With the epic Cascade Mountain range, temperate rainforests and one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Washington state is a gem in the Pacific Northwest. I even would go as far to say it’s our favorite state in the US (Shh! Don’t tell our fellow Oregonians!).
From bustling Seattle to small port villages like Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington state has a mix of big cities and small towns. And with a variety of landscapes and adventures for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, there truly is something for everyone in this west coast state.
From Washington state’s best kept secrets to can’t miss destinations, we’ve put together some detailed articles to help you plan your outdoor adventures in Washington state.
Whether you live in the Evergreen State and are looking for a weekend adventure or you’re road tripping through the PNW, these articles are full of amazing adventures and places to visit in Washington that are sure to stoke your wanderlust!
Colchuck Lake Trail: Washington Hiking Guide
Central Washington’s Colchuck Lake hike rewards trail blazers with a jaw-dropping turquoise lake nestled under some of the most dramatic peaks in the PNW. A challenging trail, hiking Colchuck Lake takes some advance planning, so we put together this guide with everything you need to know!
20 Fantastic Columbia River Gorge Hikes
The Columbia River Gorge may be famous for epic waterfalls, but there’s so much more to explore, like challenging summits and blankets of wildflowers. To help you maximize your time in the Gorge, we put together this list of our favorite Columbia River Gorge hikes.
Hiking the Enchantments: Washington Trail Guide
Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so we’ve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide.
Sol Duc Falls: Olympic National Park Trail Guide
Sol Duc Falls is one of the most unique, beautiful, and popular waterfalls in Washington’s Olympic National Park. In this detailed trail guide, we go over everything you need to know about this easy, family-friendly hike.
21 Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
With several distinct regions, each boasting incredible PNW wilderness and views, it can be difficult deciding which trails provide the best hiking in Mount Rainier National Park. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up our favorites that you don’t want to miss. Prepare to be mesmerized at every step!
15 Beautiful Washington Waterfalls Near Seattle
From dramatic drops down a mountainside to peaceful trickles in a rainforest, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful Washington waterfalls near Seattle you won’t want to miss. Plus we've included everything you need to know to plan your visit.
15 Stunning Hikes in North Cascades National Park
From the easy trails to the most challenging, these are the best hikes in North Cascades that highlight the range’s dramatic and wild beauty. We put together this list of the best hikes in one of America’s least-visited national parks to help you plan your trip.
Hall of Mosses: Olympic National Park Trail Guide
One of the most popular hiking trails in Olympic National Park is the Hall of Mosses. This unique trail shows off some of the best views in the Hoh Rain Forest in a short and sweet distance. Keep reading for everything you need to know about hiking this stunning moss- [...]
Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout: Mount Rainier National Park Trail Guide
Hiking to the historic Gobblers Knob fire lookout in Mount Rainier National Park offers unbeatable views and a truly unique experience. This trail guide will help you plan out all the details for this unforgettable adventure in Washington state.
The Wonderland Trail: Mount Rainier Hiking Guide
The hike of a lifetime, the 96-mile Wonderland Trail weaves through the best of Mount Rainier’s spectacular scenery. There are tons of logistics to consider before attempting this hike, including wilderness permits, campsites, routes, and supplies. This detailed guide will help you plan it all out!
20 Best Hikes in Olympic National Park
From hikes that cross driftwood-strewn beaches to traversing mossy rainforest trails, we've rounded up the best hikes Olympic National Park for all levels and abilities. Plus we've included some important information you'll want to know before you hit the trails.
Hurricane Ridge: Hiking and Views in Olympic National Park
With incredible mountain views, gorgeous hiking trails, tons of wildlife, and one of the only official ski areas in a national park, Hurricane Ridge stands out as a highlight of Olympic National Park. This guide covers tips, some of the best hikes, where to stay, and more.
Marymere Falls Trail Guide for Olympic National Park
Near sparkling Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, the Marymere Falls Trail packs a tremendous punch in under two miles. This guide breaks down all the details and explains why Marymere Falls should be on your hiking bucket list!
20 Picturesque Washington Lakes to Cool Off in This Summer
Washington is home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the U.S. With rugged snow-capped mountains and sparkling blue water, the views can’t be beat. To round out your summer bucket list, we put together this list of the most spectacular Washington lakes!
15 Spectacular Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
From gentle tiered cascades to dramatic drops of several hundred feet, the vast variety of Columbia River Gorge waterfalls is incredible. This guide covers our top recommendations (out of nearly 100!), with options for every type of adventurer, plus tips and insider info.
12 Best Olympic National Park Beaches to Explore
Olympic National Park beaches are uniquely rugged and undeveloped. From dramatic sea stacks to places you can camp overnight, we’ve highlighted the park’s most noteworthy beaches.
Scenic Hot Springs: How to Get There & What to Expect
With three natural mountainside hot pools in a picture-perfect location, Scenic Hot Springs certainly live up to their name! Located on private property, reaching and enjoying them takes some know-how and planning, so we’ve broken down everything you need to know!
Icicle Ridge Trail Guide
Just minutes from Leavenworth, Washington, the Icicle Ridge trail is an exciting half-day adventure offering wonderful views and a serious workout. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the most of this memorable hike.
Mount Storm King Trail Guide for Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park’s Mount Storm King hike is fairly short but grueling, and certainly memorable. To help you plan and prepare for the challenging trek, we’ve put together this detailed Mount Storm King trail guide.
20 Cozy Cabins in Washington State You Can Rent
From traditional A-frames to tiny homes and treehouses, there’s no shortage of unique accommodations in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you prefer to be waterfront or deep in the woods, these cozy cabins in Washington state are perfect for your next getaway.
Top 50 Best Hikes in Washington State
When hiking in Washington State, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we’ve got the perfect hike listed here just for you. From the most epic views to the most unique hikes, this article is everything you’ll ever need to complete your Washington hikes [...]
Lake Valhalla Hiking Guide
Washington’s Lake Valhalla is a vibrant blue lake nestled underneath Lichtenberg Mountain in the Wenatchee National Forest. In this guide to the glittering alpine lake, we dish out everything you need to know about planning the perfect day hike to Lake Valhalla.
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail Guide
Washington’s Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most beautiful and most accessible day hikes within an hour of Seattle. We put together this detailed guide to Rattlesnake Ledge so you know exactly what to expect when you hit the trail.
Sol Duc Hot Springs: How to Get There & What to Expect
Right in the heart of the Olympic National Forest is a hot spring soak you don’t want to miss. Sol Duc Hot Springs is one of the most popular Washington hot springs. In this guide, we’ll give you everything you need to know before you go as well as realistic [...]
20 Exciting Day Hikes Near Seattle
With quick and easy access to lots of lush, open green spaces, rugged mountain trails, waterfalls, and urban hikes alike, Seattle is the epitome of a hiker’s paradise. We rounded up the best hikes near Seattle to help you narrow down all the choices.
12 Enchanting Campsites in Washington State + Map
Exploring the diverse state of Washington is best done by car and camping along the way will ensure you get to spend the most time in the outdoors. With the help of our fellow travel bloggers, we've put together this list of the best campsites in Washington to help you [...]
17 Best Hikes Near Leavenworth, Washington
Classic PNW mountain scenery (arguably some of the best in the country!) with seemingly infinite lakes, peaks, rivers, and trails to explore makes Leavenworth a central Washington hiking hotspot. We’ve done the legwork — literally! — to round up the most incredible hikes near Leavenworth, regardless of your trail experience [...]
Washington National Parks: Guide + Map
The three Washington National Parks are known as some of the best in the nation, and bucket list-worthy destinations that visitors flock to every year. Use this guide to the parks to get all the information you need about planning an amazing trip, from the best hikes, viewpoints, scenic drives, [...]
Enchanted Valley Trail Guide: One of the best hikes in the Olympic Peninsula
The Enchanted Valley Trail is one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park Washington. In this article, we’re going to address the most commonly asked questions about this hike and go over all the information you need to know to prepare for your Enchanted Valley hike.
6 Incredible Washington Hot Springs + Where to Find Them
We put together this list of the best Washington hot springs, from well-developed resorts to little known gems. Plus we’re sharing details on how to get there and what to expect so you are fully prepared for your next hot springs visit.
10 Best Waterfalls in Washington State
From waterfalls near Seattle that can be seen on a day trip to those that require a bit of a drive and hike to reach, it should come as no surprise that Washington State is a waterfall-lover’s paradise. We’ve rounded up a handful of the best waterfalls in Washington State [...]