Washington State: Where to Go in 2025

Known as the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is one of the most rugged and remote national parks in the U.S. In 2024 the Wall Street Journal named it the second-best national park in the United States, with its relatively low visitation numbers a key factor. Whether you’re hiking through glaciers, fishing in pristine lakes, or exploring the historic North Cascades Highway, the park offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Pacific Northwest – without the overcrowding you’ll find elsewhere.

The park is ideal for experienced outdoor enthusiasts, but even if you’re not a backcountry expert, there’s plenty to do! Hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day backpacking routes, including the Cascade Pass and Twilight Ridge. The park offers backcountry camping with a variety of routes, including some that access more remote areas.

While the North Cascades are beautiful year-round, certain areas may be inaccessible in winter due to snow, particularly if you’re planning to hike or camp at higher elevations. Summer (July through September) is the best time to visit, though snow may linger in the highest elevations until July.

For a look at a 3-day hike, check out Parks Channel contributor Alice Ford’s Solo Adventure to North Cascades. For a sample itinerary and some must-see stops, have a look at this post from Beyond the Bucketlist.

For a truly unique getaway, consider booking a stay at Stehekin, a remote settlement that’s completely separated from the outside world. The only way to reach it is by foot, boat or plane, and there’s no cell service. But the setting is extraordinary, at the headwaters of Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in the country. Camping info can be found here. Or for maximum comfort you could book the North Cascades Lodge.

In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt declared a section of the Olympic Peninsula a national monument to protect the area’s dwindling population of Roosevelt elk—a subspecies so grand it was named after him. This bold move sparked outrage from logging companies and sparked debates about conservation vs. industry. It took a few decades, but in 1938, Olympic National Park was officially established, preserving not just the elk but an astonishingly diverse landscape of rainforests, rugged coastlines, and glaciated mountains. Today, this park stands as one of the most unique and awe-inspiring destinations in the United States.

Olympic National Park is a dream for nature enthusiasts. It spans nearly one million acres, encompassing three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforests, alpine mountains, and a rugged Pacific coastline. Whether you’re a hiker, a beachcomber, or someone who just loves a scenic drive, Olympic has something magical to offer. Plus, its remote location means fewer crowds compared to national parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone, making it perfect for travelers looking to escape into the wild.

For a quick overview of how to visit and what to see, check out this video from Parks Channel contributor Megatherium Club.

Olympic’s circular layout makes it perfect for a road trip. Begin your adventure in Port Angeles, the park’s main gateway, and follow Highway 101 as it loops around the peninsula.

In 1899, Mount Rainier became the fifth national park in the United States. The mountain was named in 1792 by British explorer Captain George Vancouver in honor of his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. However, the Indigenous peoples of the region, including the Puyallup and Nisqually Tribes, had revered the mountain for centuries and called it Tahoma or Tacoma, meaning “the source of nourishment from the many streams.”

At 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in the Cascade Range, visible for miles around on clear days. But the park offers more than its namesake mountain. From vibrant wildflower meadows and ancient forests to cascading waterfalls and rugged hiking trails, there’s something for every type of adventurer. From April to June many trails may still have patches of snow but the waterfalls are at their peak. July to September is the most popular window to visit, with wildflowers in full bloom in areas like Paradise and Sunrise.

The mountain is home to lots of interesting critters, including black bears, mountain goats, marmots, snowshoe hares and – in the most remote areas – cougars. If you hear a strange “eep” sound, it might be coming from a pika, a tiny relative of rabbits. Keep your snacks hidden from Gray Jays, birds that are so notorious they’re also known as “camp robbers.” With all wildlife, be sure to keep a safe distance. Pets are not allowed on the park trails.

Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout
This hike offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier reflected in the pristine waters of Eunice Lake, with the bonus of a historic fire lookout at the summit. It’s less crowded than the trails at Sunrise or Paradise but just as rewarding.

Spray Park
For those seeking solitude and wildflower-filled meadows, Spray Park is a fantastic alternative to Paradise. This trail leads to cascading waterfalls, subalpine meadows, and sweeping views of the mountain.

Ipsut Falls and the Carbon River Rainforest
The Carbon River area is a lush, temperate rainforest often overlooked by visitors. A gentle hike along the Carbon River Trail takes you to Ipsut Falls, a serene spot that feels like a hidden oasis.

Indian Bar Wilderness Camp
For an unforgettable backcountry experience, hike to Indian Bar on the Wonderland Trail. This remote camp is set in a picturesque valley with a river running through it, surrounded by rugged peaks.

Mowich Lake
The Mowich Lake area offers peaceful hiking and camping opportunities. From here, you can access trails like Spray Park, Eunice Lake, or the Wonderland Trail without the crowds of Paradise.

Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout
This less-traveled trail leads to another historic fire lookout with sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding wilderness. It’s an excellent spot for sunrise or sunset photography.

For hardcore hikers, the ultimate Rainier experience is the 93-mile Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates the mountain. It was completed in 1915. In the early 20th century, it served as a rugged access route for trail workers and park rangers patrolling the wilderness. Today, it’s the hottest ticket for backcountry adventure in Washington. The annual online lottery opens in February.

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Palouse Falls State Park is small but stunning, thanks to a 198-foot waterfall that plunges into a basalt canyon carved by ancient floods. Designated as Washington’s official state waterfall in 2014, Palouse Falls is a breathtaking reminder of the forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest.

Palouse Falls owes its dramatic existence to the Missoula Floods, a series of cataclysmic events that occurred around 13,000–15,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Massive glacial dams repeatedly broke, unleashing torrents of water that carved out the unique topography of eastern Washington. Today the park is part of the Ice Age National Geologic Trail.

The name “Palouse” derives from the Palus Tribe, part of the Nez Perce people, who lived along the Columbia Plateau. For centuries, the falls were a sacred site and a source of sustenance, as salmon migrated up the river. Today, the park preserves this geological wonder and honors the area’s deep cultural heritage.

Palouse Falls State Park was established in 1951, and despite its relatively small size (about 94 acres), it offers some of the most iconic views in the region.

In 2009, professional kayaker Tyler Bradt stunned the world by paddling over Palouse Falls, setting a world record for the highest waterfall descent in a kayak. Plunging nearly 200 feet into the churning pool below, Bradt emerged remarkably unscathed, earning both praise and disbelief from the outdoor community.

Near Palouse Falls is a prominent basalt formation known as Starvation Rock. According to local legend, it was here that members of the Palus Tribe were once besieged by an enemy tribe, forced to retreat to the isolated rock. As their food and water supplies dwindled, many reportedly perished, giving the site its eerie name.

While Palouse Falls State Park doesn’t have extensive trails, there are paths leading to additional viewpoints. Exercise caution, as some trails venture close to steep canyon edges. Adventurous hikers sometimes scramble down to the river, but this is not officially recommended due to safety concerns.

The park offers basic camping facilities for those who want to extend their stay. With minimal light pollution, Palouse Falls is an incredible spot for stargazing. Bring a telescope or simply lie back and enjoy the Milky Way on a clear night.

On the western shores of San Juan Island in Washington State, Lime Kiln Point State Park is often hailed as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. Known locally as “Whale Watch Park,” this 42-acre gem offers breathtaking views of the Salish Sea, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.

The Point gets its name from the lime kilns that were in operation here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region was rich in limestone deposits, which were mined, burned in kilns, and converted into lime — a key ingredient in mortar, plaster and cement. The remnants of the lime kiln still stand in the park today, offering a fascinating look at the island’s industrial past.

In 1919, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse was built to help guide ships navigating the often foggy waters of Haro Strait. The lighthouse, which still stands today, is one of the park’s most iconic features and remains operational, serving as a beacon for mariners and a hub for scientific research. Visitors can explore the interpretive center inside, learn about the lighthouse’s history, and chat with volunteers who monitor whale activity. During the summer months, the lighthouse often serves as a research station for marine biologists.

The area became a state park in 1984, preserving its rich history and natural beauty while providing a sanctuary for wildlife. And the best part is, you can spot whales without setting foot on a boat. The park’s rocky shoreline provides prime viewing of southern resident orcas, which are often seen feeding and socializing in the waters just offshore. Gray whales, humpback whales, and minke whales also make appearances, especially during migration seasons. Also keep an eye out for bald eagles, harbor seals, porpoises, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. Tide pools along the shore also teem with marine life, from starfish to anemones.

In the spring, just as the whales arrive, so do the wildflowers on shore. Summer is the best and most popular time to go whale watching though. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking.

Don’t just come for the geology – there’s also serious fun thanks to the Sun Lakes chain, which includes Park Lake, Blue Lake, and Deep Lake, among others. These lakes are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply relaxing on the shore. Fishing is also popular, with opportunities to catch trout, bass, and perch.

The park’s campground offers over 150 sites, including RV and tent spots. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls is an excellent spot for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way lights up the sky in spectacular fashion.

Mount St. Helens, also known as Loowit in the languages of the local Cowlitz and Klickitat tribes, has long been a sacred site for Indigenous peoples. It was nicknamed the “Mount Fuji of America” for its once-perfectly symmetrical cone, which drew tourists and climbers before the 1980 eruption.

On May 18, 1980, the mountain’s eruption became one of the most significant natural disasters in U.S. history. Triggered by a massive earthquake and a lateral blast, the eruption unleashed the largest landslide ever recorded, flattened 230 square miles of forest, and sent ash plumes 15 miles into the sky. Fifty-seven people lost their lives, including volcanologist David Johnston, who famously radioed, “Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!” moments before the blast.

One of the most famous victims of the eruption was Harry R. Truman, the colorful owner of Mount St. Helens Lodge at Spirit Lake. Truman refused to evacuate, saying, “The mountain and me are good friends.” He perished in the blast but is remembered as a symbol of the human connection to nature.

After the eruption, Spirit Lake was completely transformed. Its surface was covered by a floating mat of trees ripped from the surrounding forest, and its waters were thought to be too toxic for life. Yet, within years, microorganisms, fish, and amphibians returned, creating a thriving ecosystem.

In 1982, the area surrounding Mount St. Helens was designated as a National Volcanic Monument, preserving it for research, education, and recreation. Today, it stands as a living laboratory where scientists study nature’s recovery and visitors witness the profound resilience of life.

Perched five miles from the crater, the Johnston Ridge Observatory offers the most iconic view of Mount St. Helens’ massive horseshoe-shaped crater. The visitor center features engaging exhibits about the eruption, its aftermath, and ongoing volcanic monitoring. Don’t miss the short Eruption Trail, which leads to interpretive signs and panoramic views of the blast zone.

For adventurous hikers, the Monitor Ridge Climbing Route offers a challenging ascent to the crater rim. The 10-mile round-trip hike gains over 4,500 feet in elevation and requires a climbing permit, but the views into the steaming crater and across the Cascade Range are unforgettable.