You won't believe these magical places are in Washington
With 71,362 square miles, we’re pretty sure you haven’t explored all that Washington has to offer.
We’ve gathered 15 spots that every Washingtonian needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.
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Shi Shi Beach
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The trail to Shi Shi Beach begins on the tribal lands of the Makah Indian Reservation, while the beach itself is located in Washington’s Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula. Shi Shi Beach is known for beautiful sunsets, soft sand, impressive eagles and seabirds, and glorious rock formations.
Palouse Falls
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At Palouse Falls you’ll see, well, a waterfall surrounded by canyons. The fall is one of the last remnants of the Missoula Glacial Floods, which swept across eastern Washington approximately 12,000 years ago during the Ice Age. The water pours down into the Palouse River, which runs all the way into the Snake River.
Frenchman Coulee
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Climbers, climb on. For those who don’t climb, we suggest camping right on the edge of the canyon, where you’ll get some great vista views. From the canyon, you have many options. Take a short hike to the waterfall, watch the rock climbers climb the basalt towers, or follow the road down to the Columbia River, where you’ll find multiple walking trails and a boat launch.
Nisqually Glacier
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The Nisqually Glacier is a beautiful sheet of ice, easily accessible to the public. Those wanting to wander can do so without a permit until they reach 10,000 feet or onto the glaciers themselves. Avid climbers can also opt to take courses and crevasse rescue training through The Mountaineers, a Washington nonprofit organization “helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.” Those wanting to skip the climb and embark on a calm hike can do so around the Glacier Point Trail, which leads to a beautiful viewpoint of the glacier.
Seabrook
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Book a whole cottage for as low as $95 a day, and enjoy all of Seabrook’s town amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, playground, and sports courts. Make sure to pack your swimsuit and make a day of relaxing on the beach, catching a few waves, clam digging, paddleboarding, and kayaking. If you’d like a more adventurous journey, go for a bike ride or hike one of the many trails in and near Seabrook.
Deception Pass State Park
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We suggest starting your trip at the scenic vista parking lot at the end of the Deception Pass Bridge. From there, you’ll be able to see the bridge and beautiful waters of Deception Pass. From the vista viewpoint, drive further into the park and start exploring.
Colchuck Lake
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When you first catch a glimpse of the lake, your jaw will drop. Seriously. With a backdrop of snowy mountains and bright skies, the aquamarine waters will be ever so inviting. After your hike, feel free to picnic, take a nap under a tree, or jump into the water — we’re warning you, though, the glacier water is freezing cold. If you’re planning on camping out by the lake, an overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31. We highly suggest entering the lottery for an overnight pass.
Hoh Rain Forest
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With a yearly average of 3.55 meters of rain, it’s no wonder the Hoh Rain Forest is as green as it is. The beautiful temperate rain forest is one of the lushest in the world, crowned with both a World Heritage Site title and biosphere reserve title from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
Dry Falls
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During the last Ice Age, nearly 20,000 years ago, the falls formed after the collapse of ice dams, causing Lake Missoula to flood down the Grand Coulee, creating the large waterfall. Eventually, as all the ice melted, the river returned to its normal course and dried up to the state that we see it in today. While the falls would’ve undoubtedly been an incredible sight to come across, we can’t complain about the current views at Dry Falls.
Silver Falls
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With rainbow stones and an accessible path, Silver Falls is undoubtedly one of the prettiest waterfalls that our state has to offer. One look at the crystal clear water and colorful rocks, you’re going to want to dip right in. The falls are accessible year-round and are perfectly picturesque.
Diablo Lake
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If you’re feeling a little blue, a trip to Diablo Lake can help change your mood. Staring into the vastness of the lake will remind you of how insignificant your problems are compared to the greatness of the world. Although Diablo lake itself is a man-made reservoir created by the Diablo hydroelectric dam, you won’t feel like it’s artificial with the amount of nature nearby. We can thank glacial flour in the water for the stunning turquoise color of the lake — much of the water is fed by Thunder Creek Basin.
Silver Lake Park
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The Silver Lake Park campgrounds offer RV campsites, tent sites, cabins, as well as a group camping space. The well-maintained site features a large picnic shelter, water and electric hookups, vault toilets, outhouses, and horse stables for overnight boarding. Campsite rates begin at $18 for residents of Whatcom County and $25 for Non-Whatcom County residents. We recommend buying firewood at the Maple Falls convenience store or at the campground itself for the best rates.
Ape Cave
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At over two miles in length, prepare to be amazed by the natural wonder of the Mount St. Helens Lava Tube, Ape Cave, the third-longest lava tube in North America. With volcanic rocks and slimy walls spanning 2.4 miles, you’re going to feel like you’ve transported to another planet. The tube is accessible year-round and is a great spot for those interested in Sasquatch hunting — it’s said that the nearby Ape Canyon was the site of a family of Bigfoot back in 1924.
Mount Baker
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For years, skiers and snowboarders alike have enjoyed Mt. Baker for the chill atmosphere and amazing powder. Whether you’re a newbie, seasoned pro, or would rather snowshoe your way into the chalet, Mount Baker is a Washington staple that has to be visited at least once in a lifetime.
The Drumheller Channels
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If you’re planning a statewide road trip anytime soon, don’t forget to stop by the incredible Drumheller Channels — photos just don’t do the butte-and-basin channels justice. The channels are best described by the Washington National Wildlife Refuge as an “erosional landscape characterized by hundreds of isolated, steep-sided hills surrounded by a braided network of (usually) dry stream channels.”