Discover Washington in the Pacific Northwest
Lake Chelan, often hailed as the crown jewel of Washington’s lakes, stands out as the best lake in the state for its unparalleled beauty and diverse offerings. Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, Lake Chelan stretches over 50 miles, making it the largest natural lake in the state. The lake’s pristine waters are flanked by mountains, creating a dramatic and picturesque backdrop. Popular activities on Lake Chelan include boating, fishing, and water sports during the warm summer months. The surrounding area is dotted with vineyards and orchards, adding a touch of rustic charm.
Three Facts about Washington State
Volcanic Presence
Washington is home to five major volcanoes, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood (partly in Oregon), and Mount Baker. Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the state.
Coffee Capital
Seattle is synonymous with coffee culture. The city is the birthplace of the global coffeehouse chain Starbucks, which opened its first store in the historic Pike Place Market in 1971.
First Public Beach
Alki Beach in Seattle is considered the first public beach in the United States. It holds historical significance as the landing site of the Denny Party, Seattle’s first white settlers, in 1851.
Must See Attractions
Mount Rainier National Park
Nature & Parks
The park features diverse ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and glaciers, providing visitors with spectacular vistas, pristine wilderness, and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the majestic landscapes.
Pike Place Market
Local Market
The market is a historic marketplace known for its bustling atmosphere, diverse vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, artisanal crafts, and the iconic Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers famously toss fish to each other.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Nature & Parks
This natural wonder is defined by the dramatic Columbia River cutting through the Cascade Range, which has cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Washington Lakes
1. Lake Washington
Lake Washington is the second-largest natural lake in the state. It is a recreational activity hub and home to the famous floating bridge.
2. Lake Sammamish
Lake Sammamish is popular for its recreational facilities, including water skiing, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.
3. Lake Wenatchee
Lake Wenatchee is a picturesque spot for swimming, kayaking, and hiking, especially when the foliage is vibrant in the fall.
4. Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake, located in the North Cascades, offers spectacular views and is a popular spot for kayaking and hiking.
5. Ross Lake
Ross Lake is a remote, glacially-fed lake bordering Canada, offering unique boating and camping experiences in a wilderness setting.
6. Banks Lake
A man-made reservoir in the scenic Grand Coulee, Banks Lake is known for its fishing and impressive cliff formations.
7. Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan offers a serene and picturesque setting for boating, fishing, and watersports amidst the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
8. Lake Roosevelt
This large reservoir offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, with miles of beautiful shoreline.
Annual Events and Festivals
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a spectacular spring event that transforms the Skagit Valley in Washington State into a vibrant tableau of color. Held annually, this festival celebrates the blooming of millions of tulips across vast fields, drawing visitors from all over the world. The event is not centralized in one location; the blooming fields are scattered across the valley, allowing visitors to meander through different farms and gardens. The festival’s highlights include photo opportunities, garden tours, and learning about tulip cultivation.
The Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend
The Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, Washington, celebrates maritime culture and craftsmanship. This festival, one of the most widely recognized in North America, draws thousands of visitors and features an impressive display of wooden boats, ranging from historic tall ships to handcrafted kayaks. During the event, enthusiasts can participate in or watch boat-building demonstrations, attend educational workshops, and engage in nautical activities.
Hoquiam Loggers Playday
The Hoquiam Loggers Playday is a spirited celebration of the rich logging history that shaped the Pacific Northwest, held in the coastal town of Hoquiam, Washington. This lively event pays homage to the region’s timber industry with a series of entertaining and competitive activities. The festival features classic lumberjack competitions, showcasing traditional skills such as axe throwing, tree climbing, and log rolling. Spectators are treated to the impressive feats of strength and agility demonstrated by skilled competitors. This and many other festivals can be enjoyed each fall in Washington State.
Top Hiking Trails
Skyline Loop
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, Paradise Rd E, Ashford, Washington
Skyline Loop, located within the Mount Rainier National Park, offers a captivating journey through alpine meadows, lush forests, and panoramic vistas of the iconic Mount Rainier. This trail, known for its diverse landscapes and stunning scenery, is a favorite among hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience. The loop spans approximately 5.5 miles and provides a close-up view of the magnificent wildflower displays in summer, contrasting against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Snow Lake Trail
Snow Lake Trailhead, Alpental Access Rd, North Bend, Washington
This well-maintained path, typically covered in a blanket of snow during winter, transforms into a lush, verdant trail in the summer, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. The trail, approximately 7.2 miles round trip, offers a moderate challenge, making it a favorite among both seasoned hikers and families seeking an immersive outdoor experience. The climax of the hike is the stunning Snow Lake itself, a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and glacial remnants.
Wallace Falls via Woody Trail
Wallace Falls Parking Lot, Ley Rd, Gold Bar, Washington
The Wallace Falls via Woody Trail is an approximately 5.6-mile round-trip hike known for its enchanting scenery and varying terrain, appealing to a wide range of hikers. The trail’s crowning glory is the series of stunning waterfalls, with the thundering Wallace Falls divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper tiers. Each tier offers a unique view, with the Middle Falls providing a particularly spectacular vantage point. Benches and viewpoints along the way invite hikers to pause and immerse themselves in the natural beauty, listening to the waterfall’s roar and the forest’s serene whispers.
Best Golf Courses
Gamble Sands
200 Sands Trail Rd, Brewster, Washington
Gamble Sands, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington, is a premier golf destination that has captured the hearts of golf enthusiasts. Designed by renowned golf architect David McLay Kidd, this links-style course stretches across the high desert landscape, offering a pure golfing experience. The 18-hole course, known for its wide fairways and fast, undulating greens, provides both a challenge and a delight for golfers of all skill levels.
Chambers Bay Golf Course
6320 Grandview Dr W, University Place, Washington
Nestled along the picturesque Puget Sound in University Place, Washington, Chambers Bay Golf Course is a testament to the harmonious fusion of championship-level golf and natural beauty. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, this links-style course is sculpted into the rugged terrain, offering golfers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Host to the 2015 U.S. Open, Chambers Bay is renowned for its undulating fairways, sprawling dunes, and panoramic views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The iconic Chambers Bay Bridge, connecting the course to the clubhouse, adds to the dramatic scenery.
Desert Canyon Golf Resort
1201 Desert Canyon Blvd. Orondo, Washington
Nestled within the arid beauty of Central Washington, Desert Canyon Golf Resort stands as an oasis for golf enthusiasts seeking a unique and challenging experience. This 18-hole championship course, designed by Jack Frei, seamlessly integrates with the high desert landscape, offering stunning views of the Columbia River and the surrounding cliffs. The signature holes at Desert Canyon are known for their views and the strategic use of the natural terrain.
Water Sports
Perfect Wave
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has gained popularity in Washington, particularly in calm waters like Lake Washington and Green Lake. Coastal areas such as Alki Beach in Seattle also offer paddleboarding with scenic views. Perfect Wave in Kirkland offers a variety of paddling rentals for your convenience.
Washington State Fishing
Fishing
Washington State is a paradise for anglers, offering a rich tapestry of fishing opportunities that cater to enthusiasts of all levels. From the bountiful Puget Sound, teeming with salmon and steelhead, to the tranquil lakes and streams in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, ideal for trout and bass fishing, the region’s diverse aquatic habitats make it a premier destination for fishing. The state’s rivers, including the Columbia and the Yakima, are renowned for their robust runs of salmon and steelhead, drawing anglers from around the globe.
Puget Sound Diving
Scuba diving
The waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands are particularly renowned for their clear visibility and diverse underwater ecosystems. Divers in these cold, nutrient-rich waters can expect to encounter a mesmerizing array of marine life, including giant Pacific octopuses, wolf eels, various species of anemones, and a colorful assortment of fish. The underwater topography, featuring kelp forests, rocky reefs, and shipwrecks, adds to the allure, making Washington a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Resorts to Explore
Salish Lodge & Spa
Waterfront, Spa
6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, Washington 98065
Sagecliffe Resort and Spa
Luxury
344 Silica Rd NW, Quincy, Washington 98848
The Resort At Skamania Coves
Waterfront, Recreational
45932 WA-14, Stevenson, Washington 98648
Tips on Vacationing in Washington
Road Trip
With its diverse landscapes, a road trip can be the best way to experience the beauty of Washington State. Routes like the Cascade Loop or the Olympic Peninsula Loop offer views and varied experiences.
Changing Weather
The weather can be unpredictable, especially in coastal and mountainous areas. Layered clothing is a good idea, and always carry a rain jacket.
Local Cuisine
Washington is known for its fresh seafood, notably salmon and oysters. The state is also a major producer of apples, cherries, and wine, so visit local farmers’ markets and vineyards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington
Yes, it’s possible to see the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Washington, particularly in the northern parts of the state. The best chances are during the colder months, in areas away from city light pollution.
Numerous websites help you find the perfect vacation rental in Washington State. Some popular options include Lake, Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
When searching for vacation rentals suitable for large groups, try using filters on significant websites like Lake, Airbnb and VRBO. Look for properties with multiple bedrooms and amenities that cater to groups, such as spacious living areas and outdoor activities.
Mountain cabins can be found across Washington State, with popular areas being the Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula. You can search for cabins on vacation rental websites like Lake, Airbnb, and VRBO or seek out specialized websites focusing on cabin rentals, such as MountainReservations.com and Washington-Cabins.com. When booking, consider the proximity to your desired activities and the amenities the cabin offers.
Lakefront vacation rentals are available throughout Washington State, such as those on Lake Chelan, Lake Cushman, and Lake Roosevelt. You can browse popular vacation rental websites for lakefront properties and use filters like “waterfront” or “lake view” to narrow your search. Remember that prime lakefront properties may have higher rental fees, especially during peak seasons.