Whether you’re a new Washingtonian or you’ve lived here all your life, there’s probably still plenty of spots in our state you’d like to explore. In addition to our top tourist attractions, we’ve got plenty of beautiful hidden gems worth checking out. Some of the locations on this list might even be new to you entirely.
- Stehekin Valley
Andy Simonds / Flickr Even those who spend many a vacation on Lake Chelan might not realize that there’s an entire community nearby you can only access by boat or hike. Stehekin is quiet, peaceful, and totally scenic.
- Twin Sisters Rock, Touchet
Bumpy Potatoe / alltrails.com Touchet is a tiny town (population 421) in Walla Walla County. According to local legend, a jealous god created these two basalt columns. Even if you go with a more logical explanation for their creation, this is still a beautiful spot to see (and a short mile-long hike).
- Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
Bloedel Reserve Facebook Many Washingtonians have visited Bainbridge Island completely unaware that this breathtaking sanctuary exists. Bloedel Reserve is a public garden whose mission is to provide a tranquil and refreshing experience of nature. It’s located at 7571 NE Dolphin Dr. and is open every day but Monday.
- Beckler Peak
Lisa Bedker-Madsen / alltrails.com Even some of Washington’s most experienced hikers haven’t heard of Beckler Peak. Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just north of the towns of Index and Skykomish, this 7.2-mile trail is fairly new, and it’s incredible.
- The Temple of Power
hey skinny / Flickr Located in the company town of Newhalem near the North Cascades Visitor Center, this futuristic pavilion was designed by artist Don Corson to honor the town’s history of supplying power to Seattle.
- Red Top Lookout
Brianne Mattson / alltrails.com The Red Top Lookout Trail is a 1.6-mile hike located near Cle Elum that leads to this stunning lookout. On a clear day, you can see the Enchantments and Mount Stuart to the north over the mountains, Mount Rainier to the south, and even parts of the Eastern Washington desert.
- Fish Lake
Ed Suominen / Flickr If you love fishing for rainbow trout, you may already know all about this gem. If not, head north from Leavenworth on Highway 2 for about 21 miles and discover it for yourself.
- Saltwater State Park
Robert S. / TripAdvisor Des Moines is a mere 15 miles south of Seattle, but it’s a quieter and more secluded city. Their beachfront park has some seriously spectacular scenery (and it’s a perfect place to watch the sunset).
We’re so lucky to call Washington home. Have you explored all of our top natural attractions?
Andy Simonds / Flickr
Even those who spend many a vacation on Lake Chelan might not realize that there’s an entire community nearby you can only access by boat or hike. Stehekin is quiet, peaceful, and totally scenic.
Bumpy Potatoe / alltrails.com
Touchet is a tiny town (population 421) in Walla Walla County. According to local legend, a jealous god created these two basalt columns. Even if you go with a more logical explanation for their creation, this is still a beautiful spot to see (and a short mile-long hike).
Bloedel Reserve Facebook
Many Washingtonians have visited Bainbridge Island completely unaware that this breathtaking sanctuary exists. Bloedel Reserve is a public garden whose mission is to provide a tranquil and refreshing experience of nature. It’s located at 7571 NE Dolphin Dr. and is open every day but Monday.
Lisa Bedker-Madsen / alltrails.com
Even some of Washington’s most experienced hikers haven’t heard of Beckler Peak. Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just north of the towns of Index and Skykomish, this 7.2-mile trail is fairly new, and it’s incredible.
hey skinny / Flickr
Located in the company town of Newhalem near the North Cascades Visitor Center, this futuristic pavilion was designed by artist Don Corson to honor the town’s history of supplying power to Seattle.
Brianne Mattson / alltrails.com
The Red Top Lookout Trail is a 1.6-mile hike located near Cle Elum that leads to this stunning lookout. On a clear day, you can see the Enchantments and Mount Stuart to the north over the mountains, Mount Rainier to the south, and even parts of the Eastern Washington desert.
Ed Suominen / Flickr
If you love fishing for rainbow trout, you may already know all about this gem. If not, head north from Leavenworth on Highway 2 for about 21 miles and discover it for yourself.
Robert S. / TripAdvisor
Des Moines is a mere 15 miles south of Seattle, but it’s a quieter and more secluded city. Their beachfront park has some seriously spectacular scenery (and it’s a perfect place to watch the sunset).
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