It’s not hard to love the great outdoors when you live in Washington. Every corner of our state is covered in hiking trails, forests, mountains, lakes, plains or beaches that would turn anyone into an adventurer. You could spend a lifetime in this state exploring the outdoors and not see all there is to see, but this bucket list definitely covers substantial ground.
- Experience The Hoh.
rickz / Flickr If you love the outdoors, please visit Washington’s beautiful temperate rainforest.
- Visit Paradise.
AnnInBC / TripAdvisor Located at Mount Rainier National Park, the Paradise Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
- Camp on the beach on the Olympic Peninsula.
Jeff Few / Flickr At Second Beach and Cape Disappointment State Park, you’re allowed to pitch a tent on the sand.
- Hike the Anderson and Watson Lakes Trail.
Brandon Hoff / Flickr Located on the west slope of the North Cascades, this four mile “round trip” trail is surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Visit Palouse Falls State Park.
NikonFDSLR / Flickr You’ll find some of Eastern Washington’s most breathtaking scenery at Palouse Falls.
- Take a ferry to Whidbey Island, drive north and explore Deception Pass State Park.
Rain Rannu / Flickr Between the fresh air, the miles of shoreline and the unbelievable sunsets, you won’t want to leave.
- Hike Hurricane Ridge.
PTMurphus / Flickr On a clear, sunny day the view from the top goes on for miles.
- Go kayaking in the San Juan Islands.
Benjamin Hollis / Flickr If you’re a kayaking novice, companies like San Juan Island Outfitters will organize a guided tour.
- Stay at Ross Lake Resort in Rockport.
Tripadvisor/Cocobam These quiet cabins are only accessible by ferry or by hike. The rewards for your efforts will be a peaceful getaway and unparalleled mountain views.
- Hike the Naches Peak Loop Trail.
Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr This short hike in Mount Rainier National Park is full of meadows of flowers, especially in the late summer and early fall.
- Walk along the shores of Long Beach.
Christopher / Flickr Take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the sand.
- Go skiing.
Colleen Lane / Flickr White Pass Ski Resort gets crowded, but it’s a beautiful place to go skiing or snowboarding.
- Go boating on Lake Chelan.
sunrisesoup / Flickr Bonus points if you make it out for the sunrise.
- Visit Wallace Falls State Park.
Scott Meis / Flickr If you make it to the end of the Wallace Falls Trail, this beautiful waterfall will be your reward.
- See the oldest park in Eastern Washington.
Mike Tigas / Flickr Mount Spokane State Park spans 13,919 acres and has plenty of territory to explore.
You can explore Washington’s great outdoors in any season. But if you’re hoping for a few more summer adventures, here’s a list of great ideas.
rickz / Flickr
If you love the outdoors, please visit Washington’s beautiful temperate rainforest.
AnnInBC / TripAdvisor
Located at Mount Rainier National Park, the Paradise Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
Jeff Few / Flickr
At Second Beach and Cape Disappointment State Park, you’re allowed to pitch a tent on the sand.
Brandon Hoff / Flickr
Located on the west slope of the North Cascades, this four mile “round trip” trail is surrounded by stunning scenery.
NikonFDSLR / Flickr
You’ll find some of Eastern Washington’s most breathtaking scenery at Palouse Falls.
Rain Rannu / Flickr
Between the fresh air, the miles of shoreline and the unbelievable sunsets, you won’t want to leave.
PTMurphus / Flickr
On a clear, sunny day the view from the top goes on for miles.
Benjamin Hollis / Flickr
If you’re a kayaking novice, companies like San Juan Island Outfitters will organize a guided tour.
Tripadvisor/Cocobam
These quiet cabins are only accessible by ferry or by hike. The rewards for your efforts will be a peaceful getaway and unparalleled mountain views.
Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr
This short hike in Mount Rainier National Park is full of meadows of flowers, especially in the late summer and early fall.
Christopher / Flickr
Take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the sand.
Colleen Lane / Flickr
White Pass Ski Resort gets crowded, but it’s a beautiful place to go skiing or snowboarding.
sunrisesoup / Flickr
Bonus points if you make it out for the sunrise.
Scott Meis / Flickr
If you make it to the end of the Wallace Falls Trail, this beautiful waterfall will be your reward.
Mike Tigas / Flickr
Mount Spokane State Park spans 13,919 acres and has plenty of territory to explore.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
