We live in a state full of diverse, rugged beauty. From our ocean beaches to our expansive forests, these hidden gems in Washington have something for everyone. And while western Washington’s natural wonders are well-documented, some of the attractions on the east side of the state go largely unnoticed. But this is a side of the Evergreen State everyone should explore.

This mapped-out route takes you to five of our hidden gems. And while it’s possible to visit them all in a day if you wake up early and live in the area, we recommend making a weekend of it so you’ll have time to explore them.

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1. Dry Falls
Dry Falls, Washington 99115, USA
Mike / Flickr
Located in the heart of the Grand Coulee, Dry Falls is one of our most impressive natural wonders. This 3.5-mile wide chasm of basalt is all that remains of the last great Ice Age flood in the area. The views from the Dry Falls Interpretive Center are mindblowing.
2. Blue Lake (and the Rhino Cave)
33575 Park Lake Rd NE, Coulee City, WA 99115, USA
Emily Neef / Flickr
Just a few miles from Dry Falls is the little-known Blue Lake Rhino Cave. This rhino-shaped cave was formed by a Diceratherium bull, an ancestor of the rhinoceros. The Diceratherium was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. When a nearby volcano erupted, his escape route was cut off by a lake, and he met a fiery fate. The corpse was covered by lava and remained undiscovered until the 1940s.

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3. Soap Lake
Soap Lake, WA 98851, USA
Erik Shin / Flickr
This unique mineral lake isn't exactly hidden. That being said, not many people know about its alleged healing properties. The minerals in the water are very alkaline, killing viruses and bacteria without harming their human hosts. People have been coming here to soak for centuries.
4. Gravity Hill
Prosser, WA 99350, USA
Ben Tesch / Flickr
Gravity Hill isn't easy to find, but it's worth a try. Located on a stretch of North Crosby Road about 10-15 miles north of Prosser, this quiet road can really spook you. Start at the base of a small incline, put your car in neutral, and you'll miraculously begin to roll uphill. The only thing is, you'll roll right toward an allegedly haunted grain silo.
5. Stonehenge Memorial, Maryhill Museum of Art
Maryhill Museum of Art, 35 Maryhill Museum Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620, USA
get directly down / Flickr
An ode to the ancient, Neolithic structure itself, Washington's own Stonehenge Memorial is located a few miles east of Maryhill Museum of Art. It typically opens for the season in March and stays open until fall.

Take a look at these 10 hidden spots that most Washingtonians aren’t aware of. How many of these hidden gems in Washington have you seen in person? Let us know your experiences in the comments.

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More to Explore

Places To Visit In Washington

William Suphan | November 14, 2022

What are some of the top-rated man-made attractions in Washington?

The top-rated man-made attractions in Washington include:

  • Riverfront Park. Located in Spokane, this park was revitalized for the 1974 World’s Fair and contains several community attractions, such as a hand-carved carousel dating from 1909.
  • Fort Worden Historical State Park. This fort was part of the Triangle of Fire, a coastal defense center that houses several batteries and barracks.
  • Washington State Capitol Building. The rows of tulips and Roman-style architecture bring many visitors to this building located on the southern end of Puget Sound. 

Here are 12 more top-rated man-made attractions in Washington.

What are some of the top-rated natural attractions in Washington?

Here are some of the top-rated natural attractions in Washington:

  • Olympic National Park. Packed with dense old-growth forests, pristine beaches, and numerous hiking trails, this is arguably the top natural attraction in Washington. 
  • San Juan Islands. Just north of Puget Sound, this group of 174 islands is an extremely popular natural attraction for locals and tourists alike.
  • Mount Rainer National Park. This picturesque mountain is the most famous in the state and reaches 14,410 feet in elevation. 

Here is a list of several more top-rated natural attractions in Washington. 

What are the best small towns to visit in Washington?

The best small towns to visit in Washington include:

  • Sequim. The lavender fields are a top attraction in this small town located on the Olympic Peninsula. 
  • Leavenworth. This town started as a timber community and is now home to German architecture in its Bavarian Village. The views of the Cascade Mountains make this a picturesque location.
  • Gig Harbor. Located 12 miles from Tacoma, the famous historic waterfront is an extremely popular attraction.

Take a look at several of the other best small towns in Washington. 

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