14 Best Things to Do in Washington State (Outside of Seattle)
Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest and wondering what are the best things to do in Washington?
Washington is a gorgeous state full of stunning landscapes and natural beauty. Outdoor adventure opportunities are abound, making it a great destination of hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Many visitors to Washington State spend their time in Seattle, but there is so much to discover outside of the capital city. Keep reading for the 14 best things to do in Washington outside of Seattle.
Hike to Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is located just 30 minutes outside Seattle for a convenient and easy day trip. While you are able to drive up to view the waterfall, it’s highly recommend to park at the bottom and hike your way up. The hike is considered moderate and takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours roundtrip. We recommend visiting in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds, as well as visiting during Spring as melting snow from the mountains adds to the volume of the waterfall.
Pose for a Photo in the Flower Fields
If you’re visiting Washington between Spring and Fall, make sure you take some photos in the iconic flower fields. For those visiting in the Spring, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival offers miles and miles of blooming tulips just 60 miles north of Seattle. There are also several other flower field locations available during spring and summer, such as the Pelindaba Lavender Farm in the San Juan Islands. And in the fall, Maris Farms offers sunflower fields and you will also find wildflowers blooming around Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.
Experience German Culture at Leavenworth
Located in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a charming and idyllic Bavarian village full of German culture. This is a very popular destination for shopping, dining, and of course grabbing a German beer or two. Here you can also partake in a number of outdoor activities, such as visiting Colchuk Lake, hiking, and mountain biking in the warmer months or skiiing, sledding, and snowboarding in the winter. Regardless of the season, you won’t want to miss soaking up the German culture in this quaint little town.
Whale Watch at the San Juan Islands
The Suan Juan islands are a chain of 170 islands and reefs located on the north side of Puget Sound and is famous for being an excellent location for whale watching. Here you can take a whale watching boat tour to see wildlife up close in their natural habitat such as whales, bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and more. And if you aren’t keen on a boat ride, you still do have a chance of spotting an Orca from the Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan island. While whales can be spotted year round, it’s recommended to visit between April and October for the best weather.
Explore Hoh Rainforest
Of the four rainforests located in Washington State, the Hoh Rainforest is a must-visit stand out. The Hoh Rainforest is renowned for rich biodiversity and lush green foliage, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can enjoy the rainforest’s beauty through a variety of hiking trails for all levels, camping, and more. We recommend visiting in the summer for the most moderate temperatures, although the wet and moody rainforest during winter is still a sight to behold.
Drive the North Cascades Highway
If you fancy a scenic drive, then you won’t want to miss a cruise along the North Cascades Highway. This 30 mile stretch of State Route 20 meanders through the North Cascades and offers incredible views of forests, waterfalls, and mountain scenery. Plan for about an hour to drive the highway as well as stop for photo ops. And make sure you plan your trip outside of the winter season however, as the highway closes during this time due to the snowfall.
Visit Infamous Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is a massive stratovolcano located in the Cascade Mountains approximately 3 hours south of Seattle. The volcano experienced a catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, and became one of the worst volcanic events in U.S. history. While still an active volcano today, it is closely monitored by scientists and an important scientific research area. It is also a popular tourist area for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and an informational visitor’s center.
Challenge Yourself at the Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is considered to be on of the best hiking experiences not only in the United States, but in the world. The entire trail is 2,650 miles in length and can take an elite athlete 5 months to complete. If you are an avid hiker and wish to get a taste of the Pacific Crest Trail, consider hiking a portion of the Washington section, by Columbia River Gorge, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, or the North Cascades. Just note that this stretch encompasses challenging ridges and passes, so is meant for serious hikers seeking a challenge.
Marvel at Deception Pass State Park
Head to northwestern Washington to see the breathtaking Deception Pass State Park. This natural gem is renowned for its beautiful natural landscape, which features dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and ample marine life. The pass spans two islands that are connected by a series of bridgers, which make for an excellent viewpoint – especially for sunset. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunity for hiking, boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Take in the Views at Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls is another seriously stunning waterfall in southeastern Washington State. The waterfall towers over 200 feet high, set among a dramatic canyon and cliff-lined landscape. Here, you will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and incredible views. While the falls are gorgeous year round, we highly recommend a visit during Spring due to the added snow melt to the waters.
Catch a Sunset at Ruby Beach
Beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Washington State. But Washington’s coast is home to several incredible beaches, and of them Ruby Beach is a must visit. Located along Highway 101, Ruby Beach is home to. The beach is covered in driftwood, home to towering rocks, and is an incredible location to watch the sun set when the weather is clear. Plus the beach is super accessible, requiring just a 1/2 mile walk down an easy trail from the parking lot.
Experience Panoramic Views at Diablo Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in the United States is Diablo Lake, located at the North Cascades National Park. The lake is known for its incredible turquoise waters, making it a perfect destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Avid hikers won’t want to miss the Diablo Lake Trail, a moderately difficult trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the lake, mountains, and lush forests. There are also camping spots, additional hiking trails, and incredible view points you won’t want to miss here.
Experience the Moodiness of Cape Disappointment
Cape Disappointment, located at the northern mouth of the Columbia River, is seriously anything but. This cliffside setting is part of the Washington State Park system, and offers both campground sites and hiking trails. Here you’ll be amazed by the rocky scenery and enormous waves battering the coast. Cape Disappointment is also considered one of the foggiest locations in the United States, making it an ethereal and moody vision to behold.
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