Washington offers something for everyone, with sprawling verdant parks, historical museums and iconic sights all over. Additionally, Washington is home to some of the nation’s premier universities, art venues and luxury hotels – something not seen elsewhere in North America.
Mount Rainier National Park is an incredible experience, especially for hikers seeking challenging trails with breathtaking vistas. Other highlights of this breathtaking destination include Myrtle Falls in Paradise and Hoh Rainforest.
1. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park boasts an incredible variety of landscapes and activities to make for an incredible visit. Explore majestic peaks on a day hike, capture vibrant wildflower meadows with your camera lens, or stay in one of many Mount Rainier National Park hotels or inns–this park will leave you in awe!
Mount Rainier National Park offers its best experience from mid-summer through early fall. These months provide ideal weather, snow-free hiking trails, and an excellent opportunity for seeing stunning wildflowers – but this period also marks its busiest period! Beware crowds!
Staying within the park’s borders provides the ideal experience, enabling you to divide up your days between exploring various areas while spending more time at each one.
Be sure to visit the Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, which offers a museum, gift shop, food services, and information about Mount Rainier National Park. In addition, take a short hike up Myrtle Falls or stop by Reflection Lake where on clear days Mount Rainier might even appear reflected back at you!
2. North Bend
North Bend, situated near Coos Bay, is home to beautiful sand dunes and beaches. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provides the ideal hiking terrain with towering sand dunes and off-roading trails; Shore Acres State Park features scenic gardens with hiking trails; McCullough Memorial Bridge is popular among photographers as is Horsfall Beach for ocean lovers.
Town’s numerous parks and hiking trails make it the ideal place for family picnics or to enjoy time outside with friends and neighbors. Mount Si Trail is a favorite among both residents and tourists, offering breathtaking panoramic views at its summit.
Olallie State Park provides the ideal setting for an enjoyable picnic among a lush forest or splash in its inviting river, not to mention two stunning waterfalls: Twin and Teneriffe Falls are well worth your while!
The Iron Duck Public House is an essential stop for beer and whiskey enthusiasts in town, boasting an extensive selection of beers as well as tasty food favorites like pizza, burgers, and salad.
3. Bellingham
Bellingham Bay provides this charming town with an idyllic outdoor experience, boasting inviting cafes, shops, hikes, and mountain biking routes – the ideal setting for outdoor adventurers eager to discover alpine peaks and glacial lakes nearby.
One of the best things to do in Bellingham is take a scenic drive along Chuckanut Drive. This drive hugs the coast with breathtaking views of Samish Bay and San Juan Islands from Samish Bay and beyond, plus offers various trails that let visitors discover forests and beaches alike.
If you enjoy craft beer, take time to visit one of Bellingham’s many excellent breweries. Aslan Brewing, Wander Brewing, and Kulshan Brewing are just three to consider when planning a visit; all three specialize in crafting excellent beers with sustainability in mind while actively contributing to community involvement efforts.
The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is another must-see attraction in Seattle. CASCADIA has hosted events at this family-friendly museum before and it always proves popular with our guests; plus it provides an interesting window into northwest Washington’s history of electricity and radio! CASCADIA holds events here regularly – it’s always been well received.
4. San Juan Islands
One can quickly be taken in by this archipelago’s lush landscapes, filled with seabirds, seals, bald eagles and orca whales. Cycle past farmsteads or kayak along remote shorelines. Enjoy gourmet meals featuring fresh island produce and wine. But there is much more than simply taking in your surroundings; tourists can also explore museums devoted to San Juan Islands history or sample wines at vineyards before discovering Turn Point Lighthouse underground tunnels!
The islands’ coastal atmosphere provides the backdrop for captivating art spaces on these islands; Friday Harbor and Eastsound village areas boast galleries offering works to browse. One particularly exciting art space is Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve: five trails lined by over 150 for-sale sculptures punctuate natural scenery and make this location an irresistibly engaging attraction.
Other must-see attractions on San Juan Island include the San Juan Island National Historical Park, where American and English Camp barrack buildings preserved under old fruit trees can be seen; hike Mt. Young for breathtaking views over surrounding islands and waters; visit Lopez Island Lighthouse Museum with its rotating exhibits that reveal lighthouse history; stop in at San Juan Island Vineyards or Orcas Island Winery for tastings or special events for wine enthusiasts!
5. Olympic National Park
The Olympic Peninsula is an idyllic escape for nature lovers, featuring three distinct ecosystems – glaciated mountains, rugged Pacific coastline and lush temperate rainforests. Plus, with 95% of the park designated wilderness areas – you’re assured an authentic wilderness experience here!
Hiking is an enjoyable pastime here, with the Hoh Rain Forest trails filled with diverse foliage from mosses and lichens, plus roaming Roosevelt elk herds. For something more challenging and rewarding, try Mount Storm King trail’s forested switchbacks and steep rope scrambles along cliff edges.
The coastal region of the park features rugged sea stacks, endless ocean views, and miles of pristine beaches – Kalaloch and Ruby beaches are especially lovely with their tide pools, rock pinnacles, forested wilderness backdrops, and tide pools that attract artists and photographers. Shi Shi Beach stands out with its distinctive sea stacks, high bluffs, and tide pools that set it apart where you can seat back, relax, enjoy the view with a game of online poker on any of the websites reviewed on https://centiment.io.
6. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana is one of its most-visited destinations, featuring majestic glaciers, jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes teeming with wildlife and stunning alpine lakes that reflect them beautifully. Its geological marvels tell an incredible story that dates back millions of years – providing us with an insight into Earth’s past. While summer can get overcrowded at Glacier, its breathtaking landscape certainly make up for it!
Take an unforgettable boat tour at Lake McDonald, Bowman Lake, Two Medicine Lakes Rising Sun Lakes or Many Glacier lakes for a diverse learning experience or explore Avalanche Lake Trail for miles to a breathtaking waterfall and sparkling glacial lake – there are also many hiking trails and chances for wildlife sightings!
Apgar Visitor Center is a year-round hub of activity featuring rangers or volunteers ready to answer questions, and the Glacier Conservancy gift shop. Between late June and mid September, the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens fully for vehicles not exceeding 21 feet or width 8 feet; please consult either Apgar Visitor Center for further details, or road conditions and closures updates. For an unforgettable dining and beverage experience visit rustic off-grid Polebridge where Northern Lights Saloon or Polebridge Mercantile for delicious meals or beverages and refreshing beverages!
7. Seattle
Seattle, the state’s largest city and known as “The Emerald City”, boasts an eclectic variety of attractions. Boasting an acclaimed arts, culinary, and entertainment scene as well as iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Seattle offers visitors plenty to keep them occupied.
Pike Place Market is an iconic Seattle attraction that you shouldn’t miss. Not your ordinary farmer’s market, this bustling area features bakers, artists, craftspeople and collectors selling everything from homemade jewelry to rare comic books.
Olympic Sculpture Park, situated along Seattle’s waterfront, is an idyllic public park adorned with contemporary sculptures. Other popular destinations are Space Needle or taking a cruise around Lake Union; fans of 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle may even book tours that take them directly to where the movie was shot!
Paradise National Park Nexus of Paradise allows visitors to catch a glimpse of Mt Rainier from above at any time, offering breathtaking views from above-the-treeline national park nexus of Paradise on Mt Rainier’s southern slopes. Here you will find flower-carpeted meadows, glacier-encrusted mountains and breathtaking awe-inspiring vistas; ideal for hiking, camping, boating and whale and seal watching! Additionally, visit further into wilderness and soak mineral rich Sol Duc Hot Springs where mineral rich baths await you – perfect for whale and seal watching!