Washington State is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering everything from towering mountains and vibrant lakes to serene rolling hills and lush forests. From the iconic peaks of Mount Rainier to the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, these are the most beautiful places in Washington that will blow your mind.
Granite Mountain
The Granite Mountain Trail is a 7.6-mile, moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near North Bend, Washington, known for its beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking views. This challenging hike is best suited for experienced adventurers. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Crystal Lake, Kaleetan Peak, and Mount Rainier. To fully enjoy the incredible scenery, it’s best to visit on weekdays, as weekends can get a bit crowded at the top.
Diablo Lake
Nestled in the North Cascade Mountains, Diablo Lake is a reservoir formed by the Diablo Dam. This popular recreational spot for kayakers and canoeists is home to rainbow, coastal cutthroat, brook, and the federally threatened bull trout. The lake’s striking, vivid turquoise color comes from surrounding glaciers grinding rocks into fine powder, which flows into the lake through creeks. This suspended powder gives Diablo Lake its mesmerizing hue.
Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton
If you have the chance to take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton, it’s definitely worth it. Operating since 1951, this scenic journey takes about an hour, offering breathtaking views along the way. The highlight? Catching a glimpse of the majestic Mount Rainier towering above the landscape.
Jade Lake
Jade Lake is an approximately 11-mile hike from the trailhead, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. This breathtaking destination is a must-see for avid hikers, offering stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and peaceful solitude. The area around the lake provides spectacular views and is an excellent spot to catch sight of mountain goats.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument spans 110,000 acres, preserved for visitors to explore, scientific research, and educational purposes. Within the Monument, nature is left to recover and evolve naturally after the eruption. Climbing to the volcano’s summit has been permitted since 1986, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Nisqually Vista
The Nisqually Vista Trail is a scenic 1-mile loop near Paradise Inn, Washington, known for its beautiful wildflowers and accessibility to all skill levels. Along the trail, be sure to pause at the overlooks (5,165 feet) for stunning views of the Nisqually Glacier—an impressive living entity that serves as the source of the Nisqually River, flowing all the way to Puget Sound. Popular for hiking, this trail is best enjoyed from June through October.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest. The park sprawls across several different ecosystems, from the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains to old-growth forests. The star of the show is the Olympic Mountains with Mount Olympus having a glacier-clad summit which is popular with climbers.
Palouse region
The Palouse is the most tranquil and picturesque of Washington State’s seven wonders. Located in southeastern Washington, this region is defined by gently rolling hills blanketed with wheat fields. These hills were sculpted over tens of thousands of years by windblown dust and silt, known as ‘loess,’ carried from arid regions to the southwest.
Spanning 208 miles of farmland and rolling hills, the Palouse offers a captivating blend of rich history, small-town charm, breathtaking scenic vistas, and endless recreational opportunities.
Perfection Lake
Perfection Lake is a breathtaking gem within the Enchantments of Washington State. Its shallow, crystal-clear waters at one end gradually give way to serene meadows as you follow the trail along the eastern shore. The stunning beauty of Perfection Lake is sure to leave every visitor in awe.
Riverfront Park in Spokane
Riverfront Park is a public park in downtown Spokane. The 100-acre park is located along the Spokane River containing the upper Spokane Falls and just upstream from the lower falls. The main feature of the park is the 145-foot tall Pavilion that was created during Expo ’74. The park is well known for the Riverfront Park Carousel, as well as an IMAX theater, clock tower, Skyride over the falls, a small amusement park for kids, a skating rink during the winter months, and the Spokane River Centennial Trail which passes through it.
Mount Shuksan
Mount Shuksan lies 11.6 miles south of the Canadian Border. It’s one of the most photographed mountains in the world due to its sheer beauty. A glaciated complex peak that has four major faces and five ridges to climb.
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery is the north-westernmost point of the contiguous United States. Cape Flattery can be reached from a short hike, most of which is board-walked. This also happens to be the oldest named feature in Washington after James Cook named it in 1778.
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