The Ultimate and Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Washington

If you live in Washington, you’re probably aware of all of the exciting things there are to see and do here in the Northwest. Nevertheless, out of all of our state’s amazing attractions, here are 20 of the most incredible places that should be on everyone’s Washington state bucket list. From bridge hikes to natural wonders, this list of things to do in Washington truly has something for everyone!

98926, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA

Ellensburg, WA, USA

C Hanchey / Flickr

How to get there: You can cross this bouncy suspension bridge near the beginning of the Umtanum Creek Hiking Trail in Yakima Canyon!

Omak, WA, USA

Panoramio / Moun10Bike

Where to find it: This balancing rock is located in the Colville Indian Reservation nearly 1,340 feet from Omak Lake. It weighs almost 30-40 tons and is said to be a symbol of nature's perfection! Learn more about the Omak area and why it's worth a day trip.

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Cascade Tunnel, Washington 98826, USA

David Severance / US Department of Transportation

This peculiar tunnel can be found along the Iron Goat Trail on the Old Stevens Pass Highway, which marks the site of one of the worst railroad disasters in history from an avalanche in the early 1900s. The old railroad grade and its tunnels were abandoned in 1929 and have since been crafted into this trail that you can still venture through. Curious to learn more? Check out our full article about the Old Cascade Tunnel.

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Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA

Anjelika Gretskaia / Getty Images

Places to check out: Nutcracker Museum. Icicle Gorge Trail, Waterfront Park, Icicle Brewing Company, Front Street Park, and Munchen Haus for lunch. Learn more about why Leavenworth is easily one of the best small towns in Washington. Catch a glimpse of what makes Leavenworth so magical when you watch the brief drone footage below:

Gorge Amphitheatre Campground, 22644-22936 Rd 1 NW, Quincy, WA 98848, USA

Fans of The Gorge Amphitheatre / Facebook

While there aren't any shows going on at the amphitheater in the next few months, you can always check back for updates on the Gorge website.

Mailbox Peak, Washington 98045, USA

logicalrealist / Flickr

How to get there: Drive up Middle Fork Road to reach the parking lot. Then if you walk up the blue-gated gravel road for about a half mile you'll come across the trailhead to the left, which is well marked. From there your hike up to the old mailbox begins. Learn more about this challenging yet bucket-list-worthy hike in Washington.

Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA

Oak Barrel Creations

Washington has no shortage of impressive wine regions, and Walla Walla is no exception. Amazing wineries to try: Adamant Cellars, Walla Walla Vintners, El Corazon Winery, Dunham Cellars, Seven Hills, Gramercy Cellars, and Three Rivers Winery.

Wonderland Trail, Wonderland Trl, Washington, USA

davemunroe4 / Flickr

Measuring 93 miles long, this is undeniably one of the most scenic trails in our state, encircling Mount Rainier with lots of elevation gain and loss as well as splendid views of the mountain from nearly every different angle. There's no doubt about it -- this is one of the most scenic trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this breathtaking footage of Mount Rainier National Park:

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Ape Cave, Washington 98616, USA

lisanorwood / Flickr

More awesome lava tubes you can travel through: Cheese Caves, Lenore Lake Caves, and the Guler Ice Caves.

Stonehenge Memorial, Stonehenge Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620, USA

badgopher / Flickr

Where it's located: This magical landmark can be found along the Columbia River just off Highway 14 by the Oregon border, nearly 3 miles east of the Maryhill Museum. Learn more about visiting this full-scale replica of Stonehenge in Washington.

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San Juan Islands, Washington, USA

Wikipedia

Amazing places to see in the San Juan Islands: Moran State Park, Lime Kiln Point, The Whale Museum, Roche Harbor Mausoleum, Sculpture Park and the Pelindaba Lavender Farm.

Spirit Lake Highway, Spirit Lake Hwy, Washington, USA

Snipview / Google Images

Also known as State Route 504, the Spirit Lake Highway extends from I-5 in the city of Castle Rock east towards the Johnston Ridge Observatory!

Washington Park Arboretum, 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, USA

brianholsclaw / Flickr

This stunning botanical garden is on the southern end of the Washington Park Arboretum, located on Lake Washington Boulevard East in the Madison Park neighborhood. It's one of the most stunning gardens in Washington.

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Puget Sound, Washington, USA

Schooner Zodiac / All About Beer

Schooner Zodiac offers a variety of scenic cruises that explore the anchorages of the San Juan Islands.

Olympic National Park, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA

whatcouldgowrong / Flickr

There's no doubt about it; Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Washington. Top places to see: The Hoh and Quinault rainforests, Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, Crescent Lake, Sol Duc Falls, and Ozette Loop Hike. To see a little more of Olympic National Park, watch the beautiful footage below:

Deception Pass State Park, 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA

mytravelphotos / Flickr

If you have time to visit just one state park in Washington, Deception Pass State Park should be it. Between all of the camping, hiking, fishing and picnic options, the outdoor opportunities here on Whidbey Island are pretty much endless.

Ocean Shores, WA, USA

snowmail / Flickr

Places to visit: Damon Point Park, Ocean Shores North Jetty, Buddy & Howie's Old Fashioned Sweet Shoppe, Ocean Shores Interpretive Center (which is free of charge), the Fusions Art Gallery and Sharky's gift shop! When it comes to beautiful beaches in Washington, Ocean Shores is a must-visit.

Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA

rick_bergstrom / Flickr

The jaw-dropping Cape Flattery in Washington is the Northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S., located on the Olympic Peninsula where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean.

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Lena Lake, Washington, USA

dalangalma / Flickr

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Lena Lake is a beautiful destination in Washington with some truly amazing campgrounds, including Colonial Creek, Staircase Campground, Cougar Campground, Fairholme Campground.

TreeHouse Point, 6922 Preston-Fall City Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA

TreeHouse Point / Website

Of course, this could go on forever since there are virtually countless things to see and do in the Evergreen State. What’s on your Washington state bucket list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you! And don’t forget to check out our ultimate hiking essentials packing list before embarking on your next great outdoor adventure.