Living in the Pacific Northwest over the last 20 odd years I have crisscrossed Washington State many times and find that it is in many ways similar to Oregon in topography, except for the amazing Puget Sound area.
In this post I will guide you on a whirlwind tour of Washington State. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a serenity seeker or simply inflicted with a serious case of curiosity and wanderlust, Washington is your go-to recreational retreat.
There’s a heck of a lot to discover here. Did someone say road trip?
Forget asking “what to do in Washington State?” – The real question is “what can’t you do here?” It is a place where exploration is non-negotiable and memories are just waiting to be made.
Oh, the Places to Go in Washington
From the sparkle of Puget Sound to the tranquility of the San Juan Islands, and from the bustling streets of Seattle to the rolling hills of the Palouse, Washington State is seriously geography’s child prodigy. This place doesn’t just have personality; it has a full-on character arc. And interesting places to lay your head.
A Quick Geography Recap: If you slept through Geography 101, no worries! Here’s your second chance. Washington State sits pretty in the center of Pacific Northwest, in between British Columbia, Canada, and Oregon, USA. The state claims some of the most diverse landscapes known to man. Add a climate that’s as varied as a mixtape from the ’90s, complete with coastal rainy vibes to a “is-it-really-this-sunny-here?” eastern region, and you’ve got a travel mix that will please all kinds of explorers.
Basically, you have the Cascade Mountain Range to thank for the rainy greenness of the western side, and the arid high-desert country of the east side.
Climate and Topography of Washington State
Expect the unexpected when it comes to Washington’s weather. The western part? Well, it’s as if it won a lifetime supply of rain showers. But all that moisture gives us the lusciously green scenery that justifies Washington’s “Evergreen State” nickname.
On the flip side, Central and Eastern Washington bask in a sunnier disposition, offering a drier landscape and dramatic geological features that will have your camera working overtime. Don’t assume just because you run into a little desert that things are going to get boring.
Regardless where in the state you may roam, the camping is sublime.
Western Washington
Western Washington is the backdrop of every computer’s default wallpapers – it’s THAT picturesque. This side of the Cascades offers everything from the misty Olympic National Park to hip college towns like Bellingham, (do NOT miss Chuckanut Drive) plus sandy Pacific beaches that’ll have you saying “California who?”
Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands
Puget Sound is a soulful symphony of water, mountains, and forests. It’s where ferries dance across the water, connecting funky little towns faster than gossip spreads in them. And then there are the San Juan Islands – a mecca for kayakers, art enthusiasts and anyone who’s ever wanted to wave at a passing orca.
In fact, Puget Sound has hundreds of islands scattered here and there before it opens up to the mighty Pacific Ocean. Many of the islands are tiny, uninhabited and don’t get visitors, which contributes to the amazing natural quality of this part of the world. However, Bainbridge Island is a must-stop and right across the water from Seattle.
But the San Juan Islands are a veritable playground of goodies. This is where the Washington State Ferry system really shines, as there are several ferries that interconnect the islands. The main island is San Juan, but don’t forget to visit Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Islands.
Seattle
In Seattle, you can spend your day atop the Space Needle, under the curious gaze of fish at the Pike Place Market, or amidst the myriad of enchanting enclaves that weave magic into the fabric of the city. Seattle is an incubator for tech and art, not to mention a hotbed of culinary delights – from the freshest seafood to fusions galore to exceptional cheap eats.
And when night falls, don’t even think about calling it quits. Seattle’s nightlife isn’t just a scene; it’s a whole other vibe. From clandestine speakeasies that give new meaning to the phrase ‘hidden gem’, to rooftop bars where the cocktails are as dizzying as the heights, there’s a little something for every nocturnal creature.
Just north of town, the suburban enclave of Edmonds, located right along Puget Sound, beckons the weary traveler when the culture of the big city has worn thin. Or opt for a weekend trip with a cornucopia of choices, including amazing girlfriend getaways.
Olympia State Capitol
Washington’s state capital sort of feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden where nature and culture intertwine in the quirkiest of ways. It’s where the Capitol dome shines like a beacon for selfie enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Fancy a stroll? Hit up the boardwalk at Percival Landing and play “spot the seal” by the water. If you’re pining for pine trees, Priest Point Park serves up trails with a side of spectacular Puget Sound views. And let’s not forget the Olympia Farmers Market, where you can grab organic eats, tap your feet to some live tunes, and wear the word ‘artisanal’ out. In Olympia, the vibes are chill, the people are as friendly as a golden retriever, and the opportunity to soak up laid-back Pacific Northwest culture is as abundant as the evergreens.
Mount Rainier National Park
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should we say, the volcano in the backyard?
Mount Rainier National Park is where Mother Nature decided to show off a bit (and we’re so grateful she did). Not only does the mountain dominate the skyline of Seattle on a clear day like a boss, but its slopes and surrounding landscape are a playground for both adventurers and chill-seekers. Whether you’re looking to conquer the summit or just picnic peacefully with the marmots, Mount Rainier’s got your back. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, because nobody likes a litterbug at 14,000 feet!
North Cascades National Park
When you thought Washington’s natural muscle couldn’t flex any harder, let me introduce you to the North Cascades National Park – or as I like to call it, ‘America’s Alps.’ This place is stockpiled with rugged peaks, over 300 glaciers, and lakes so turquoise you’ll wonder if you walked into a giant’s jewelry box.
But wait, there’s more! Hiking here is pure magic, with trails for every level of foot-happy wanderer. And then there’s the majestic wildlife! So, pack your granola bars and a sense of wonder, because the North Cascades are not just a national park; it’s an epic chapter in your adventure diary waiting to be written.
Olympic National Park
Let’s not forget Washington’s triple-threat, the Olympic National Park. This gem is like that one friend who’s into absolutely everything – beaches, mountains, rainforests, and they knit.
Walk through the Hoh Rainforest and you’ll think you’ve stepped into a real-life FernGully, minus the singing bats. Plus, the wildlife here doesn’t just stop for a photo-op; they practically demand a credit in your next travel vlog. So, lace-up your most comfortable boots – it’s time to dive into a natural mosaic that has it all. You might just come back from your trip as the most interesting person at your next social gathering, with stories galore and pine needles in places you never knew existed.
Mount Saint Helens
And for those who love a good ol’ dramatic tale paired with a nature’s spectacle, Mount Saint Helens is like Mother Nature’s own theater-in-the-round. Kaboom! In 1980, she made history with a pyrotechnic show that left everyone’s jaw on the floor (well, not literally, but you get the point). The eruption reshaped the mountain, and today, it’s a hotspot for hikers, geologists, and anyone fascinated by Earth’s fiery belly.
Trek the blast zone – it’s like walking on the moon but with oxygen and less hopping. Peek into the crater, a testament to Earth’s raw power, and watch it steam like a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly Pacific Northwest morning. But hey, no need to whisper around this sleeping giant; she’s been snoozing quite peacefully since her last spectacle.
Central Washington
Central Washington is the state’s secret heart, home to the high desert and exquisite landscapes carved by the last ice age. Who needs the Dead Sea and all of its healing properties when you have Soap Lake right here? The fertile ground of Yakima Valley holds riches beyond measure.
Leavenworth – Bavaria in the Backyard
Grab your lederhosen and lace up your hiking boots because Leavenworth is a slice of Bavarian bliss neatly nestled in the Cascades. Here, you’ll wander through streets lined with alpine-style buildings hosting a year-round Oktoberfest vibe. Can’t-miss attractions include the Nutcracker Museum – featuring more nutcrackers than you could shake a pecan at.
Don’t forget the markets where the scent of fresh strudel tickles your nostrils like a playful mountain breeze. Outdoorsy folks can revel in the enchanting Enchantment Lakes or float down the Wenatchee River. And when winter dusts the town with snow, it’s like stepping inside a snow globe, if snow globes had cozy brewpubs and twinkling lights.
Yakima Valley
Welcome to the sunny side of Washington! This is where the sun smiles and the rivers converge. The Tri Cities host the convergence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers. Like nature’s playground for adults and kids alike, inviting everyone to dip their toes or make a splash. The fields are lush with vineyards and hops. In fact, Yakima Valley is one of the world’s top producers of hops, so you can be sure there is a rich craft beer scene in this region.
On the mighty Columbia River, you’ll find folks windsurfing with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you think they’re auditioning for ‘Riverdance’. And let’s talk about the wine – no sniffing and spitting here – Tri-Cities is for those who prefer to actually enjoy their wine tasting tours.
Eastern Washington
If personal space is your thing, Eastern Washington’s got it in spades. It’s a vast playground where farms meet fields and space is stretching out as if it’s doing morning yoga. From the urban hub of Spokane to starry-skyed getaways in Walla Walla, this part of the state lets its country soul (and rock ‘n’ roll heart) shine.
Spokane
Spokane is the place where urban vibes and Mother Nature have a standing coffee date. This city is a connoisseur of cool, a where the Riverfront Park serves up green spaces with a side of epic waterfall views. For the culture vultures, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is pretty much a buffet of the region’s finest
Don’t even get me started on the food scene; foodies, bring your fat pants because from food trucks to fine dining, you’re in for a treat! When the sun dips, mosey on over to the Garland District for a quirky, neon-lit night of fun.
Start Packing…Now!
So, if you’re searching for a travel experience that’s akin to jumping into a painting that offers endless discovery with every brushstroke, Washington State is calling you – quite loudly, actually. Whether it’s sipping boutique wines with mountaintop views, whispering sweet nothings to a Douglas fir or simply enjoying the fact that no two days here are the same, this corner of the world is waiting for you.
