Maybe you have a demanding job, or perhaps your last few vacations took you to bustling cities. Whatever your reasons, sometimes you just need to get away from it all… and luckily, you can do that without leaving Washington. These spots all offer seclusion and few, if any, other people.
- Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park
Jennifer Hitchcock / alltrails.com You’ll see glittering views of Eunice Lake and rolling hills when you hike this 5.5-mile trail to the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout. While this tower isn’t available to the public for overnight stays, you’re welcome to use it for the views during the day.
- Stehekin
JBColorado / Flickr Considering only 75 people live in Stehekin, which is only accessible by boat or by hike (all the vehicles you’ll see there have been barged there on Lake Chelan), it’s safe to say that a visit here counts as going off the grid. You may not even get cell phone service here, so it’s a great place for a digital detox.
- Manchester State Park, Port Orchard
TexasCatBird / TripAdvisor If you need to feel like you’re getting away from it all but you’re short on time, this 128-acre waterfront camping park is located just a few miles from Port Orchard. Between the stunning views and the remnants of its military past, you’ll find plenty to love about this park.
- Third Beach
Chase Miner / alltrails.com While most beaches on the Olympic Peninsula are reachable by car, you’ll have to hike a couple of miles to explore Third Beach. While this certainly doesn’t deter all visitors, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying some solitude here.
- This glamping cabin on Herron Island
Glamping Hub Herron Island is a tiny privately owned island in the South Sound near Olympia that’s only accessible by private ferry. The island has no shops or restaurants (therefore no noise), and this cozy cabin rents for just $145 per night on Glamping Hub.
- Curlew Lake State Park
boseli / TripAdvisor Located near the old mining town of Republic, Curlew Lake State Park is a quiet retreat for those who enjoy hiking, water sports, and camping. The campground here is one of the most relaxing in the state.
- Dosewallips State Park
Marius Strom / Flickr Located in Brinnon, Dosewallips State Park offers a little bit of everything: forests, mountains, rivers and beaches, all surrounded by sound and sea. You’ll even find historic forts and plenty of wildlife viewing areas.
- Red Bluff Trail, Metaline Falls
Rob Fischer / alltrails.com Located in the Colville National Forest, this secluded hike will take you miles from civilization. The 7.7-mile dirt path is ranked as moderately challenging and offers plenty of scenic rewards, like a waterfall.
- Shi Shi Beach
Kris Symer / Flickr Shi Shi Beach is another Olympic Peninsula gem, and this one requires even more effort than Third Beach to reach. You’ll first hike about 3 miles through the woods, then descend about 200 feet down a cliff via a steep trail. Rest assured, it’s well worth it.
These beautiful spots all provide a great temporary escape from reality. But if you’re thinking of getting away from it all permanently, consider moving to one of these small towns.
Jennifer Hitchcock / alltrails.com
You’ll see glittering views of Eunice Lake and rolling hills when you hike this 5.5-mile trail to the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout. While this tower isn’t available to the public for overnight stays, you’re welcome to use it for the views during the day.
JBColorado / Flickr
Considering only 75 people live in Stehekin, which is only accessible by boat or by hike (all the vehicles you’ll see there have been barged there on Lake Chelan), it’s safe to say that a visit here counts as going off the grid. You may not even get cell phone service here, so it’s a great place for a digital detox.
TexasCatBird / TripAdvisor
If you need to feel like you’re getting away from it all but you’re short on time, this 128-acre waterfront camping park is located just a few miles from Port Orchard. Between the stunning views and the remnants of its military past, you’ll find plenty to love about this park.
Chase Miner / alltrails.com
While most beaches on the Olympic Peninsula are reachable by car, you’ll have to hike a couple of miles to explore Third Beach. While this certainly doesn’t deter all visitors, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying some solitude here.
Glamping Hub
Herron Island is a tiny privately owned island in the South Sound near Olympia that’s only accessible by private ferry. The island has no shops or restaurants (therefore no noise), and this cozy cabin rents for just $145 per night on Glamping Hub.
boseli / TripAdvisor
Located near the old mining town of Republic, Curlew Lake State Park is a quiet retreat for those who enjoy hiking, water sports, and camping. The campground here is one of the most relaxing in the state.
Marius Strom / Flickr
Located in Brinnon, Dosewallips State Park offers a little bit of everything: forests, mountains, rivers and beaches, all surrounded by sound and sea. You’ll even find historic forts and plenty of wildlife viewing areas.
Rob Fischer / alltrails.com
Located in the Colville National Forest, this secluded hike will take you miles from civilization. The 7.7-mile dirt path is ranked as moderately challenging and offers plenty of scenic rewards, like a waterfall.
Kris Symer / Flickr
Shi Shi Beach is another Olympic Peninsula gem, and this one requires even more effort than Third Beach to reach. You’ll first hike about 3 miles through the woods, then descend about 200 feet down a cliff via a steep trail. Rest assured, it’s well worth it.
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