16 x Places to Visit in Washington

Washington State is named for George Washington, the United States' first President, located in the country's northwest corner, flanked by Oregon and Idaho, with Canada and adjacent Vancouver to the north. The rugged Cascade Range bisects the state's geography and runs north to south. While the wetter west contains virgin woods and a lengthy Pacific Ocean shoreline, the drier east contains agricultural areas, steppes, and minor pockets of dry desert.

Photo by Robert Ritchie on Unsplash

The first port of call for many tourists to the Evergreen State is Seattle, which is situated on an isthmus with snowcapped mountains rising up behind its soaring cityscape. The Emerald City, known for its bustling yet relaxed ambiance, alternative scene, and pleasantly diverse districts, has everything from great coffee shops and microbreweries to fantastic parks, museums, and the iconic Space Needle.

1. Olympic National Park

The Pacific Northwest is known for its dense forests, magnificent waterfalls, and towering mountain ranges. Visiting Olympic National Park will allow you to do all this and more.

The park is a very magnificent natural wonder. It spans about a million acres and many ecosystems. Mt. Olympus, one of the most popular attractions, is home to some of the best hiking and trekking paths in the state.

2. Granite Mountain

3. San Juan Islands

Whether searching for a quiet trip retreat or history, culture, and shopping, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island has it all. Whale watching, island hopping, kayaking tours, and charter fishing are all popular activities.

San Juan is the most populous island and provides easy access to beaches. Meanwhile, Orcas Island is a rocky, forested beauty. It's ideal for anyone seeking the island's peace and tranquillity. Lopez Island is perfect for cyclists. Lopez's vast open fields and rolling slopes make biking a pleasure.

4. Diablo Lake

5. Columbia River Gorge

6. Jade Lake

7. Helens National Volcanic Monument

8. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a separate narrow lake in central Washington. The lake was formerly the largest in the state, stretching over 50 kilometers. It is currently the third-deepest lake in the United States, with depths of approximately 1,500 feet. 

Visitors to Lake Chelan enjoy fishing since the lake contains numerous endemic species, including trout, sucker, and whitefish. Other fish species were also introduced into the lake for sport fishing.

9. Nisqually Vista

10. Spokane

11. Palouse region of Washington state

12. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is one of Washington's most recognizable landmarks. Adventurers will discover old woods, alpine lakes, meadows, and waterfalls. Hiking options are available all year. From spring to fall, hike the trails and enjoy snowshoeing in the winter. Visitors can also take picturesque driving tours or a gondola ride from Crystal Mountain to get a bird's-eye view of Mount Rainier.

13. Perfection Lake

14. Seattle

Busy and picturesque Seattle offers so many attractions that visitors must prioritize making the most of their time. Begin your journey at the Sky View Observatory or the Space Needle, which provides breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding islands and mountains.

15. Mount Shuksan

16. Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery is located at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. It is located on the Makah Indian Reservation and overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Tatoosh Island.

Cape Flattery is a must-see site in Washington state if you want to see breathtaking views and possibly encounter whales, seals, and sea lions. You can camp, go on beach hikes, fish, and visit the Makah Museum if you wish to stay longer.