Whether you're looking for something to do for a day or a weekend, Washington has plenty of beautiful places to visit. You'll find everything from a scenic drive through the Yakima Valley to a day at Mount Rainier National Park.
Yakima Valley
Located in the Pacific Northwest, the Yakima Valley is one of the best places to visit in Washington. This region is famous for its wine grapes, but also has great food, outdoor activities and breweries. The city of Yakima is home to a number of museums.
The Central Washington Agricultural Museum is the largest agricultural museum in the Pacific Northwest. The museum is located on 15 acres of land and features over 10,000 artifacts. There are several permanent exhibits as well as annual events.
The Yakima Valley Museum features a variety of exhibits that focus on pioneer life and the indigenous peoples of the area. The museum also features a digitized exhibit of over 9,000 photographs relating to cultural and historical events in the region.
There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Yakima Greenway. The 22.9-mile paved path features scenic views and wildlife viewing platforms. There are also parks and lakes along the route.
The Yakima River Canyon is a natural wonder with impressive basalt cliffs. This is a great spot to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep, osprey and other birds of prey.
There are 165 campgrounds in the area. There are also a number of parks and wildlife viewing platforms.
Mount Rainier
Located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, Mount Rainier is one of the most visited destinations in the Pacific Northwest. This 14,411 foot volcano attracts hikers from all over the world.
It is also a great place to visit in the winter, and there is a wide variety of things to do. If you're looking for something to do with the kids, there's a snow play area where you can enjoy tubing and snowboarding. If you're looking for a good hike, the Emmons Morraine Trail is an excellent option.
Another great hiking trail is the Glacier Basin Trail. You can also snowshoe on the mountain. This is a popular activity, but you'll need to wear warm clothing.
If you're looking for a good view of Mount Rainier, the Skyline Trail is a good option. This trail offers an excellent view of the mountain and other areas of the park.
The Sunrise Recreation Area is another great place to visit in Mount Rainier. This area is at 6,400 feet and offers panoramic views of the mountain. It's also home to a large network of trails. There are several different viewpoints along the way, and a spur trail leads to a viewpoint of Narada Falls.
North Cascades National Park
Located in northwest Washington, North Cascades National Park offers scenic hiking, fishing, mountain biking, climbing and roadside attractions. It is an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful getaway. The park's rugged landscape, high mountain lakes, waterfalls and glaciers make it a popular destination for hikers.
North Cascades National Park has some of the most spectacular hiking in Washington. The park is filled with rugged peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and vibrant forests. There are over a dozen hiking trails to choose from. Some of the best hikes include the Teal Lake Trail, which is a 4.4-mile return trail that travels through meadows and alpine forests.
Another great hike in the park is the Cascade Pass, which is an excellent challenge. You can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Eldorado, Magic and McGregor mountains. The trail is a difficult walk that offers incredible views.
Another great way to see the park is by renting a canoe or kayak. Diablo Lake offers plenty of spots for canoeing and kayaking. If you have a car, you can get to the lake by driving along the North Cascades Highway, which is one of the most scenic road trips in Washington.
Snoqualmie Falls
Located just outside of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular natural wonders in Washington. Whether you're looking for a family friendly hike or you're looking for a great day trip, this place is worth a visit.
Snoqualmie Falls is the second most visited natural landmark in Washington. It's a spectacular waterfall that carves its way through the ancient Cascade Mountains. It's especially beautiful during high water and when it is overflowing.
Snoqualmie Falls can be seen from several different views along the gorge rim. You can also access the river below and cool off. However, you'll need to pay attention to water flow and keep in mind that the water can change quickly and unpredictably.
The falls can be quite frightening, especially for young children. It's also difficult to photograph. In addition, the water can freeze when it's cold enough. If you're planning a visit during a snowy winter, dress appropriately.
You can see Snoqualmie Falls from the lookout at Snoqualmie Point Park. This view provides a 180-degree view of the waterfall. You can also hike to the base of the falls to get a better perspective on the height of the waterfall.
There is also an observation deck at the base of the falls. You'll want to make sure you keep your hands and feet dry, since the railings are slippery. It's also important to remember that the water flow can change wildly between days.
Palouse Falls
Located in the southeast corner of Washington State, Palouse Falls is a 198-foot cascade on the Palouse River. In fact, it is the official state waterfall of Washington. The falls are surrounded by imposing basalt cliffs. They are one of the most spectacular cascades in Washington.
Palouse Falls is best visited during the spring and summer. It is at its most powerful in early summer. In winter, the falls can be covered in snow. Palouse Falls is also a popular place for bird watching.
To get to Palouse Falls, travelers can either fly or drive. The drive takes an hour and a half. The drive starts in Walla Walla, Washington, and then travels through a series of small towns. In the beginning, the drive is quite winding. It is recommended that you check road conditions before you travel.
You can also take a short hike to see the falls. The trail follows an interpretive path. It contains signs explaining the history of the falls. Visitors can also enjoy the view from the Fryxell Overlook. This is the highest overlook and offers panoramic views of the falls.
Palouse Falls is located within the Palouse Falls State Park. The park is known for its original setting. The park offers fishing and a variety of activities. The park has one ADA compliant campsite. There are also pit toilet restrooms and sheltered picnic tables.
Spokane
Located in Eastern Washington, Spokane is a city that offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions. It's also easy to get around, and there are plenty of public transportation options. In fact, Spokane has the largest skywalk system in the United States. It's also known for its arts and culture, which can be enjoyed during any season.
One of the best tourist attractions in Spokane is Manito Park. This beautiful park encompasses ninety acres of greenery. It features diverse flora, playgrounds, and a conservatory. It's also home to one of the country's largest botanical gardens. You can also find Lilac gardens and a Japanese garden.
Another great attraction in Spokane is the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. This museum explores the history of the region and features interesting exhibits. It's also home to over a million artifacts. It also offers special exhibitions to highlight local Northwest culture.
Another attraction in Spokane is the Garland District. This area is located outside of the downtown area. The area is home to shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a fun place to visit in the evening. It's also known for its neon signs. The Garland Theater is also located here.
Port Townsend
Located on Puget Sound, Port Townsend, Washington is a great destination for family vacations. This historic seaport is an underrated gem that offers plenty of things to do. It's also a great destination for creatives and outdoor lovers. The climate is temperate all year round, making it a popular destination for vacationers.
Port Townsend has Victorian architecture, a historic downtown, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are plenty of museums to choose from, along with many galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
Port Townsend is also home to a variety of festivals and events. The Wooden Boat Festival takes place in September and celebrates the city's maritime history. During the festival, you can take boat rides, visit waterfront restaurants, and even shop at the farmers market.
Port Townsend also offers the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, which is a historic 19th century building. This museum has exhibits that explore the history of Port Townsend. The museum is open Thursdays to Sundays, 11 AM to 4 PM.
You can also go to the Port Townsend Farmers Market on Saturdays. This market is known for its delicious fresh produce, flowers, and handcrafted items. You can also purchase local honey, cider, and smoked salmon.
