Here in the Northwest we’re naturally adventurous, and we’re incredibly lucky to have so many amazing areas to check out! If you’re ready for an unforgettable trip in Washington, here are 15 places that you’ve got to explore:
- Cape Flattery Trail
Flickr / absolutekaos This trail ends at the most northwestern tip of the contiguous states and has a small wooden lookout where you can view a unique perspective of the ocean.
- Dead Man’s Cove, Cape Disappointment
Flickr / razvanorendovici This gorgeous beach area can be found just below the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse near Ilwaco.
- Cheese Cave
Wikipedia Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Trout Lake, this lava tube measures about 2,060 feet in length with a mostly flat floor and high ceiling.
- Deception Pass Park
Flickr / chasbot Between the forests, camping spots, trails, and shoreline, it’s pretty much impossible to run out of things to do at this state park.
- Colchuck Lake, near Leavenworth
Flickr / markschindler1200 This Northwest paradise is set between two of our state’s tallest peaks and features a vibrant lake, wildflowers, and beautiful scenery all around.
- Iron Goat Trail, Central Cascades
Flickr / jonhathaway Located about sixty miles northeast of Seattle, this trail goes along the upper and lower parts of an old abandoned Great Northern Railway grade.
- Wonderland Trail
Flickr / logicalrealist
Completely encircling Mount Rainier, this 93-mile long trail makes for a strenuous trip with lots of elevation gain and loss - though you don’t have to go the entire length. You’ll see flowery meadows, wildlife, and of course, impressive views of the mountain!
- Beacon Rock State Park
Flickr / infinitewilderness This 5,100-acre park is in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on Route 14 about 35 miles east of Vancouver and is an ideal location for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, boating and more!
- Mount Pilchuck State Park
Flickr / heystax
On the western side of the Cascade Mountains, this 1,893-acre state park features magnificent scenery, recreational fun, and the summit itself, Mount Pilchuck!
- Silver Star Mountain
Flickr / evanlovely This peak in the south Cascades area offers a stunning 360 panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge, Portland, Pacific Coast Range, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and even Mount Hood.
- Hole-In-The-Wall at Rialto Beach
Flickr / 23122882@N05 It’s about a two-mile walk along Rialto Beach filled with attractions and wildlife until you reach this fascinating rock arch.
- Gothic Basin, North Cascades
Flickr / logicalrealist This 10-mile trail near Darrington may be for more experienced hikers, but it features views that are seriously out of this world. It’s also dog friendly if you want to bring your four-legged friend!
- Boulder Cave, Mount Rainier area
Flickr / samanthalevang
Just outside of Naches in the Mount Rainier area you can travel through this cave that was formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity and is now home to Pacific western big-eared bats!
- Quinault Rain Forest
Flickr / mytravelphotos
This temperate rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula completely surrounds Lake Quinault and features a forested area comprised of fern, devil’s club, and hanging curtains of moss.
- Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier
Flickr / aquarjames This popular 5-mile loop in the Paradise area is filled with views of cascading waterfalls, glaciers and stunning meadows!
You can also check out these trails and state parks! Where are some of your favorite places in Washington to explore?
Flickr / absolutekaos
This trail ends at the most northwestern tip of the contiguous states and has a small wooden lookout where you can view a unique perspective of the ocean.
Flickr / razvanorendovici
This gorgeous beach area can be found just below the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse near Ilwaco.
Wikipedia
Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Trout Lake, this lava tube measures about 2,060 feet in length with a mostly flat floor and high ceiling.
Flickr / chasbot
Between the forests, camping spots, trails, and shoreline, it’s pretty much impossible to run out of things to do at this state park.
Flickr / markschindler1200
This Northwest paradise is set between two of our state’s tallest peaks and features a vibrant lake, wildflowers, and beautiful scenery all around.
Flickr / jonhathaway
Located about sixty miles northeast of Seattle, this trail goes along the upper and lower parts of an old abandoned Great Northern Railway grade.
Flickr / logicalrealist
Completely encircling Mount Rainier, this 93-mile long trail makes for a strenuous trip with lots of elevation gain and loss - though you don’t have to go the entire length. You’ll see flowery meadows, wildlife, and of course, impressive views of the mountain!
Flickr / infinitewilderness
This 5,100-acre park is in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on Route 14 about 35 miles east of Vancouver and is an ideal location for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, boating and more!
Flickr / heystax
On the western side of the Cascade Mountains, this 1,893-acre state park features magnificent scenery, recreational fun, and the summit itself, Mount Pilchuck!
Flickr / evanlovely
This peak in the south Cascades area offers a stunning 360 panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge, Portland, Pacific Coast Range, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and even Mount Hood.
Flickr / 23122882@N05
It’s about a two-mile walk along Rialto Beach filled with attractions and wildlife until you reach this fascinating rock arch.
Flickr / logicalrealist
This 10-mile trail near Darrington may be for more experienced hikers, but it features views that are seriously out of this world. It’s also dog friendly if you want to bring your four-legged friend!
Flickr / samanthalevang
Just outside of Naches in the Mount Rainier area you can travel through this cave that was formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity and is now home to Pacific western big-eared bats!
Flickr / mytravelphotos
This temperate rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula completely surrounds Lake Quinault and features a forested area comprised of fern, devil’s club, and hanging curtains of moss.
Flickr / aquarjames
This popular 5-mile loop in the Paradise area is filled with views of cascading waterfalls, glaciers and stunning meadows!
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