For nature lovers, these are the most beautiful spots in Washington State.
Washington State is home to various stunning mountain peaks, deep forests, and seaside escapes. It’s located in the Pacific Northwest region.
Nature lovers will find paradise. Exploring one of the three national parks is possible, or heading for the coast. There are stunning views and endless outdoor adventures.
Are you ready to go? These are the top ten places in Washington that you should add to your travel bucket list.
Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake is a beautiful reservoir best known for its stunning mountain backdrop and hot turquoise water. It is an artificial lake created by the Diablo Dam, which supplies electricity to much of the region, including Seattle. However, its stunning color is due to glacier minerals found in the water from nearby mountains.
Diablo Lake, located in North Cascades National Park, is easily accessible and free of snow from April through September. This makes it an ideal spot for summer activities. Kayakers flock to the shores in July and August while bikers and hikers enjoy spectacular views up high. Diablo Lake Overlook is a great spot for those driving along the scenic North Cascades Highway or just looking to relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls, located in the harsh landscape of southeast Washington, is an oasis. This stunning waterfall was created in the landscape 13,000 years ago, just before the Palouse River met the Snake River.
For panoramic views, short trails lead visitors to the upper rim. A lower trail offers more direct views. An interpretive trail runs through Palouse River Canyon to get closer. The canyon’s basalt rock walls rise high on both sides.
It doesn’t matter from which vantage point the cool water cascades down to plunge pools below. A bright rainbow can be seen streaming across the water on sunny days to make it even more spectacular!
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park offers a wide variety of landscapes for those looking for a diverse collection. The park is located in the state’s northeast corner, on 922,650 acres (3.734 sq. Visitors will not be bored with adventure.
Mount Olympus is the center of the park. It rises to 7,925ft (2,428m) and is the area’s anchor. Three distinct ecosystems are visible around it: the coastline, the glaciated mountains and the temperate rainforest, the only American rainforest. You’ll also find hidden beaches, hot springs and lakes.
A visit to the Hoh Natural Rainforest is a must for anyone looking for the best Olympic experiences. Its trails are covered in bright green moss, making it a great place to see the Olympics. Ruby Beach, Hood Canal oyster catching, and a lazy day at Lake Crescent are some of the highlights.
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. It sent debris flying at 300 miles per hour and temperatures of 650 degrees F (343 degrees C) at speeds up to 300 miles. It was the most destructive volcanic eruption in America and the largest landslide in American history. The volcano’s north face collapsed, leaving behind a large hole. This huge crater is Mount St. Helen’s most prominent feature.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory offers information about the mountain’s past, and visitors can enjoy nature walks and hikes such as the Harry’s Ridge Trail. Backpackers can also tackle the Loowit Loop and even climb Mt. St. Helens.
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades, seemingly endless mountain peaks and icy glaciers, are as rugged. Its wild terrain extends over 788 sq. miles (2,040 sq. km. There are 400 miles (644 km) of hiking trails and more than 300 glaciers. This is the longest country in the United States.
The North Cascades is the fifth most visited of all U.S. National Parks. However, this place is so special because it is so isolated. Backcountry hikers and mountaineers love it so much that 72% of the 38,000 visitors to the park in 2019 were backcountry campers. Many activities can be done by those who don’t feel as adventurous, such as kayaking and lakeside camping.
Ancient Lakes
Washington State is most well-known for its tall mountains and lush green forests. However, once you cross the Cascade Range, Washington becomes surprisingly dry. The state’s most striking desert landscape is Ancient Lakes. It is a semi-arid area along the 1,243-mile (2,000 km) Columbia River.
The basin is a natural playground you can explore once you have climbed. There are fields of wildflowers and sagebrush, as well as waterfalls that cascade down the basalt canyon walls. You may also see trees and lakes. There are five lakes in total. This is a great place for day-trippers and overnight campers alike. You can walk the trails, ranging from a short walkabout to a long 12-mile (19 km) loop.
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