There aren’t many more magical places than right here in the Northwest! Washington has fascinating spots everywhere, some of which look like they came straight out of an old storybook. If you’re looking for a charming adventure in our state, here are 11 places that’ll leave you happily ever after:
1. Troll Haven, Gardiner
This mystical sanctuary can be found along Discovery Bay in between Sequim and Port Townsend. The estate has a number of homes for vacation rentals, as well as buildings that are open to reserve for weddings, gatherings, parties or any other special events.
2. Strawberry Bay Falls, Olympic National Park
You can admire a view of this horsetail waterfall at the south end of Third Beach, just off La Push Road near the Quileute Reservation. It's only about a half mile walk along the sandy shore to reach the 100+ foot falls cascading off cliffs to the rocks and ocean down below.
3. Duncan Gardens, Spokane
While all of the areas in Manito Park are gorgeous, this European botanical garden is worth visiting in particular for a true fairy tale adventure. Take a stroll through and you'll be surrounded by symmetrical flowers everywhere, in addition to an enchanting fountain and gazebo located at the south end of the garden.
4. Maryhill Museum of Art
This seasonal museum displays some of the most fascinating artwork and exhibitions in a magical palace, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
5. Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park
If you're up for taking a walk through the woods like in an old storybook, head out for a journey to this temperate rainforest in the Olympic National Park! The moss-covered trees and miles of trails will have you feeling like you just stepped out of Little Red Riding Hood, minus the Big Bad Wolf.
6. Ohme Gardens, Wenatchee
Another botanical garden where you can experience fairy tale charm is this garden retreat in Central Washington. They offer stunning natural stone paths, hillside gardens, pools, woods to explore once spring comes around, and phenomenal views of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains.
7. Minotaur Lake, Central Cascades
Just east of Steven's Pass you can take a trail out to this area that features a photogenic lake, as well as meadows filled with wildflowers early in the season and huckleberries late in the season.
8. Thornewood Castle, Lakewood
There are a lot of bed and breakfasts where you can plan a getaway in our state, but none are quite like staying in this historical castle that'll leave you feeling like complete royalty. The charming spot also serves as one of the most romantic venues in all of Washington to tie the knot!
9. Cape Flattery Trail
This easy 1.5-mile trail on the Olympic Peninsula ends at the most northwestern tip of the contiguous states and features a small lookout where you can catch a unique perspective of the ocean.
10. Mount Constitution Tower, Orcas Island
On top of Mount Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands at 2,409-feet high, you can find this stone observation tower that looks like something out of an old medieval tale. If you head to the top, you'll be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and Cascade Mountains for miles.
11. Narada Falls, Mount Rainier National Park
One of the most magical places to see in all of Mount Rainier National Park is this waterfall that cascades down over a wall of basalt rock! The upper tier is a horsetail waterfall that drops nearly 168 feet, while the lower falls is much smaller and only plunges about 20 feet, with the Mount Rainier Highway crossing in between the two tiers.
Isn’t our Northwest state amazing? What other places in Washington remind you of a fairy tale?
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