As we prepare to welcome a new year here in Washington, our thoughts are on goals and resolutions. And since hopefully exploring more of Washington is on the agenda for the coming year, we thought we’d draw your attention to some of the Evergreen State’s finest hidden gems. Make a few of these part of your 2018 discoveries and you’ll have a beautiful year indeed.
- Mima Mounds
Brian Henderson / Flickr Located on the Olympic Peninsula, these mysterious mounds have inspired a lot of speculation and imagination from visitors. Everything from geologic forces to extraterrestrial activity have been used to explain the small lumps that cover the 445-acres of this natural area.
- Sacajawea State Park
BriarCraft / Flickr Located at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, this Pasco area park has plenty of freshwater shoreline and gorgeous river views.
- Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
EcologyWA / Flickr Walk along the bay where the Skagit River meets the Salish Sea. This Skagit Valley gem offers an easy walk on the shores of a shallow bay with views of the surrounding estuary. Stop at the interpretive center to learn more.
- Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Dan Dzurisin / Flickr Located neat the Columbia River in Ridgefield, this refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk, and you never know what kind of beautiful wildlife you’ll see.
- Point Roberts
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Did you know there’s a tiny town in Washington that you need a passport to visit? Point Roberts is located is located on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, south of Vancouver, B.C. You need to travel 25 miles through Canada to reach it.
- Copalis Beach
Charles Jackson / Flickr The highlight of this Olympic Peninsula beach is definitely the “ghost forest,” the remnants of trees annihilated by a tsunami in the 1700s. But ancient trees aside, this is an exceptionally gorgeous and peaceful place.
- Waterfall Garden Park
RamonaL34 / TripAdvisor You’ll never guess where this tranquil sanctuary is, so we’ll tell you: It’s right in the middle of Seattle’s busy Pioneer Square neighborhood, and it’s amazing.
- Metaline Falls
Wikipedia This little piece of paradise sits in the very northeastern corner of our state. And while you won’t find an abundance of amenities, you will be able to fully relax and enjoy nature.
- Whitehorse Regional Trail of Snohomish County
Whitehorse Regional Trail of Snohomish County Facebook This trail covers the 27 miles between the city of Arlington and the town of Darrington, following the path of the former BNSF railroad through the North Stillaguamish River Valley.
- Falls Creek Falls
Joe Parks / Flickr This hike through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (near Carson) leads to this breathtaking beauty. The 4 mile trail is well-maintained and easy enough for beginners.
There’s always something new and exciting to discover in Washington. Here are a few more hidden spots some locals aren’t even aware of.
Brian Henderson / Flickr
Located on the Olympic Peninsula, these mysterious mounds have inspired a lot of speculation and imagination from visitors. Everything from geologic forces to extraterrestrial activity have been used to explain the small lumps that cover the 445-acres of this natural area.
BriarCraft / Flickr
Located at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, this Pasco area park has plenty of freshwater shoreline and gorgeous river views.
EcologyWA / Flickr
Walk along the bay where the Skagit River meets the Salish Sea. This Skagit Valley gem offers an easy walk on the shores of a shallow bay with views of the surrounding estuary. Stop at the interpretive center to learn more.
Dan Dzurisin / Flickr
Located neat the Columbia River in Ridgefield, this refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk, and you never know what kind of beautiful wildlife you’ll see.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Did you know there’s a tiny town in Washington that you need a passport to visit? Point Roberts is located is located on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, south of Vancouver, B.C. You need to travel 25 miles through Canada to reach it.
Charles Jackson / Flickr
The highlight of this Olympic Peninsula beach is definitely the “ghost forest,” the remnants of trees annihilated by a tsunami in the 1700s. But ancient trees aside, this is an exceptionally gorgeous and peaceful place.
RamonaL34 / TripAdvisor
You’ll never guess where this tranquil sanctuary is, so we’ll tell you: It’s right in the middle of Seattle’s busy Pioneer Square neighborhood, and it’s amazing.
Wikipedia
This little piece of paradise sits in the very northeastern corner of our state. And while you won’t find an abundance of amenities, you will be able to fully relax and enjoy nature.
Whitehorse Regional Trail of Snohomish County Facebook
This trail covers the 27 miles between the city of Arlington and the town of Darrington, following the path of the former BNSF railroad through the North Stillaguamish River Valley.
Joe Parks / Flickr
This hike through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (near Carson) leads to this breathtaking beauty. The 4 mile trail is well-maintained and easy enough for beginners.
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