The state of Washington is positively filled with stunning attractions, from towering mountain peaks to rushing waterfalls, dense forests, and just about everything in between. It’s true that you can experience pure Northwest bliss almost anywhere in the state, but here are 14 places to see in Washington State that you must add to your bucket list:

1. Cape Flattery, Clallam County

Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA
Flickr / rick_bergstrom
Our list of must-visit places in Washington begins at Cape Flattery. You can discover this natural beauty on the Olympic Peninsula after a short hike, most of which features a boardwalk. Did you know that Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S.?

2. Spray Park, Ashford

Spray Park, Spray Park Trail, Ashford, WA 98304, USA
Sean Munson/Flickr
Catch your strikingly attractive reflection in the water here in Mount Rainier National Park! Spray Park is accessible via a lengthy hike, which, although challenging in places, proves to be rewarding at every turn.

3. Dr. Jose Rizal Park, Seattle

Dr. Jose Rizal Park, 1007 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, USA
Flickr / mwhyte
Ever wondered where all those awesome Seattle skyline shots come from? Photographers - this is your dream location!

4. Lenore Lake Caves, Soap Lake area

Lake Lenore Caves Trail, Washington 98851, USA
Tiffany Von Arnim/Flickr
The shallow caves were originally formed after water from a Great Missoula flood pulled parts of basalt from the walls of the coulee. After the water receded and the caves were created, some of the early native people used the space as shelter. Learn more about how you can hike to the Lenore Lake Caves in Washington. They certainly belong on your Washington bucket list.

5. Hurricane Hill, Olympic Peninsula

Hurricane Hill, Washington 98363, USA
Bala Sivakumar/Flickr
No list of must-see places in Washington is complete without a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. You'll catch some unforgettable views of the Elwha Valley on this hike and, at some points, even Mount Baker.

6. Tolmie Peak, Mount Rainier

Tolmie Peak, Washington 98304, USA
Flickr / Valor Poland
Without a doubt, Tolmie Peak is every hiker's paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. It's among the best hiking trails in all of Washington.

7. Perfection Lake, Enchantment Lakes

The Enchantments, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Flickr / pituko numero uno
This flawless body of water just outside of Leavenworth gets its name for a reason! Learn more about why the Enchantment Lakes are among the most extraordinary must-see places in Washington State.

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8. Hoh Rain Forest, Forks

Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Krystal Hamlin/Flickr
Plan an exotic visit to Olympic National Park one of these days to explore this temperate rainforest. Beautiful in any season, the Hoh Rain Forest is truly a bucket list Washington destination.

9. Skyline Divide Trail, Mount Baker area

Skyline Divide Trailhead, Deming, WA 98244, USA
Flickr / Taylor Russell
This 9-mile trip on the Skyline Divide Trail is full of wildflower fields that will mesmerize you in ways you never imagined. Plus, this trail has some of the best mountain views in Washington.

10. Priest Point Park, Olympia

Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park), 2600 East Bay Drive Northeast, Olympia, WA 98506, USA
Flickr / ZeFlower
This is one of the most heavenly waterfront parks you'll visit in your lifetime! There's plenty of picnic area for a comfy outdoor feast at Priest Point Park.

11. Harry's Ridge Trail, near Toutle

Harry's Ridge, Cougar, WA 98616, USA
Flickr / Jennifer C.
You can admire Mount St. Helens in the distance for almost the entire 8-mile trip! The trail is actually named after a man named Harry Randall Truman who refused to leave his home despite evacuation orders and died when the volcano erupted on May 18, 1980.

12. Bean Creek Basin, by Cle Elum

Bean Creek Trailhead, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA
Flickr / benjamin scott
This 5-mile trail offers spectacular views of Mount Stuart, Earl Peak, and Iron Peak!

13. Duncan Garden, Spokane

Duncan Garden, Spokane, WA 99203, USA
Flickr / Bjorn
If you haven't already taken a billion pictures of this beautiful botanical garden in Manito Park, then what are you waiting for? It's one of the most stunning places to visit in WA!

14. Tree Cave in Kalaloch, Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
Flickr / David Fulmer
Don't believe in magic? This tree has visible roots that keep the tree alive, yet it doesn't have any soil. How is that possible? How is the top so luscious and green?? Nobody knows the mysteries of Tree Cave.

What are your thoughts on these 14 places to see in Washington State? How many have you visited, and which destinations would you add to the list? We’d love to hear from you — be sure to leave a comment below!

Exploring the state on foot is always a wonderful way to explore. Check out our list of the best hikes in Washington State. And make sure you download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on the trails.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Bucket-List Places in Washington

Beth C. | January 27, 2021

Does Washington have any natural wonders?

As you might have guessed from reading about the top 14 must-see places in Washington, the Evergreen State is positively brimming with magic. It's true that there are lots of natural wonders in Washington worth exploring. Some of the most popular natural wonders include:

  • Mount Rainier and the surrounding Mount Rainier National Park
  • Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park
  • Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park
  • Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park
  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
  • Mount St. Helens
  • San Juan Island

 

What are the best parks to visit in Washington?

One of the best ways to explore the state of Washington is to visit one of the many parks. From national parks to state parks, Washington has no shortage of dedicated areas where you can learn about wildlife and interact with nature in the most unforgettable way. Some of the best parks to visit in Washington include:

  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • North Cascades National Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park
  • Palouse Falls State Park
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park
  • Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
  • Cape Disappointment State Park
  • Birch Bay State Park
  • Manchester State Park

 

What is the tallest waterfall in Washington?

Washington has an abundance of gorgeous waterfalls to explore. Bridal Veil Falls holds the title of the tallest waterfall in Washington, although it's actually a series of seven waterfalls that measure 1,291 feet. Do you love exploring Washington's waterfalls? Then you'll want to check out our waterfall road trip through Washington.

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