Top 10 Things to See and Do in Washington State

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Washington State

Found in the most west-northern part of the US, Washington State boasts unspoiled nature, a rough terrain sprinkled with active volcanoes and the remote corners, that serve as great getaways from the world. And of course vibrant and hip Seattle. Check out these ten great destinations in Washington state.

10. Palouse Region

The unexpected site in this list features the vast fields of wheat and rapeseed. It looks like those magnificent landscapes in Tuscany. The place becomes more and more popular among the photographers, who find the ever-changing lighting and colors of the valleys exciting to capture.

Why to go there?

For a landscape photography.

Palous-Photo by Chip Phillips

Photo by Chip Phillips

Palous-Photo by Miles Morgan

Photo by Miles Morgan

Palous-Photo by Randall K Roberts

Photo by Randall K Roberts

9. Lake Chelan

The lake is narrow but really long – it extends for 50.5 miles (81.3 km) along the mountains. It is surrounded with national parks and forests, its long shoreline has a few beaches. A lot of species of fish are found in the lake, making it a favorite site by the fishermen.

Why to go there?

See the beautiful panoramic views, visit forests and the vast outdoors, also go fishing, which is the most popular activity here.

Chelan-Photo by Jacquel Brynn

Photo by Jacquel Brynn

Chelan-Photo by Andy Simonds

Photo by Andy Simonds

Chelan-Photo by NCWpics

Photo by NCWpics

8. Hike the Wonderland Trail

The trail is found in Mount Rainier National Park and circumnavigates the eponymous volcano. It is 93 mi (150 km) long and features many beautiful sites including the glaciers, lakes, meadows, ridges and the views to Mount Rainier itself.

Why to go there?

One of the best ways to explore the park and admire the beautiful volcano.

Wonderland

Photo by Unknown

Wonderland4

Photo by Unknown

Wonderland3

Photo by Unknown

Wonderland2

Photo by Unknown

7. Ice Caves

In the surroundings of beautiful Mount Rainier there are Big Four Ice Caves. Located in the Cascade Range of Washington they attract a lot of tourists. On a hiking trail visitors get to admire unspoiled nature. Also the caves in Paradise Glacier around Mount Rainier are no less impressive.

Why to go there?

There are many ice caves in the area, which itself is also beautiful to explore.

Caves-Photo by Erik Hecht

Photo by Erik Hecht

Caves-Photo by Mukul Soman

Photo by Mukul Soman

Caves-Photo by Michael Matti

Photo by Michael Matti

6. Tipsoo Lake

Found at an elevation of 1615 m (5299 ft), the alpine lake shares its popularity with Mount Rainier, spectacularly protruding in the background. In spring and summer the surroundings get covered in colorful flowers, adding an extra charm to the site.

Why to go there?

Amazing views, various easy hiking trails, suitable for the families.

Tipsoo-Photo by Ray Green

Photo by Ray Green

Tipsoo-Photo by Aaron Huang

Photo by Aaron Huang

5. Olympic National Park

Visitors have a vast land of wilderness to explore. There are various trails, that allow to explore the park and admire amazing views. From an impressive coast and beaches to colorful alpine meadows and rainforests, from fishing to climbing – tourists can enjoy a diverse nature all the way. Moreover, the park even offers a vehicle access to the mountains, where great panoramic views to the park and glaciers open!

Why to go there?

Found on the Olympic Peninsula, the national park was created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. Due to the unspoiled and diverse nature the park was declared a World Heritage Site.

Olympic-Photo by Gary Luhm

Photo by Gary Luhm

Olympic

Photo by Unknown

Olympic-Photo by Anna Gorin

Photo by Anna Gorin

Olympic-Photo by Anna Gorin2

Photo by Anna Gorin

4. Snoqualmie Falls

The waterfall is one of the most scenic attractions in Seattle, surrounded with the beautiful park. The site became worldly known after Twin Peaks – a cult TV show. The slopes of the falls freeze in winter and create these gorgeous icicles.

Why to go there?

It is found only a short ride from Seattle. There is a nice viewpoint, which enables to admire the falls comfortably.

Snoqualmie-Photo by Dan Nutt

Photo by Dan Nutt

Snoqualmie

Photo by Unknown

Snoqualmie-Photo by Thorsten Scheuermann

Photo by Thorsten Scheuermann

Snoqualmie-Photo by Manju Shekhar

Photo by Manju Shekhar

3. St. Helens Volcano

The volcano’s eruption in 1980 was one of the most devastating in USA. Only 154 km (96 mi) from Seattle, the eruption killed people, destroyed 298 km (185 mi) of highway and took away a cone summit, leaving a horseshoe crater.

Why to go there?

Many viewpoints to observe the active volcano, helicopter tours, Johnston Ridge Observatory provides more facts on Mount St. Helens – a must see once in the mountainous Washington area.

Helens-Photo by Ryan Dyar

Photo by Ryan Dyar

Helens

Photo by Unknown

Helens-Photo by MountStHelens

Photo by MountStHelens

2. Mount Rainier

Active volcano is definitely an icon of the city. Its snowy peak can be clearly seen in the city and dominates all the panoramic pictures of Seattle. Mt. Rainier is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth. Adventurers love the challenge to climb it, although it is very difficult due to the huge glaciers.

Why to go there?

Visit Seattle and its unspoiled nature, that is easily accessible from the city. It is a desirable peak for professional climbers.

Rainier2

Photo by Unknown

Rainier3

Photo by Unknown

Rainier-Photo by Thatcher Photography

Photo by Thatcher Photography

 

1. Visit Seattle

The seaport is the most famous city in the state. The world found out about Seattle when grunge music took off in the early 1990’s. Today rock’n’roll can be explored in Experience Music Project – a quirky museum. The city is very lively and vibrant, features many great venues, restaurants, cafes and galleries.

Why to go there?

One of the most exciting and famous American cities – Seattle is the ultimate destination when traveling in the state.

Seattle

Photo by Unknown

Seattle2

Photo by Unknown

Seattle3

Photo by Unknown

Seattle4

Photo by Unknown