When it comes to exploring our amazing state, it’s so easy to say “Maybe next year.” But before you know it, decades can pass without seeing some of Washington’s most breathtaking wonders, and that would be a real shame. If there’s a spot on this list you haven’t seen yet, dedicating a weekend to exploring it will make this an especially beautiful year.
- The Methow Valley
Photo Journall / Flickr If you’ve ever been to Twisp or Winthrop, you’ve already experienced some of the beauty of the Methow Valley. And it doesn’t matter when you go… snow sports dominate winters here, and of course, summer hikes in the sunshine are amazing.
- The Hoh Rainforest
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr It’s pretty incredible to live in a state that has a huge temperate rainforest. Check it out (and please be respectful).
- Deception Pass
Darek Farmer / Flickr Deception Pass separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, and it’s a photographer’s paradise.
- Mount Rainier National Park
JD Hascup / Flickr Most Washingtonians have seen the majestic Mount Rainier by now… but if you’re one who hasn’t, this park is a national treasure worth exploring.
- The Columbia River Gorge
Joe Parks / Flickr The drive down Highway 14 is full of stunning scenery, and the tiny riverside towns like Carson, Stevenson and White Salmon are charming.
- Snoqualmie Falls
Richard Cassan / Flickr Snoqualmie Falls is one of our most scenic attractions… and the best part is, there’s no real hike required to see it.
- The Long Beach Peninsula
Snappy Mom / Flickr If you’ve never experienced a Long Beach vacation, make this the year you go. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and the quirky little beach town has some delicious food.
- The Yakima Valley
Pat Strosahl / Flickr Even if you’re not a fan of the delicious wine that is “born” here, a drive through the peaceful rolling hills and fields will completely relax you.
- Vashon Island
The West End / Flickr Vashon is just a short ferry ride away from Seattle, but you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. This island doesn’t have as many amenities as the more tourist-friendly islands like the San Juans, but it does have amazing scenery, tasty restaurants, charming bars and coffee shops, and a handful of wineries that offer tastings.
- Ruby Beach
Diana Robinson / Flickr Honestly, any beach on the Olympic Peninsula will take your breath away. But there’s something especially magical about a Ruby Beach sunset.
Have you seen all the spots on this list? What about the Seven Wonders of Washington?
Photo Journall / Flickr
If you’ve ever been to Twisp or Winthrop, you’ve already experienced some of the beauty of the Methow Valley. And it doesn’t matter when you go… snow sports dominate winters here, and of course, summer hikes in the sunshine are amazing.
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr
It’s pretty incredible to live in a state that has a huge temperate rainforest. Check it out (and please be respectful).
Darek Farmer / Flickr
Deception Pass separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, and it’s a photographer’s paradise.
JD Hascup / Flickr
Most Washingtonians have seen the majestic Mount Rainier by now… but if you’re one who hasn’t, this park is a national treasure worth exploring.
Joe Parks / Flickr
The drive down Highway 14 is full of stunning scenery, and the tiny riverside towns like Carson, Stevenson and White Salmon are charming.
Richard Cassan / Flickr
Snoqualmie Falls is one of our most scenic attractions… and the best part is, there’s no real hike required to see it.
Snappy Mom / Flickr
If you’ve never experienced a Long Beach vacation, make this the year you go. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and the quirky little beach town has some delicious food.
Pat Strosahl / Flickr
Even if you’re not a fan of the delicious wine that is “born” here, a drive through the peaceful rolling hills and fields will completely relax you.
The West End / Flickr
Vashon is just a short ferry ride away from Seattle, but you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. This island doesn’t have as many amenities as the more tourist-friendly islands like the San Juans, but it does have amazing scenery, tasty restaurants, charming bars and coffee shops, and a handful of wineries that offer tastings.
Diana Robinson / Flickr
Honestly, any beach on the Olympic Peninsula will take your breath away. But there’s something especially magical about a Ruby Beach sunset.
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