The state of Washington is positively filled with stunning attractions, from towering mountain peaks to rushing waterfalls, dense forests, and just about everything in between. It’s true that you can experience pure Northwest bliss almost anywhere in the state, but here are 15 must-see places in Washington that you must visit someday:
- Cape Flattery, Clallam County
Flickr / rick_bergstrom
Our list of must-visit places in Washington begins at Cape Flattery. You can discover this natural beauty on the Olympic Peninsula after a short hike, most of which features a boardwalk. Did you know that Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S.?
- Spray Park, Ashford
Sean Munson/Flickr Catch your strikingly attractive reflection in the water here in Mount Rainier National Park! Spray Park is accessible via a lengthy hike, which, although challenging in places, proves to be rewarding at every turn.
- Dr. Jose Rizal Park, Seattle
Flickr / mwhyte Ever wondered where all those awesome Seattle skyline shots come from? Photographers - this is your dream location!
- Lenore Lake Caves, Soap Lake area
Tiffany Von Arnim/Flickr The shallow caves were originally formed after water from a Great Missoula flood pulled parts of basalt from the walls of the coulee. After the water receded and the caves were created, some of the early native people used the space as shelter. Learn more about how you can hike to the Lenore Lake Caves in Washington.
- Hurricane Hill, Olympic Peninsula
Bala Sivakumar/Flickr No list of must-see places in Washington is complete without a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll catch some unforgettable views of the Elwha Valley on this hike and, at some points, even Mount Baker.
- Horseshoe Lake, Central/Western Washington
Flickr / shok The view here in Gifford Pinchot National Forest redefines perfection.
- Tolmie Peak, Mount Rainier
Flickr / valor Without a doubt, Tolmie Peak is every hiker’s paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s among the best hiking trails in all of Washington.
- Perfection Lake, Enchantment Lakes
Flickr / 42628587@N02 This flawless body of water just outside of Leavenworth gets its name for a reason! Learn more about why the Enchantment Lakes are among the most magical destinations in Washington.
- Hoh Rainforest, Forks
Krystal Hamlin/Flickr Plan an exotic visit to Olympic National Park one of these days to explore this temperate rainforest. Beautiful in any season, the Hoh Rainforest is truly bucket list-worthy.
- Skyline Divide Trail, Mount Baker area
Flickr / taylorrussell
This 9-mile trip on the Skyline Divide Trail is full of wildflower fields will mesmerize you in ways you never imagined. Plus, this trail has some of the best mountain views in Washington.
- Priest Point Park, Olympia
Flickr / confusedmime One of the most heavenly waterfront parks you’ll visit in your lifetime! There’s plenty of picnic area for a comfy outdoor feast at Priest Point Park.
- Harry’s Ridge Trail, near Toutle
Flickr / 29638108@N06 You can admire Mount St. Helens in the distance for almost the entire 8-mile trip! The trail is actually named after a man named Harry Randall Truman who refused to leave his home despite evacuation orders and died when the volcano erupted on May 18, 1980.
- Bean Creek Basin, by Cle Elum
Flickr / ahhhsucre This 5-mile trail offers spectacular views of Mount Stuart, Earl Peak and Iron Peak!
- Duncan Garden, Spokane
Flickr / 62005704@N00
If you haven’t already taken a billion pictures of this beautiful botanical garden in Manito Park, then what are you waiting for?
- Tree Cave in Kalaloch, Olympic National Park
Flickr / daveynin Don’t believe in magic? This tree has visible roots that keep the tree alive, yet it doesn’t have any soil. How is that possible? How is the top so luscious and green?? Nobody knows the mysteries of Tree Cave.
What are your thoughts on these 15 must-see places in Washington? How many have you visited, and which destinations would you add to the list? We’d love to hear from you — be sure to leave a comment below!
Flickr / rick_bergstrom
Our list of must-visit places in Washington begins at Cape Flattery. You can discover this natural beauty on the Olympic Peninsula after a short hike, most of which features a boardwalk. Did you know that Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S.?
Sean Munson/Flickr
Catch your strikingly attractive reflection in the water here in Mount Rainier National Park! Spray Park is accessible via a lengthy hike, which, although challenging in places, proves to be rewarding at every turn.
Flickr / mwhyte
Ever wondered where all those awesome Seattle skyline shots come from? Photographers - this is your dream location!
Tiffany Von Arnim/Flickr
The shallow caves were originally formed after water from a Great Missoula flood pulled parts of basalt from the walls of the coulee. After the water receded and the caves were created, some of the early native people used the space as shelter. Learn more about how you can hike to the Lenore Lake Caves in Washington.
Bala Sivakumar/Flickr
No list of must-see places in Washington is complete without a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll catch some unforgettable views of the Elwha Valley on this hike and, at some points, even Mount Baker.
Flickr / shok
The view here in Gifford Pinchot National Forest redefines perfection.
Flickr / valor
Without a doubt, Tolmie Peak is every hiker’s paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s among the best hiking trails in all of Washington.
Flickr / 42628587@N02
This flawless body of water just outside of Leavenworth gets its name for a reason! Learn more about why the Enchantment Lakes are among the most magical destinations in Washington.
Krystal Hamlin/Flickr
Plan an exotic visit to Olympic National Park one of these days to explore this temperate rainforest. Beautiful in any season, the Hoh Rainforest is truly bucket list-worthy.
Flickr / taylorrussell
This 9-mile trip on the Skyline Divide Trail is full of wildflower fields will mesmerize you in ways you never imagined. Plus, this trail has some of the best mountain views in Washington.
Flickr / confusedmime
One of the most heavenly waterfront parks you’ll visit in your lifetime! There’s plenty of picnic area for a comfy outdoor feast at Priest Point Park.
Flickr / 29638108@N06
You can admire Mount St. Helens in the distance for almost the entire 8-mile trip! The trail is actually named after a man named Harry Randall Truman who refused to leave his home despite evacuation orders and died when the volcano erupted on May 18, 1980.
Flickr / ahhhsucre
This 5-mile trail offers spectacular views of Mount Stuart, Earl Peak and Iron Peak!
Flickr / 62005704@N00
If you haven’t already taken a billion pictures of this beautiful botanical garden in Manito Park, then what are you waiting for?
Flickr / daveynin
Don’t believe in magic? This tree has visible roots that keep the tree alive, yet it doesn’t have any soil. How is that possible? How is the top so luscious and green?? Nobody knows the mysteries of Tree Cave.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USAAddress: Spray Park Trail, Washington 98304, USAAddress: Dr Jose P Rizal Bridge, Seattle, WA 98144, USAAddress: Lake Lenore Caves, Lake Lenore Caves Trail, Soap Lake, WA 98851, USAAddress: Hurricane Hill, Washington 98363, USAAddress: Horseshoe Lake, Washington 98674, USAAddress: Tolmie Peak, Washington 98304, USAAddress: Leavenworth, WA 98826, USAAddress: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USAAddress: Skyline Divide, Washington 98244, USAAddress: 2600 East Bay Drive Northeast, Olympia, WA 98506, USAAddress: Toutle, WA, USAAddress: Cle Elum, WA 98922, USAAddress: S Duncan Rd, Washington 99031, USAAddress: Olympic National Park, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Must-See Places in Washington January 27, 2021 Beth C. Does Washington have any natural wonders? As you might have guessed from reading about the top 15 must-see places in Washington, the Evergreen State is positively brimming with magic. It’s true that there are lots of natural wonders in Washington worth exploring. Some of the most popular natural wonders include Mount Rainier and the surrounding Mount Rainier National Park, Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mount St. Helens, and San Juan Island. What are the best parks to visit in Washington? One of the best ways to explore the state of Washington is to visit one of the many parks. From national parks to state parks, Washington has no shortage of dedicated areas where you can learn about wildlife and interact with nature in the most unforgettable way. Some of the best parks to visit in Washington include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Deception Pass State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Gingko Petrified Forest State Park, Cape Disappointment State Park, Birch Bay State Park, and Manchester State Park. What is the tallest waterfall in Washington? Washington has an abundance of gorgeous waterfalls to explore. Bridal Veil Falls holds the title of the tallest waterfall in Washington, although it’s actually a series of seven waterfalls that measure 1,291 feet. Do you love exploring Washington’s waterfalls? Then you’ll want to check out our waterfall road trip through Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Must-See Places in Washington
January 27, 2021
Beth C.
Does Washington have any natural wonders? As you might have guessed from reading about the top 15 must-see places in Washington, the Evergreen State is positively brimming with magic. It’s true that there are lots of natural wonders in Washington worth exploring. Some of the most popular natural wonders include Mount Rainier and the surrounding Mount Rainier National Park, Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mount St. Helens, and San Juan Island. What are the best parks to visit in Washington? One of the best ways to explore the state of Washington is to visit one of the many parks. From national parks to state parks, Washington has no shortage of dedicated areas where you can learn about wildlife and interact with nature in the most unforgettable way. Some of the best parks to visit in Washington include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Deception Pass State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Gingko Petrified Forest State Park, Cape Disappointment State Park, Birch Bay State Park, and Manchester State Park. What is the tallest waterfall in Washington? Washington has an abundance of gorgeous waterfalls to explore. Bridal Veil Falls holds the title of the tallest waterfall in Washington, although it’s actually a series of seven waterfalls that measure 1,291 feet. Do you love exploring Washington’s waterfalls? Then you’ll want to check out our waterfall road trip through Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you might have guessed from reading about the top 15 must-see places in Washington, the Evergreen State is positively brimming with magic. It’s true that there are lots of natural wonders in Washington worth exploring. Some of the most popular natural wonders include Mount Rainier and the surrounding Mount Rainier National Park, Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Mount St. Helens, and San Juan Island.
What are the best parks to visit in Washington?
One of the best ways to explore the state of Washington is to visit one of the many parks. From national parks to state parks, Washington has no shortage of dedicated areas where you can learn about wildlife and interact with nature in the most unforgettable way. Some of the best parks to visit in Washington include Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Deception Pass State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Gingko Petrified Forest State Park, Cape Disappointment State Park, Birch Bay State Park, and Manchester State Park.
What is the tallest waterfall in Washington?
Washington has an abundance of gorgeous waterfalls to explore. Bridal Veil Falls holds the title of the tallest waterfall in Washington, although it’s actually a series of seven waterfalls that measure 1,291 feet. Do you love exploring Washington’s waterfalls? Then you’ll want to check out our waterfall road trip through Washington.
