From snow-capped peaks to crystal clear lakes and volcanoes, the nature of Washington is simply sensational. The Evergreen State can offer so much to outdoor enthusiasts regardless if they love hiking, camping, or simply relaxing in the fresh mountain air.
So if you happen to be in the Pacific Northwest and are yearning for a bit of adventure, head out to one of these natural parks and have an unforgettable experience!
Olympic National Park
Nestled on the Olympic Peninsula, this national park is a must-see if you enjoy spending time in nature. With three different ecosystems, you can experience all kinds of weather here in the northwest corner of Washington. After all, the Olympic national park has snowcapped mountains, as well as rainforest and snowcapped mountains. What more can you ask for?
Those of you who enjoy exploring should hike Hurricane Ridge. The views are breathtaking, with mountains and the Pudget Sound as the backdrops. Visitors whose idea of fun includes camping and relaxing can head out to Lake Crescent. This location offers endless options for boaters and kayakers, but it is also a popular campsite.
Another great place to set up your tent is the Hoh Rain Forest. Located by the river, the campsite is a great starting point for hikers since it provides easy access to three trails that lead through the lush forest.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades national park is less than three hours away from Seattle, making it the ideal getaway spot for anyone seeking adventure. It is a well-liked location for both hikers and mountaineers because of the diverse terrain, suitable for various outdoor activities. The landscape is gorgeous, with high mountain peaks rising above a dense forest.
While there are so many things to do in North Cascades national park, you shouldn’t miss a chance to hike the famous Maple Pass Loop. The foliage changes with seasons, but this trail is probably the prettiest in spring and summer when the wildflowers bloom. Inexperienced hikers shouldn’t worry because the terrain is not too demanding.
Diablo Lake is an excellent spot for kayaking and canoeing. Plus, the water has a stunning turquoise hue that photographs well. The lake has several islands and waterfalls you can’t directly access unless you have a boat. Luckily, visitors can sign up for a lake tour and learn about the history of this jaw-dropping place too.
Mount Rainier National Park
Imagine this: you are in Seattle, the day is clear, and you look in the southeast direction. The chances are you will see Mount Rainier national park on the horizon. It is the highest mountain in the state, standing at 14,410 feet (or 4,027 meters) above sea level. Of course, the closeness to Washington’s largest city makes the park super popular among the locals and tourists.
Mountaineers from all over the globe come here every year to climb Mount Rainier. It is a real challenge, and around 50% of them are successful. Naturally, you don’t have to climb a mountain to experience this national park to its fullest.
The Wonderland Trail is equally exciting, as it circles the park, offering incredible views of flora and fauna. The roads that criss-cross the national park are ideal for mountain biking, especially in the warmer months.
Mount Saint Helens National Monument
Even though Mount Saint Helens is not a national park per se, this place is worth visiting. It is the location of the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States. Mount Saint Helens exploded on May 18, 1980, completely demolishing everything around it. The area became a national monument in 1982, allowing nature to take its course and recover on its own.
Visitors can get a spectacular view of the volcano crater from Route 504. They may continue to follow the road until they reach the Johnston Ridge Observatory. It is a visitors center where you can learn more about the Mount Saint Helens eruption and the current state of nature of the area.
The west side of the mountain has several trails suitable for hikers of all levels. If you choose Hummocks Trail, you will pass right next to giant boulders. They are quite a sight because the rocks were once a part of the mountain.