Having spent the last few years exploring the Pacific Northwest as a digital nomad, I’m often asked about Washington State by fellow travelers. It’s tough to give a simple answer – from the misty coastline to the eastern desert landscapes, Washington packs an incredible range of experiences into one state.
“Washington is like several states rolled into one,” explains Sarah Chen, a local guide who’s been leading tours throughout the region for over a decade. “You’ve got rainforests and ocean beaches in the west, mountain ranges running through the middle, and rolling wheat fields and wine country in the east. Each region has its own personality and charm.”
While you could spend months exploring every corner of the Evergreen State, most visitors need a more focused approach. To help you plan your Washington adventure, here are 19 places that showcase the best of what this diverse state has to offer.
Olympic National Park
Experience three unique ecosystems when you visit Olympic National Park, a natural wonderland spanning nearly a million acres. You can explore misty rainforests draped in moss, walk along wild Pacific beaches with towering sea stacks, or trek through alpine meadows in the Olympic Mountains. For an unforgettable stay, book a room at Lake Crescent Lodge, where you can paddle across crystal-clear waters and spot native wildlife from your lakeside perch. The Hoh Rain Forest is particularly special, receiving up to 14 feet of rain each year, making it one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States.
Mount Rainier National Park
Many visitors flock to Mount Rainier National Park to see the towering 14,411-foot active volcano that dominates Washington’s landscape, but the park offers much more than just its namesake peak. The 236,381-acre wilderness features countless hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests, meadows painted with wildflowers in summer, and six major rivers born from the mountain’s glaciers. In winter, the Paradise area becomes a snowy playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while during warmer months, the Sunrise Visitor Center provides some of the clearest views of the mountain’s snow-capped summit. No matter when you visit, the park’s network of campgrounds and historic lodges makes it easy to spend several days exploring this Pacific Northwest treasure.
Seattle Space Needle
In the heart of downtown Seattle stands its most recognizable symbol – the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this 605-foot tower has been the city’s defining landmark for over 60 years. What makes it special isn’t just its retro-futuristic design, but the way it brings together both locals and tourists who come to see Seattle from above. Take the 41-second elevator ride to the observation deck, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and on clear days, Mount Rainier in the distance. The recently added rotating glass floor lets you experience Seattle from an entirely new perspective – though it might not be for those afraid of heights. Unlike other observation decks around the world, the Space Needle feels distinctly Pacific Northwest, with its design inspired by the region’s love of nature and innovation.
Pike Place Market
Ever wondered where you can watch fishmongers toss salmon through the air while sipping the world’s first Starbucks coffee? Welcome to Pike Place Market, Seattle’s beloved heart and soul since 1907. This bustling waterfront marketplace is where local farmers and artisans have been sharing their goods with city folks for over a century. You can wander through the maze-like halls to find everything from fresh flowers and handmade pasta to quirky antiques and local art. The market’s famous neon sign and clock have become symbols of Seattle itself, while the nearby gum wall adds a peculiar (and kind of gross) touch to your visit. And don’t forget to say hello to Rachel, the bronze piggy bank who’s been the market’s unofficial mascot since the 1980s.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands hold a special place in my heart as one of Washington’s most rewarding escapes. This archipelago of 172 islands sits between Seattle and Vancouver, where the calm waters of the Salish Sea create a peaceful haven for both wildlife and visitors. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, these islands offer a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. You can spend your days kayaking alongside orca whales, cycling through rolling farmland, or hopping between the main islands of Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez. It’s not just a vacation spot – it’s a chance to slow down and experience island life in the Pacific Northwest, where cozy bed-and-breakfasts and fresh seafood restaurants sit alongside ancient forests and quiet beaches.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Mount St. Helens is one of those places that really puts nature’s raw power into perspective. This active volcano, which famously erupted in 1980, now serves as an open-air classroom where visitors can witness firsthand how landscapes recover after major volcanic events. The monument’s network of trails takes you through blast zones and recovering forests, past massive fields of pumice, and right up to observation points where you can peer into the still-steaming crater. It’s not just about the volcano though – the surrounding area has become a living laboratory where scientists and curious visitors alike can watch as life gradually returns to the once-devastated landscape. Even if geology isn’t usually your thing, seeing a landscape shaped by such massive forces tends to leave a lasting impression.
North Cascades National Park
I always tell outdoor enthusiasts heading to Washington to visit North Cascades National Park. Located just three hours from Seattle, this rugged wilderness features over 300 glaciers, alpine lakes, and jagged peaks that have earned it the nickname “American Alps.” The park offers more than 400 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks through old-growth forests to challenging climbs that reward you with views of snow-capped mountains and pristine valleys.
Leavenworth
Step into a slice of Bavaria when you visit Leavenworth, a charming German-inspired town tucked in the Cascade Mountains. The village’s Alpine-style buildings and traditional German restaurants make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Europe. You can browse authentic German shops selling cuckoo clocks and nutcrackers, or join in one of the many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Oktoberfest celebrations. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area offers excellent hiking trails, river rafting on the Wenatchee River, and skiing at nearby Stevens Pass during winter months.
Snoqualmie Falls
Get up close to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most impressive waterfalls at Snoqualmie Falls, where water plunges 268 feet down a dramatic rock face. The falls draw over 1.5 million visitors each year who come to watch the powerful cascade from two observation decks – an upper viewing area near the parking lot and a lower deck reached by a short hiking trail. Stay at the historic Salish Lodge & Spa perched right at the top of the falls, where you can dine at The Dining Room restaurant with panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. For the best experience, visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the mist rising off the falls in the cool air.
Lake Chelan
Cool off at Lake Chelan, a 50.5-mile stretch of crystal-clear water nestled in the North Cascades. This glacier-fed lake offers plenty of ways to enjoy your time, from swimming and boating to wine tasting at the numerous wineries dotting its shores. Take a boat ride to the remote village of Stehekin, where you can hike scenic trails or rent kayaks for a peaceful paddle. For the best views, book a stay at one of the lakeside resorts or rent a vacation home overlooking the water. It’s an ideal spot for both summer adventures and quiet fall getaways.
Hoh Rain Forest
Visitors flock to the Hoh Rain Forest for its moss-draped trees and dense canopy, but this Olympic National Park gem is much more than just ancient woods. The forest receives up to 14 feet of rain annually, creating one of the Pacific Northwest’s rare temperate rainforests where Roosevelt elk roam freely and crystal-clear streams wind through carpets of ferns. While the Hall of Mosses trail offers an easy introduction to the ecosystem, the Hoh River Trail extends 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows, providing serious hikers with an immersive journey into the heart of the wilderness. Even on crowded summer days, you’ll find peaceful spots to experience the forest’s quiet magic, whether you’re watching for birds among the towering Sitka spruce or simply listening to raindrops filter through the layers of green above.
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass has to be one of Washington’s most photographed spots, and for good reason. This 4,134-acre state park stretches across Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, connected by a pair of bridges that stand 180 feet above the rushing waters below. Visitors come to watch the swirling currents created by the fierce tidal flows, hike through old-growth forests, and explore the 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline. It’s not just the dramatic scenery that draws people in – the park offers everything from camping and kayaking to crabbing and diving. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the steep trail down to West Beach, where you can watch boats navigate the challenging pass or join the locals who gather at sunset to see the sky light up over the Olympic Mountains.
Columbia River Gorge
Have you ever watched the mighty Columbia River carve its way through towering basalt cliffs? The Columbia River Gorge, straddling the border of Washington and Oregon, stretches for 80 miles as the Pacific Northwest’s largest river cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. This natural wonder serves up endless opportunities for outdoor fun – from windsurfing in Hood River to hiking past numerous waterfalls like Multnomah Falls. You can drive the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway, stopping at overlooks to spot osprey soaring overhead, or explore charming small towns like Stevenson, where local breweries and farm-to-table restaurants showcase the region’s bounty.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles sits at the northern edge of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, acting as a perfect gateway to Olympic National Park. Located right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this seaside town gives you front-row access to both mountain adventures and ocean activities. You can hop on a ferry to Victoria, Canada, wander through the charming downtown filled with local shops and restaurants, or head up to Hurricane Ridge for some of the best mountain views in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington State Capitol
When I first visited Olympia’s Washington State Capitol in 2018, I was struck by its prominence on the city’s skyline. The legislative building, which sits atop Capitol Hill, is one of the tallest masonry domes in North America, rising an impressive 287 feet into the air. The grand campus spreads across 74 acres of manicured lawns and gardens, with the main building’s white limestone exterior gleaming in the Pacific Northwest sun. Inside, the rotunda features the world’s largest Tiffany chandelier, while the surrounding halls showcase art and artifacts that tell the story of Washington’s history. The free guided tours offer visitors a chance to see where state laws are made, including stops at the ornate Senate and House chambers where legislators still conduct their daily business.
Spokane Riverfront Park
Take a peaceful stroll through Spokane’s most beloved green space at Riverfront Park, a 100-acre oasis in the heart of downtown. The park hugs both sides of the Spokane River, offering visitors front-row views of the thundering Spokane Falls and the city’s iconic skyline. You can hop aboard the Numerica SkyRide for a bird’s-eye view of the falls, or let the kids burn off energy at the massive Pavilion playground. During summer, cool off at the Interactive Fountain, and in winter, lace up your skates at the seasonal ice ribbon. Don’t miss the historic Looff Carrousel, a beautifully restored 1909 merry-go-round that still delights riders of all ages.
Puget Sound
Stretching from Seattle to the northern reaches of Washington, Puget Sound is where the Pacific Northwest really shows off its natural charm. Like most coastal areas, it has beaches and waterfront towns, but what sets it apart is how the deep blue waters weave between evergreen-covered islands and peninsulas. The Sound has been home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, and you can still feel their connection to these waters today. From watching orcas breach near the San Juan Islands to digging for clams on Bainbridge Island’s shores, or hopping on a ferry to explore hidden coves, the Sound offers a perfect mix of wildlife encounters and maritime culture. Local fishing boats still dot the harbors, and the smell of fresh seafood wafts from waterfront markets where generations of families have sold their daily catch.
Walla Walla Wine Country
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Washington state, Walla Walla Wine Country first caught my attention during a road trip in 2018. This charming region, known for its rolling hills and endless vineyards, has grown from a small farming community into one of the Pacific Northwest’s top wine destinations. More than 120 wineries dot the landscape here, each offering their own take on the area’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varietals. The downtown area pairs perfectly with the surrounding wine scene, filled with local tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants, and historic buildings that tell the story of this former frontier town. On weekends, you’ll find both locals and visitors hopping between wineries, picnicking in the vineyards, and soaking in views of the Blue Mountains that frame this wine lover’s paradise.
Mount Baker
If you love exploring snow-capped peaks in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Baker should be at the top of your list. Located in the North Cascades, this active volcano rises 10,781 feet above sea level and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Washington. During summer months, the mountain transforms into a hiking paradise, with wildflower meadows dotting the landscape and clear views stretching all the way to British Columbia on good days.
