Bucket list for Washigton state – Travel Guide
Hey world treveler, ready to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Washington State? From bustling urban centers to serene natural wonders, this Pacific Northwest gem has something for everyone. Whether you’re a city lover, a nature enthusiast, or someone seeking unique experiences, Washington State is calling your name. Join me as I guide you through the top things to do in Washington State, ensuring your journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Washington State Map
Discover the captivating charm of Washington State with this in-depth guide, showcasing a variety of experiences and destinations to delight every type of traveler.
Things to Do in Washington
- Seattle city
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Walupt Creek Falls
- Mt St Helens
- Olympic National Park
- Orcas in San Juan Island
- North Cascades National Park
- Leavenworth
- Rattlesnake Trail
- Snoqualmie Falls
Things to Do in Washington
1. Explore the Heart of Seattle City
Seattle, the Emerald City, is a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Start your journey at the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Don’t miss the Pike Place Market, where you can savor fresh seafood, local produce, and unique crafts.
For art lovers, the Seattle Art Museum and the Chihuly Garden and Glass offer stunning collections and exhibits. End your day with a peaceful stroll through Discovery Park, the city’s largest green space, offering scenic trails and panoramic views of Puget Sound.
2. Discover the Majesty of Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano, stands majestically as the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Mount Rainier National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure. Hike the Paradise and Sunrise areas for awe-inspiring vistas, vibrant wildflowers, and the chance to spot wildlife.
In winter, enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider summiting the peak with a guided climbing tour.
3. Discover the Hidden Gem of Walup Creek Falls
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Walup Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a hidden treasure. This stunning waterfall cascades down a series of rocky steps, surrounded by lush forest. The hike to the falls is moderately challenging but rewards you with a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
4. Visit the Legendary Mt. St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is famous for its catastrophic eruption in 1980, but today it offers a unique landscape for exploration. Visit the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to learn about the eruption’s impact and recovery through interactive exhibits.
Hike the Harry’s Ridge Trail for incredible views of the crater and surrounding blast zone. For a closer look, explore the Ape Cave, one of the longest lava tubes in North America.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Wilderness of Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Biosphere Reserve, known for its diverse ecosystems. Hike through the lush, moss-covered trees of the Hoh Rain Forest, or stroll along the rugged coastline at Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach. The Hurricane Ridge offers stunning mountain views and winter sports opportunities.
For a relaxing end to your day, soak in the natural hot springs at Sol Duc Hot Springs.
6. Witness Orcas in San Juan Island
San Juan Island is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts. The waters around the island are one of the best places in the world to see orcas in their natural habitat. Join a whale-watching tour for a chance to spot these magnificent creatures, along with humpback whales, seals, and porpoises.
Explore the island’s charming town of Friday Harbor, visit the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, and hike the scenic trails of Lime Kiln Point State Park.
7. Explore the Untamed Beauty of North Cascades National Park
Known as the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, the park offers a variety of activities.
Hike the Cascade Pass Trail for breathtaking views, or embark on a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway. The park’s remote wilderness areas are perfect for backpacking and camping under the stars.
8. Wander Through Leavenworth
Experience a taste of Bavaria in the charming town of Leavenworth. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is known for its Bavarian-style architecture, lively festivals, and outdoor activities. Enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and wine tasting in the village. In winter, the town transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing, sledding, and holiday festivities.
9. Hike the Scenic Rattlesnake Trail
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a popular hike offering spectacular views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains. The 4-mile round-trip trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for most hikers. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas that are perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy photos.
The area also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking by the lake.
10. Marvel at Snoqualmie Falls
Just a short drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a must-visit natural wonder. This 268-foot waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a picturesque setting for photography. Visit the Snoqualmie Falls Park for various viewpoints and a leisurely hike. Nearby, the Salish Lodge & Spa offers luxurious accommodations and dining with stunning views of the falls.
Discover the exciting adventures awaiting you in Washington State. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Seattle, hike through the breathtaking Olympic National Park, or embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour in the San Juan Islands. By booking through the provided links, you secure the best prices and support this platform. Start your Washington adventure today!
Where to stay in Washington State
Best Places to Stay in Seattle
Seattle, being the most central and bustling city in Washington State, offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top picks:
Budget-Friendly:
- Green Tortoise Hostel: Perfect for backpackers, offering dormitory-style rooms, communal spaces, and free breakfast.
- HI Seattle at the American Hotel Hostel: Located in the International District, this hostel offers affordable rooms and easy access to public transportation.
Mid-Range:
- The Maxwell Hotel: Located near the Seattle Center, this hotel offers stylish rooms, free bike rentals, and an indoor pool.
- Hotel Theodore: A boutique hotel in downtown Seattle, offering modern amenities and a central location.
Luxury:
- Fairmont Olympic Hotel: A historic landmark offering luxurious rooms, fine dining, and a prime downtown location.
- Thompson Seattle: A chic, modern hotel with stunning views of Puget Sound and close to Pike Place Market.
Unique Stays:
- TreeHouse Point: For a unique experience, stay in a treehouse located just outside Seattle, offering a peaceful retreat in nature.
- The Edgewater Hotel: Seattle’s only over-water hotel, providing stunning views of Elliott Bay and a rock-n-roll history.
“Green Tortoise Hostel – Seattle”
How to Get There and Move Around
Getting to Washington State
By Air:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): The primary gateway to Washington State, offering flights from major cities worldwide. The airport is about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle.
- Spokane International Airport (GEG): Serves the eastern part of the state and offers flights from several major U.S. cities.
By Train:
- Amtrak: Offers scenic train routes to Seattle from cities such as Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The Amtrak Cascades route is particularly popular, connecting Vancouver, BC, and Eugene, OR, with stops in Seattle.
By Car:
- Interstate 5 (I-5): Runs north-south through Washington, connecting major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham.
- Interstate 90 (I-90): Runs east-west, connecting Seattle to Spokane and beyond.
Moving Around Washington State
Public Transportation:
- Seattle: The city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail (Link Light Rail), and streetcars. The ORCA card is a convenient way to pay for public transit in the Seattle metropolitan area.
- Sound Transit: Offers regional bus and train services connecting Seattle to nearby cities like Tacoma, Everett, and Bellevue.
Renting a Car:
- Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the natural attractions and national parks. Major car rental companies are available at airports and in cities.
Ferries:
- Washington State Ferries provide a scenic way to travel across Puget Sound, connecting Seattle with various islands and peninsulas, including Bainbridge Island and the San Juan Islands.
Biking:
- Seattle is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and trails. Bike-sharing programs like Lime and JUMP by Uber are available for short-term rentals.
Walking:
- Many of Seattle’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in downtown and neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square.
Tipp
Hidden Deals
When renting a car, always be on the lookout for hidden deals. For instance, we initially planned to rent a car from Budget for just four days, thinking it would be too costly to extend the rental period. However, we discovered that the price for four days was the same as for a full week. Naturally, we opted for the week-long rental, getting more value for our money. Always check for similar offers—you might be pleasantly surprised!
EXPLORE RELATED POSTS
0
2024-08-03
