Top 5 Places in Washington
1. Mount Rainier National Park – Located just an hour drive away from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular nature destinations in the state of Washington mainly because of the towering peak of Mount Rainier, which is the highest mountain in the state. Despite not all parts of the mountain are accessible in wintertime, the park is well-visited all year round. The fields of wildflowers and stunning hiking trails make the Paradise section of the park look like a living fairytale, while the Sunrise section features a scenic drive to the highest vantage point. Glacier climbing is among the most adventurous and exciting activity you can practice in the park.
2. Seattle – Located on a narrow stretch between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, Seattle is among the most popular cities in the state and the country in general. Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and a thriving, vibrant, and dynamic place that is most popular as the birthplace of Starbucks but don’t forget that there are many other things to see and experience in the city. One of the highlights of the Seattle’s Downtown features the Pike Market, the Experience Music Project, the stunning and exciting museum dedicated to music art, movies, pop culture. The Space Needle offers the most breath-taking views of the city, while Green Lake is the perfect area for pleasant walks.
3. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument – Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is located in the southwest part of Washington state and is a destination that marks the volcanic eruption in the area in 1980. The national monument is accessible from Seattle and day trips are often offered from the city and very visited. However, make sure to spend enough time in the area and book a few nights, because Mount St. Helens is boasting not just one or two attractions, including Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake that offers some very amazing and spectacular views and a brief history of the legendary volcanic eruption, or the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center for tours and amazing dining options with a view of the volcano.
4. Olympic National Park – Olympic National Park is one of the not many places in the Washington state that offers lush green rainforest and a rugged mountain range all at once. Hoh Rain Forest is one of the highlands in the national park where you can see herds of elk roaming the beautiful lands you can hike to the summit of Mt. Olympics. However, if you prefer a less challenging adventure, admiring the summer wildflowers of Hurricane Ridge or walking across the sea caves in Cape Flattery are just about enough to make you fall in love with Olympic National Park.
5. San Juan Islands – Close to British Columbia and just north from the Puget Sound is where you can enjoy the San Juan Islands and their laidback and tranquil atmosphere of a rewarding retreat and a wonderful getaway from the hassle and dynamics of the big cities. An abundance of outdoor activities and adventures can be experienced on the islands, including kayaking, touring and spotting the Orca Whales, enjoying fresh and extra delicious seafood, hiking through the San Juan Island National Historic Park, and more.