, and colors of the kites on display.

The museum was founded in 2002 by Jake and Joanie Broyles as a place to display their private collection of kites. Today, it's an inspiring place to explore the art of kite-making and flying. You'll have the opportunity to watch videos about kite traditions and history, and ask the knowledgeable staff any questions you may have about kites.

Another highlight of the museum is the annual kite festival held on the beach nearby. It's a lively and colorful affair that brings kite enthusiasts from all over the world to Long Beach. The festival is held every August, and it's a great occasion to see professional kite flyers in action.

The International Kite Museum is a unique destination that's perfect for both adults and children. You can easily spend several hours exploring the museum's exhibits and learning about kite culture from all over the world. The museum is open year-round, and admission is affordable, making it accessible to everyone.

In conclusion, a visit to the International Kite Museum in Long Beach is a great way to experience the magic of kites. It's an enjoyable and interesting excursion, and it's not every day that you get to see the world's largest collection of kites. Whether you're a kite enthusiast or not, this museum is worth a visit.

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Southwest Washington is a beautiful region known for stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the must-visit destinations in this region is undoubtedly the Vancouver Historic Reserve. This area is home to some of the most significant historic sites in the Pacific Northwest, including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Officer's Row, and Pearson Field.

The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a living history museum that takes visitors back to the early 19th century, when the fort served as the headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company. The site features a restored fort, a fur trade warehouse, and several other historic buildings. Visitors can wander through the fort and learn about the daily life of the fur traders who lived and worked there. The costumed interpreters offer guided tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Officer's Row is another highlight of the Vancouver Historic Reserve, featuring 21 beautifully preserved and restored homes that once housed the officers of the U.S. Army. The homes were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and showcase a mix of architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Mission Revival. Some of the homes are now open to the public, offering a glimpse into the lives of the officers and their families.

Pearson Field, located adjacent to Officer's Row, is another must-visit destination in the Vancouver Historic Reserve. This airfield is the oldest continuously operating airfield in the Pacific Northwest and was once the site of the first transpolar flight to Russia. Visitors can take a guided tour of the field, watch planes take off and land, and even take a scenic helicopter tour of the area.

In addition to these historic sites, the Vancouver Historic Reserve also features several beautiful parks and gardens, including the Esther Short Park, the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, and the Marshall Park Garden. The park's sprawling green spaces, scenic trails, and beautiful blooms offer the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge while taking in the city's natural beauty.

Overall, a tour of the Vancouver Historic Reserve is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Southwest Washington. The area's rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture make it an unforgettable destination that should not be missed.

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Southwest Washington may not be the first destination that comes to mind when one is looking for a shopping location. However, the Olympia Farmers Market is a hidden gem located in southwest Washington that offers a unique shopping experience for locals and tourists alike.

The Olympia Farmers Market is a lively and bustling hub for farmers, artisans, and food lovers. Located in the heart of downtown Olympia, the market offers locally grown produce, handmade crafts, jewelry, and many other artisan goods. It was established in 1975 by a group of local farmers who envisioned creating a place where they could connect with the community and sell their products directly to consumers.

If you are a food lover, the Olympia Farmers Market is the place to be. The market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce that is bursting with flavor. From seasonal fruits and vegetables to honey, cheeses, and baked goods, you will find everything you need to create a delicious meal. The market also has a variety of food vendors selling hot meals, snacks, and drinks. You can enjoy a cup of coffee from one of the local roasters while exploring the market.

Apart from food, the market also has a wide selection of arts and crafts. From handmade soaps, jewelry, pottery, to woodworking, there is something for everyone. You can also find a unique souvenir to take back home from your trip to Olympia.

The Olympia Farmers Market is not just a shopping destination; it is also a place where you can meet and interact with the farmers and artisans who sell their products. It is a great opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from and the creative processes that go into making the crafts.

The market operates from Thursday to Sunday from April to October and on weekends till Christmas during the winter months. Free parking is available in the area, and pets are welcome.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique shopping experience, head to the Olympia Farmers Market. It is an excellent opportunity to support local farmers, artisans, and businesses while experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavors of southwest Washington. Don't forget to bring your reusable bags, and get ready for a day filled with fun, food, and fantastic finds!

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Southwest Washington is a beautiful region filled with lush, green landscapes, stunning mountains, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the best ways to relax and unwind in this gorgeous area is by visiting the Carson Hot Springs Resort.

Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the resort has been a beloved destination for relaxation and rejuvenation for over 150 years. The hot springs here are fed by nearby underground volcanic activity, creating warm, mineral-rich waters that are perfect for soaking your cares away.

The resort offers a variety of accommodations to fit every need, including cozy cabins, comfortable rooms, and luxurious suites. No matter where you stay, you'll enjoy access to the resort's historic bathhouse, which features a large soaking pool and several private tubs.

In addition to the hot springs, the resort also offers a range of spa services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Treat yourself to a pampering session and leave feeling refreshed and renewed.

When it comes to dining, the resort's on-site restaurant, The Lush Mountain, serves up delicious local fare in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a meal made with fresh, seasonal ingredients while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

For those who want to explore the area's natural beauty, the resort is just a short drive from several hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Make the most of your stay by taking a hike, going fishing, or simply relaxing in nature.

Overall, the Carson Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place to unwind and recharge in the tranquil beauty of Southwest Washington. With its peaceful surroundings, mineral-rich hot springs, and luxurious amenities, it's no wonder this historic resort has been charming visitors for over a century.

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Frequently asked questions.

- Southwest Washington is known for its beautiful nature, and popular outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also many parks and trails to explore, such as Lewis and Clark State Park, Ape Caves, and Cape Disappointment State Park.

- If you're interested in art and culture, there are many museums and galleries to visit in Southwest Washington. The Clark County Historical Museum, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge are just a few examples of places to check out.

- Southwest Washington has many activities and attractions that are enjoyable for children. The Oregon Zoo, Portland Children's Museum, and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site are popular choices, as well as the Pacific Northwest Lighthouses and the Ridgefield Raptors minor league baseball team.

- If you're looking for something a bit different, there are plenty of unique activities to do in Southwest Washington. You could visit the Ilani Casino to try your luck at gambling, take a hot air balloon ride over the Columbia River Gorge, go on a wine tour in the local vineyards, or visit the Rusty Grape Vineyards to sample locally made wines and craft beers.

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Things to Do in Puget Sound: Complete List of ALL 35 Islands

Puget Sound features some of the most picturesque and exciting islands in the continental United States. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of every single island in Puget Sound and also discuss some of the attractions and things to do on each island. 

Before we detail each island, here’s a helpful interactive map showing the location of each island in Puget Sound:

And here’s a table of contents, where you can quickly navigate to a specific island you may be interested in:

Now we’ll begin discussing each island, starting with Anderson Island:

Anderson Island, WA

Size: 7.75 square miles

Population: 1,037

Anderson Island is the southernmost island of the Puget Sound and is accessible by boat or ferry ride from Steilacoom, WA. It’s a small and sparsely populated island that is a census-designated place of Pierce County, WA. The population swells in the summer to about 4,000, which includes both residents and vacationers. 

The Anderson Island General Store is the only grocer on the island. The Anderson Island Farm serves as the island’s cultural hub and features a variety of exhibits designed to preserve the region’s culture. In terms of recreation, there’s the Riviera Club which includes hiking trails, a marina, lakes, and a 9-hole golf course. Despite its small size, there is also an elementary school that serves students from kindergarten to fifth grade.

Bainbridge Island, WA

Size: 65.08 square miles

Population: 24,846

A short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is the second-largest city in Kitsap County, WA. Originally home to the Suquamish people, it’s now a bustling island full of residents and tourists alike. The island is located in the Puget Sound Basin and is just west of Seattle. 

With a small-town feel, there are three local weekly newspapers, post offices, commercial shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. Bainbridge Island School District houses six public schools with an additional six private schools. This area is also concerned with preserving the local nature and greenspace of the island, so there is control over the amount of development that happens in this community.

Blake Island, WA

Size: 1.76 square miles

Population: 0

Located in Kitsap County, Blake Island, WA lies south of Bainbridge Island and is preserved as Blake Island Marine State Park. This island is only accessible by boat. With over eight miles of hiking trails, visitors can bike or hike and take in the beautiful scenery.

Tillicum Village , located on the northeast side of the island, is rich with Northwest Native culture, food, and art. There are over five miles of shoreline views featuring the Olympic Mountain Range and the nearby Seattle skyline. There is a variety of wildlife on Blake Island, including deer, who like to swim from the mainland. 

Blakely Island, WA

Size: 6.507 square miles

Population: 56

Blakely Island is part of the San Juan Islands group in Washington. There is no public ferry to the island, making it only accessible by boat or private ferry. There is a private airstrip available for property owners. 

Like many of the islands in Puget Sound, there are no grocery stores or public services. Blakely Island does have a general store and cafe, both located in the island’s marina, and they are typically only open seasonally. There are two 70 acre freshwater lakes deep within over 3000 acres of lush forest perfect for hiking, camping, and fishing. Blakely Island property owners have access to amenities such as potable water, a tennis court, and air and water taxi services. 

Burrows Island, WA

Size: .515 square miles

Burrows Island State Park is only accessible by boat with a handful of accessible beaches. This can be a tumultuous island to get to, as the narrow channels to get to it are full of strong currents. In a remote camping area, there is one campsite that is near the Northeast tip of the island. 

The Burrows Island Lighthouse started operation in 1906. Burrows Island shoreline is mostly jagged, sharp rocks with steep drop-offs. The flora of the island is similar to other parts of the Pacific Northwest, with evergreen trees making up the interior. 

Camano Island, WA

Size: 94.9 square miles

Population: 15,661

Located between Whidbey Island and the mainland, Camano Island is accessible by road and boat. It’s an island filled with outdoor activities, including beachcombing, hiking, ziplining, and more. From quaint grocery stores to a robust art community with galleries and festivals, Camano Island is a popular vacation getaway. 

Camano Island’s population tends to increase somewhat slightly in the summer months—around 2000 more residents. The summer months see many part-time vacation homeowners. Camano Island shares a school district with Stanwood, which has two elementary schools nearby. A public library is open to all residents of the island. 

Center Island, WA

Size: .275 square miles

Population: 49

A 30-minute boat ride to the mainland and no cars in sight, Center Island is a small 115-acre oasis. The main transportation on the island is by golf cart, and most of the residents share amenities such as the clubhouse, beach lots, boat storage, and docks. There are daily mail deliveries and a private airstrip that residents can use. 

Center Island’s community clubhouse is a spot where residents can rent vehicles, do their laundry, or spend some time on the porch grilling and enjoy the ocean views. Many residents live here during the summer months, though there are a handful of year-round occupants.

Cypress Island, WA

Size: 8.6 square miles

Cypress Island is the westernmost part of Skagit County, Washington. Travel is limited to the island by private boat or water taxi. A direct trip to Fidalgo Island is only a 15-minute boat ride away, making for a convenient transportation option. 

Strawberry Bay is the island’s main community. The majority of the island is managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources who has installed waterfront parks with picnic tables and buoys for boat campers. There are freshwater lakes in the center of this small island, which provides bountiful views for hikers. 

Fox Island, WA

Size: 6.4 square miles

Population: 3692

Fox Island’s views include Mt. Rainer, the Olympic Mountains, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Fox Island Bridge connects the island with Artondale , a small town in Pierce County, Washington. Fox Island Nature Center hosts activities like bird watching, identifying plants, and hiking. The Nature Center also acts as a wildlife preserve that includes wetland areas and deciduous forests. 

Fox Island has a post office, grocery store, and other small businesses, including a wedding chapel , doggie daycare, and a preschool offering 2-year-old through Pre-K classes. The island boasts beautiful beaches and great fishing. 

Gedney Island, WA

Size: .692 square miles

Population: 260

Gedney Island, also known as Hat Island, is a small, sparsely populated island in Snohomish County, Washington. The Hat Express is the island’s private walk-on ferry, used by residents and their guests to go back and forth to Everett, Washington. 

There are no grocery stores or schools on Gedney Island. Still, there is a renovated marina capable of docking over 120 boats, a fire station, and a nine-hole golf course. The official publication, Viewpoint , is a quarterly publication for all community members that gives news, upcoming events, and other goings-on in the community. 

Guemes Island, WA

Population: 605

A small island in western Skagit County, Guemes Island is accessible by private boat and the Guemes Island Ferry. The ferry runs every 30 minutes, making it an easy and quick 5-minute trip from Anacortes, Washington. 

The Guemes Island General Store is located close to the ferry stop and boasts freshly made pastries, cookies, and desserts, on top of snacks and drinks. Stop for lunch at a pizza food truck, DIGS Kitchen. This tiny island has two parks, Schoolhouse Park and Young’s Park, with a wide variety of wildlife and hiking trails. 

Harstine Island, WA

Size: 18.651 square miles

Population: 1002

Harstine Island is located in southern Puget Sound, just north of Olympia, WA. A bridge was built in 1969, connecting it to the mainland, making it accessible by car or boat. There are three state parks on Harstine Island, making it a popular summer destination. McMicken Island State Park has an active shellfish population and is available to harvesters throughout the year. 

There are no restaurants on the island. Recreational activities on Harstine Island include cycling, fishing, and beachcombing. The Wild Felid Advocacy Center is a wild cat sanctuary, providing resources to big cats and education to its visitors.  

Herron Island, WA

Size: .4759 square miles

Population: 152

Herron Island is a privately owned island on Puget Sound. It’s accessible by ferry, the MV Charlie Wells, for property owners and guests. This small island is located about 60 miles south of Seattle. This is a heavily wooded area with views of the Olympic Mountain Range. 

Residents and guests enjoy activities that include fishing, boating, and sailing. There are also many types of bird and marine life that can be observed in their natural habitat. A place of great beauty with its open spaces, beaches, and mountain views, Herron Island is a peaceful environment.

Hope Island State Park

Size: 106 acres

This small island can only be reached by watercraft. It’s located on the west side of the Puget Sound and is covered in deciduous forests and saltwater marshes. Hope Island State Park has a 1.5-mile long beach, which makes it a popular spot for shellfish harvesters. The park offers several campsites for its visitors to use. 

Walks on the beach and hiking trails are popular here. Many like to pack a picnic and enjoy their meal surrounded by fruit orchards. Because of the vast amount of shellfish, bald eagles and blue heron are common sights for visitors. 

Hope Island, WA

Size: .3125 square miles

Hope Island is a 200-acre marine park at the northern end of Skagit Bay in Skagit County, Washington. There are several campsites making it an attractive area for boaters and hikers alike. Hope Island is a serene area with meadows and forests, as well as acting as a natural area preserve that hopes to protect the Puget Sound ecosystem. 

This island is only accessible by boat, and there are five mooring buoys on the north side of the island. There is a trail that runs across the island for its campers to enjoy. During mating season, herons will nest on the island, making for a spectacular sight to see. 

Indian Island, WA

Size: 4.35 square miles

Population: 44

Twenty miles north of the Hood Canal Bridge lies Indian Island. Also known as Naval Magazine Indian Island, this area is home to the US Navy’s only west coast deep-water ammunition port. Navy combat ships frequent this island’s docking area. 

This island has a wealth of natural resources and a rich history. There are many Native American and pioneer sites, and, because of its Naval history, there are also several buildings built during WWII. Home to a wide variety of plants and animals, bald eagles, deer, and otters are abundant.

James Island State Park

Size: .1765 square miles

James Island State Park is a small 113-acre marine camping park. Part of the San Juan Islands, there are beautiful views of the western San Juan Islands. There are designated campsites and trails, though most of the island has been designated as a protected National Forest Area. 

There is no fuel station or grocery store on this island—the nearest stop for its visitors is Anacortes, Washington. There is a total of 1.5 miles of looping hiking trails for campers to enjoy. 13 campsites span throughout the island, with no drinkable water. This is a secluded camping area and visitors must bring all of their necessities with them. 

Jones Island, WA

Size: .184 square miles

Jones Island is a small island that is only accessible by boat and there is no residential population. It acts as a popular campsite and trail area for campers, hikers, and boaters. There are seven mooring buoys and over 120 feet of dock moorage. 

There are 24 non-serviced campsites on Jones Island that can’t be reserved—they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. This island is home to a large herd of black-tail deer, which have become accustomed to humans and may even come up to say hello. 

Ketron Island, WA

Size: .344 square miles

Population: 17

Ketron Island, Washington is a small, privately-owned island that is only reachable by ferry. Bought initially with plans to build 200 homes, schools, and stores, these plans were abruptly put to an end in the 1940s due to the high costs of a sewer system. 

There are no grocery stores, gas stations, garbage pickups, or restaurants. In order to get supplies, residents and visitors must use the ferry, which comes four times a day, or use their own boats to reach the mainland. 

Lopez Island, WA

Size: 29.5 square miles

Population: 2177

The third-largest island of the San Juan Islands, Lopez Island is accessible by boat only. The primary way of traveling to and from the island is by ferry. It takes around 40 minutes to get to the mainland of Anacortes, Washington. The Lopez Island Airport offers commercial flights. 

Though the population is small, it significantly increases during the summer months. There are several restaurants, a bookstore, coffee shops, a museum, and two public marinas, making it a popular destination from June through September. Many choose biking as a means of transportation throughout the island due to low-speed limits and minimal traffic. 

Lummi Island, WA

Size: 9.255 square miles

Population: 822

Accessible by a 20-car ferry, residents, and visitors can enjoy a quick six-minute ride from the mainland to Lummi Island. Lummi Island’s population nearly doubles every summer with tourists from both the US and Canada enjoying the beautiful views, weather, and abundance of activities.

Mushroom season is during the off-months, so visitors and residents can enjoy mushroom hunting and sightseeing from October through Christmas. Grange Hall is a gathering place for family reunions, weddings, and other get-togethers. There is a Saturday Market where one can buy fresh flowers, local honey, and produce. Though the island is small, there is an elementary school that accommodates grades K-5. 

Marrowstone Island WA

Size: 6.3 square miles

Population: 844

Marrowstone Island boasts breathtaking views of Puget Sound. Two hours north of Seattle, this little island is accessible to the mainland by a bridge. It’s home to Fort Flagler State Park , with views across the water to Whidbey Island. This park has old military buildings, a military museum, and tours of the old bunkers. 

The amenities on Marrowstone include a vineyard, the Nordland General Store , and cultural events such as the annual Strawberry Festival and the Tractor Days Parade. There are five miles of walking trails on the island with views that include volcano Glacier Peak and Whidbey Island.

Matia Island, WA

Size: .226 square miles

Matia Island is a small area that was originally established as a refuge for migratory birds and is now a National Wildlife Refuge. There are five acres of the island that are designated for public use. Only accessible by boat, this island is a spot for primitive camping, saltwater fishing, and clam digging.

Camping facilities on Matia Island include a mile-long loop trail, six non serviced campsites, and a composting toilet. Visitors are required to pack out their garbage, drinking water is not provided, and fires of any kind are banned. To protect the natural habitat and wildlife that call this island home, most of the island is closed to the public. 

McNeil Island, WA

Size: 6.63 square miles

Population: 214

McNeil Island is located in south Puget Sound, just southwest of Tacoma. At one point, this island was a federal penitentiary and was the last island prison in the US that could only be accessible by either plane or boat. 

The only residents on McNeil Island are those who live at a facility for former prison inmates. These men have served their sentences, though remain confined on the island. Each of the 214 residents of the island was convicted of at least one violent sex crime. 

Orcas Island, WA

Size: 57.3 square feet

Population: 5387

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands. At 57 square miles, residents and visitors have the opportunity to see lush forests, beautiful lakes, and unique culture. Island access is through the Washington State Ferries system. However, it can also be accessed through other sea charters or air services. There are public docks that private boats can use to come onto the island. Orcas Island is also home to a handful of state parks with hiking trails, campsites, and kayaking opportunities. 

There are three schools on Orcas Island— an elementary, middle, and high school. There is also a public library for its residents to take advantage of. Unlike many islands in the Puget Sound, Orcas Island has health care services so that locals may be serviced when needed.  

Patos Island, WA

Size: .323 square miles

Spanish for “duck,” Patos Island is part of the San Juan Islands in Washington. Visitors can get to the island by personal boat, chartered boat, or by kayaking from nearby Orcas Island. There is no dock and strong currents can make docking difficult. 

Patos Island is home to several camping spots that have fire pits, pit toilets, and beautiful views. Like many of the other islands in the Puget Sound, this island does not have potable water, so visitors need to bring all their necessary supplies with them during their stay. Lighthouse tours are offered during the summertime months and other activities include clamming, crabbing, and diving. 

San Juan Island, WA

Size: 55.05 square miles

Population: 6822

San Juan Island is the second-largest island in the San Juan Islands group in the Puget Sound. Though not the largest island, it is the most populous at just under 7000 residents. Washington State Ferries services this island, though visitors and residents can also use boats, seaplanes, or other aircraft. 

There are a number of weekly newspapers and online news sites on San Juan Island. It’s a major farmland with tourism making up most of its economy. There is a hospital located onsite and a handful of attractions including multiple museums, state parks , and aquaculture farms. The San Juan Island School District operates four schools: an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, and an alternative high school. 

Squaxin Island Indian Reservation

Size: 2.216 square miles

Squaxin Island is an Indian reservation in Southeastern Mason County. Though it’s a traditional reservation, there are currently no residents on this island. The Squaxin Tribe now lives on off-reservation trust land and Harstine Island. While Squaxin makes up the largest part of this tribe’s reservation territory, it is unpopulated. At one point in time, this island contained a state park, though it eventually closed and the land was given back to its original people. 

Stretch Island, WA

Size: .47 square miles

Population: 120

Located in Case Inlet in the southern area of Puget Sound, Stretch Island is a small area of land that has less than 120 residents. Though small, this island has an abundance of outdoor recreation that includes shellfish harvesting, sailing, and fishing. 

Stretch Island’s climate makes it a great habitat for many different types of flora and fauna, including salmon, blue herons, and bald eagles. There are a handful of smaller markets on the island, with chain grocery stores and restaurants just a quick 15-minute drive away. There is also a ferry that residents and visitors can drive to in around 40 minutes that will drop you off right in downtown Seattle. 

Stuart Island, WA

Size: 2.881 square miles

Population: 20

Stuart Island makes up part of Washington’s San Juan Islands and is close to the Canadian border. This island doesn’t have a ferry service, so visitors and residents use private boats and watercraft to access. Stuart Island is not close to other islands and often has strong currents, which can make it difficult to access if coming by kayak. 

There are no stores or hotels on Stuart Island, but visitors love coming to camp, hike, or kayak. The lighthouse on the island is a popular destination for those wanting to explore the area. There are primitive campsites around the island with no garbage service, though potable water is available May through September. 

Sucia Island, WA

Size: 1,058 square miles

Population: 4

Just 2.5 miles north of Orcas Island, Sucia Island is part of the San Juan Islands in Washington. A horseshoe-shaped island, it’s only accessible by watercraft. Sucia Island is filled with lush forests and beautiful views that showcase the famous west coast sunsets. 

Sucia Island is a state park and is considered to be a world-class boating destination. Though the population is small, summertime brings a large crowd hoping to explore the island and its many bounties. There are over 10 miles of trails that hikers can use to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. 

Trump Island, WA

Size: .045 square miles

Trump Island is a private Island located between Decatur and Lopez Islands in Puget Sound. It’s part of the San Juan Island chain and the only way to access it is by boat, seaplane, or water taxi. Trump Island is currently for sale and there are no current occupants of the island. 

It should be noted that Trump Island bears no relation to Donald Trump!

Vashon Island, WA 

Size: 80.81 square miles

Population: 10,624

Puget Sound’s largest island is made up of two islands that are connected by a land bridge. With Seattle to the northeast and Tacoma to the south, Vashon Island is accessible by two ferries or by personal boat (there are some public docks available). 

The island has a number of attractions, including the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie . Unlike many of the smaller Puget Sound islands, Vashon is home to many retail shops, restaurants, farmers’ markets, and museums. Vashon Park is part of the Cascade Maine Trails System, which houses beach campsites and primitive accommodations. There are three public schools and two private schools on the island for children in grades K-12.  

Waldron Island, WA

Size: 4.595 square miles

Population: 104

Waldron Island is another island that is part of the San Juan Islands in Washington. There are ferry and water taxi services that service the island. In addition to a public dock, there is a public grass airstrip.

This private island is generally used to grow flowers or vegetables for other nearby islands in the Puget Sound. There is a small schoolhouse and post office for its residents to use. Due to a non-development clause, no more docks will be built in the island’s future. 

Whidbey Island, WA

Size: 168.67 square miles

Population: 69,480

Thirty miles north of Seattle lies Whidbey Island. The economy of Whidbey Island is mainly the presence of the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and tourism. It’s connected to the mainland by way of Fidalgo Island. There are also ferries that service the area. This island has a zero-fare bus as part of its public transportation. 

Whidbey Island is home to a number of festivals, including the Whidbey Island Kite Festival, Wag’n’Walk, and the Whidbey Island Area Fair. There are three public school districts in the area and two college campuses. A large island, there is a handful of Washington State Parks like Deception Pass State Park , Fort Casey State Park, and Joseph Whidbey State Park. It’s the fourth-longest island in the continental US and is home to gray whales, orca, and over 230 bird species. 

Hi, I'm Ashleigh! Welcome to Seattle Travel, my little piece of beautiful PNW. This is home and I'm here to share all my experiences so visitors and locals alike can find the best experiences this part of the country has to offer. I started Seattle Travel in 2012 as a way to journal my experiences and over the years have been encouraged by family and friends to open up my adventures to everyone. I actively seek out the best food, activities, and day trips and give you a local perspective.  The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and my goal is to let you explore it to the fullest. 

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12 Secrets of Southwest Washington’s Pacific County

Jan 25, 2020 | Outdoors , Beach , History , Recreation , State Parks

Washington’s southwest coast is best known for its seemingly endless stretch of beach, but there’s a lot to be discovered in this corner of Washington. From weird history to great views, it’s worth slowing down to explore.

If you’re ready to get off the beaten path, take notes. These are 12 places most people miss when they visit this corner of Washington.

• A hidden beach on the Columbia River.

Fort Columbia State Park is a dream come true for military history buffs. It’s one of the most intact, historic coastal defense units in the United States. And it also has a secret beach.

Look for a trail leading down to the shore covered in driftwood. Don’t stop there, though. Hang a left and go through a gap in the rocks. You’ll find a hidden cove perfect for exploring.

• The “Ellis Island of the West Coast”.

Knappton Cove Heritage Center is just off Highway 101 and overlooks the Columbia River. Thousands of immigrants passed through this quarantine station. The heritage center is located in the original pesthouse and has hundreds of fascinating artifacts.

• A Finnish library.

This collection of over 600 Finnish books can be found in Naselle’s Appelo Archives Center . While you’re there, you can also check out their logging heritage room and local museum.

• The “other” side of North Head.

Take a hike along Benson Beach during low tide to check out the impressive cliffs below the North Head Lighthouse . You’ll also find giant, beautifully weathered pieces of driftwood. This area is part of Cape Disappointment State Park , so a Discover Pass is required.

• A secret cove.

Dead Man’s Cove can be found on the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse trail. Find just the right angle, and you’ll see a resilient tree growing on a rock in the middle of the cove.

Do NOT hike down to the cove. It is Coast Guard property, and there is no developed trail. You can safely view it from above on your way to the lighthouse.

• Artwork by renowned artist, Maya Lin, hidden in plain sight.

Artist Maya Lin is best known for creating the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. But you can also find her work in Cape Disappointment State Park . Six art installments in the park are part of the Confluence Project . Here’s how to find them .

• Low tide at Beard’s Hollow.

Beard’s Hollow is at the south end of the main beach on the Long Beach Peninsula. The big rock is a favorite fishing spot, and during low tide, its nooks and crannies are exciting places to explore. To get there, you can follow the Discovery Trail or park at Cape Disappointment State Park .

• The edge of the continent.

Want to feel like you’re standing at the edge of the continent?

Get a Discover Pass (ahead of time) and visit Leadbetter Point State Park at the north end of the peninsula. Take the Weather Beach Trail through the woods, and you’ll find yourself on the beach. Bring bug spray, snacks and plenty of water.

This part of the beach is closed to vehicles most of the year, so you’ll likely have it to yourself. Just keep an eye out for protected areas since this is a vital conservation area for endangered Snowy Plovers .

Warning: This trail can flood during late fall to early spring. Ask locals about current conditions or bring some boots.

• A secret grove of giants.

The Teal Slough Trail is short and sweet, but it has big rewards. The trailhead is located just off scenic Highway 101 along Willapa Bay. Blink and you may pass it, so check out this map ahead of time .

Parking there is free. Head up the old logging road into a lush, mossy northwest forest. Arrows lead the way to ancient western hemlocks, cedars and Sitka spruce. Round trip, the trail is just over half a mile long, but you’ll love every single second.

• A cute county park with bay views.

Find Bush Pioneer County Park in Bay Center. It’s managed by the Chinook tribe and has 10 first come, first serve campsites. Whether or not you’re camping, take the trail down to the beach for gorgeous views of Willapa Bay. You’re likely to have this beach to yourself.

• A pickled pioneer.

Pay your respects at the grave of Willie Keil just outside of Raymond, WA.  This pickled pioneer led a wagon train along the Oregon Trail in 1855. Why?

Well, Willie’s father promised he could lead a group of Bethalites to their promised land in the west, but he passed away just before they left. To keep his promise, Dr. Keil filled a lead-lined coffin with 100 proof whiskey and put Willie at the front of the wagon train. You can read this pickled kid’s full story here .

• Washington’s oldest hotel.

Take the scenic route toward Tokeland instead of driving farther up 101 for a delicious side trip. The Tokeland Hotel is the oldest hotel in the state, and they serve incredible food with a Southern touch. And you don’t have to take our word for it. Their restaurant has been featured in the Seattle Times , twice .

Explore more of what Pacific County has to offer.

7 benefits of a coastal visit, fall in love with these romantic date ideas in washington, the perfect day trip from astoria: part one, bucket list activity: razor clam digging in pacific county, storm-watching and king tides: a perfect pair, eight reasons to visit a beach town during the off-season, haunt-tober spotlight: graveyards of pacific county, choose your own adventure in pacific county, take a hike best hiking trails in long beach peninsula, unique pacific northwest museums in the long beach peninsula, pin it on pinterest.

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The 10 most wonderful places to visit in Washington State

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

Washington State’s perennial highlights are its wild open spaces, ideal for kayaking, climbing, hiking and skiing © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Washington is a state of dramatic differences, both physical and cultural. The east mixes vineyards with stark landscapes scarred by past glacial activity, while the west is a patchwork of drippy evergreen forests, clinging to the skirts of snowy mountain ranges punctuated by dome-shaped volcanoes.

Seattle is a glorious combination of cultures and artistic movements, while oenophiles and farmers enrich the city of Walla Walla. Beyond the populated I-5 corridor, the state’s perennial highlights are its wild open spaces – ideal landscapes for kayaking, climbing, hiking and skiing. Roll up your sleeves, grab an oar, ice-ax or pole – these are the best places to visit in Washington .  

1. Leavenworth

Best for Germanic culture

In the early 1960s, the town planners of Leavenworth took a potentially kitsch idea and made it into something wickedly authentic. Attempting to reverse a decline in the lumber industry that had threatened to put the struggling settlement out of business, they turned their small Central Washington town into a themed Bavarian village, complete with dirndl-wearing waitresses, a Nutcracker Museum  and restaurants with names like München Haus plying beer and sausages.

Bavarian Leavenworth avoided overt Disneyfication and quickly became a big hit. The secret is in the details: gabled wooden houses with tidy flower boxes evoke the feel of a Romantische Strasse village, overlooked by a backdrop of pretty Alpine mountains; a Christmas lights festival draws in crowds from all over the state and beyond and enthusiastic locals parade their Teutonic leanings in well-presented food and lodging.

Planning tip:  Book into the Enzian Inn and you’ll be entertained by the hardworking owner, clad in lederhosen and standing on the balcony, blowing on a giant alpenhorn over breakfast.

2. Walla Walla

Best for wine-tasting

If Washington has a Napa, this is it. The Walla Walla Valley and its eponymous town produce some of the best wine vintages in the US, with Syrah, merlot and cabernet currently drawing favorable comparisons with California.

Since the first winery was inaugurated here in the late 1970s, more than 120 establishments have opened in the area, many with tasting rooms spread around a downtown that's collected an array of fine-dining restaurants (and a bundle of awards for historical integrity too). Try Canoe Ridge for its merlot and cab sav and Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen for the subtly flavored pastas and steaks.  

But wine doesn't have a monopoly on the local culture. Despite harboring a population of less than 34,000, Walla Walla has its own symphony orchestra (the oldest west of the Mississippi), an attractive college campus and a deluxe hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also gets less than half of Seattle’s annual rainfall.

3. Hoh Rainforest

Best for forested walks

Damp, mossy and surreal in an other-worldly Lord of the Rings kind of way, the Hoh is famous for its giant trees, substantial rainfall and multiple shades of green illuminating one of the finest tracts of old-growth forest in North America.

Encased in Olympic National Park and accessed via an 18-mile-long spur road that branches off Hwy 101 near the town of Forks, the forest is guarded by a museum-worthy visitor center , riverside campground and small network of trails. The pièce de résistance is the short but extravagantly wooded Hall of Moss Trail, where national park rangers lead guided walks in summer months.

Planning tip:  Bring a waterproof jacket – they measure rainfall in feet rather than inches here.

4. Winthrop

Best for cross-country skiing

It’s 50 years since the struggling mining community of Winthrop rebranded itself as a grittily authentic Wild West town in an attempt to draw travelers from Hwy 20, which had just been built across the Cascades.

While the wooden frontier-style buildings generated approving nods, Winthrop has added plenty more weapons to its armory in the years since. There’s a museum to smoke-jumping (a heroic form of backcountry firefighting), a strong horse-riding culture, and copious trout- and salmon-fishing opportunities on the Methow River.

However, the number one attraction has to be Methow Trails , an extensive web of paths conceived and maintained by a local non-profit and the second-largest cross-country skiing network in the US. Snow or shine, a visit to the hilltop Sun Mountain Lodge  just ten miles west of town is an essential ritual for a scenic hilltop brunch.  

5. Paradise

Best for alpine hikes

On a clear day in late July, the above-the-treeline national park nexus of Paradise could quite conceivably make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Nestled on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier, flower-carpeted meadows are overlooked by the huge, glacier-encrusted dome of America’s finest stratovolcano, rising 2000ft higher than anything else in the Pacific Northwest.

Paradise is the hub for numerous trailheads, from the well-worn Skyline Trail  to the starting point for edgy summit seekers. It also hosts the 1916-vintage Paradise Inn and the refurbished Henry M Jackson Visitor Center, where a modern museum dissects everything from alpine flora to the intricacies of glaciers.

Planning tip:  Park naturalists lead free interpretive hikes from the visitor center daily in summer, and snowshoe walks on winter weekends.

6. Port Townsend

Best for history and architecture

Port Townsend, on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, is the Seattle that wasn’t. An early front-runner in the race to be a cross-continental railway terminus, it ultimately lost out to the better-placed "Emerald City" and fell into a long decline alleviated only in the 1970s when locals recognized the value of the unkempt Victorian-era buildings and coaxed them back to life.

Today Port Townsend is one of the state’s most handsome historic towns, replete with creative restaurants, refined fin de siècle hotels and a curious calendar of year-round festivals where men in handlebar mustaches mingle with ladies in billowing dresses. Don’t leave town without taking in dinner at French-themed Finistère and a movie at the 115-year-old Rose Theatre , a revived cinema that has witnessed the transition from vaudeville through silent films, talkies and technicolor to digital. 

7. Mt St Helens

Best for an outdoor geology lesson

The apocalyptic landscapes of Mt St Helens illustrate the damage wreaked by the famed 1980 volcanic eruption that prompted the largest landslide in recorded history. In all, 230 sq miles of forest were buried under 540 million tons of volcanic rock and ash, and 57 people lost their lives. When the smoke settled, St Helens had acquired a gaping mile-wide crater and lost a staggering 1300ft in height.

Encased in Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument since 1982, the area today doesn’t enjoy the same level of protection as Washington’s three iconic national parks. However, there is an interesting array of visitor centers, viewpoints and learning centers dotted along the 52-mile approach road (Hwy 504) culminating in the Johnston Ridge Observatory that overlooks the 1980 blast zone. Between them, they document the devastation, post-eruption renewal and volcanic tracking being used to forecast future eruptions.

8. Stehekin

Best for peace and quiet

One of the few settlements in the US outside Alaska that’s disconnected from the main road network, Stehekin is located on the cusp of the North Cascade Mountains at the head of 50-mile-long Lake Chelan and is only accessible by boat or floatplane. Welcome to a splendidly isolated backcountry village (population 75) that only joined the Washington telephone system in 2007.   

Getting to this remote spot is your first conundrum. You can arrive in Stehekin either by boat or floatplane across Lake Chelan or by a trio of long-distance hikes (minimum distance: 19 miles) through the wilderness of North Cascades National Park to the north.

This is prime fishing and horse-riding country. Stehekin Outfitters can organize mounts as well as tent-to-tent hiking, and Stehekin Valley Ranch is the best place to stay, while Stehekin Pastry Company is arguably worth the boat ride or hike alone.

9. Orcas Island

Best for families

There are three main San Juan Islands and more than 170 additional landfalls, islets and seagull perches in the complex archipelago that graces the Salish Sea just south of the Canadian border. If you’re struggling to choose one to visit, you can’t go wrong with Orcas, the largest of the islands by a smidgeon.  

More precipitous than pastoral Lopez yet quieter than nearby San Juan, Orcas walks a fine line between rugged beauty and serviceable tourist facilities: there’s a strong locavore food culture and a handful of progressive restaurants led by the Inn at Ship Bay . The main hub, West Sound, is little more than a small village and amid the surrounding barns and pastures, you can still feel the pioneering spirit of the first European homesteaders who arrived in the 1860s.

Don’t leave the isle without hiking, cycling or even driving to the top of 2399ft Mt Constitution, relaxing by the pool at the gilded Rosario Resort & Spa  and launching a kayak into the sheltered waters of Puget Sound.

Planning tip:  The Inn at Ship Bay also offers accommodation but the dining room is shut during the winter season.

10. Fremont

Best for mavericks, nonconformists and free spirits

Seattle is less a rigidly unified city and more a confederation of eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. By far the most outlandish is Fremont, a wacky but self-deprecating enclave north of downtown that refers to itself as "the Center of the Universe" and colors its streets with a troll sculpture , an annual naked bike ride and a chocolate factory that would make Willy Wonka pine for a golden ticket.   

Continue exploring Seattle's incredible neighborhoods with our insider's guide.

When you’re done perusing the junk shops, Bolshevik statues and dinosaur topiaries, Fremont also parades an abundance of microbreweries led by the perennially popular Fremont Brewing Company . 

Take the next step in planning your trip to Washington These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Washington These tips will help you choose the best time to visit These experiences won't cost you a thing  

This article was first published August 2022 and updated about 11 hours ago

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Discover Washington's stunning southeast corner

The rolling wheat hills of the Palouse region of southeast Washington are a photographer’s dream and a visitor’s delight. Magnificent buttes give way to panoramic views and the horizon seems to go on forever.

You might see a hawk circling above or hear the buoyant, flutelike melody of a western meadowlark ringing out across a field. There’s a feeling of remoteness here with long abandoned barns and rural farm roads with very little traffic.

Wheat and grapes love the fertile soils. This is a place to taste some of the nation’s finest wine and explore a spectacularly scenic region.

Walla Walla Wine Country

The Walla Walla Valley’s rich farming history now includes more than 3,000 acres of prime vineyards and more than 120 wineries. There are five main winery and tasting room areas to visit, so plan to spend at least a day or two here.

Walk down the Main Street of Walla Walla and drink in its small-town charm. Check out the historic grandeur of the Marcus Whitman Hotel. You might want to map out your winery tours in the hotel’s cozy Vineyard Lounge and make this your home base.

Within 4 blocks of downtown Walla Walla you can walk to a large concentration of tasting rooms. And it’s no surprise that there are fine restaurants to complement the local wine. Enjoy Spring Release Weekend and Holiday Barrel Tasting in December to celebrate newly released wines.

Hiking and Cycling

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blue Mountains on Walla Walla’s doorstep provide numerous locations and trails to hike, cycle and soak in the sun and scenic beauty.

The Palouse is also becoming famous for cycling with everything from 35 miles of paved bike paths to full-on single track mountain biking, and some great hilly low traffic road riding. Join the 50 km or 100 km Tour de Lentil Bike Ride for a chance to see the scenic Palouse off the beaten track.

Palouse Scenic Byway

The 208-mile Palouse Scenic Byway combines extraordinary scenery with charming small towns. The Palouse is an artist’s dream. Its beauty lies in the unique layering of the gently rolling hills with the changing colors and light. Thousands of acres of wheat fields turn from lush shades of spring green to yellow to autumn gold and brown with the seasons.

Small Town Charm in Pullman

Make Pullman your hub for exploring the Palouse. This is a vibrant college town where you can enjoy local craft beer and wine, dine on menus created with local foods and maybe even take in a live show at one of the local theaters.

Swing by the WSU Creamery to take home a round of its famous Cougar Gold Cheddar and allow time to tour the Grizzly Bear Research Center.

Plan to see and a taste (a free sample) from the world's largest bowl of lentil chili at the National Lentil Festival in August. This popular food fest includes the legendary lentil cook-off, entertainment, a parade, and the Tour de Lentil Bike Ride.

You’ll experience a sense of nostalgia for an older, small-town America along this byway. Enjoy antiquing and a delicious lunch at a local bakery. Palouse is one of the oldest communities in the county with many historic sites, including Roby Chatters Newspaper and Printing Museum. Snap a photo of the iconic Dahmen Barn wagon wheel fence or Codger Pole in Colfax. Stroll down memory lane at the vintage Texaco Station in Rosalia.

Steptoe Butte

Don’t miss driving up the circular route to the top of this 3,612-foot butte to enjoy unparalleled views of the Palouse. Shoot a panorama of the 200-mile view of the rolling sculpted landscape, to share with family and friends!

Palouse Falls State Park

The park offers a dramatic view of one of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls. Palouse Falls drops from a height of 200 feet and is higher and wilder than Niagara Falls. Stick to the trails and designated areas as venturing beyond is not safe.

Try to time your visit to the falls with sunset; watching the light and shadows change along the canyon walls is a memorable experience. Linger a little longer and enjoy the relaxing sound of "Aput Aput," (meaning "falling water") the Palouse Indian name for the falls.

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36 Best Places to Visit in Washington State (By a Native)

If you’re looking for an amazing vacation destination, look no further than Washington. I was born in this beautiful state and lived there for the first 29 years of my life. I’m delighted to share with you the best places to visit in Washington State .

The Evergreen State has something for everyone, from stunning mountain ranges and awe-inspiring glaciers to vibrant cities and charming small towns. Washington is a great place to visit all year round, but my favorite time to be there is in the summer.

Get a FREE printable travel planner to help you plan your trip to Washington State.  

Key takeaways

• Washington State offers great variety, from mountain ranges and glaciers to large cities and charming small towns.
• Seattle is a must-visit city with its attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and the Seattle Art Museum.
• Washington is home to beautiful national parks: North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Olympic National Park.
• Other notable attractions include the San Juan Islands, Snoqualmie Falls, Lake Chelan, Columbia River Gorge, Mount Baker, and charming towns like Leavenworth.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.  

Seattle is a great city to visit for several reasons. First, it’s a beautiful place. There are also a ton of things to do in Seattle , whether you’re into museums and art galleries or you prefer to spend your time outdoors hiking and exploring.

Seattle is also home to some great food. You can find everything from fresh seafood to delicious international cuisine. And, of course, no visit to Seattle would be complete without spending some time in coffee shops and trying out the local coffee.

If you’re looking for a fun and interesting city to visit in Washington State, definitely put Seattle on your list. It makes a great Washington getaway for couples .

Below are some specific places in Seattle that you should see during your trip to Washington State.

Space Needle

The Space Needle was erected for the World’s Fair in Seattle in 1962 and has since become an internationally recognized symbol of the city. It’s one of the most photographed buildings on earth.

Be advised, the Space Needle is not an inexpensive attraction to visit; however, it is a pretty unforgettable one. They do have a few different ticket options to help you plan the best experience for you.

Even if you have only one day in Seattle , you should plan to at least pop by the Space Needle. It’s probably the most Seattle thing you can do.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a unique landmark in Seattle, Washington. The market is located on the waterfront, and it is home to a variety of businesses, including seafood sellers, flower stalls, and specialty food stores.

In addition, the market is home to several arts and crafts vendors, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts and Seattle souvenirs .

They truly have something for everyone. And if you just window shop, it’s one of the great free things to do in Seattle .

T-Mobile Park

The Seattle Mariners have called this beautiful ballpark home since it opened in 1999 (when it was known as Safeco Field), and it’s become one of the most iconic stadiums in Major League Baseball.

The retractable roof protects fans from the drizzly Seattle weather, and there’s not much better than taking in a game with the roof open on a sunny day.

The views from inside the stadium are pretty unbeatable, and there’s plenty of great food to choose from.

If you’re ever in town, be sure to add catching a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park to your Seattle itinerary . And if a game isn’t on the schedule, maybe take a tour.

Seattle Gum Wall

The Gum Wall in Seattle is one of the most unique attractions in the city. The wall is covered in used gum, and visitors are always adding their own contributions.

The gum wall is located at 1428 Post Alley near Pike Place Market, and it’s a popular spot for taking photos. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Seattle, the Gum Wall is definitely worth a visit.

Oldest Starbucks Store

The Starbucks located at 1912 Pike Place is not the first Starbucks store (though it’s often referred to that way), but it is the location where the first store moved in the mid-1970s. And it’s been operating there continuously ever since. 

If you love Starbucks as much as I do, waiting in line with tourists to get a glimpse of the inside of the store and snag one of the unique souvenirs is worth it.

Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a world-renowned institution that houses an incredible collection of art from around the globe. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the museum is a popular destination for art lovers.

The SAM’s collection includes thousands of pieces of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works.

It’s one of the finest art museums in the United States, so even if you have only a passing interest in art, it should really be on your list of things to see in Washington State. I’ve seen many wonderful exhibits at SAM and highly recommend a visit.

Designed by Frank Gehry—and once called the Experience Music Project—the Museum of Pop Culture offers exhibitions and educational programs dedicated to creativity and contemporary pop culture.

MoPOP is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about music and popular culture.

These cities are great places to visit in Washington State

Olympia is the capital of Washington and a great stop on your trip, especially if you’re “collecting” state capitals. The Legislative Building (Capitol Building) is the centerpiece of the city and warrants a visit. They offer free daily guided tours that are open to the public.

If learning about the capitol building doesn’t interest you, might enjoy a stroll through one of the city’s many beautiful parks.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla is a small city in southeastern Washington with a big personality. With a population of just over 30,000, it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

But don’t let its size fool you – there’s plenty to do in Walla Walla. The city has a vibrant downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants, and there are also several parks and museums to explore.

Spokane, Washington, is also a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. From historic neighborhoods to the incredible natural scenery (they seem to think their fall colors can rival New England’s), Spokane is a great place to spend a few days

The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces, as well as an accessible downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants.

And of course, no visit to Spokane would be complete without taking a scenic stroll through Riverfront Park. Or you might want to tackle a portion of the Centennial Trail which starts in Washington’s largest state park, Riverside State Park.

Washington State National Parks

When most people think of Washington State, they picture Seattle’s skyline or the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains.

Washington is also home to a diverse array of other landscapes, from temperate rainforests to deserts. And tucked away in these different ecosystems are some of the most beautiful national parks in the country. So whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, be sure to add these destinations to your list.

They would all make great weekend getaways from Seattle .

North Cascades National Park

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors near Seattle, North Cascades National Park is a perfect destination. Hiking is the most popular activity in the park, and the best time to go is during the driest weather, from mid-June through September.

Even if you’re not an experienced backpacker or mountaineer, there are still plenty of trails that can be done in a day. There are at least five or six trails that can be completed in less than two hours.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most stunning and iconic places in Washington state. The 14,000+ foot tall mountain is an active volcano, and the national park protects and preserves this natural wonder.

Mount Rainier is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and photographers, and it’s easy to see why.

The views are simply breathtaking, and there are countless trails to explore. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk in the woods, Mount Rainier National Park has something for everyone. So if you’re ever in Washington state, be sure to add Mount Rainier National Park to your list of places to visit.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an amazing place full of striking scenery. The lush rainforest and mountains are just two of the many things to see in this unique national park located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.

Hiking through here with your friends or family will be a fun experience. I’m not a major outdoorsy person, but I enjoyed the hike to Marymere Falls. I liked it so much that I even wrote a college essay about it. I’m not joking even a little bit.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a must-see for anyone visiting Washington State.

Those who grew up in Washington State tend to think of Mount St. Helens as a watershed moment in their lives and mark time by how old they were, where they were, or what they were doing when it erupted in 1980.

Make sure you stop at the Visitor Center to explore the educational offerings, so you can learn more about what happened on that fateful date.

Fort Vancouver National Historical Site

Fort Vancouver National Historical Site is one of the coolest places in Washington State. It was established in 1948 as a way to preserve the history of this important Hudson’s Bay Company site.

It’s a large area that includes a reconstructed fort (the original burned to the ground in the 19th century) where you can learn all about the early days of the Northwest fur trade. If you’re looking for a fun and educational place to visit in Washington State, you should check out Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.

San Juan Islands

Some people, when writing about the best things to see in Washington State, lump all of the San Juan Islands together…as if it’s all one place (eye-roll). There are actually well over 100 named islands in the San Juans.

Each island is different. Below are my favorites.

Orcas Island

The 57-square-mile Orcas Island is regarded as the “gem of the San Juans” by some, and even referred to as the “Emerald Isle.”

Orcas Island is a stunning location to visit. Moran State Park has 38 miles of trails, and you can go up Mt. Constitution (the highest point in the San Juans) for great views of the region or try sea kayaking or whale watching, among other things.

If you’re planning on spending a day driving around Orcas Island, be sure to check out the scenic byway and visit Orcas Island Pottery–the oldest pottery shop in the Pacific Northwest.

If your visit to Orcas Island is a romantic getaway, I recommend you check out Rosario Resort & Spa.

San Juan Island

If you’re interested in sea kayaking, whale watching, or anything similar, San Juan Island is the place to go. San Juan is considered one of the best places to see killer whales.

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is also a very walkable town, and just about anything you’d want to see or do is within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Lopez Island

Lopez Island is a lovely place to visit, and one of the best ways to see it is by bicycle. The island is fairly small (about 30 square miles), so it’s easy to get around, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the beauty of the island.

Lopez is also the least hilly of the San Juan Islands, although I definitely wouldn’t describe it as flat. Biking around Lopez with my best friend her father is one of the highlights of my Washington State explorations.

Don’t miss these other Washington State islands

Bainbridge island.

Bainbridge Island is just a short ferry ride from Seattle, but it can feel like a different world. It also makes a relaxing day trip from Seattle. The ideal location to unwind and recharge, Bainbridge Island is a popular destination for tourists.

While there you can visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free admission) or the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Both are near the ferry terminal.

If you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy, head to Bloedel Reserve. With 150 acres of gardens, forests, and meadows, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll.

There are also some great places to stay on Bainbridge Island if you want to stay over. The Eagle Harbor Inn is a small boutique hotel near the water.

Or try The Marshall Suites if you’re looking for something a little more spacious.

Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is a lovely place to visit in Washington State. It’s only a short drive (plus a ferry ride) from Seattle, and once you get there, there are lots of things to do on the island.

You could follow the Whidbey Art Trail and explore the many studios, galleries, and sculpture parks the island offers. Or visit Fort Casey Historical State Park and stop by Admiralty Head Lighthouse.

Whidbey is the largest island in Washington State, so there are a few towns to choose from if you want to stay overnight.

If you’re looking for a more-or-less centrally located town, Coupeville might be the place for you. Or, if you prefer larger towns, Oak Harbor (on the north end of the island) or Langley (near the Mukilteo ferry) could also be good options to check out.

As far as places to stay, guests love the Saratoga Inn in Langley and the Captain Whidbey Inn in Coupeville.

Jetty Island

Jetty Island is a little slice of beach paradise just a stone’s throw from downtown Everett, Washington. It’s actually the longest sandy beach in Puget Sound.

This two-mile-long manmade island is only accessible by foot ferry or personal watercraft. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer day swimming, picnicking, kayaking, or just exploring.

State parks and other natural sites

Snoqualmie falls.

Just a short drive from Seattle you’ll find the beautiful 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls on the Snoqualmie River. Snoqualmie Falls is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance to the Snoqualmie people. 

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s luxurious and relaxing, Salish Lodge & Spa is hard to beat.

Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park is the most popular state park in Washington. It’s perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, or just strolling on the beach.

You can take in the beauty of both the Whidbey and Fidalgo islands when you visit this 3800+ acre park. With 77,000 feet of shoreline, you’re sure to find a spot that’s perfect for you.

The Deception Pass Bridge is an excellent sightseeing location, especially for those interested in photography. There are wonderful views from the bridge itself, which can be accessed by foot (though beware of potential crowds; this is the only bridge to Whidbey Island).

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a beautiful place to visit in central Washington State. The glacier-fed lake is in the Cascade Mountains of central Washington. It’s an ideal location to unwind and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

At 33,000 acres, Chelan is the largest natural lake in Washington. There are many activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. In addition, you can enjoy restaurants and shops in town.

Whether you’re looking to “rough it” and camp or enjoy higher-end accommodations at a resort, Chelan has what you need. Try the Lakeside Lodge and Suites . It’s right on the lake and just a few steps from Lakeside Park.

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions in the United States. This location is recognized for its lush trees, rushing waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

If you’re going to be in the area in the fall, don’t forget to stop by and admire all of the colors on display!

There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the Columbia River Gorge, so it’s a great destination for nature lovers.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Columbia River Gorge, the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington, is a great option.

Mount Baker

Mount Baker is one of the most famous peaks in the Cascade Mountains. It’s a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders, and mountain climbers.

At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the third-highest peak in Washington State. It’s considered an active volcano even though it last erupted in 1843. You’ll find Mount Baker in the North Cascades east of Bellingham, Washington.

Palouse Falls State Park 

Palouse Falls State Park is one of Washington’s hidden gems. The park is home to the beautiful Palouse Falls that tumbles 200 feet over a cliff into a pool below. 

Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching. In addition, the park offers three stunning views of the Falls.

Cape Disappointment

Located at the southwestern tip of Washington State, Cape Disappointment is known for its foggy weather. 

Visitors can explore and enjoy captivating views of the Pacific Ocean. But one of the best parts of Cape Disappointment is its history.

The cape was named by English explorer John Meares, who mistakenly believed that the mouth of the Columbia River was only a bay. Today, visitors can learn about Meares’ expedition at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

So whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy some fresh air or to brush up on your history, Cape Disappointment is a great place to stop.

Wonderful towns to visit in Washington State

Port townsend.

Port Townsend is a great place to see in Washington State if you’re looking for a charming small town. This picturesque town is located on the Olympic Peninsula and is renowned for its Victorian architecture.

It’s also a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking (you’ve probably noticed that these are recurring themes in any destination listing featuring Washington State).

There are plenty of lodging options in Port Townsend, including bed & breakfasts, hotels, and vacation rentals. The Ravenscroft Inn is highly rated by guests for its service, amenities, and breakfast.

Leavenworth

If you’re looking for a place in Washington State that feels like you’ve traveled to Europe without leaving the United States, then Leavenworth is the place for you.

I’ve heard that Leavenworth is second only to Seattle in Washington State as a tourist destination. I’m not sure if it’s true, but I wouldn’t be shocked.

This charming town is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Here, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy, as well as quirky attractions like a nutcracker museum.

There are many great places to stay in Leavenworth, but one of the best is the Bavarian Lodge in the heart of Leavenworth.

Pullman, Washington, is a small city in southeastern Washington State that’s also home to Washington State University.

The city is also known for its stunning scenery, with the Palouse providing a picturesque backdrop. Many visitors enjoy biking the Palouse, while those looking for a more urban adventure can explore the shops and restaurants downtown.

The quaint town of Winthrop, Washington, is nestled in the stunning Methow Valley, and is fondly known as the “Gateway to the North Cascades.”

With its picturesque mountain views and charming Western-themed architecture, Winthrop feels like it stepped right out of a John Wayne movie.

Today, this friendly town is a popular destination for those looking for Western-themed fun. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and nearby Pearrygin Lake State Park offers boating and campsites.

Other things to do in Washington State

Museum of flight.

The Museum of Flight is a must-see for anyone interested in aviation history. Located just outside of Seattle, the museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, artifacts, and exhibits. 

In addition to the static displays, the museum also offers a variety of interactive exhibits, making it a great place for both adults and kids. The only time I’ve ever stepped aboard a Concorde or an “Air Force One” (retired) was at the Museum of Flight.

Grand Coulee Dam

Grand Coulee Dam is a massive hydroelectric dam located on the Columbia River in central Washington state. It’s the largest power generator in the U.S. by nameplate capacity. (I don’t really know what that means other than that this dam is huuuuuge.)

The dam was completed in 1942, and visitors today can take the dam tour (yes, I went there) to see the facility and learn about its history. 

Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center, and you simply must check out the laser light show at night. 

Bing Crosby House

The Bing Crosby House is a must-see for any fan of the legendary crooner. Located in his hometown of Spokane, Washington, the house is owned by Gonzaga University and offers a fascinating glimpse into Crosby’s early life.

The house features a collection of more than 200 pieces of memorabilia, including photographs, records, and personal belongings. 

Even if you’re not a big fan of Bing Crosby, the Bing Crosby House is well worth a visit. It’s a unique slice of American history that provides insight into the life of one of our most beloved entertainers.

When to visit Washington State

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Washington State, you’ll want to consider the weather. Summer is a great time to enjoy the good (drier) weather in Western Washington. The downside of that though is higher numbers of other travelers flocking to the same areas.

Fall is a good time to visit Eastern Washington when the temperatures are cooler. Late spring in Eastern Washington is historically the wettest time of the year there.

Winter is a great time to visit if you’re looking to enjoy some of the state’s winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. But mid-fall through winter is also the wet season in the Seattle area.

Spring is also a good time to visit, especially if you’re interested in seeing the state’s beautiful wildflowers in bloom. 

Ultimately, there is no wrong time to visit Washington State – it’s a beautiful place to visit year-round.

Final thoughts on the best sites in Washington State

Washington is a stunning state with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in the hustle and bustle of Seattle or want to get away from it all on one of our many gorgeous islands, there’s something for everyone here.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit Washington State, be sure to add at least one of these amazing destinations to your list. Do you have a favorite place to visit in Washington State?

More articles to help you plan your trip to Washington State

• Cheap things to do in Seattle
• Seattle weekend itinerary
• Perfect day trips from Seattle
• How to plan a travel itinerary
• Essential travel planning resources
• Perfect Washington getaways for couples

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

50 Fabulous Things to Do in Washington State: Bucket List & Beyond!

Last Updated on: 2nd May 2023, 05:08 am

Looking to tick off a few items on your Washington state bucket list? In my experience, the Evergreen State is a bit of an underrated destination.

While everyone knows a few big Washington State must-dos, like downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier, there are truly unlimited things to see and do here.

From Washington’s national parks to exploring its fantastic cities to sipping its world-famous wine, here are the best things to do in Washington state!

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

Washington State Vacation at a Glance

Do you still need to finalize transportation, tours, or accommodations? Here are my recs to ensure a smooth Washington State vacation.

Popular Washington Tours + Tickets

Seattle Harbor Cruise

Seattle Space Needle Ticket

Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market

Seattle Underground Walking Tour

Highly Rated Washington State Hotels

Seattle: Seattle Gaslight Inn

Tacoma: Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront

Olympic Peninsula: Resort at Port Ludlow (I stayed here!)

Find more Washington hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels on  Booking.com

Odds and Ends

For independent travel, rent a car via  Discover Cars

Grab a guidebook to Washington State (I use this!)

Book an affordable family vacation photographer in Seattle .  (Use the code  HISTORYFANGIRL  for 10% off your first photoshoot).

Protect Your Trip with a travel insurance quote

Map of What to Do in Washington State

Here’s a map to help guide your bucket list adventures!

The Best Things to Do in Washington State

Are you ready to have your own adventures in Washington State? Here we go!

Visit Pike Place Market

Contributed by Lisa of Waves and Cobblestones

One of the best things to do in the state of Washington is to visit Pike Place Market .  Pike Place Market is one of the most  famous attractions in Seattle , and it’s also one of the oldest public markets in the United States. You’ll be amazed at the variety of goods you’ll find at Pike Place Market.  The market is home to hundreds of vendors, selling an incredible array of products.  Pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir from a talented local artisan, whether you’re looking for jewelry, crafts, clothing, or original artwork.

There are also plenty of food options to tempt your palate at Pike Place Market!  Many of the vendors offer samples to entice you to purchase, so you can nibble your way through the market sampling fresh fruit, local honey, candy, and more. 

Or have lunch at one of the food stalls or restaurants – you’ll find everything from chowder to dumplings to crumpets.

And, of course, no trip to the market is complete without stopping by the Pike Place Fish Market. This is where the fishmongers famously throw (and catch) fresh fish to fill customer orders.  

Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal or a unique gift, Pike Place Market has something for everyone!

Hike Mount Rainier

Contributed by James Ian from Parks Collecting

Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park   is a highlight of any trip to Washington.  

The national park, one of three in the state, is centered around Mount Rainier.  The mountain is the highest in the North Cascade Mountains and, with over thirty glaciers , is the most glaciated peak in the United States.

The national park is also famous for numerous fields of wildflowers that burst into bloom in the summer.

There are several areas with multiple hiking trails . Perhaps the most famous trail in the park is the Skyline Trail in the Paradise area.

This is a somewhat strenuous hike, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. However, any efforts are well rewarded with amazing views of Mount Rainier along most of the trail and, from Panorama Point, the Cascade Mountain range.

In summer and early fall, the trail also passes through fields of beautiful wildflowers. This hike is best done on a clear day when you can enjoy the views of Mount Rainier, although it’s beautiful at any time. 

Another area where there are multiple hiking trails is the Sunrise area. The trails interconnect, so can be combined into shorter or longer hikes.

A recommended hike is the one to First and Second Borough mountains where there are up close views of Mount Rainier. And who doesn’t love mountain views?

There are also easier hikes to viewpoints. For example, Emmons Vista Overlook is a very short walk from the parking lot but has wonderful views of Mount Rainier. 

The parking lots fill very early, especially in the summer, so it’s best to get there as early as possible so that you can secure a parking spot and enjoy the trails before they get too crowded. 

Get Spooked in Port Gamble

Editor’s Choice

I’ve been to a lot of haunted places in my travels. From spending Halloween in Transylvania to looking for Satanic activity in Kansas cemeteries , to going on ghost tours in Gatlinburg , I don’t shy away from spooky adventures on my travels.

But I’ll admit that, in my experience, Port Gamble is a cut above the rest, and visiting Port Gamble intimidated me.

This town is known nationwide amongst ghost hunters and investigators . Multiple buildings in Port Gamble have frequent ghost sightings, and I even experienced a spooky incident while on a ghost tour myself!

If you love the paranormal, come to their annual paranormal conference or schedule a ghost tour.

Tool Around the San Juan Islands

Contributed by Dan of Honeymoon Always

Going to the San Juan Islands is something you can’t miss when  visiting Washington .

The Islands are located just 90 miles from Seattle and require a fun ferry ride to take you. You can either visit for a day or stay overnight to enjoy everything the islands have to offer.

The most popular destination in the area is Friday Harbor . The small town on San Juan Island has art galleries, restaurants, and cafes and is the starting point of many activities.

The most popular locals worth seeking out are the whales. The time of year you visit will dictate the type of whales you see. There is a pod of resident orcas that are always somewhere in the harbor as well as migrating humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales.

If you are looking for some adventure, try whale watching on a zodiac boat . This puts you closer to the water and the extra speed helps you cover more water, giving you a better chance of seeing more marine life.

You can also enjoy your time on the island by going on a bike ride or a hike . While waiting for your ferry ride back, grab some ice cream at the Friday Harbor Ice Cream Co. to leave the island on a sweet note. 

Expand Your Palate with a Wine Tasting

Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Washington State are the state’s many wineries . Whether you come to Red Mountain , Yakima Vallery, or another American Viticulture Area, there’s something special waiting for you!

Even if you won’t be able to visit a winery in person, you can still indulge in a wine tasting. Companies like Tour Bainbridge and Inquisitours can help you turn trips to non-wine regions in the state into a wine haven.

The US is one of the best wine countries in the world, and Washington State is one of the most famous US states for wine production. Don’t pass up the opportunity!

See the Ephemeral Big Four Ice Caves

Contributed by Keryn Means of Twist Travel Magazine

Head out to the North Cascade Mountains via the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington State to experience a once-a-year phenomenon – the  Big Four Ice Caves  in Granite Falls, WA.

While you can hike this trail year-round, the actual ice caves don’t appear until the summer months when there has been enough snow melt to carve out the caves in the snow, making this one of the best things to do in summer in Washington state.

It’s only about an hour’s hike (just under 2.5 miles in and back), with much of it as an elevated boardwalk.

Kids of all ages can hike this trail, as the elevation gain is only 311 feet with fairly stable footing until you get to the caves. 

Once you arrive at the caves, you must remember NOT to enter the caves. Collapses have happened in the past, and there are signs everywhere warning you about the dangers of entering ice caves, even if you just want that perfect photo. 

You will need a Northwest Forest Pass to get into this section of that park, which can easily be obtained in the parking lot. (This is also covered by the Interagency Parks Pass ).

Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a leash. May through October are the best months to hike the trails, but you can  cross-country ski and snowshoe in the area in winter. 

Hike Heliotrope on Mount Baker

Contributed by Hannah from That Adventurer

The Heliotrope Ridge trail is one of the  best hikes in Washington State . Located in the Mount Baker Wilderness area , the trail takes you through old-growth forests, over rocky moraines, and out into the alpine where you can get a close-up of the magnificent Coleman glacier.

The hike itself is long, but not too difficult and you get a great bang for your buck with stunning views at the end.

As of November 2021, the forestry road towards the trailhead has been closed so you’ll now be adding an extra 9 miles to the hike bringing it to a total of 17 miles.

The best way to do the Heliotrope Ridge trail is to pack a bike and cycle the 4.5 miles up the forestry road to the trailhead and enjoy the descent on the way down after your hike.

The hike has something for everyone with the impressive old-growth forests, the alpine meadows, the river crossing, and, of course, the glacier .

It’s a popular route for climbers who are then heading up to climb to the summit of Mount Baker and you can often see groups out on the glacier practicing glacier travel.

Though there are many great hikes in Washington State, this has to be one of the most impressive!

See Mount St. Helens from Above

Located about two and a half hours south of Seattle and an hour and a half north of Portland, Oregon, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a popular place for rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. But it’s even cooler seeing it from above!

A tour of Mount Saint Helens by Seaplane is the perfect way to learn the history of the volcanic eruptions at Mount Saint Helens while also getting to take in the beauty of this destructive stratovolcano from above.

Check availability for the Mount St Helens Seaplane Tour from Lake Washington!

Go Sightseeing at Artist Point

Contributed by David & Intan from  The World Travel Guy

One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Washington State would have to be Artist Point , and you can reach it by driving!

No hiking is required, and from the top parking lot you get to see some amazing views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.

The viewpoint is accessed by driving the Mount Baker Scenic Byway for about 58 miles from Bellingham, Washington, and it’s open every year during the summer months, although the best months to visit are August or September since they open the last section of the road around that time.

The drive up the road is scenic enough, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, but if you go early in the morning on a clear day, the reflections at Picture Lake are legendary.

It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Washington State , or anywhere in the United States for that matter!

Even though you can reach Artist Point without any hiking, there are plenty of trailheads to choose from at the parking lot if you want to go hiking and exploring, including some easy walking paths with nice views.

You can also use this spot to access the Mt. Baker Wilderness as well!

Explore Lake Sammamish

Contributed by Nina and Garrett of Washington is for Adventure

Seattle is a city lover’s paradise, and the vibe here is infectious. You have everything from cafes for coffee addicts to festivals and world-famous markets—there are tons of  things to do in Seattle !

But sometimes, you need a break to reconnect with nature.

And at Lake Sammamish , you can do just that without heading too far out from the city center. In just a half hour, you can relax on the lakeside shores, hike trails, and paddle the calm water.

In the north of the lake, you can enjoy Marymoor Park. There’s a dog park with a swimming area for your furball, a boat launch, and beautiful trails. Marymoor Trail brings you out of the brush and to the north point of the lake, with great views all the way down.

Head to the south for the beaches and better access to the water. You’ll find two beaches at Lake Sammamish State Park to enjoy a sunny day (if you’re lucky enough!).

Sunset Beach is great for…sunsets! And for enjoying classic beach day activities like sand castle building and swimming.

Just to the left, you’ll find the small Tibbetts Beach, where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak for the day and head out on the water, where you’ll feel a million miles away from Seattle!

Seeing the Views of the City from the Seattle Space Needle

Contributed by Kim from Stuffed Suitcase

The iconic symbol of the Seattle skyline is the Seattle Space Needle . So, it’s no surprise that visiting it is one of the best things to do in Washington State.

Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and stretching 605 feet into the sky, the Space Needle is an easy way to get a bird’s eye view of the Pacific Northwest landscape that surrounds Seattle.

Located in the Seattle Center area of the city, you’ll need to purchase tickets to go up into the Space Needle.

If you’re visiting multiple attractions, consider buying a  Seattle CityPASS   to save some money on admission prices.

With your ticket, you’ll wind your way past displays noting the history of the Needle, before coming up to the one-sided glass elevators. You’ll ride for 43 seconds to reach the viewing floors, 520 feet above Seattle.

There are two floors for viewing, the top level has an outdoor balcony with glass walls and benches where you can test your fear of heights.

And the lower floor has a glass floor so you can see directly underneath the needle as you slowly spin 360 degrees in the air. As a local, my best tip is to try and visit when it’s a clear day, or as locals will say, when “the mountain’s out”.

There’s nothing like seeing the Puget Sound, Olympic, and Cascade Mountains, and of course Mount Rainier from the middle of a major US city.

Hiking Sol Duc Falls

Contributed by Garrett Galvan from  MotoMoves

Hiking Sol Duc Fall s is one of the best things to do in Washington and one that shouldn’t be missed!

The waterfall is fed by the Sol Duc River and drops approximately 80 feet over a series of cascades. It’s quite a spectacle as the waterfall has three chutes from which the water gushes into a narrow pool below.

You have two choices for hiking to this awesome waterfall.

You can hike to the falls along a well-maintained trail, which is approximately 1.6 miles round trip and easily accessible from the parking lot.

The trail passes through a lush, old-growth forest and offers views of the Sol Duc River along the way. 

However, if you want a bit more of a workout and stumble upon a few extra secret waterfalls, we recommend you take the Sol Duc Falls via Lover’s Lane route .

This is a nearly 6-mile round-trip trail , but it’s well worth the extra miles through the gorgeous forest, plus you’ll have the rest of the hike to yourself!

Floating Icicle Creek in Fort Leavenworth

Contributed by Tabitha Bailar of Travel Compositions

One of the best things to do in Washington State is tubing 4-miles down Icicle Creek and the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth.  

Meet Leavenworth Outdoor Center downtown at Waterfront Park where they will outfit you with frisbees as your paddles and life vests (if you want, not required). 

Tubes are clippable so you can tether to as many friends together as you wish. Tubes are also available for your picnic cooler or water-loving dog!

You will be transported in an open-air van to where you start your float journey on Icicle Creek. As the name implies, it is a bit chilly, but on a hot summer day, it’s a welcome refreshment. 

The float trip is therapeutically relaxing as you drift downstream below towering Cascade mountains and birdwatching past ever-changing scenery.

The float will last about 2 hours unless you stop at riverbank beaches for a break or picnic. 

After 2 miles, Icicle Creek empties into Wenatchee River . For the next 2 miles, the float is a little more adventurous as the waterway becomes wider, deeper, and faster. This is where you might regret not having worn a life vest.

Detour around Blackbird Island to float under bridges and past the gorgeous Posthotel. 

Your float ends back at Waterfront Park where Leavenworth Outdoor Center employees will “catch” you and bring you to shore. 

If floating in tubes isn’t as much your style, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available for rent.

Sightseeing on Whidbey Island

Contributed by Megan of Bobo & Chichi

One of the best things to do in Washington State is explore the beauty of the islands in Puget Sound like Whidbey Island where you can find the most visited state park in Washington, Deception Pass State Park.

Deception Pass is a straight that separates Fidalgo Island from Whidbey Island , connecting the Straight of Juan de Fuca to Skagit Bay in Puget Sound with incredible views of jagged cliffs, the deep turquoise water below, US Navy jets flying above your head, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot a pod of whales!

One view not to be missed, unless you’re afraid of heights, is from crossing the Deception Pass Bridge by foot. There’s a narrow pathway for pedestrians from the towering 180-foot bridge alongside traffic zipping by.

Spend time enjoying the thousands of miles of shoreline hikes along Puget Sound or their freshwater lakes surrounded by old-growth forests.

Bowman Beach is one of the best spots for not only coastal hiking but beachcombing, picnicking, and taking in more gorgeous views.

From the months of April through September, visitors can join a Deception Pass Jet Boat tour for a relaxing, scenic journey enjoying all the beauty of this PNW destination from the water.

When you need a bite to eat, head to the Shrimp Shack at Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass. This roadside shack sells fried, fresh seafood from crab, mussels, and shrimp among other fried goodies like French fries and hush puppies.

Go on a Walking Tour of Fremont

Contributed by Jenny from Traveling In Focus

One of the top things to do in Washington is a walking tour to view the artwork around Fremont , a small funky neighborhood in Seattle.

Walking is the best way to see the art as it allows you to spot little gems here and there you might otherwise miss if you were driving.  

The most popular attraction is the Fremont Troll , located underneath the Aurora Bridge. This larger-than-life sculpture depicts a troll smashing a Volkswagen and is sure to impress.  It is the perfect place for a photo op .

But there is so much more to see than just the troll. Everywhere you turn in the neighborhood, there is something unique to look at.

From the Fremont Rocket to Rapunzel letting her down to dinosaur-shaped bushes, you are sure to find delightful artwork that makes you smile.

If you want to make a full day of it, the area also has plenty of cute shops and yummy restaurants to keep you busy.  

When you are done with your art tour around the neighborhood, head down to the waterfront to find the Fremont Bridge . This drawbridge opens at least 30 times daily (more than anywhere else in the USA), so you should see it in action if you wait for a few minutes.

Plus, the waterfront is the perfect place to sit and rest your feet after all that walking.

Add an art tour around Fremont to your list of things to do in Washington, as this quirky area has an incredible vibe and energy you won’t find elsewhere.

Visit Hoh Rain Forest

Contributed by Amanda from A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

Olympic National Park is itself a must-visit in Washington state, but within that wild national park, there’s a unique section that deserves its very own call-out: the Hoh Rainforest. Located in the middle of the Olympic Peninsula about 1 hour from the town of Forks, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the wettest places in the United States, getting on average about 140 inches of rain per year.

All of this rain leads to moody, misty scenes of towering trees draped in sheets of moss and lichen. Visiting the Hoh Rainforest is a must for anyone who wants to feel like they’re in a real-life FernGully or perhaps Fangorn Forest . It’s a unique spot that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. The top thing to do in the forest is to hike a few designated trails, with the most popular being the Hall of Mosses. This trail is less than a mile long but offers up endless opportunities to be wowed by ancient trees covered in dripping moss.

You can visit the Hoh Rainforest any time of year, though personally visiting the  Hoh Rainforest in winter  is my favorite, as you’ll find fewer crowds and more moody mossy scenes.

Hiking Garden Gnome Trail

Contributed by Lynli of Wander Big

Washington state has no shortage of hiking trails but nestled into a nature reserve in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains you’ll find a truly unique experience: the gnome trail.

The gnome trail is part hiking trail and part immersive community art project.

On this trail, you’ll find garden gnomes of all shapes and sizes , hidden in nooks, crannies, and often in plain sight. The gnome trail is popular for families with kids, but adult travelers will have just as much fun spotting these playful forest dwellers and laughing at the gnome-filled scenes created by other hikers.

The gnome trail features a mostly flat, low-difficulty walking surface , which makes it accessible for even novice hikers and young children. Note: it is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. To get the most out of your visit to Washington’s gnome trail, consider bringing your own contribution.

A constant influx of new gnomes from hikers, travelers, and sightseers keeps this trail’s gnome population thriving despite occasional nocturnal visits from vandals.

The gnome trail itself is just .5 miles , though the trail is connected to other trails in this Maple Valley, WA wooded area.

Find the  trailhead on google maps  or read more about  what to expect visiting Washington’s Gnome Trail . 

Go Cross-Country Skiing in Winthrop

Contributed by Adria of The Emerald Palate

Another one of the best things to do in Washington state is cross-country skiing in Winthrop.

This small pioneer town in eastern Washington’s Methow Valley is home to some of the best cross-country skiing in Washington come December through March.

The Methow Valley is the largest groomed cross-country skiing trail system in North America , so this is a bucket list destination for XC ski lovers and those curious about this winter sport.

Trail passes are $28 per adult per day, with discounts for multiple consecutive days. You can buy tickets online or at local vendors. Many of the local vendors also rent equipment, so no worries if you need to get geared up before hitting the trails!

When you’re ready to begin, you’ll find 120 miles of trails for all skill levels. There are 6 main sections: Jack’s River Run, Mazama, Rendezvous, Big Valley, Sun Mountain, and Winthrop.

Jack’s River Run and Mazama are great options for beginners, with a lot of green and blue trails that weave between forests and meadows. The Winthrop trail system is also great for beginners and has a convenient location near the historic downtown area.

Whichever area you choose, get ready for a wintery wonderland . And keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles – there are a ton in the area!

Seeing the Tree of Life in La Push

Contributed by Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel

The Tree of Life is one of those things, where you just have to see it to believe it. 

This large Sitka spruce is growing in such a way that it appears to be hanging on by a limb. The soil beneath this massive tree is gone , and its exposed, thick roots cling to the sides of the earth. It’s a truly remarkable thing to see.

No one seems to know how this tree continues to live and thrive, given its precarious living situation. Hence, why it’s commonly referred to as “The Tree of Life.” 

It can be found in the beautiful Olympic National Park on Kalaloch Beach. It’s easy to get to and requires minimal hiking.

If you’re on a Washing State road trip , you can easily make a stop here, as it’s located just off 101 Highway (slightly south of Forks).

You can park in the neighboring campground parking lot and walk out to the beach from there.

You’ll head down a set of stairs and you will spot this massive, dangling tree straight ahead. It’s also recommended to stop and see the nearby Ruby Beach when in the area.

Visit the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, WA

Woodland Park Zoo, located in the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge part of Seattle, WA just north of downtown, is the perfect escape from the city that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

There is an admission fee, but if you have the  Seattle CityPASS, you are covered at the zoo with your pass. 

The zoo is divided into sections, like tropical Rain Forest, Australasia Willawong station, and African Savannah , plus a special area that highlights many of the animals that call the Pacific Northwest home.

Exhibits are large with lots of space for the animals to roam around or escape the crowds if they need a little alone time. 

Kids can head to Zoomazium on rainy days to get dry, while also working off some energy, as this massive play area is perfect for little ones (sectioned off into age groups) and bigger kids who need to get the wiggles out.

For more fun in the zoo, check out the schedule for animal feedings and lectures throughout the day that dig deeper into the zoo’s inhabitants and conservation efforts. 

If you still need more to do, head down to Redmill Burgers for the best bacon cheeseburger in the city. Bring it to  Green Lake , a large urban lake and park, just south of the zoo, to enjoy your meal at one of the many benches and picnic tables throughout the park.

Driving Steptoe Butte

Contributed by Theresa Goodrich of the Local Tourist

Driving to the top of   Steptoe Butte State Park  is a must-do in the Palouse region of eastern Washington.

The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite activity for photographers. The drive to the top is up a steep and narrow road. But once you’re up there, the views are worth it.

Steptoe Butte is an island made of quartzite that’s more than 400 million years old. It rises over 3,600 feet above the surrounding terrain , and its summit offers 360-degree views of lush farmland.

The butte was named after Colonel Edward Steptoe , who led an army detachment to the area in 1858. At one point, an enterprising man named James S. “Cashup” Davis built a hotel on the summit, but the remoteness of its location made it a short-lived endeavor.

Today, the butte is protected as a state park. The main attraction is the view, and it’s particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Interpretive signs explain the geology and some of the history of the butte. Its isolation also makes it a popular spot for hang gliding and paragliding. There are also sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables.

As a Washington State Park, a Discover Pass is required.

Kayaking in the San Juan Islands

Contributed by Patricia of Ze Wandering Frogs

One cannot visit the San Juan Islands and not go kayaking! The islands, located off of Seattle, are known for their stunning shores and for the population of whales and orcas that live around.

And going kayaking is the best way to explore both the stunning scenery and the chance to see whales and orcas.  Kayaking the San Juan Islands   is one of the top things to do in Washington State!

Out of the 170 islands that compose the San Juan archipelago, kayaking is mainly done out of San Juan Island and Orcas Island, two of the main destinations accessible by ferries.

The waters around San Juan Island are calmer than Orcas Island, which requires more skills and kayaking experience.

Once on the water, be on the lookout for whales and orcas! You might be able to see them close or have to spot tiny dark spots out on the horizon!

As you paddle your way, watch for birds hanging by the trees , deer munching on grass, jellyfish floating along the kelp, and starfish hanging on underwater rocks.

You can either rent kayaks from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island or join a guided tour that will take you to explore the shorelines.

If you rent a kayak, abide by all safety precautions, and check the weather forecast and tides. Conditions can change quickly in the Pacific Northwest, and tides might make a return trip tricky.

Visiting the Funko HQ

Contributed by Marcie from Marcie in Mommyland

One of the coolest things to do in Washington State is to visit the  Funko Headquarters  in Everett, about 30 minutes north of Seattle.

It’s located right off of I-5 and makes a great stop on a road trip up to Vancouver, BC.

While it’s technically a flagship store, it’s more of an immersive experience (sort of like the Harry Potter store in NYC).

It’s perfect for anyone who loves pop culture or collectibles, but it’s also super kid-friendly.

The first thing you’ll notice is the giant Funko POP figures on the outside of the building. You can’t miss them!

Once you enter, you’ll see several different themed areas with tons of amazing photo ops. This is perfect for people who love Disney princesses, DC Comics, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and so much more.

Of course, there is a ton of merchandise from Funko POP figurines to plushies to apparel and more.

There’s also a section where you can create your own custom Funko POP. Talk about a cool Seattle souvenir!

There’s even a section that features items you can only get at the Funko HQ. If you’re visiting Western Washington and want something truly unique to do in Washington, visit the Funko headquarters!

Enjoy Riverfront Park in Spokane

Contributed by Emilie of Love Life Abroad

Riverfront Park is the heart of the city of Spokane . Located next to downtown Spokane and surrounded by the Spokane River, the urban park was the 1974 World’s Fair site.

There is a much to do at the Riverfront Park that you could easily spend an entire day.

This 100-acre park has many trails and walking paths crossing beautiful gardens and sculptures. Families traveling with kids will also love the Ice Age-themed playground and the historic Looff carousel. The Looff carousel was built in 1909 and is still operated daily nowadays.

A ride aboard the Numerica SkyRide is also a must-do. The Skyride is located near the Looff carousel. From the cabin, you’ll have a spectacular view of the Spokane River, the Spokane Falls, and downtown Spokane.

You can also hike a short 1.0-mile loop to admire Spokane Falls. You’ll find other hiking trails around the park.

The Riverfront Park in Spokane is also home to a few museums, including the Mobius Discovery Cente r, an interactive and hands-on museum.

You’ll also find a historical marker from the Great Fire of 1889 and the United States Pavilion from the  International Exposition on the Environment held in Spokane in 1974.

Soaking in Scenic Hot Springs

Contributed by Taryn of Chasing Trail

Just under two hours east of Seattle, taking a soak in the aptly-named Scenic Hot Springs is one of the best things to do in Washington.

Getting to the springs, or even finding them, isn’t exactly straightforward, however. In this case, the journey is a huge part of the destination!

Your first hurdle is securing a hard-to-get reservation, as Scenic Hot Springs is located on private property . This is a good thing, though, as it’s one of the last true “hidden gem” hot springs in the Pacific Northwest.

Just 10 people are permitted each day (that’s more exclusive than the  Half Dome lottery !), so it’s never crowded. The flip side? Reservations book out FAR in advance. 

Once you get a reservation, finding the trailhead is the next task. That’s right — there’s a hike involved to reach the springs!

The hike is 2.2 miles and gains 1,100 feet in elevation , so it’s fairly aggressive but well worth it for the spectacular views and secluded springs!

The springs themselves are three pools set on a cliff edge, nestled in a Cascades valley.

Your reservation grants access to the hot springs during daylight hours (it closes at sunset) on the specified date, so get there early and give yourself enough time to hike back out before it’s dark.

Make your reservation with the hot springs here.

Hike to Cape Alava

Contributed by Anwar of Beyond My Door

Located within the boundaries of Olympic National Park,  Cape Alava   gives folks the ability to hike out and explore both a rugged wild coastline as well as the westernmost point in the continental United States.

It should be noted, part of the land here is on the Ozette Indian Reservation , so hiking around here may be closed due to restrictions for entering the reservation.

Information is available both on the NPS site as well as locally with the ranger near before hiking to the beach.

Hiking to the beach is 3 miles each way from the parking lot/ranger station. Visitors will pass through old-growth forests, along boardwalks and sand to get to the beach.

Many visitors make it a triangle, by hiking out to Cape Alava or Sand Point , and the beach trail between the two and then back to the ranger station.

If you do this, it will be a full 9 miles to complete . Visitors can even camp out on the beach at both Cape Alava and Sand Point, however, space is limited and permits are required for camping.

Camping can be reserved at  recreation.gov   and often can be booked solid weeks or months ahead of time. So if you know your schedule you should plan ahead. 

To reach Ozette, drive on WA-112W to turn left on Hoko Ozette Road. You’ll travel through some rural areas and the road will split (after approx. 15 miles) and follow the road to 27E.

Continue until you enter the area for Ozette and the ranger station. There is parking available in the area. This is a fee-based area, so you’ll need to display your receipt for Olympic entry or your national park pass.

Visit Snoqualmie Falls

Contributed by Sierra of Island + Pine

The state of Washington is filled with beautiful things to do, and Snoqualmie Falls is one of the best!

Located just over a half hour from Seattle, Snoqualmie is  one of the best waterfalls in the area  due to its size, landscape, and easy accessibility.

Admission to the falls is free and so is parking if you park across the street and use the pedestrian bridge. If you prefer to park right next to the waterfall viewing area, then there will be a fee.

There will be a map of Snoqualmie Falls posted with all four viewing points marked for easy navigation. It is a few minutes walk on a paved path and each vantage point is unique and beautiful!

The final vantage point is at the bottom of the falls at river level and it should not be missed! Visitors can either drive down to the lower parking lot or walk down the gravel path for a half mile.

A beautiful wooden boardwalk leads visitors to the bottom of the falls and a gorgeous, closer view.

At the top of Snoqualmie Falls sits the charming Salish Lodge which makes the scene even more picturesque.

Different seasons will frame Snoqualmie Falls with lush, green trees, vibrant fall colors, or an icy wonderland. No matter the time of year, visitors will enjoy this easily accessed waterfall in Washington!

Hike to Enchanted Valley

Contributed by Jess Schmit & Justin Muench of Uprooted Traveler

If you’re looking for a bucket list hike in Washington, be sure to add the Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park to your list.

On this epic backpacking trip , you’ll hike 29 miles through the Quinault Rainforest, which is part of an area known as the “Valley of the Giants” for its towering trees and primeval ferns.

As you hike through one of the only temperate rainforests in the United States, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting elk and bear along the trail. 

At the end of the trail, you’ll finally reach the Enchanted Valley . This jaw-dropping valley offers a wall of mountains, seemingly jutting vertically out of the ground and covered with countless streams of waterfalls, to your left and to your right, a dense pine tree forest.

In the middle of the valley sits a picturesque historic chalet from the 1920s, that used to serve as lodging for hikers in Olympic National Park.

While you can no longer go inside the chalet, you’re free to pitch a tent in the open valley surrounding it and have one of the most stunning backyards you could ask for for a night or two! 

The best time to hike the Enchanted Valley is from May through October when you’re more likely to have pleasant weather and clear skies.

Be sure to carve out a few days to explore the area- not only is the trail long, but it’s gorgeous—so it’s much better to experience it over a few days instead of trying to hike almost 30 miles in one go!

Drive or Hike to El Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park

Contributed by Catherine Xu of Nomadicated

Embark on an adventure through the untamed wilderness of North Cascades National Park, one of America’s most overlooked national parks.

Surrounding El Diablo’s glistening reservoir, breathtaking views from over 300 glaciers and majestic mountain peaks have earned this park its nickname of “the American Alps.”

Nestled in the Cascade mountains of northern Washington, Diablo Lake is a gorgeous reservoir created by the Diablo hydroelectric dam.

This body of water boasts an unimaginable turquoise hue from nearby glacier run-off from the snowcapped mountaintops.

Catch glimpses of the spectacular lake all along the 3 0-mile journey down North Cascades Highway Scenic Drive. Stop to take in the majestic views of Lake Diablo Vista Point or hike onto Gorge Lake Overlook’s hydroelectric dam.

However, to fully experience El Diablo Lake, you’ll have to hit the trails or bring a kayak onto its shimmering waters.

For the adventurous,  prepare your camping pack  for the three limited overnight areas on Diablo Lake, accessible solely by boat.

This is perfect for those looking for adventurous things to do in Washington in the summer because all North Cascades facilities are available, and you can expect optimal weather conditions.

Avalanche risk during the winter months blocks access to some areas of the park from November until May.

Visit the Town of Stehekin and the Epic Stehekin Hike

Contributed by Val of Voyages with Val

Visiting the small town of Stehekin is one of the best and most unique things you can do in Washington!

Stehekin is a small town by the North Cascades, special because it can only be visited by plane, boat, or hiking. There are no roads that lead to this mountain town. 

This is a fun early summer trip in Washington that you won’t forget! In late May and early June, the trails are full of wildflowers, and mountains tower all around you. There is no cell service, making it the perfect place to disconnect. If you plan on   hiking to Stehekin , it is a 17-mile trail along the Lakeshore Trail or 23 miles from Cascade Pass.

This is a fun and beautiful trail for experienced backpackers. You can also take one of several ferries that go to Stehekin across Lake Chelan or charter a seaplane In the town, there are several trails as well as a waterfall- Rainbow Falls! You also must visit the Stehekin Pastry Company for their famous cinnamon rolls!

Stehekin has a lodge with a restaurant, as well as several campgrounds you can camp at. Of course, when the weather is nice, you can also kayak or swim in the lake.

Experience the Future of Flight at Boeing

Contributed by Anu Agarwal of  Destination Checkoff

If you travel by plane, especially internationally, then you must have spent time in one of the humongous Boeing aircraft.

One of the best things to do in Washington is to visit the Boeing Future of Flight attraction at the Boeing factory. Aviation fans will love this experience. 

Boeing Future of Flight is located around 25 miles north of Seattle at Paine Field in Mukilteo.

Here you can experience the Boeing Gallery and Sky Deck. The Boeing Gallery features Boeing’s exciting products, services, and innovations. The Gallery also includes a hands-on experiment zone for kids that includes activities with robots and mini drones!  

From the Sky Deck, you can see the Boeing Everett Factory, the active Paine Field Airport , and panoramic views of the North Cascade Mountain Range.

The Boeing Everett factory is an airplane assembly factory and the l argest building by volume in the world. Check out the Boeing store for some great souvenirs of Boeing aircraft. 

The Future of Flight Experience is a ticketed exhibit usually open from Thursdays to Sundays.

You can upgrade your ticket to a Boeing Backstage pass which is a one-hour interactive theatre experience with a special behind-the-scenes look inside the Boeing factory. 

Visit an Oyster Farm on Long Island Peninsula

Contributed by Noel Morata of  USA Road Trip Now.com

If you are a fan of eating oysters and want to get them straight from the source then head out to Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula.

This lonely and isolated peninsula located in the southwestern region of the state is an off-the-beaten-path destination. And of course, sitting where it does on the Pacific Ocean, the seafood here is fresh and delicious.

One of the most mouth-watering delicacies on offer here, oysters hail from the many oyster farms that dot the inner coastal area that separates the peninsular region from the mainland of Washington. 

While you’ll find many seafood restaurants throughout the area, it’s more interesting to take a road trip to visit the oyster farms yourself.

One of the wonderful oyster farms to experience is right off the docks at Goose Point Oysters.

You can shuck the oysters yourself and eat them fresh or barbeque off the grills set up on the picnic tables with a host of delicious locally made sauces that complement the briny goodness of the oysters.

You order fresh oysters or can even buy them already shucked into bottled containers for easy use at home along with a slew of oyster-related gift products in the store.

It’s worth a drive to experience locally sourced oysters fresh from the docks and visiting the Long Beach Peninsula is a truly delicious seafood experience.

More Washington State Resources

Here are all the resources I have written about travel in Washington state.

Washington State Guides

50 Fabulous Things to Do in Washington State: Bucket List & Beyond!

The 17 National Parks in Washington State: How & Why to See Each One!

Olympic Peninsula Guides

The Best Things to Do on the Olympic Peninsula

27 Essential Olympic National Park Travel Tips: Planning a Trip to Olympic National Park the Easy Way

17 Things to Know about Hurricane Ridge Road in Olympic National Park: Best Viewpoints + Travel Tips!

21 Things to Know Before Hiking Marymere Falls Trail in Olympic National Park, Washington

Things to Know Before You Hike to Ludlow Falls

Kitsap Peninsula Guides

27 Blissful Things to Do in Poulsbo + Tips to Visit Poulsbo, Washington’s Little Norway on the Fjord

23 Perfect Things to Do in Port Gamble, Washington: Activities for History Lovers & Ghost Hunters!

Tri-Cities and Southeastern Washington Guides

17 Fabulous Things to Do in Palouse Falls State Park & Nearby + Tips for Visiting Palouse Falls

Before You Visit Washington – Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Whenever I go on a trip, I always make sure to get travel insurance!

The company Safety Wing   is the travel insurance company I always look to first, and I happily recommend them!

I always make sure to get travel insurance whenever I’m going to be over one hundred miles from home, in large cities where tourists can be the target of pickpockets, and anytime I’ll be doing outdoor adventure or beach activities.

It makes my life easier knowing if something should happen, I’ll be able to take care of it!

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin This Washington State Bucket List for Your Own Evergreen State Adventures!

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• Last Minute

25 Best Places to Visit in Washington State

Last Updated By VacationIdea Staff on March 18, 2024

Kitsap Peninsula

The Kitsap Peninsula encompasses no less than nine state parks, and 14 city parks where you can hike, cycle and bird watch. There are several golf courses and a number of wonderful gardens to visit. The towns of Kitsap Peninsula offer unique galleries, shopping and dining. Hansville, located on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, is well worth a visit, offering sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey Island, and Puget Sound. Visitors can stay at the Point No Point Lighthouse, explore the walking trails along the Hansville Greenway, picnic on the shores of Buck Lake, and much more.

Spokane, WA

Thrill-seekers can enjoy an exciting zip line adventure with Mica Moon Zip Tours, or try their hand at white-water rafting along an impressive 8-mile stretch of the Spokane River with ROW Adventure Center. The Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park becomes a hive of activity during winter. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) is an impressive museum which includes five underground galleries and an outdoor amphitheater. Finally, round off your weekend by attending a performance of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra at the historic Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

Port Angeles

Art lovers are in for a treat at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center & Webster's Woods, where an excellent selection of art by Northwest artists is exhibited, along with over 100 sculptures in the surrounding 5-acre Webster's Woods. You can go on a walking tour of the Downtown area, visit the Fiero Marine Life Center on the waterfront, and go antiquing in the local shops.

Port Townsend

You can visit some interesting museums including the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, the Port Townsend Aero Museum and the Jefferson Museum of Art and History. Port Townsend has two historic theaters, The Uptown and the Rose Theatre, where you can watch movies, and there are a variety of clubs and pubs offering live music entertainment to round off your day. Try to be in town for the Gallery Walk on the first Saturday of each month. More day trips in WA

Walla Walla

There are several museums where you can learn about the history of the town including the Fort Walla Walla Museum, the Whitman Mission and the Kirkman House Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, bird watching, fishing and hunting at several venues and skate-boarders and BMX fans can have hours of fun showing off at Fort Walla Walla Park and Mill Creek Sportsplex. Children can have a fun learning experience at the Children's Museum of Walla Walla, while connoisseurs can enjoy a wine tasting at a few of the 34 tasting rooms in town or go on a winery tour.

On rainy days families can head to the Techcity Bowl & Fun Center for bowling, billiards and arcade games. You can enjoy wonderful scenery and catch a rare glimpse of some lakeside homes of the rich and famous on a short cruise on Lake Washington with Argosy Cruises. When another brilliant sunset brings the day to an end, you can have a leisurely meal at one of Kirkland's many restaurants, or enjoy a beer or wine tasting at the Chainline Brewing Company or The Grape Choice.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Art and shopping enthusiasts can have a great time exploring several arty attractions including the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, Waterworks Gallery and Island Studios Art Gallery and the Arctic Raven Gallery. There is more shopping available at Kings Market, Funk and Junk Antiques and Dan Levin Originals. A good way to round off a busy day is to visit one of several Day Spas for a relaxing massage, before you catch a show presented by Island Stage Left theater troupe.

Leavenworth

Next read: Washington Resorts

Yakima Valley

Wine connoisseurs can enjoy tasting the produce of dozens of wineries in the Yakima Valley, most of which offer tastings and cellar tours. You can also go on the Spirits and Hops Trail, or take the children to pick fruit and berries during harvest time. You can visit the Yakima Valley Museum and the Hillside Desert Botanical Gardens, or add a cultural element to your visit by attending a performance of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra or a show at the Capitol Theatre, 4 th Street Theatre or The Seasons Performance Hall in downtown Yakima.

There are museums to satisfy all interests. The Center for Wooden Boats is probably one of the most unique museums because it offers you the chance to set off in an ancient maritime craft and learn how to row, sail and do repairs. Other museums include the EMP Museum dedicated to modern culture, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and the Museum of History and Industry. Possibly the most interesting of all is the Museum of Flight which is home to 160 historic aircraft including a genuine Concord and a Space Shuttle Trainer. Also make a point to visit the Seattle Art Museum and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition which is absolutely fascinating. Foodies are spoiled by the number of choices available with an array of amazing food tours to satisfy just about every palate.

Ellensburg, Washington

On Saturdays you can visit the KC Farmer's Market for fresh local produce, and if you are in town on the first Friday of each month you can join the Ellensburg First Friday Art Walk, when several shops and galleries display their works.

Gig Harbor is a small town on the shore of Gig Harbor Bay on Puget Sound in Washington. Called "the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula," Gig Harbor is close to several large state and city parks and has developed into a popular tourist destination. On the way to one of the parks, spend some time in the charming city with its vibrant historic waterfront lined up with fancy boutiques, gourmet restaurants, cafes, and bars. Stroll along the docks, sit at the outdoor table at one of the many coffee shops, and enjoy the view of the boats in the harbor or the snow-covered slopes of Mount Rainier in Mount Rainier National Park . Rent a kayak and see the city from the water, hop on a Riviera Cruise, or rent a romantic Gig Harbor Gondola. History buffs can learn more about the city’s past at the Harbor History Museum or the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historic Society. Check out what grows in the area at the colorful farmers market at Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed, right on the harbor.

Nature lovers should not miss a visit to the Sehome Hill Arboretum to commune with nature, while art lovers can head to the Western Washington University Campus to see the Outdoor Sculpture Collection at the Western Gallery. At the waterfront, you can book a whale watching expedition or board a ferry to visit the San Juan Islands.

Family favorites include the Kids Quest Children's Museum, which offers interactive activities for all ages, and the Kelsey Creek Park & Farm where city children can have country-style fun and learn about farm animals. Shoppers can enjoy strolling around Bellevue Square, the city's oldest mall which houses over 180 stores, many popular restaurants and a children's play area, or window-shopping at The Shops at The Bravern, an exclusive shopping complex featuring many big-name designer brands. The Bellevue Art Museum provides an ever-changing variety of exhibitions and offers hands-on workshops and programs for artists.

To experience the great outdoors you can make your way to Point Defiance Park where there are miles of walking and cycling trails, the lovely Point Defiance Rose Garden, the Point Defiance Pagoda and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, which is a family favorite. Other attractions for families include the Explore It Scavenger Hunt and the Children's Museum of Tacoma where kids can have hours of fun with hands-on learning experiences. Finally, you can explore an eclectic selection of boutique shops, restaurants and music venues along Sixth Avenue. More day trips from Tacoma

Other interesting attractions you can visit include the Clark County Historical Museum, the Water Resources Education Center, the Cathlepotle Plank House and the weekend Farmer's Market in Ester Short Park where over 250 local producers will temp your taste buds.

Bainbridge Island

If the weather is less than perfect you can spend your time enjoying the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and the Kids Discovery Museum . You can also enjoy wine tastings and visit wineries, or simply stroll through Downtown Winslow which is packed with cute shops and many restaurants and coffee bars.

North Cascades National Park

To give your legs a rest from hiking, you could jump aboard the Lady of the Lake Ferry for a cruise to the historic town of Stehekin, which lies in the center of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. In winter the entire North Cascades National Park is transformed into a snow-covered paradise where you can try your hand at downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Point Roberts

You can go hiking along numerous trails in Monument Park and Lily Point Park. Point Roberts is an important nesting area for American Bald Eagles, and there are several easily observable nests dotted around Lily Point, which is a prime place to spend a few hours doing some bird watching. More weekend getaways from Seattle

Sequim is one of the Olympic Peninsula's most beautiful small towns, known for its unique dry and sunny climate, which is similar to the climate of Los Angeles, despite its proximity to nearby temperate rainforest areas. The gorgeous Clallam County town is surrounded by beautiful Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Garry oak forest areas and is known worldwide for its commercial production of lavender, which is only rivaled internationally by several areas in France. The town's proximity to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge makes it an outdoor lover's paradise, while its vibrant downtown arts and culinary scene make it a perfect cultural getaway in the Pacific Northwest. Annual special events include the Sequim Lavender Weekend, held each year during July.

Poulsbo is a charming small town in Kitsap County, known as the Pacific Northwest's "Little Norway" for its Scandinavian heritage, which dates back to its founding by Fordefjord resident Jorgen Eliason. The town is home to a population of 10,000 residents and is located on 4.5 square miles along beautiful Liberty Bay, with the snow-capped Olympic Mountains in view in the distance behind the city's skyline. The thriving community has become a tourist destination in the 20th and 21st centuries for attractions such as the Sea Discovery Center, which offers an aquarium full of marine life from the nearby Puget Sound. The city retains much of its historic Norwegian character, with traditional Poulso Bread sold at the renowned Sluy's Bakery. Several award-winning breweries are offered in town, along with the Poulsbo Historical Society Museum, which highlights the region's social and cultural history.

Olympic National Park

Winter transforms Olympic National Park into a snowy wonderland and skiing and snowboarding is available at Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area.

Orcas Island

To burn off some calories you can try kayaking with Discovery Sea Kayaks and Evergreen Escapes, which are two of several outfits offering guided kayaking tours. A whale watching excursion is a must-do activity on Orcas Island, and will get you up close to some magnificent whales, as well as seals, porpoises and many other marine animals and birds. Children can enjoy learning about the ecosystem at Orcas W.I.L.D. (Orcas Wildlife Institute for Learning and Discovery) or just have fun at The Funhouse Commons or Canoe Island French Camp. Back on dry land you can explore the vibrant Orcas Island arts scene by visiting some of the many galleries and venues for the performing arts, such as Island Stage Left and Orcas Center.

Skagit Valley

There are some delightfully original shops and galleries you can visit in the Skagit Valley towns and the valley hosts several annual festivals including the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival in January, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April and the Skagit Valley Highland Games in July.

Vashon Island, Washington

Vashon Island hosts a fun Strawberry Festival each year in July where you can taste everything remotely related to strawberries and join in the parade.

Mount Rainier National Park is an outstanding area of scenic beauty which offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor attractions suitable for the entire family.Camping is popular and there are several campgrounds to choose from where you can enjoy the pleasures of sleeping under the stars. Hiking through the wilderness is by far the most popular activity in the park and you can choose from no less than 40 different hiking trails that vary in length from the 2.5 mile Pinnacle Peak Trail to the challenging 45 mile Northern Loop Trail. In addition, there are some really easy walks for families with young children, including Paradise Vista and Trail of the Shadows. Cycling is allowed on the park roads, but not along the hiking trails. You can try your hand at fishing on the lakes and rivers or go canoeing or kayaking on the placid lakes. For something really different you can do a Citizen Ranger Quest, aimed at teaching adults and families about aspects of the environment in a fun way. Serious mountaineers can enjoy the challenge of climbing Mount Rainier, which isa glacier-covered active volcano and requires a reasonable degree of expertise.

When you feel the need to escape the city and get back to nature in a magnificently scenic wilderness, Lake Wenatchee State Park welcomes you with year round outdoor activities for the whole family. Lake Wenatchee is situated on the shores of a glacier-fed lake, and offers two separate and distinct areas for recreation.

South Park is located on the lake shore and you can spend many happy hours exploring the beach or boating, swimming, wind-surfing and fresh-water fishing. There are several miles of hiking trails and you can camp under the stars and wake up each morning to the sounds of the gently lapping water and dozens of birds. There are sheltered fire-pits where you can build camp fires and enjoy toasting marshmallows after your evening barbecue.

North Park is a short distance from the lake, less developed and quite thickly forested. Here there are serviced RV sites for larger vehicles and you can go on guided horse rides through the forest to see a variety of birds and animals, including bears. In winter, the entire park is transformed into a snowy wonderland and you can look forward to enjoying cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding, in between building the ultimate snowman and having some snow-ball fun.

Birch Bay Birch Bay is situated on a beautiful and peaceful crescent-shaped bay close to the Canadian border, offering the perfect escape from fast-paced city life. Here you can spend hours strolling along the quiet beach, sun-bathing, swimming or beach-combing at low tide. The atmosphere is conducive to relaxation, and you can choose from many enjoyable vacation activities such as cycling, hiking, picnicking and bird watching. If you enjoy water sports you can kayak or windsurf in the bay.

You can go hiking though forested areas to reach the beach at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, or explore the forests and wetlands in the undeveloped 60 acre Birch Bay Beach Wildlife Conservancy adjacent to Birch Bay State Park; both areas are great for bird watching. If you are visiting with children you can plan a fun family camping experience at Birch Bay State Park where everyone will enjoy scavenging for seafood or hiking the Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail.

For more enjoyable family activities you can visit the Birch Bay Waterslides where there are rides for all ages or Miniature World Family Fun Center which offers Go Karts (& Kidz Karts), mini-golf and miniature train rides. Birch Bay also hosts a variety of festivals throughout July, including the annual Art-2-Jazz Street Fair, the Birch Bay Sandcastle Competition and the Birch Bay Music Festival.

• 1. Kitsap Peninsula
• 2. Spokane, WA
• 3. Port Angeles
• 4. Port Townsend
• 5. Walla Walla
• 6. Kirkland
• 7. Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
• 8. Leavenworth
• 9. Yakima Valley
• 10. Seattle
• 11. Ellensburg, Washington
• 12. Gig Harbor
• 13. Bellingham
• 14. Bellevue
• 16. Vancouver
• 17. Bainbridge Island
• 18. North Cascades National Park
• 19. Point Roberts
• 21. Poulsbo
• 22. Olympic National Park
• 23. Orcas Island
• 24. Skagit Valley
• 25. Vashon Island, Washington

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The 12 most beautiful places in Washington

Washington state is a land of extremes. Year-round snowy peaks are visible from downtown Seattle. Months of cloudy gray skies create lush forests saturated in green on the west side. To the east, the Cascade mountains capture so much moisture that the landscape abruptly turns to arid and semi-arid desert. And statewide, the summer sun stretches on so late into the evening that you can trek without a headlamp until after 10 pm. These extremes create some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, with enviable hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting. As a local, I’m always happy to highlight the most beautiful places in Washington that you won’t be able to see anywhere else.

Snoqualmie Falls

Good news: Washington has a knock-your-socks-off waterfall. Even better news: It's just 45 minutes from downtown Seattle. Thanks to its location, Snoqualmie Falls is an easy add-on to any Seattle trip. Walk from the parking lot to the overlook, where frothy white-capped water charges off a cliffside into a 270-foot drop, disappearing into the mist below. Then trek the short but steep Snoqualmie Falls Trail down to the bottom of the falls and crane your neck back for a real sense of its size.

The falls aren’t just pretty, they’re practical. You can learn about their power-generating history at Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Plant and Museum, or stop by the gift shop for a souvenir. Add in a little pampering by booking time in the sauna and steam rooms at The Salish Lodge , the lovely building on top of the falls.

Mount Rainier National Park

"The mountain is out!" locals call out to each other on a clear day. That tells you just how much Mount Rainier, also known by its indigenous name Tahoma, means to Washingtonians. Even though it’s visible from hundreds of miles away, hiking in Mount Rainier National Park is the best way to experience the active volcano in all its glory.

For the easiest views, consider taking a quarter-mile walk from the Sunrise Visitor Center to Emmons Vista , where you can see Mount Rainier and the river-filled valleys below in all their glory. For those willing to hoof it a little farther, the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail Loop will make you feel close enough to Rainier to touch it. Want a once-in-a-lifetime backcountry adventure? Loop the peak on the 93-mile Wonderland Trail . For a treat, close out the day with a ride on the Crystal Mountain Gondola (just outside the park) and have a cocktail at Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant, Summit House .

Recommended tours and activities

Washington’s waterways via ferry

Fun fact: Washington has the largest ferry fleet in the entire United States—and the prettiest, if you ask me. Just look at our postcards and local artworks and see just how many spotlight the ferries in action crossing the Salish Sea, a section of the Pacific that runs from British Columbia all the way to Olympia.

One of the easiest ferries to grab is from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island , an artsy, walkable community opposite Elliott Bay . Once you set off, head out onto the open-air deck for some of the loveliest Seattle skyline views—and then grab some local chowder at the cafeteria indoors. If you’ve got more time to wander, take the longer ferry ride from Anacortes for a visit to the San Juan Islands (see below) or drive to Port Angeles , where you can take a ferry to Victoria, Canada .

This might be as close as you get to Scandinavia in the Pacific Northwest. Located 20 minutes from downtown Bainbridge, Poulsbo is known as “Little Norway” for its history of Norwegian settlers. You still get a sense of that history through colorful murals that dress up the town’s alleyways, timber-framed buildings that look airlifted from Europe, and of course, Sluy’s Bakery , where you can order Danish pastries, Finnish ribbons, and traditional Norwegian Fatiggman cookies.

But the reason Poulsbo makes our list for most beautiful is its outstanding view over Liberty Bay from the Waterfront Park . On a clear day, the majestic Olympic mountains tower over the surrounding hills and Mount Rainier dominates the view to the southeast with marina boats bobbing in the foreground. Bring a picnic of baked goods or grab a coffee from Poulsbohemian to catch a sunset over the water.

San Juan Island(s)

First, a point of clarity: San Juan Island (singular) is just one island in the greater collection of San Juan Islands (plural). It’s also one of the most welcoming spots for visitors and makes for a charming weekend getaway. Take a 90-minute ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor , a bustling little town right off the ferry dock where most of the island’s lodging is located. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, get back out on the water with an orca-spotting tour and guided exploration of the local waterways. Not feeling another boat ride? You might be able to spot the orcas from Lime Kiln Point State Park , also called “Whale Watch Park.” Other can’t-be-missed views include the top of Mt. Finlayson (a short hike up), where you’ll be able to see other islands such as Shaw and Lopez to the north and east, and the Olympics to the south. Or kick back and take in the Friday Harbor marina from Cease and Desist beer house, which has local Washington brews on tap.

If you’re hooked on the islands and want to see more, interisland ferries are available to Shaw, Lopez, and Orcas island.

North Cascades National Park

This one’s for the adventurers. North Cascades National Park only has one major road, a couple of hard-to-reach lodgings, and pretty much zero cell service. It’s truly rugged out here—but it’s worth it to experience the sublime surrounding peaks, 300-plus glaciers, countless alpine lakes, and 400 miles of trails. And hiking is the name of the game here. For newbie hikers, the 4.4-mile trip to Blue Lake won’t leave you too huffy—only the views will take your breath away. If you’ve been building up your hiking endurance, it’s hard to beat the epic glacial scenery of the 12-mile, 4,000-foot-elevation-gain hike to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm . (Sorry to your quads in advance.)

If you’re not into hiking, let your car do the climbing. The scenic North Cascades Highway provides plenty of photo ops. Stop at the overlook for Diablo Lake , which shines a milky turquoise in the sun thanks to glacial sediment, or park and gaze in awe at multi-peaked Liberty Bell Mountain at Washington Pass . If you’ve got the time, continue the journey along the Cascade Loop Drive toward Chelan and consider a side trip to the park town Stehekin , which is only accessible by boat (via a daily ferry) or plane ride. Just 100 or so people live there year-round, but it’s a popular home base for hikes and has a much-beloved bakery that offers shuttles from the ferry dock.

Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park)

Olympic National Park is so diverse and enormous that it wouldn’t be right to call out a single spot, so we’ve split it up into a few key places. First up, the spectacular Hurricane Ridge —the most epic place to see miles of mountain layers—and it’s totally accessible by car during the summer season. Drive 17 miles from sea level to nearly over 5,000 feet, where even the parking lot grants 180-degree views of surrounding (and often snow-capped) peaks.

Take a quick three-mile round-trip hike up Hurricane Hill, where your view expands to 360 degrees with views of Victoria, BC in the distance. For fewer crowds, try Sunrise Hill, which is a little longer at five miles and gains 1,000 feet but offers similarly impressive vistas.

Hoh Rain Forest (Olympic National Park)

Another Olympic National Park highlight, this time on the west end, the Hoh Rain Forest is a moss-covered fairytale dream of a place. Get your bearings on the 0.75-mile Hall of Mosses interpretative walk, which has informative signs explaining the biology behind all the swirling shades of green. Extend that walk with the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail and look for giant nurse logs—dead logs that become fertile soil for new trees.

For a longer adventure, hike as much or as little of the 37-mile round-trip Hoh River Trail as you want. You’ll get lovely mosses, impressively large Western red cedar, Douglas fir, and big-leaf maple, all while rambling along the namesake river. The trail ends after a steep climb (and a rickety climb down a ladder) to the massive Blue Glacier , which regularly mesmerizes hikers with its aqua-tinged crevasses.

The Wilderness Coast (Olympic National Park)

Mountain peaks, mossy forests—this Olympics highlight has another incredible and entirely different landscape: the coast. Every mile of the Olympic Coast offers something new, from sandy beaches to rocky capes to a massive natural gap in a cliffside (aptly called Hole-in-the-Wall ) that you can walk through at low tide. Check out the utterly spectacular number of haystack rock formations that extend from the water, often appearing and disappearing in coastal mist. Along the way, you'll spot in-the-wild aquarium creatures in the tidal zone, like vibrant green and pink anemones and purple starfish.

One warning: Only some of the coast is easily accessed from parking areas, such as Rialto Beach and Lake Ozette . Other spots require consulting tide charts and a strong sense of balance. (Sailors nicknamed the coast “the graveyard of the Pacific” for a reason, so respect those tides and step lively!)

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Three words: Still-active volcano. Mount St. Helens made headlines in 1980 for erupting in a blast that left behind an unreal moonscape. As if that isn’t incredible enough, this site transforms in the summer when a carpet of wildflowers rises out of the gray soil.

Make your first stop Bridge View Point , which gives you a good overview of just how massive the 150-square-mile destruction zone really was. Then head to the Forest Learning Center , where you’ll get views of the valley that became flooded with mud and debris. But your most impressive view will be from the Johnston Ridge Observatory , where you can see into the mountain’s impressive crater with your naked eye. If you get here around mid-July and August, you’ll get to see the wildflowers at their peak. Take a walk along the Boundary Trail to get a cinematic close-up of the blooms busting out their colors.

Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway

If all your images of Washington involve misty mountains, let us introduce you to the east side of the state dominated by farmland and desert. It even has rattlesnakes! (Hey, the Southwest can’t have all the fun.) The 150-mile Coulee Corridor has all that desert drama thanks to canyons carved by ancient glacial floods.

Breathe in the scent of sagebrush and make a stop at Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park . Here you'll spot a jutting cliffside with a carved lip stretch 3.5 miles. What you're actually looking at is a now-dry waterfall, once the largest in the world. Just south of Dry Falls, walk a short 1.5-mile trail to see the Lenore Lake Caves that were carved from the same glacial floods. And keep your eyes on the sky—the Audubon society has its own nickname for the byway: “The Great Washington State Birding Trail.”

Steptoe Butte State Park

Picture gentle, rolling hills covered in bobbing wheat fields. This is the Palouse region, on the east side of the state. Its rolling terrain was formed tens of thousands of years ago with wind-blown dust and silt. And the tippy top of Steptoe Butte State Park juts out of this otherwise rolling turf.

Take a narrow road up to the 3,612-foot high point of Steptoe Butte. From here, you can see for nearly 200 miles on a clear day and watch those rippling hills, which become even more apparent—and magnificent—from up high. If you visit in the spring, you’ll find the hills covered in a lush, rolling green. Later in the summer, they turn tan and look almost like sand dunes. Also, look west. It might not look much different, but all that land is new—at least in geologic terms. Steptoe Butte marks what was once the edge of the North American continent.

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12 Best Places to Visit on The Washington Coast

In this article, I want to share the 12 best places to visit on the Washington Coast. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling through about 90% of this area over several road trips and through that have seen amazing sights and I’m not just talking about the beaches (as you’ll soon see).

While I will also be covering the best beaches to see across Washington State further below, the main list you’re going to get here is really a mix of the best nature sights specifically throughout the Washington coast, so you will get a lot of variety of things to see rather than just one beautiful beach after another.

Here is a preview of the 12 places to visit on the Washington Coastline:

• La Push Beach
• Rialto Beach
• Cape Flattery
• Cape Disappointment
• Deception Pass
• Shi Shi Beach
• Lake Cresent
• Port Townsend Glass Beach
• Olympic National Park
• Tree of Life WA
• Salt Creek County Park

These 10 places are amazing for hikers, road trippers, people who love beaches, adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Here’s a Washington Coast map that’ll help you find these places:

This map should give you a good idea of where each place is located on the Washington Coast and help you plan a trip.

And in regards to planning a Washington coast road trip, here’s what I recommend:

• Start in Seattle if you plan to work your way west and then south (finish in Portland).
• Start in Portland (Oregon) if you wish to work your way up north, then east and finish in Seattle.
• A good amount of days to set for a trip like this would be 4-5 if you are maintaining a good pace (seeing one or more of the places on this list every day).

The details of each place to visit on the Washington west Coast:

Let’s start with La Push Beach.

La Push Beach:

I’m a huge fan of mountains, sea water and when you visit the west coast, specifically the Washington Coast, you’re going to see a lot of that. And La Push Beach is an awesome place to explore for many reasons (which frankly many of the beaches on this list also have) and that is:

• Beautiful beach in general.
• La Push has amazing sunsets.
• There are cliff areas for hiking (rope climbing too).
• There are connected “secret beaches” to it.
• It has one of the best beaches with waterfalls on the west coast called Third Beach Falls.

Update: There is a beautiful area 20-30 minutes south of it called Hoh rain forest which I highly recommend. It’s not on the coast but there are beautiful hikes there like the Hall of Mosses trail worth seeing.

Rialto Beach:

Rialto Beach is very close to La Push Beach and has a lot of awesome scenery (and obviously sunsets too). In fact, one of the most famous rocks on this beach looks like a small version of Cannon Beach which if you don’t know is one of the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast .

Technically, there is also more scenery in Rialto beach to check out than with La Push beach and that’s partly because being there will start you off on the Olympic Peninsula that runs across the west side of Olympic National Park . The Olympic Peninsula is itself one of the best things to explore on the Washington Coast, but it’s very long and many people take days to fully hike it, and just as well, many of the beaches on this list are also part of it, but I’m separating the specific spots instead of the whole Olympic Peninsula because it would take away from each beach’s unique highlights.

Cape Flattery:

The good news is that this spot is close to the one above and driving from Cape Flattery to Rialto beach (or vice versa) takes about 20 minutes to do, meaning you can fit these 2 destinations easily into a day trip. But anyway Cape Flattery should also be on your list because it’s on the tip of the Washington Coast (north west side of the US) and there are many amazing places to see there. Here’s just a small list of that:

• Sea cave kayaking (dangerous for beginners).
• Secret beaches in the area.
• There’s an old bunker there too.
• Scenic hikes in the area too (good tourist area).
• Cape Flattery might be the most scenic place on the entire Washington Coast.

Cape Disappointment Park WA:

If you start your road trip to the Washington Coast from Portland, then the first spot you’ll come across when you hit WA is Cape Disappointment. It is basically located near Astoria, which is close to Oregon’s state line. The picture you see here is from a popular section of Cape Disappointment. It’s called Deadman’s Cove and when I first visited this place, it was because I saw this exact image of it.

Not only that, but Cape Disappointment offers beautiful hikes, a scenic and simple walk to a famous lighthouse in the area and beautiful coastal views including giant waves you can see from these areas. My personal favorite there is Deadman’s Cove. Now here’s an important thing to know about it:

Deadman’s Cove has been closed the last few years. But you can still it from the main Cape Disappointment trail you can to check out the park. What’s specifically closed in this area is the hike down to the beach itself where you can get closer to this area.

Deception Pass:

Deception Pass is the only location of it’s kind on this list that is actually not on the Olympic Peninsula side of the Washington Coast (west coast), nor is it on the northern end either. Deception Pass is actually close to Seattle and is located on a series of islands (coastal area) close to the Salish sea which divides Washington and Vancouver Island.

It is officially part of the Washington Coast though and I have personally been there. It has a lot to offer from scenic drives, to kayaking across the islands there, camping, hiking and is also a great place for tourism in general. Some spots in Deception Pass do require you pay a fee to park.

Shi Shi Beach:

Shi Shi beach is in the Olympic Peninsula region of the Washington Coastline and it is also another one of the very beautiful beaches you’ll find on the coast (western side). Like many of the other options above, it isn’t far from Cape Flattery, Rialto Beach, Third Beach and so forth so again, you can totally make a day or multi day trip to these beaches as they are so close to each other and you can also choose to hike parts of them via the Olympic Peninsula trail available. The most notable things about this beach are that you can camp on it, there’s sea caves right by the beach you can find during low tide and the scenery is awesome too!

Lake Crescent (north Washington Coast):

Lake Crescent doesn’t sound like a spot you’d find on the Washington Coast, but it is literally right by the bay which divides Washington and Vancouver Island. Not since seeing the beautiful lakes of the Canadian Rockies have I been so floored by the scenery, but Lake Crescent really amazed me. So much so, that I made return visits to see it while I was in this region and I have yet to see all the best sights in this area alone. Here are some places within this region I recommend checking out:

• One of the best Washington waterfall hikes (Marymere Falls).
• Devils Punchbowl in Lake Crescent (bridge and swimming area).
• Bird feeding around the Marymere Falls trail area.
• Kayaking, swimming.
• Exploring waterfalls across the lake.
• The Sol Duc Falls trail is also a great hike to try nearby.
• The scenic drive across Crescent Lake (one of the best scenic drives in North America ).

In my opinion, the scenic drive alone is worth taking and there’s plenty of hikes and activities near by to do, since this Lake is part of the Olympic National Park area.

Port Townsend’s Glass Beach (and the town):

I originally thought that the Glass Beach in Port Townsend was the only good reason to visit this place and then after doing it personally, I was much more impressed by the town itself and with the many things to see and do there.

Now while this area does have sea glass, there’s actually another beach with even more sea glass like it but it’s located on the California Coast and it actually has even more of it (it’s even more famous). It’s called Glass Beach California . That is one I’ve visited 3 times so far and I do recommend seeing it too, but that’s only if you’re in that state.

As for Port Townsend itself, I do think it’s a great spot to explore while you’re on the north side of the Washington Coast because it has a good combination of many restaurants, great hikes, tourist places, historic areas, a nice lighthouse and great camping spots for both RVs and campers in general. I would even say that out of all the places I’ve seen throughout the north part of the Washington Coast, I would recommend staying in Port Townsend above all of them.

Ruby Beach:

Ruby Beach was one of the main spots I explored on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip and despite the weather not exactly being pleasant, I was the only person on this beach when I visited and I really enjoyed seeing this spot. It’s not far from Cape Flattery and is also well worth exploring.

One of the main attractions of this place besides the beach and scenery is all the logs and rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean from it. I even saw some camping spots in between the logs (not that I would recommend doing that, I wouldn’t want to get crushed). But for the adventurer, I really think you’d like exploring Ruby Beach on the Washington Coast.

Olympic National Park (National Forest and Olympic Peninsula) overall:

Olympic National Park takes up a ton of area within Washington State and because it is right near the coastal areas of Washington State, it deserves a spot on this list. Many of the beaches on this list are actually part of it, and technically on the Olympic Peninsula like I said earlier, but deeper into the park itself (which in many cases is close to the coast), you will find many day hikes, lakes, waterfalls and tons of things to see and do. In my opinion doing a road trip through this park in addition to the specific coastal spots is a great way to mix things up and get more out of that trip.

I have included a link to an Olympic National Park article that’ll show you day hikes to check out there but one other thing to note is that there is also the Olympic National Forest that you can check out that’s further southeast of the Washington Coast. It has awesome hikes and places like High Steel Bridge that you can check out, but that technically takes you too far inland from the coast.

Tree of Life WA:

Another awesome Washington Coast gem you might want to consider checking out is the famous Tree of Life . It is located on the western Washington coast and is basically a tree whose trunk is exposed fully as there was massive erosion that removed the land underneath it. Now the Tree of Life’s roots are lodged in between 2 hills. I have not yet explored Kalaloch Beach yet, but that tree makes it worthwhile to see it in my opinion.

One thing to note about Kalaloch Beach is that there are several parts of and in numbers you can check out which include parts of the beach, campgrounds, a cabin and more. Fortunately if you’re just looking for the Tree of Life , there is a Google listing for it within the Kalaloch Beach area that I linked to above for your reference. This area is right off the 101 road so its easy to find and check out what else is around there.

Salt Creek County Park:

Salt Creek County Park is a Washington Coast gem I recently learned about and even “worse” missed every time I have traveled to the area. It happens to be very close to Port Angeles and also Lake Crescent and that’s where I stay whenever I visit the area. Salt Creek County Park is literally a 10 minute drive from it and it’s only thanks to Instagram that I discovered it.

And I’m happy to admit that I’ll soon fix this as I’m planning to revisit this region and check it off. It’s a very small but extremely beautiful park that has many elements of the beauty you’d see on the western end of the Washington Coast.

There are also many hikes, boating and other things to do there. In many ways this small park reminds me a ton about Presque Isle State Park that I discovered in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan a few years ago (small park, lots to see).

For what it’s worth I tend to compare a lot of areas I visit when I travel and the Washington Coast in many ways reminds me of the North Shore MN more so than the Oregon Coast.

What about a list of the best beaches in Washington State? My top picks:

I have obviously not been to every single beach in Washington State but there are 3 parts (western, northern and eastern ones) and I have included a “small list” and map of the areas worth seeing. Some of them are repeats:

Best beaches on the western Washington Coast:

I really like Third Beach because of the waterfall, Rialto Beach because of the sights and Ruby Beach because it was the first real beach I saw when I was in the Washington Coast (and it’s beautiful).

Best beaches on the northern Washington coast:

Any beach in Salt Creek County Park is amazing, Devils Punchbowl in Lake Crescent is an amazing spot (lake beach), and so is Port Townsend for the sea glass.

Best beaches on the eastern coast of Washington:

Deception Pass is good as it has many beaches, the beach in Fort Ebey State Park (so far). I have also included other highly reviewed Washington beaches on a map for more options.

Have questions about visiting the Washington Coast? The most popular ones:

What is considered the Washington Coast?

The western side of WA that faces the Pacific Ocean is considered the Washington Coast. It starts from Cape Disappointment all the way up to Cape Flattery and is over 400 miles.

Does Washington have any beaches?

Yes there are dozens of popular beaches across Washington State, especially the coast.

What are major cities in Washington Coastal region?

There are over 20 on the Washington Coast and the major cities on it include Everett, Friday Harbor and Cape Flattery.

Is Seattle a coastal city?

Yes Seattle is a coastal city because it is close to Elliot Bay.

Now the questions here about the beaches and places to visit don’t always align with what I recommend seeing on the Washington Coast so keep this in mind.

Do you need to wear anything specific when hiking along the Washington Coast?

It depends on which areas you visit. Most of the spots along the shore have their own walkways and simple hikes to the beach but there are certainly options for more difficult hikes that I would recommend specific gear for (recommendations coming soon).

As for visiting nearby coastal states, since Oregon is the closest, I would recommend to check out the Oregon Coast too if you have the time!

Hi I'm Vitaliy, I love nature travel and this blog encapsulates all of my adventures and top recommendations of what to see (and what to avoid).

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Love your site. Great advice, great recommendations Love the comparisons you make along with alternatives to crowded hiking trails and destinations. Would love to see your recommendations for hot springs in the western states. I’ve shared your site with many of my hiking friends.

Hi Kimberly thank you for the kind words and sharing the site info. Regarding hot springs, I honestly haven’t explored too many of them yet but thus far I have one article on the best hot springs in Oregon you can check out. I’m not sure about Washington or California, but Oregon and Nevada have a lot of them. If you have any other info you’d like me to cover, let me know!

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10 Best Places to Visit in Washington State

Washington is best known for its biggest city of Seattle , but the Evergreen State is also home to a staggering number of scenic destinations. Whether you want to hike right up to waterfalls, admire snow-capped mountains from a distance or spend the day on islands off the coast, Washington has it all.

It is easy to pack your vacation with city life, world-class attractions, national parks and more while in the Pacific Northwest. Use this list of the best places to visit in Washington State as you plan your next trip itinerary.

10. Lake Chelan [SEE MAP]

At the base of Washington’s North Cascades Mountain Range is Lake Chelan, a hub for scenery, outdoor recreation and wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest. Visiting vineyards is a major draw to the region, and you can spend a day sipping and sightseeing at places like Vin du Lac Winery, Karma Vineyards or Mellisoni Vineyards.

For a closer look at the incredible natural terrain, ride on a seaplane that takes off and lands in the lake itself, or try water-skiing during the summer months. Hiking possibilities are abundant, and on Historic Main Street you can dine on farm-to-table cuisine from a range of independent eateries.

9. Columbia River Gorge [SEE MAP]

South of the Rattlesnake Hills, and right in the heart of the Columbia River Plateau, is the Columbia River Gorge. The gorge cuts through the Cascade Mountains forming the boundary between Washington and Oregon , and you can get spectacular views of the gorge from above. The Multnomah Falls cascade right into the gorge at one point, only adding to the beauty of this particular destination.

One of the best ways to see the Columbia River Gorge from the Washington side is to drive along State Route 14, stopping off at the many scenic vantage points for photos.

8. Spokane [SEE MAP]

After Seattle, Spokane is the largest city in Washington, and it is located in the eastern portion of the state close to the border with Idaho. In Spokane, you can visit the Riverfront Park, which was home to the 1974 World’s Fair, and stroll along the banks of the scenic Spokane River.

Some of the city’s top attractions include the John A. Finch Arboretum, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and Spokane Falls. You may also want to check out some of the city’s popular golf courses or take a tasting tour through some of the many breweries that have popped up in Spokane in recent years.

7. Snoqualmie Falls [SEE MAP]

Halfway between the towns of Snoqualmie and Fall City is Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular attractions. The rushing waters of the falls make it a stunning and unforgettable place to visit and a top spot for photographers in the Pacific Northwest. You might already recognize the falls for its appearance in the popular cult television show “Twin Peaks”.

There are short hiking trails around Snoqualmie Falls where visitors can admire enormous trees and lush green plant life within the spray of the waterfalls. There is also a large visitor center and gift shop where you can snag some snacks or souvenirs to help remember the trip.

6. North Cascades National Park [SEE MAP]

More than half of all the glaciers found in the Continental United States are located within the North Cascades National Park in Washington. The park is also home to a staggering amount of wildlife, including animals like grizzly bears, gray wolves and lynx.

Hike or drive to Mount Baker, a volcano located within the North Cascades, to get an unparalleled view of the nearby Mt. Shuksan, which is perhaps the most photographed peak in all of North America. Within the national park, you’ll find opportunities for alpine climbing and back country camping, but you can also set off on shorter day hikes and mountain biking trails during the summer.

5. San Juan Islands [SEE MAP]

In the north of the Puget Sound, and close to British Columbia, you’ll find the San Juan Islands. Despite proximity to Canada, they belong to the United States, and to Washington State in particular. The San Juan Islands are an inviting retreat and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering an abundance of outdoor activities in a stunning landscape.

You can kayak in the water, take tours to spot Orca Whales in their natural habitats, dine on fresh seafood or hike through the San Juan Island National Historical Park. Friday Harbor and Rocher Harbor are the two hubs for dining, shopping and sightseeing, and they also offer some commercial flights, boat arrivals and museums.

4. Olympic National Park [SEE MAP]

To see a lush green rain forest and a rugged mountain range in a single destination, try the Olympic National Park . One of the highlights of a visit to the Olympic National Park is the Hoh Rain Forest, where you can see herds of elk roaming the landscape or you can set off on a challenging hike to the summit of Mt. Olympus.

For a less strenuous adventure, admire the summer wildflowers of Hurricane Ridge or walk among bluffs and sea caves in Cape Flattery. Clear blue water and stunning scenery awaits in the park’s Lake Crescent, and some of the most amazing views you can see straight from your car are found along the road known as the Coastal Strip.

3. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument [SEE MAP]

In Southwest Washington is the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, a destination that marks the site of the volcanic eruption in 1980. Accessible from Seattle on a day trip, but also the perfect place to spend a few nights, Mount St. Helens boasts a number of interesting and scenic attractions for visitors.

Don’t miss the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake, where you can get a brief history of the region and the 1980 eruption, or head to the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center for tours as well as dining options with the a view of the volcano. The Johnston Ridge Observatory boasts spectacular vantage points of the north side of Mount St. Helens as well as an extensive visitor center.

2. Seattle [SEE MAP]

Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a beautiful city and among the most popular places to visit in Washington. The largest city in the Pacific Northwest might be best known for Starbucks, but there is a lot more that Seattle has to offer. Downtown, stop in at Pike Market for fresh produce and fish caught that morning.

Experience the culture of the city at the Experience Music Project, an incredible museum devoted to music, movies and pop culture. Head to the Space Needle for views over the city and across the Puget Sound, or walk around Green Lake for some fresh air and a glimpse at local life in Seattle.

1. Mount Rainier National Park [SEE MAP]

Less than an hour’s drive outside of Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park, which is focused on the towering peak of Mount Rainier itself, the highest mountain in Washington. This incredible park is a popular destination to visit throughout the year, but snowy weather limits access to some areas. At the Paradise section of the park, you’ll see fields of colorful wildflowers and excellent hiking trails.

In the Sunrise section, you can drive to the highest vantage point in the park for truly spectacular views. Mountaineering and glacier climbing are two recreation options in the park, but Mount Rainier also offers easier hikes. Green Lake Trail, for instance, takes just over an hour and brings hikers through old growth forest and waterfalls.

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Reader interactions.

July 8, 2019 at 8:46 pm

Port Gamble is an amazing place!!

September 2, 2018 at 11:25 pm

Love checking out all the options for our upcoming road trip – so much to choose from so helpful for this guidance.

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What to see and do in Spokane, Washington

Washington State’s second most populous city, Spokane effortlessly mixes urban sophistication with striking outdoor attractions. Stop by for scores of sensational sights, events and activities.

Sandwiched between the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains in eastern Washington State, Spokane is a ruggedly handsome city that owes much of its current character to an early-20th-century construction boom and the legacy of the environmentally themed 1974 World’s Fair (widely referred to as Expo ’74). While the building rush endowed the city with an attractive assemblage of Romanesque revival architecture, the World’s Fair lives on in downtown Riverfront Park where various trails, sculptures and pavilions overlook the spectacular waters of Spokane Falls. Bringing the natural world into the city's downtown core, Riverfront Park exemplifies the diverse charm of Spokane. From long riverside bike rides in the morning to elegant pre-theatre drinks in the evening, here's how best to explore Washington State's most underrated city.

What to see

The focus of downtown Spokane is the lush Riverfront Park centred on Upper and Lower Spokane Falls, where visitors can loop around a network of interlinked bridges and trails, or take the Numerica SkyRide gondola over the falls themselves. Other eye-drawing attractions include the beloved Looff Carousel , a hand-carved fairground ride dating from 1909, and the huge, cone-shaped Spokane Pavilion , a nexus for year-round light shows and summer concerts.

Beyond the park, Spokane’s downtown entertainment district nurtures a strong cultural tradition. Broadway shows feature regularly at the First Interstate Center for the Arts , while the 110-year-old Bing Crosby Theater hosts musicals, comedy shows and tribute bands. Crosby grew up in Spokane and his former home has been made into a museum on the grounds of his alma mater, Gonzaga University.

The city also has an under-appreciated architectural tradition. The best place to immerse yourself in its splendour is the grandiose Browne’s Addition neighbourhood. Here you’ll find the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture , a showcase for Native American artefacts, where the largest exhibit, Campbell House, is an exquisite Tudor revival mansion with a lovingly restored Victorian interior.

Spokane is a short drive from Washington’s two largest state parks, Mount Spokane and Riverside. The former hosts a low-key downhill ski area with 52 wide, intermediate runs. In summer, 100 miles of multi-use trails are unveiled, with options to either hike or drive to the top of 1,794m Mount Spokane for 360-degree views of the inland Northwest.

Riverside Park is only six miles northwest of downtown Spokane and protects large tracts of ponderosa pine forest crisscrossed with trails. A park focal point is the Bowl and Pitcher , a shallow gorge containing huge boulders and swirling with angry water. A wooden suspension bridge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, crosses the river linking to a campground on the other side. The holy grail for cyclists is the 40-mile-long Centennial Trail that tracks the Spokane River from Riverside State Park through downtown to the Idaho border.

Spokane is also distinguished in the sporting domain, hosting a huge outdoor basketball tournament called Hoopfest , and one of the largest mass-participation running events in the world, the annual Bloomsday .

Where to stay

Spokane is home to one of the finest hotels in the nation. The 284-room Historic Davenport Hotel dates from 1914 and was built by prodigious local architect Kirtland Cutter in a striking retro style known as Renaissance revival. While the exterior is relatively restrained, the gilded interior is unashamedly lavish. Even if your budget doesn’t stretch to an overnight stay, it’s worth taking a peek into the ornate lobby or stopping for a cocktail in the genteel Peacock Room Lounge with its extravagant stained-glass ceiling.

Supplementing the Historic Davenport Hotel is the Davenport Lusso , a deluxe downtown haven of warm earthy tones and elegant furniture. Nearby, Spokane’s oldest historic boutique hotel, the Montvale Hotel , which opened in 1899 to house itinerant miners, mixes antique design features with snazzy modern touches to lure in 21st-century guests. At the more economical end of the market, the Hotel Ruby in the downtown entertainment district is an upgraded former motel embellished with funky art and cool splashes of colour.

Where to eat

Once a proud meat-and-potatoes kind of place, Spokane has diversified over the past two decades to become a melting pot of envelope-pushing international cuisine. This growing sophistication can be sampled in pioneering chef-led establishments such as Inland Pacific Kitchen , which marries intense flavours with creative presentation, and Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar , revered for its Baja-style fish and formidable cocktails.

Of older provenance are perennial favourites such as Wild Sage , an American-style bistro where local ingredients form the culinary bedrock; Frank’s Diner , a hub of no-nonsense breakfasts dispatched inside a 1906-vintage railway carriage; and Steam Plant Restaurant & Brew Pub , whose homebrewed suds and homespun handhelds, such as burgers and tacos, can be enjoyed in an ex-industrial facility — another of Kirtland Cutter’s creations.

To sample the true soul food of the region, head over to Indigenous Eats in the Gonzaga district, which offers such salt-of-the-earth delights as ground bison tacos and frybread with a huckleberry sauce, all sourced from local Native American businesses. The restaurant first opened in 2022 and its recently added second location (also in Spokane) was voted the fourth-best new restaurant in the country for 2024 by USA Today readers.

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The 11 best places to hike in Washington State

Posted: December 10, 2023 | Last updated: December 10, 2023

Washington and the Pacific Northwest are known as nature havens. So, it can be overwhelming to decide where to hit the trails. Here are 11 of the best places to hike in the state!

This college town, located just 25 miles south of the Canadian border, is a fantastic hiking place. Although it’s not as well-known to out-of-town visitors, it’s popular with locals. The Chuckanut Mountains are the closest and have numerous trails to lakes, viewpoints of the ocean, and parks.

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Olympic National Park

A ferry ride across the sound from Seattle lies an entirely different world. Olympic National Park spans just under a million acres and is diverse in landscape. You can hike alpine peaks in the Olympic Mountains (and ski in the winter), wander old-growth paths in the Hoh Rainforest, or take a beach hike followed by surfing the coast. There’s no shortage of variety!

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North Cascades National Park

Often overlooked for better-known Mount Rainier or the Olympics, the North Cascades are a spectacular part of Washington state, especially if you like to hike. Follow trails to electric blue lakes like Diablo, views of glaciers, and peaks unlike any other in the state.

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Issaquah Alps

The peaks — Cougar, Rattlesnake, Squawk, Taylor, and Tiger Mountain, as well as Rattlesnake and Grand Ridge, comprise the Issaquah Alps. Just a short drive east on I-90 from the city, they’re some of the most popular places for weekend hikes among Seattleites. A good feature of the area is many trails are short and not too strenuous — perfect for families or newbie hikers.

Mount Rainier National Park

This active volcano south of Seattle is one of the area’s most famous landmarks. If you’re lucky enough to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International on a clear day and sit on the correct side of the plane, you’re likely to glimpse the glaciated peak. Camp and hike among wildflowers in the summer, brilliant larch colors in the fall, and a snowy winter wonderland in the colder seasons.

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Snoqualmie Pass

A popular winter sports destination from December through March, Snoqualmie Pass is also a beautiful place to hike once the snow melts. The falls that share their name with the pass and mountain are the most iconic, but plenty of other hikes will take you to breathtaking summit views, clear lakes, and numerous other waterfalls.

After you drive Snoqualmie Pass heading east from Seattle on I-90, you’ll hit Cle Elum, not often noted by visitors but full of amazing trails. There's something for everyone, from Thorp Mountain to Hex Mountain and numerous lakes. Just remember, this is eastern Washington, so the climate is hotter in summer and colder in winter than the other side of the pass!

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Another mountain town, North Bend is located closer to the city, just past the Issaquah Alps. The town itself has spectacular views of Mount Si, which has many options for trails. Just remember snow can fall at higher elevations here in the winter, so be prepared!

Whidbey Island

A 20-minute ferry ride from Mukilteo is stunning Whidbey Island. Sand and rock beaches make for perfect walking paths when the tide is out. Alternatively, you can head to Ebey’s landing and walk the bluff above the shore before returning via the beach (check the tides). You can also drive all the way to Oak Harbor and hike in Deception Pass State Park.

You may also like: 15 amazing train rides across the US

San Juan Islands

West of the mainland, between Washington and Vancouver Island, are the San Juans, reachable by ferry from Anacortes or seaplane from Kenmore and Bellingham. The typically lush isles (full of lavender in the summer) have plenty to offer all types of hikers. Each island has numerous parks with paths that lead to stunning views of the sound and mountains.

The Okanagan

In the northeasternmost part of the state, the Okanagan runs all the way up to the Canadian border. The area actually spans both Washington and British Columbia and is full of lakes, wineries, alpine trails, and tall peaks.

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• 7 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in New South Wales

Retiring in New South Wales offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability, making it a standout choice for retirees. NSW is famed for its diverse landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches along the Pacific coast to the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains and the bucolic charm of the Hunter Valley. This geographical diversity ensures that retirees can choose a setting that resonates with their lifestyle, whether it's coastal serenity, mountain tranquility, or the vibrancy of wine country.

NSW's towns are renowned for their community spirit and access to quality amenities. From Goulburn's historical architecture and rich cultural life to the serene riverside living in Ballina, each town offers unique attractions and a supportive environment for retirees. Healthcare services across these areas are robust, with well-equipped hospitals and medical centers ensuring peace of mind for retirees regarding their health and wellbeing.

Moreover, the cost of living in many NSW towns is significantly lower than in metropolitan areas like Sydney, allowing retirees to enjoy a higher quality of life without compromising on housing, leisure, or healthcare. The state's commitment to public transport and infrastructure also means that retirees can easily explore their surroundings and stay connected with larger urban centers. These attributes make NSW an ideal destination for retirees seeking a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle in their golden years.

Nestled between Sydney and Canberra, Goulburn is a historical gem that marries affordability with a rich tapestry of cultural landmarks. The town is celebrated for its majestic cathedrals, such as the St. Saviour's Cathedral, and the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, offering a deep dive into the locomotive history that propelled NSW forward. The presence of serene parks and the iconic Big Merino statue echo the town’s pastoral charm and agricultural heritage, providing a scenic and tranquil setting for retirees.

The real estate market in Goulburn stands out for its accessibility, with a variety of housing options that don't sacrifice quality or location. Community life thrives through local farmers' markets, arts festivals, and the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, fostering a vibrant environment for retirees. Healthcare services are comprehensive, ensuring peace of mind for those in their golden years.

Armidale, set in the heart of the New England region, offers a unique blend of educational and natural resources, making it an ideal spot for active retirees. Renowned for its educational institutions like the University of New England, Armidale also prides itself on its Autumn Festival, which transforms the town into a kaleidoscope of colors and festivities. The town is surrounded by waterfalls, gorges, and parks, such as the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, offering endless exploration for nature lovers.

The cost of living in Armidale is notably lower than in NSW's metropolitan areas, yet it boasts an array of modern amenities. The town's commitment to sustainability and community wellness is evident in its well-maintained bike paths and public gardens. For retirees, Armidale provides a balance of leisure and learning opportunities, with community groups and workshops catering to a wide range of interests.

Mudgee is a haven for wine enthusiasts and those who cherish the rural Australian landscape. This town is distinguished by its award-winning vineyards and rustic charm, with a backdrop of rolling hills and lush valleys. The Mudgee Wine Festival and local gourmet food offerings highlight the town's dedication to fine dining and quality produce. Historical sites, including the Mudgee Museum and the colonial-era Homesteads, offer glimpses into Australia’s pastoral and gold rush history.

Housing in Mudgee is reasonably priced, with properties offering generous land sizes ideal for gardening or simply enjoying the outdoors. The community spirit is palpable, with art shows, market days, and wine tours fostering social connections among residents. Healthcare facilities, including the Mudgee Hospital, provide comprehensive care, ensuring retirees have access to essential services.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour combines the allure of golden beaches with the tranquility of a coastal town, making it an attractive destination for retirees. Famous for the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour offers more than just picturesque beaches; it's a gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, ideal for snorkeling and whale watching. The town also boasts the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden, providing a peaceful retreat into nature.

Real estate in Coffs Harbour caters to a range of preferences, from beachfront properties to secluded hinterland retreats. The town's vibrant community is supported by numerous clubs and associations, catering to interests from gardening to boating. Healthcare services are robust, with the Coffs Harbour Health Campus offering extensive medical facilities.

Located on the NSW-Victoria border along the Murray River, Albury is a bustling town that entices retirees with its cultural vibrancy and natural beauty. The Albury Botanic Gardens and the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) stand as testaments to the town's appreciation for the arts and the outdoors. Albury's strategic location makes it a hub for river activities, including fishing, boating, and riverside walks.

Albury's housing market is diverse, offering everything from modern apartments to traditional homes, all at affordable prices. The town's community fabric is enriched by events like the Albury Gold Cup and music festivals, which bring together residents of all ages. Comprehensive healthcare services, including the Albury Wodonga Health service, ensure well-being and accessibility for retirees.

Port Macquarie

This coastal town is a paradise for retirees who dream of a seaside lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger cities. Port Macquarie is renowned for its stunning beaches, koala hospital, and the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse. The town's coastal walks and vibrant arts scene, anchored by the Glasshouse Theatre and Regional Gallery, provide a stimulating cultural diet for residents.

Living in Port Macquarie means embracing a lifestyle where nature and community intersect seamlessly. The real estate market is inviting, with a variety of options from beachside apartments to quiet suburban homes. The town's numerous clubs, from sailing to golf, along with community volunteer opportunities, especially at the Koala Hospital, offer retirees a chance to engage actively with their community. Port Macquarie Base Hospital and a network of medical services ensure healthcare needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Ballina, with its picturesque position at the mouth of the Richmond River, offers retirees a tranquil yet vibrant setting to enjoy their retirement. Known for its spectacular beaches, the town is a hub for fishing and surfing, embodying the laid-back lifestyle that coastal NSW is famous for. Landmarks like the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum and the iconic Big Prawn add a unique charm to the town, while the Richmond River provides a beautiful backdrop for riverside picnics and walks.

Affordability in Ballina extends to the housing market, where retirees can find a diverse range of properties that offer value for money without compromising on lifestyle or amenities. The community spirit in Ballina is strong, with numerous social groups, clubs, and annual events like the Ballina Coastal Country Music Festival fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among residents. Health services in Ballina are comprehensive, with the Ballina District Hospital and numerous clinics ensuring accessible and reliable healthcare.

The Takeaway

Retiring in New South Wales doesn't mean you have to settle for the hustle and bustle of Sydney or the high cost of living that comes with it. The state offers a plethora of towns that combine affordability with quality of life, rich culture, natural beauty, and comprehensive amenities. Whether you're drawn to the heritage-rich streets of Goulburn, the educational ambiance of Armidale, the vineyard vistas of Mudgee, the beachside bliss of Coffs Harbour, the cultural hub of Albury, the seaside serenity of Port Macquarie, or the riverine charm of Ballina, NSW caters to a diverse range of preferences and lifestyles for those seeking a fulfilling retirement. Each town offers its unique tapestry of experiences, making NSW a premier destination for retirees who seek a balance between affordability and enriched living.

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Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: April 1, 2024 / 8:13 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on the morning of March 26  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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Maps of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

By Jonathan Corum

On April 8, the moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across a swath of North America: a total solar eclipse.

By cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear roughly the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the glare of the sun, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will be briefly visible.

Below are several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Where Can I See the Total Eclipse?

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow — a band sliding from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada — will experience a total solar eclipse.

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers inside the path of the total eclipse may notice a drop in temperature , a lull or shift in the wind , the appearance of bright planets in the sky, and the quieting of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie inside the path of the total eclipse, as shown below, the width of which varies from 108 miles to 122 miles.

20% partial eclipse

NEWFOUNDLAND

SASKATCHEWAN

Fredericton

Minneapolis

San Francisco

90% partial eclipse

Los Angeles

Mexico City

EL SALVADOR

Explore our interactive cloud outlook for eclipse viewing times and average cloud data at your location.

What Will I See?

A composite image of the 2017 solar eclipse over Madras, Ore.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

If the sky is clear, viewers in the path of the total eclipse should see a “diamond ring” effect a few seconds before and after the total eclipse, as the edge of the sun slips in and out of view.

The “diamond ring” effect during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rami Daud/NASA, Alcyon Technical Services

The sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, is normally hidden by the sun’s glare. These tendrils and sheets of gas, heated to a million degrees Fahrenheit or more, are in constant motion and shaped by the sun’s swirling magnetic field.

The sun’s corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

The sun is relatively active this year and is nearing the expected peak of its 11-year solar cycle . Researchers at Predictive Science are using data about the sun’s magnetic field to predict and model a dramatic corona for the April eclipse.

A prediction of how the sun’s corona might appear during the April 8 total eclipse.

Predictive Science

What Colors Should I Wear?

As the sky darkens, light-sensitive cells in human eyes become more sensitive to blue and green hues than to reds and oranges. This shift in color perception is known as the Purkinje effect , after a 19th-century Czech scientist, and is typically seen at twilight.

Watching the 2017 total eclipse at Southern Illinois University.

Andrea Morales for The New York Times

To take advantage of the Purkinje effect, wear green clothes or a contrasting combination of greens and reds. Blue-green colors (shorter wavelengths) will appear brighter, while red colors (longer wavelengths) will appear to recede into the darkness.

What If I Miss It?

The next two total solar eclipses in the United States won’t occur until 2044 and 2045 . But eclipse chasers might catch one in 2026 in Greenland, Iceland and Spain; 2027 along the coast of Northern Africa; 2028 in Australia and New Zealand; or 2030 across Southern Africa and Australia.

A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

By Katrina Miller

What’s the Cloud Forecast for Eclipse Day? See if the Weather Is on Your Side.

April 8 could be your best opportunity to see a total solar eclipse for decades. But if clouds fill the sky, you may miss the spectacle.

By Josh Katz, K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

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