We have some pretty surreal places here in Washington. Between our dreamlike natural scenery and weird man-made attractions, there are just some things around this state you’ve got to see in person. Like these 12 incredible spots:
1. Vashon Island Bike Tree
Just off Vashon Highway, this tree is famous for having an old, rustic bike sticking out of it. Legend has it, a child had chained his bicycle here when he had to leave for war back in 1914. As the tree continued to grow, it enveloped the bike and now lifts it over seven feet off the ground.
2. Balancing Rock, near Omak
This massive glacier erratic can be seen in the Colville Indian Reservation, not far from Omak Lake. It originated from the 1872 North Cascades earthquake, and is now thought to be a symbol of nature's perfection.
3. Blue Lake Rhino Cave
This rhino-shaped cave was formed by a Diceratherium bull (an ancestor of the modern rhinoceros). The bull was out on the prairie when a volcano erupted, but his escape route got cut off by a lake, and it led to his unfortunate death. The lava that covered the bull cooled into molten rock, and hardened into the shape that you can now see today near Blue Lake (by Dry Falls).
4. Dry Falls
Dry Falls was formed thousands of years ago by the Missoula Ice Age Floods. At one point in time, it was thought to be the greatest known waterfall that ever existed - until the course of its flow was redirected, leaving the falls completely dry. You can still explore around its remaining sheer cliff in eastern Washington at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
5. Twin Sisters
Science suggests that these pillars were formed from erosion thousands of years ago, but there's also a local Native American legend that claims they were formed when an animal spirit fell in love with three sisters, but later became jealous of them and turned two into stone, and the third into a cave - according to the
Washingon Trails Association .
No matter how they were formed, the twin pillars are still pretty striking to see while hiking along a one-mile trail by Wallula Gap and the Columbia River.
6. Kalaloch Tree
The Tree Root Cave is one of the most bizarre natural wonders in the Olympic National Park (near the Kalaloch campgrounds). Somehow, the tree is still able to stand even though the roots lead to nowhere and there's no soil to keep it alive.
7. Hole-In-The-Wall at Rialto Beach
It's only about a two-mile walk along Rialto Beach to reach this rock arch that was once carved out by the surf. During low tide, it's an excellent location for exploring tide pools. You may also be able to spot a variety of starfish here, as well as sea anemones, mussels and other critters.
8. Wallace Falls
Wallace Falls actually has a Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls, but it's most recognized for the heavenly middle falls - which drops about 265 feet in three tiers. You can see it along a 2 1/3-mile walk through Wallace Falls State Park, near Gold Bar.
9. Minotaur Lake
Short and steep, the 3-and-a-half-mile trip to this shimmering, alpine lake is located just east of Steven's Pass. The trail leads through vibrant meadows filled with wildflowers early in the season, and huckleberries later in the year.
10. Boulder Cave (near Naches)
There's a short, two-mile trail you can take that leads out to Boulder Cave, near Naches. It follows through the dark cavern, which was formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity. After leaving, the path also continues up to Devil Creek Falls.
11. The Fremont Troll
This tourist favorite under the Aurora Bridge in Fremont is by far one of the most peculiar spots in Seattle. The strange landmark is made of steel rebar, wire, and concrete and can be seen clutching an actual Volkswagen beetle.
12. Comet Falls
Comet Falls is by far one of the most impressive waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, and it's not very far to hike out to at all. The scenic trail follows along Van Trump Creek, with several other, smaller cascades to see along the way.
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