How lucky are we to live in such an incredibly diverse and beautiful state? This year, focus on taking local trips that are about quality over quantity. It doesn’t take much to see life from a new perspective. Here are a few ideas for expanding your horizons.

  1. A trip over this swinging bridge will really give you a new perspective on life.

Mt. St. Helens / Flickr Would you dare to cross the Lava Canyon Bridge near Mt. St. Helens?

  1. You’ll never forget your experience at Washington’s most remote restaurant.

management / TripAdvisor Care for some destination dining? You’ll find the Willows Inn on Lummi Island at the southwest corner of Whatcom County, in between the mainland and the San Juan Islands. It’s absolutely worth the trip.

  1. Head to Prosser and check out the mysterious phenomenon known as Gravity Hill.

Ben Tesch / Flickr Is it an illusion? Is it real? Find out for sure.

  1. Drive along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway to experience the Olympic Peninsula and our beautiful beaches.

PTMurphus / Flickr We’ve outlined a beautiful Washington Coast road trip.

  1. Cure your fear of heights with a gorgeous gondola ride.

Steve R / Yelp Riding the Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort is a breathtaking experience.

  1. This summer, hike the Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park.

CheWei Chang / Flickr Whether you’re a novice hiker or a pro, you’ll love this trail.

  1. Perhaps Port Townsend’s Fort Worden State Park is haunted, perhaps not. But either way, you should camp there.

Dan DeLuca / Flickr Fort Worden is a beautiful place with a lot of historic charm.

  1. When fall arrives, head to Walla Walla.

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook This charming Eastern Washington city has all the shopping, wine tasting and fine dining you’ll ever need, not to mention the annual Balloon Stampede in October.

  1. And speaking of fall, don’t forget to take the time to enjoy a fall foliage road trip.

Winthrop Washington Facebook The North Cascade Loop is stunning in autumn.

  1. Make it a point to visit Washington’s rainforest.

W. Tipton / Flickr Visiting The Hoh feels like experiencing a dream.

  1. And for a life-changing island getaway, there’s no place on Earth like the San Juans.

Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr If you’ve never seen the San Juan Islands, you’re missing out on some stunning Washington scenery.

All of these destinations are beautiful. But if you feel like exploring the state by car, check out our list of unforgettable road trips.

Mt. St. Helens / Flickr

Would you dare to cross the Lava Canyon Bridge near Mt. St. Helens?

management / TripAdvisor

Care for some destination dining? You’ll find the Willows Inn on Lummi Island at the southwest corner of Whatcom County, in between the mainland and the San Juan Islands. It’s absolutely worth the trip.

Ben Tesch / Flickr

Is it an illusion? Is it real? Find out for sure.

PTMurphus / Flickr

We’ve outlined a beautiful Washington Coast road trip.

Steve R / Yelp

Riding the Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort is a breathtaking experience.

CheWei Chang / Flickr

Whether you’re a novice hiker or a pro, you’ll love this trail.

Dan DeLuca / Flickr

Fort Worden is a beautiful place with a lot of historic charm.

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook

This charming Eastern Washington city has all the shopping, wine tasting and fine dining you’ll ever need, not to mention the annual Balloon Stampede in October.

Winthrop Washington Facebook

The North Cascade Loop is stunning in autumn.

W. Tipton / Flickr

Visiting The Hoh feels like experiencing a dream.

Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr

If you’ve never seen the San Juan Islands, you’re missing out on some stunning Washington scenery.

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