The Evergreen State is abundant in natural beauty and exciting destinations. Hop in the car and head out in any direction and it won’t take long to find a scenic road, a fun roadside destination, or an unexpected adventure. Washington is home to glistening lakes, lush forests, and glorious landscapes, not to mention delicious cuisine and unique attractions. There’s so much to see in our corner of the Pacific Northwest and if you’ve never ventured to the northern part of our beautiful state, you’re in for a real treat. Here is a list of must-see destinations in Northern Washington.
- Whatcom Falls
LoweStock/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Whatcom Falls Park is a 241-acre park surrounding Whatcom Creek in Bellingham. Explore the well-maintained walking trails and take in the beauty of four unique waterfalls. Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229, USA
- Anacortes Whale Watching
Island Adventures Whale Watching/Facebook Have you ever seen a majestic Orca whale up close? Anacortes is the perfect place to view these magnificent marine mammals, along with humpbacks, and gray whales on this unforgettable Island Adventures Wildlife Tour. Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
- La Conner
july7th/E+ via Getty Images Easily one of the most charming towns in Washington, La Conner is nestled in the Skagit Valley, home of the famous Tulip Festival. But the tulips don’t have to be in bloom for you to enjoy the beauty of La Conner. La Conner, WA 98257, USA
- Patterson Mountain
Photo Journall/Flickr The Patterson Mountain trail is a short hike along the Methow Valley in Okanogan County, and the views are spectacular. Springtime brings colorful wildflowers to the trail, and the Aspen trees are resplendent in shades of gold during the autumn months. Patterson Mountain Trailhead, 2-16 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
- Old Molson Ghost Town
shari30/Trip Advisor Another unique destination in Okanogan County is the Old Molson Ghost Town Museum, an authentic pioneer town preserved as an outdoor museum. Wander through the old buildings and imagine what life was like in the early 1900s. Molson, WA 98844, USA
- Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge
LooseKnob/Flickr Nestled between the Cascade foothills and the Rocky Mountains, just east of Colville, this wildlife preserve is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as moose, bear, deer, cougar, and elk. Enjoy hiking, camping, and horseback riding while observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, 1310 Bear Creek Rd, Colville, WA 99114, USA
- Cascade Loop Scenic Byway
Cascade Loop Scenic Highway The North Cascades Scenic Byway is a 140-mile winding loop through some of Washington’s most beautiful scenery and breathtaking seasonal landscapes. Check out the Cascade Loop Website for points of interest and travel alerts. Cascade Loop Northeast, Cascade Loop NE, Washington 98516, USA
- Lake Roosevelt
4nadia/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Lake Roosevelt, previously known as Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, is a Columbia River reservoir popular with boaters who come to the area for its warm weather, and stunning geologic landscape. Lake Roosevelt is the perfect place to work on your tan while swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Washington, USA
We can’t imagine living in a more beautiful state. There are so many things to do and see in Washington that are worth the drive. Get out and explore and tell us about your adventures in the comments.
LoweStock/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Whatcom Falls Park is a 241-acre park surrounding Whatcom Creek in Bellingham. Explore the well-maintained walking trails and take in the beauty of four unique waterfalls.
Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229, USA
Island Adventures Whale Watching/Facebook
Have you ever seen a majestic Orca whale up close? Anacortes is the perfect place to view these magnificent marine mammals, along with humpbacks, and gray whales on this unforgettable Island Adventures Wildlife Tour.
Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
july7th/E+ via Getty Images
Easily one of the most charming towns in Washington, La Conner is nestled in the Skagit Valley, home of the famous Tulip Festival. But the tulips don’t have to be in bloom for you to enjoy the beauty of La Conner.
La Conner, WA 98257, USA
Photo Journall/Flickr
The Patterson Mountain trail is a short hike along the Methow Valley in Okanogan County, and the views are spectacular. Springtime brings colorful wildflowers to the trail, and the Aspen trees are resplendent in shades of gold during the autumn months.
Patterson Mountain Trailhead, 2-16 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
shari30/Trip Advisor
Another unique destination in Okanogan County is the Old Molson Ghost Town Museum, an authentic pioneer town preserved as an outdoor museum. Wander through the old buildings and imagine what life was like in the early 1900s.
Molson, WA 98844, USA
LooseKnob/Flickr
Nestled between the Cascade foothills and the Rocky Mountains, just east of Colville, this wildlife preserve is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as moose, bear, deer, cougar, and elk. Enjoy hiking, camping, and horseback riding while observing wildlife in their natural habitats.
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, 1310 Bear Creek Rd, Colville, WA 99114, USA
Cascade Loop Scenic Highway
The North Cascades Scenic Byway is a 140-mile winding loop through some of Washington’s most beautiful scenery and breathtaking seasonal landscapes. Check out the Cascade Loop Website for points of interest and travel alerts.
Cascade Loop Northeast, Cascade Loop NE, Washington 98516, USA
4nadia/ iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Lake Roosevelt, previously known as Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, is a Columbia River reservoir popular with boaters who come to the area for its warm weather, and stunning geologic landscape. Lake Roosevelt is the perfect place to work on your tan while swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Washington, USA
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