The Ultimate and Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Washington
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Nikki Cleveland
Author
If you live in Washington, you’re probably aware of all of the exciting things there are to see and do here in the Northwest. Nevertheless, out of all of our state’s amazing attractions, here are 20 of the most incredible places that should be on everyone’s Washington state bucket list. From bridge hikes to natural wonders, this list of things to do in Washington truly has something for everyone!
1. Walk across the Umtanum Suspension Bridge over the Yakima River.
98926, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA
Ellensburg, WA, USA
How to get there: You can cross this bouncy suspension bridge near the beginning of the Umtanum Creek Hiking Trail in Yakima Canyon!
2. See the balancing rock in Omak.
Omak, WA, USA
Where to find it: This balancing rock is located in the Colville Indian Reservation nearly 1,340 feet from Omak Lake. It weighs almost 30-40 tons and is said to be a symbol of nature's perfection! Learn more about the Omak area and why it's worth a day trip.
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3. Discover the creepy Old Cascade Tunnel.
Cascade Tunnel, Washington 98826, USA
This peculiar tunnel can be found along the Iron Goat Trail on the Old Stevens Pass Highway, which marks the site of one of the worst railroad disasters in history from an avalanche in the early 1900s. The old railroad grade and its tunnels were abandoned in 1929 and have since been crafted into this trail that you can still venture through. Curious to learn more? Check out our full article about the Old Cascade Tunnel.
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4. Plan a trip to our state's charming Bavarian village, Leavenworth.
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Places to check out: Nutcracker Museum. Icicle Gorge Trail, Waterfront Park, Icicle Brewing Company, Front Street Park, and Munchen Haus for lunch. Learn more about why Leavenworth is easily one of the best small towns in Washington. Catch a glimpse of what makes Leavenworth so magical when you watch the brief drone footage below:
5. See an epic show at the Gorge.
Gorge Amphitheatre Campground, 22644-22936 Rd 1 NW, Quincy, WA 98848, USA
This stunning outdoor amphitheater is an amazing place to enjoy live music. Attending an outdoor concert is one of the best things to do in Washington State on a warm weather day. Check for upcoming shows on the Gorge Amphitheater website.
6. Go for an unforgettable hike up to Mailbox Peak.
Mailbox Peak, Washington 98045, USA
How to get there: Drive up Middle Fork Road to reach the parking lot. Then if you walk up the blue-gated gravel road for about a half mile you'll come across the trailhead to the left, which is well marked. From there your hike up to the old mailbox begins. Learn more about this challenging yet bucket-list-worthy hike in Washington.
7. Go wine tasting in Walla Walla.
Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
Washington has no shortage of impressive wine regions, and Walla Walla is no exception. Amazing wineries to try: Adamant Cellars, Walla Walla Vintners, El Corazon Winery, Dunham Cellars, Seven Hills, Gramercy Cellars, and Three Rivers Winery.
8. Take the stunning Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
Wonderland Trail, Wonderland Trl, Washington, USA
Measuring 93 miles long, this is undeniably one of the most scenic trails in our state, encircling Mount Rainier with lots of elevation gain and loss as well as splendid views of the mountain from nearly every different angle. There's no doubt about it -- this is one of the most scenic trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this breathtaking footage of Mount Rainier National Park:
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9. Explore the Ape Caves by Mount Saint Helens.
Ape Cave, Washington 98616, USA
More awesome lava tubes you can travel through: Cheese Caves, Lenore Lake Caves, and the Guler Ice Caves.
10. Stop by the Stonehenge Memorial in Maryhill.
Stonehenge Memorial, Stonehenge Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620, USA
Where it's located: This magical landmark can be found along the Columbia River just off Highway 14 by the Oregon border, nearly 3 miles east of the Maryhill Museum. Learn more about visiting this full-scale replica of Stonehenge in Washington.
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11. Make a weekend getaway to the San Juan Islands.
San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
Amazing places to see in the San Juan Islands: Moran State Park, Lime Kiln Point, The Whale Museum, Roche Harbor Mausoleum, Sculpture Park and the Pelindaba Lavender Farm.
12. Go for a scenic road trip along Spirit Lake Highway near Mount Saint Helens.
Spirit Lake Hwy, Washington, USA
Also known as State Route 504, the Spirit Lake Highway extends from I-5 in the city of Castle Rock east towards the Johnston Ridge Observatory!
13. Visit the gorgeous Japanese Garden in Seattle.
Washington Park Arboretum, 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
This stunning botanical garden is on the southern end of the Washington Park Arboretum, located on Lake Washington Boulevard East in the Madison Park neighborhood. It's one of the most stunning gardens in Washington.
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14. Go for a relaxing cruise across Puget Sound.
Puget Sound, Washington, USA
Schooner Zodiac offers a variety of scenic cruises that explore the anchorages of the San Juan Islands.
15. Explore the entire Olympic National Park.
Olympic National Park, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
There's no doubt about it; Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Washington. Top places to see: The Hoh and Quinault rainforests, Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, Crescent Lake, Sol Duc Falls, and Ozette Loop Hike. To see a little more of Olympic National Park, watch the beautiful footage below:
16. Visit Deception Pass State Park.
Deception Pass State Park, 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
If you have time to visit just one state park in Washington, Deception Pass State Park should be it. Between all of the camping, hiking, fishing and picnic options, the outdoor opportunities here on Whidbey Island are pretty much endless.
17. Spend a weekend by the beach in Ocean Shores.
Ocean Shores, WA, USA
Places to visit: Damon Point Park, Ocean Shores North Jetty, Buddy & Howie's Old Fashioned Sweet Shoppe, Ocean Shores Interpretive Center (which is free of charge), the Fusions Art Gallery and Sharky's gift shop! When it comes to beautiful beaches in Washington, Ocean Shores is a must-visit.
18. Check out the mystifying Cape Flattery.
Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA
The jaw-dropping Cape Flattery in Washington is the Northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S., located on the Olympic Peninsula where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean.
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19. Go camping by Lena Lake.
Lena Lake, Washington, USA
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Lena Lake is a beautiful destination in Washington with some truly amazing campgrounds, including Colonial Creek, Staircase Campground, Cougar Campground, Fairholme Campground.
20. Spend a night at TreeHouse Point.
TreeHouse Point, 6922 Preston-Fall City Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
Of course, this could go on forever since there are virtually countless things to see and do in the Evergreen State. What’s on your Washington state bucket list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate hiking essentials packing list before embarking on your next great outdoor adventure.
The Ultimate Hiking Packing List: 75 Must-Have Hiking Accessories
If you are looking for more ideas, here are a few of our favorites:
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More to Explore
Washington State Bucket List
What are the most popular natural wonders in Washington?
Washington state has no shortage of stunning places to explore. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of the most popular natural wonders in Washington:
- Columbia River Gorge
- North Cascades National Park
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Hoh Rain Forest
- Dry Falls
- The Enchantments
- Mount Saint Helens
- Palouse Falls
- Ape Caves
What are your favorite natural wonders in Washington that could be added to a Washington State bucket list ideas list?