This is a guide with what we think are must-sees from Washington State. Before reading note that all prices were last updated in Spring 2023, and they might have changed since then. Read the comments or go to the official pages for the most recent prices. If an activity doesn’t show prices it means that it is free.
If you use Google Maps to navigate Tralei has a Pinned map list with all the attractions listed in this article that you can access by Clicking Here.
1. Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery is not only the most Northwestern point in Mainland USA but also one of the most scenic views in the entire state of Washington. Although it is true that it is far from almost everywhere in the State (Aboy 4 hours and 20 minutes drive from Seattle) it is definitely worth the visit.
There is no service in the area and there are restrooms in the free parking spot.
The trail leads to a lookout point on the cliff, 1.5 miles both ways, and there is no way to go down to the shore. It’s an easy hike out but is not flat. Decline on the way out, incline on the way back.
2. Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls is a Park that is located 10 minutes from Western Washington University. The park contains a couple of trails that go around both sides of the river and it contains a few bridges, including an ancient rock bridge.
The park has a Picnic area with tables and a covered shelter and clean restrooms. There are some areas where you can dip into the cold water.
3. Colchuck Lake
Colchuck Lake is a freshwater lake, the trail that gets up to this mountain lake is 8.5 miles out-and-back and it takes around 5 hours to complete. Hiking shoes are recommended and bringing food and snacks too.
Depending on the season you will find a dark, cloudy, and cold landscape or a sunny clear one.
If you use google maps to guide yourself to the top, don’t be fooled, as at the beginning it will seem like you are advancing a lot, (because you are getting close to the pinpoint on the map), but the last part of the trail is the hardest one as it climbs up in zig-zag, not advancing a lot towards the point on your map.
4. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls are 30 minutes away from Seattle by car, and there is an option to get there using 2 buses, but it will take around 2 hours each way.
On the waterfall, there is a nice restaurant that overlooks the falls, a viewpoint on the top, and a trail that goes down to the waterfall, although access to the waterfall is no longer available, only another observation deck.
No permits are needed and there is free parking available.
5. Seattle
Seattle is the capital and biggest city in Washington State. There are thousands of activities to do in Seattle, but we will list the main FREE activities:
- Walk around the Museum of Pop Culture
- Visit the Washington Park Arboretum
- Walk around the Public Market
- Visit the Gum Wall
We also highly recommend going up to the space need as it is Seattle’s main attraction. These are the prices (2023):
6.Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is great for nature enthusiasts, It contains plenty of hikes. It has many different environments mountains, lush forests, and coastal beaches on the west coast, all of which are well worth exploring. Here is the official list of trails. Some of the trails and parts of the park are free to visit, mainly the coast. For the rest of it you can get a pass which is valid for 1 week. These are the prices:
Note that you only pay per vehicle or per person, not both. 5 people in a car would be $30.
7. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades is the perfect destination for hikers and campers. There are many long hikes, such as the:
- Maple Pass to Lake Ann (7.4 Miles loop (12 Km))
- Cascade Pass (7.4 Miles loop (12 Km))
- Sourdough Mountain (10.4 Miles loop (16.8 Km))
If you are not in great shape to climb a peak, bringing kids or are simply looking for shorter hikes and activities, swimming or renting a boat on Diablo Lake is a good option. Views from the drive up to the park are also very enjoyable. Once in Diablo Lake make sure to check the Diablo Lake Vista Point.
Finally, there is also a short paved hike to Rainy Lake. It is a 2-mile (3.2 Km) out-and-back route with beautiful views of the lake t the end.
8. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainer is the most extensive alpine glacial system outside of Alaska and the world’s largest volcanic glacier cave system.
At Tralei We did not have time to explore this park but we think it is still a must-see. Here are the entry prices:
Note that you only pay per vehicle or per person, not both. 5 people in a car would be $30.
9. Palouse Falls
This was another bucket list hike for us at Tralei that we could not end up doing. This place is 4 hours away from Seattle by car. The trail is very short, just a 1-mile loop.
Make sure that you check if the park is open beforehand here
A Discover Pass is required to visit Palouse Falls State Park and must be displayed in your car. It costs $10 for a day pass or $30 for an annual pass. In the parking lot there is a machine where you can purchase a day or annual pass via credit/debit card.
10. Devil's Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl it’s a great rest stop when traveling From Seattle to either the Olimpic National Park or Cape Flattery.
From the parking area, you will walk around a beautiful mossy forest and if you take a left in the tunnel you will arrive to the bridge. The trail up to the bridge is about 1.2 miles one-way and the elevation is mild.
The water is a pristine blue and people use the bridge to jump to the water.
Thank you for reading our list of must sees in Washington!
If you think we forgot to mention anything, don’t hesitate to write in the comment section!
