If you’re looking for an adventure that’s completely out of this world but can’t afford to travel to space just yet, you can always hop in your car and discover one of these 8 totally surreal places right here in the Northwest:
- The Kalaloch Tree
Budding Memories Photo Also known as “The Tree of Life,” this bizarre piece of nature in the Olympic National Park somehow still stands despite the fact that it has roots that lead to nowhere and there’s no soil to help keep it alive!
- Satsop Nuclear Plant
Pei Ketron What, is this some kind of spaceship? Not quite - it’s actually a nuclear power plant in Elma that was about 75% complete in 1983 when construction funds ran out and the project was abandoned. In order to avoid having to pay to tear it all down, the place was handed over to a public corporation and now serves as a training facility for a couple of small businesses. However, anyone can park and explore around the fascinating nuclear site, although there are a few areas that are fenced off.
- Ruby Beach
snowpeak / Flickr Just off Highway 101 in the Olympic National Park you can also enjoy a phenomenal view of these sea stacks, some of which are accessible at low tides!
- Abercrombie Mountain
Aaron Theisen High above the second-highest peak in eastern Washington you’ll not only find this rocky path that feels like walking on Mars, but also an incredible view of the Cascades and the Selkirk Mountains.
- Drumheller Channels
Tom Foster / Ice Age Floods This otherworldly landscape near Othello is full of steep-sided hills that you can hike through, surrounded by a network of dry channels formed thousands of years ago from the Ice Age Floods.
- Big Four Ice Caves
Flickr / michaelmattiphotography You probably just want to check out this mystical ice cave through photos since the site is extremely dangerous - however The Seattle Times did recently announce that they’re actually planning to re-open the trail to the area soon but with warning signs posted.
- Beacon Rock
Central Washington Wildflowers If you’re up for a challenge, the hike up this monolith along the Columbia River Gorge is open year-round! The trail is gradual and features railings all the way up across several bridges and switchbacks, but once you reach the top the panoramic view is extraordinary.
- Panther Creek Falls
Thomas Shahan / Flickr After a visit to this beautiful horsetail waterfall in the Wind River Valley you’ll certainly be wondering which planet you’re on. The 130-foot cascade consists of two drops and can be found along the scenic Panther Creek Falls Trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest!
Have you been to any of these surreal spots before?? What other places in Washington make you feel like you’re on another planet? Add to this list below!
Budding Memories Photo
Also known as “The Tree of Life,” this bizarre piece of nature in the Olympic National Park somehow still stands despite the fact that it has roots that lead to nowhere and there’s no soil to help keep it alive!
Pei Ketron
What, is this some kind of spaceship? Not quite - it’s actually a nuclear power plant in Elma that was about 75% complete in 1983 when construction funds ran out and the project was abandoned. In order to avoid having to pay to tear it all down, the place was handed over to a public corporation and now serves as a training facility for a couple of small businesses. However, anyone can park and explore around the fascinating nuclear site, although there are a few areas that are fenced off.
snowpeak / Flickr
Just off Highway 101 in the Olympic National Park you can also enjoy a phenomenal view of these sea stacks, some of which are accessible at low tides!
Aaron Theisen
High above the second-highest peak in eastern Washington you’ll not only find this rocky path that feels like walking on Mars, but also an incredible view of the Cascades and the Selkirk Mountains.
Tom Foster / Ice Age Floods
This otherworldly landscape near Othello is full of steep-sided hills that you can hike through, surrounded by a network of dry channels formed thousands of years ago from the Ice Age Floods.
Flickr / michaelmattiphotography
You probably just want to check out this mystical ice cave through photos since the site is extremely dangerous - however The Seattle Times did recently announce that they’re actually planning to re-open the trail to the area soon but with warning signs posted.
Central Washington Wildflowers
If you’re up for a challenge, the hike up this monolith along the Columbia River Gorge is open year-round! The trail is gradual and features railings all the way up across several bridges and switchbacks, but once you reach the top the panoramic view is extraordinary.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr
After a visit to this beautiful horsetail waterfall in the Wind River Valley you’ll certainly be wondering which planet you’re on. The 130-foot cascade consists of two drops and can be found along the scenic Panther Creek Falls Trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest!
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