Washington state is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest corners of America. I admit, I’m totally biased, having been stationed here for about two years from the scorching state of Arizona. Don’t get me wrong, the desert definitely has its charms, but I’ve always been a pine trees, waterfalls, and green mountains kind of gal, so when we moved up here, it honestly felt like heaven.
During the past couple of years, my husband and I have discovered so many jaw-dropping NPS sites, from Mount Rainier to the Cascades, and I can’t wait to share some of our favorite treasures. Some of these spots will be famous and well loved, and others are definitely ones that should be in the spotlight.
Mount Rainier National Park
As I mentioned, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most gorgeous spots in the entire state. It’s a huge mistake to miss this national park, but when you go, I highly recommend the Sunrise area on the northeast side. This is a lesser-visited area compared to Paradise, but it offers stunning views of the volcano, and there are some gorgeous and challenging trails, such as the Wonderland Trail, which has some great northern stretches if you’re a long-haul hiker. It’s also a quieter spot to experience the flowering meadows and ancient forests.
However, if you do plan to go to Paradise, try the Skyline Trail, which is a beautiful 5.5-mile loop that passes Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Glacier. Don’t miss out on the Reflection Lakes, Tips Lake, or the numerous waterfalls along the way. For a little extra fun, head to the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, where there is a gift shop with lots of cute Rainier-themed items (I love all of the post cards), and interactive exhibits that show all about Rainier’s geology and ecology.
North Cascades National Park
Before visiting the North Cascades, it was difficult for me to believe the photographs of the turquoise water and rugged, glacier-laden wilderness. There are actually over 300 glaciers here, and that’s more than any American park outside of Alaska. The scenic drives will take your breath away with the panoramic views of mountains, water, and trees. Boating or kayaking at Ross or Diablo Lakes is magical, and Lake Chelan is not too far either! We visited a friend there, and there were some truly spectacular stargazing opportunities.
If you love rock climbing, there are a whole bunch of peaks to conquer, including Mount Shuksan, which is famous for its technical routes, including glacier travel, and El Dorado Peak, which is a bit easier and suitable for intermediate climbers. There’s also a lot of camping. Colonial Creek Campground is right off of Lake Diablo, so if you want to go boating or kayaking, that’s the place for you to stay. There are also opportunities for backcountry camping if you have a permit.
Olympic National Park
While Olympic National Park itself isn’t obscure, the Hoh Rain Forest is a shocker to anyone who hasn’t heard of it. The Hoh sees 300+ rainy days every year, adding up to about 12 to 14 feet of rain every year, making it one of the wettest spots in the contiguous U.S. That’s enough water to drown a house! Because of all the rain, this area is also one of the greenest, so when you visit, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy book. There are also over 250 kinds of fungi that thrive there, from bright orange chanterelles (my favorite) to shaggy lion’s mane mushrooms. Some even glow in the dark!
In terms of iconic trails, there are three that I want to point out to you. First, the Hall of Mosses, which is an easy 30-minute loop that will take you through huge Sitka spruce trees and big leaf maples draped in shaggy moss. Next, the Spruce Nature Trail, which runs along the Hoh river. This is great for families looking for a relaxing stroll. For something a bit more ambitious, the Hoh River Trail is your best bet for adventure. This is a 17.4-mile round trip that heads toward Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus.
San Juan Islands
Featured in numerous movies, the San Juan Islands are known for their lush forests, golf resorts, and beautiful coastlines. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, these islands can be a bit challenging to get to, but it’s totally worth it for the adventure. The big three islands, San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands, are the most visited, but there are also numerous smaller ones to explore as well, with over 300 miles of shoreline full of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and driftwood-strewn coves. Keep an eye out, because you might just spot an orca!
Whale watching is a favorite activity here, and you can easily book a tour from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island or Eastsound on Orcas Island. The best time to do this is from March until October, when there is the most amount of whale activity. Kayaking and hiking are also very popular, but I want to highlight Lopez Mountain for having some of the most beautiful stretches of cycling roads. Just bring your bike or rent one at Lopez Village, and enjoy the 43-mile island loop.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
If you’re looking for more alpine lakes and the granite peaks of the Cascade Range, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is the place to go. I recommend the Enchantments, which is a high-altitude, glacially carved basin known for its pristine landscape. It’s a bit tricky, though, so if you’re looking for something on the less intense side, the Maple Pass Loop is also gorgeous. Camping is available, but if you don’t want to rough it, Leavenworth is a cute little German-esque town that’s about 40 minutes away.
Did one of these locales pique your interest? From once-in-a-lifetime animal spotting to crystal clear lakes, the Evergreen state certainly has adventure to offer around every corner.
