15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Washington Summer Bucket List
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Nikki Cleveland
Author
Nothing compares to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, especially during the spring and summer. We have wildflowers blooming everywhere, places to relax by the ocean, and it’s the perfect weather to head out for a hike through our dense Evergreen forests. Now that it’s nice and warm out, here are 15 spots across Washington you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.
Lake Twenty-Two sits at the base of Mount Pilchuck, with a relaxing boardwalk to take around the water. The scenic hike out to this alpine lake winds through old-growth forest, and past a number of enchanting waterfalls.
Ross Lake Resort is an incredible hidden gem in the North Cascades Park. The remote cabins are only accessible by ferry or hiking, and offer a private getaway on the west side of Ross Lake, with an up-close, mesmerizing view of the mountains.
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Why go to a public pool this summer when you can dive into an all-natural swimming hole? The bridge over this deep, turquoise cove is located only about a mile in on the Spruce Railroad Trail by Lake Crescent.
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It's an easy, three-mile hike out to see this spectacular cascade on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River. You can find the trailhead just off Exit 34 on I-90 in Olallie State Park.
Food is awesome. Baker Lake is awesome. Why not combine the two and have a sun-sational picnic this summer? It's completely free - just throw some sandwiches, watermelon and wine in a cooler, and head out to find a table by the water.
Ruby Beach is a photographer's dream. It's located off Highway 101, and features several tide pools, rock piles, driftwood and massive sea stacks - some of which are accessible at low tide.
Seafair is a classic, city-wide festival to experience in Seattle every summer. The annual celebration is over a 10-week period, with events like the Torchlight Parade, Seafair Cup hydroplane races and the famous Blue Angels.
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Lady of the Lake has provided scenic trips across our state's largest natural lake for over 100 years. It's a great, relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon, and was even recommended by National Geographic.
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Long Beach is a cozy beach town with plenty to see and do. You can go for a stroll along the longest continuous beach in the country, see Jake The Alligator Man at Marsh's Free Museum, and experience the International Kite Festival from August 15-21.
This free, annual event in Sequim celebrates everything lavender. Handmade products and more are available at all of the craft booths, as well as flavored food and drinks like ice cream, margaritas, martinis and wine. It'll be held this year from July 15-17.
It can be so refreshing to completely disconnect from the world for a few days, and there's no better way to unplug than by going out on a trip. We have countless places to go camping in Washington - including this spot by Colonial Creek.
Treehouse Point provides unique lodging in a forest along the Raging River. They're only about a half hour from Seattle, with books and games provided as well as a s'mores kit by the fireplace.
State Highway 11 is one of the most scenic routes you can take in north-western Washington. It begins on I-5 at Exit 231, and heads up north through evergreen forests and along the shoreline of Chuckanut Bay for nearly 20 miles.
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Duncan Garden is a lovely, Renaissance-style garden that's almost something you'd expect to see in a fairy tale. It's free to visit in Manito Park, complete with symmetrical flowers, as well as a fountain and gazebo at the south end.
Lower Lewis River Falls is much larger and more spectacular in person than photos make it seem. The scenic trail out will take you through old-growth forests filled with moss, and continues on towards the middle and upper falls.
Ready for summer yet? What are some other places in Washington that are on your bucket list?
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