21 Best Things To Do In Washington State

Welcome to the best things to do in Washington State!

The Evergreen State is home to some of my favorite scenery ever.

You can find everything here from gorgeous mountain peaks, to moody Pacific Northwest beaches.

On today’s post, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Washington State.

Let’s dive in.

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1. Explore Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a Seattle treasure, and one of the best things to do in Washington State.

It’s one of the oldest running farmer’s markets in the country, dating back to 1907!

Here, you can shop locally sourced seafood, produce, flowers, art, and other souvenirs.

In addition to shopping, there are sooo many great eats.

Bakeries, fine dining, and restaurants from all over the world will keep you fed all day.

What To Do + Where To Eat In Pike Place Market

I highly recommend grabbing breakfast at Lowell’s.

They source their seafood and produce from vendors right within Pike Place- you seriously can’t get any more fresh than that!

If you can snag a window table, you’ll also get beautiful views of Puget Sound.

Although the Dungeness Crab Omelet is their famous dish, I found that the Salmon Benedict was the real star.

Another highlight in Pike Place Market is the Original Starbucks, which opened in 1971.

This is what put Seattle on the map as the coffee capital of the US.

As a coffee lover, I think it’s so cool to see where Starbucks all began.

Read more: 9 Best Things To Do In Seattle

2. Explore Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is Washington’s most visited national park, and for good reason!

Located on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s around a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle.

The peninsula’s beautiful scenery is defined by glacier-capped peaks, hot springs, lush forests, and rugged Pacific coastline.

One of the park’s highlight is the Hoh Rainforest.

This is one of the only rainforests in the United States, and many of its trees are over 500 years old.

Another stunning place to visit is Hurricane Ridge.

This section of the park is home to mountain views, alpine lakes, and even skiing in the winter.

Of course, you can’t miss the iconic Ruby Beach and La Push. (Anyone else immediately think of Twilight?)

These beautiful beaches really sum up that moody, Pacific Coast aesthetic!

3. Experience the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Every spring, attending the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is easily one of the best things to do in Washington State.

The festival is held throughout the whole month of April, celebrating millions of tulips bursting into bloom.

The gorgeous colors of the sprawling tulip fields are a sight to behold, not to mention super Instagrammable.

The Skagit Valley is just a quick day trip away from Seattle, making it a perfect spring getaway.

4. Explore North Cascades National Park

Just south of the Canadian border, you’ll find North Cascades National Park.

Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in Washington State if you really want to get off the beaten path.

Due to its remoteness, it’s one of the least visited parks in the entire country!

North Cascades is almost entirely made up of protected wilderness, so the term “unspoiled natural beauty” is very fitting.

In fact, the North Cascades’ prominent, rugged peaks have even earned it the nickname of the “American Alps.”

5. Visit Leavenworth

This Bavarian town is a hidden gem, tucked away in the Cascade Mountains.

Alpine-style buildings, and restaurants serving German beer and food line the town’s Front Street.

In the fall, Leavenworth holds an Oktoberfest rivaled only by those in Germany.

And around Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland, decked out in twinkling lights.

However, the Bavarian theme is only a part of what defines this charming town.

Set on a backdrop of lush forest and a mountain river, the area is also bursting with outdoor activities.

Just over a 2 hour drive from Seattle, Leavenworth is a perfect weekend getaway or extension on a Seattle trip.

6. Hike to Colchuck Lake

Colchuck Lake is widely regarded as one of the Washington’s most picturesque lakes.

Known for its dazzling blue-green water, this pristine alpine lake is only reached by hike.

The trail is 9 miles each way, with almost 2,300 feet of elevation gain, so it’s pretty strenuous.

But if you’re in good shape and feeling adventurous, the payoff is well worth the effort.

You can even camp in the area, to enjoy the views for longer.

The trailhead is located around a 35 minute drive from Leavenworth, so visiting Colchuck Lake is the perfect addition to your Cascades itinerary.

7. Watch a sunset in Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a small park on the slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle.

Despite its small size, it’s the perfect place to catch a sunset with the quintessential view of Seattle’s skyline.

It’s also one of the most popular photo spots in the city, so get there early to stake out your spot.

8. Explore Mount Rainier National Park

Standing at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington.

This park is one of my favorite in the entire country, because there are so many things to do and see.

Each section of Mount Rainier National Park offers its own unique scenery.

You can choose from glacier-fed rivers, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, lush forests, and waterfalls galore.

One of the best things to do in Mount Rainier is hike the Skyline Trail, which rewards you with towering mountain views the whole way.

9. Go whale watching

Washington is one of the best places in the US to go whale watching, and whales can be spotted off the coast here year-round.

Although, you’ll have the highest chance at spotting them by going further north and during certain months.

This is because the Salish Sea, which divides Washington and Canada, hosts both resident and migrating populations of these majestic creatures.

The different species of whales usually visit at different times of the year, so the best time to go depends on which you’re most interested in seeing.

Minke, gray, and humpback whales can all be spotted in Washington’s waters, but the most distinct of all is certainly the orca.

One of the best places to spot these giant black-and-white mammals is in the San Juan Islands.

10. Visit Snoqualmie Falls

This magnificent waterfall towers at 270 feet tall.

As one of Washington’s most popular attractions, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Washington State.

Snoqualmie Falls is famous for its natural beauty, as well as being featured in the classic TV series Twin Peaks.

It’s surrounded by an additional 2-acre park, a gift shop, and an observation deck.

The observation deck is wheelchair-accessible, and the perfect place to have a scenic picnic.

For the more adventurous, I highly recommend hiking down to the base.

11. Take a dip in Lake Chelan

Known for its sparkling blue water and stunning mountain views, Lake Chelan is the perfect lake retreat in Washington.

This glacier-made lake is over 50 miles long, and just about 3 hours away from Seattle.

It boasts charming lakeside towns, beautiful resorts, water sports, and great hiking.

Not only that, the area is even home a renowned wine country.

You could easily spend a few days here, just soaking in the natural beauty and sampling all of the delicious wine.

12. Take a day trip to the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are a cluster of temperate islands in northwest Washington.

They make great getaways for anyone who loves nature, boating, and wildlife.

There are three main islands that cater to visitors: Lopez Island, Orca Island, and the largest San Juan Island.

The easiest way to reach your island of choice is by public ferry.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for orca whales!

The water surrounding the islands is renowned orca habitat, and this is actually one of the best places in the world to see them.

On each island, you’ll find a unique selection of shops, restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, whale tours, and more.

13. Explore Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

In 1980, Mount St. Helens unleashed the most catastrophic volcanic eruption in modern US history.

The explosion darkened Washington’s skies with 520 million tons of ash, and set off the largest landslide ever recorded.

Today, many people visit Mount St. Helens to learn more about its history, and enjoy its natural beauty.

One of the highlights here is the Ape Cave, which is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental US.

The 2.5-mile-long trail runs inside of a lava tube that was formed over 2,000 years ago.

14. Ascend the Space Needle

The Space Needle was built in 1962, the year Seattle hosted the World’s Fair. (Very mid-mod!)

It stands at 605 feet tall, complete with an observation deck and rotating restaurant.

The 360° views it offers of Seattle and Puget Sound are seriously amazing.

On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Mount Rainier.

Once at the top, sip on a glass of wine at the cafe, and take in the city views.

Or, try walking across the rotating glass floors, while you peek down at the world below your feet.

It’s super trippy!

You can buy tickets ahead and schedule your time here.

15. Visit Palouse Falls

A world away from the lush greenery of the Olympic Peninsula, the southeastern corner of Washington claims a totally different landscape.

Here, in the region called the Scablands, you’ll find the thundering Palouse Falls.

You certainly wouldn’t expect this hidden gem in the driest part of the state.

But the 198-foot waterfall and surrounding canyon are the result of glacial floods that took place in the last Ice Age.

Today, you can view the falls safely from the overlook at the top.

The steep trails that lead down to the base are officially closed, due to repeated accidents and injuries.

Although, people still take them down unofficially.

16. Explore Mount Baker

As Washington’s third tallest mountain, Mount Baker attracts climbers and hikers that want to enjoy the outdoors without the national park crowds.

The surrounding area is protected Mt. Baker Wilderness, comprised of jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and coniferous forests.

Although, you can experience the natural beauty from your car too.

The drive along the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, ending at Artist Point, is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

Mount Baker Ski Area also offers some of Washington’s best skiing.

In 1999, Mount Baker Ski Area actually set the world record for recorded snowfall in a single season!

17. Visit Wallace Falls

If you want to see some beautiful waterfalls without going too far from the city, look no further than Wallace Falls State Park.

At just an hour drive away, Wallace Falls State Park is the perfect day trip from Seattle.

The hike to the eponymous Wallace Falls offers gorgeous scenery as it winds along the Wallace River.

It’s also doable by pretty much all skill levels.

Along the way, you’ll be able to spot nine dazzling falls.

I think this park is a hidden gem, so I recommend it as one of the best things to do in Washington State.

18. Visit Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery is a stunning spot to visit, especially for photographers.

It’s full of dramatic coves, magnificent sea stacks, and striking coastal views.

On top of all that, it’s also the northwestern-most point of the contiguous United States.

That means it’s literally as “Pacific Northwest” as you can get!

It’s a common misconception that Cape Flattery is located in Olympic NP, but it’s actually not.

The cape is in fact located on Makah Tribal land.

Although it’s isolated from other things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, the scenery makes it well worth the visit.

19. Visit Cape Disappointment

Traveling down the coast, we arrive at Cape Disappointment in the southwestern corner the state.

This area is located right at the Oregon-Washington border, and protected by Cape Disappointment State Park.

The park is home to beautiful coastal views, hiking trails, and the photogenic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.

Visiting this spot is one of the best things to do in Washington State if you’re exploring the Long Beach Peninsula.

20. Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry

Fun fact: Washington state has the largest publicly operated ferry system in the United States!

Just a quick ferry trip away, Bainbridge Island makes for an easy escape from the urban jungle of Seattle.

The ferry leaves from Seattle’s downtown docks, and crosses the beautiful Puget Sound.

Just 35 minutes later, you arrive at the charming village of Winslow on Bainbridge Island.

Here, you’ll find charming shops, beautiful gardens, forests and beaches to explore.

21. Visit Poulsbo

Velkommen til Poulsbo! aka, Welcome to Poulsbo ☺️

Nicknamed “Little Norway,” the town of Poulsbo was settled in the 1800’s by Norwegian immigrants.

The scenery of Liberty Bay reminded them of home, and they built their new town to reflect that.

European architecture, Scandinavian flags, and nods to Viking culture adorn Poulsbo to this day.

From the bakeries and shops on Front Street, to the marina and local breweries, visiting this slice of Norway is one of the best things to do in Washington State.

Posted By: Arabella · In: travel, usa, washington