A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Washington’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes And More!
It’s impossible to top the natural beauty of Washington State. From gorgeous rainforests to water-carved gorges and canyons, the Evergreen State has a little bit of something for everyone. If you’re looking to get familiar with all of the natural wonders that Washington has to offer, take a peek at our Nature Lovers Guide to Washington, below. You’ll find tips for remarkable destinations that showcase the beauty of our own backyard.
The Best Little Known Park In Washington
Lewis and Clark Park is an underrated and lightly traveled state park tucked away about halfway between Seattle and Portland. This historic park preserves a strand of old-growth forest, along with relics from the Civilian Conservation Corps. era. Visit for a weekend of camping in the woods far away from the bright city lights. Read more about this underrated park here.
The Most Pristine Beach In Washington
Shi Shi Beach, on the Olympic Peninsula, is a secluded public beach that's so far off the beaten path that it will feel like you've discovered your own slice of paradise. You'll have to hike about three miles to find it, but the payoff is so worth the effort. Cool off in the ocean water or lay out a towel on the pristine sand and you'll feel like you have the whole coast to yourself. Read more about this quiet beach here.
The Most Jaw Dropping Lake In Washington
Lake Cresent is a beautifully azure body of water that you'll find in Olympic National Park. It's the second deepest lake in the state, and it gets as deep as 624 feet! The alpine waters are crystal clear and lend the lake a beautiful blue hue. Relax on the shoreline or paddle out on a kayak to get to know this lake up close. Read more about Lake Crescent here.
The Most Beautiful Island In Washington
You don't have to leave Washington to have a world-class Island vacation! While a visit to Whidbey Island isn't a tropical escape, it's still the sort of getaway that travelers daydream about. Read more about Whidbey Island right here.
The Best Trail To Hike In Washington
It's hard to imagine that, with just a mile of walking, one can be transported into a real-life fairytale. That's exactly what adventurers will find, though, when they hike the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest! The Hoh is part of the Olympic peninsula and within Olympic National Park. Many consider this otherworldly rainforest to be one of the Natural Wonders of the country. Read more about the Hoh Rainforest and Hall of Mosses here.
The Most Beautiful River In Washington
Washington's stunning Columbia River is the stuff of legends. This wild and scenic roaring wonder dates back millions of years and has been part of Washington culture for just as long. The Columbia River Gorge started forming more than 17 million years ago, and the landscape surrounding this remarkable body of water is truly something you need to see to believe. Read more about the wild and scenic Columbia River here.
The Most Scenic Mountain In Washington
Mount Rainier is Washington's iconic peak and one of the most visited places in the state. You can enjoy a scenic drive with views of the mountain or a peaceful wildflower hike in the foothills, or if you're truly an adventurer, make a summit push. The park is also one of the most dangerous in the country - read more about it right here.
The Most Unique Garden In Washington
It's no secret that Washington is full of remarkable landscapes, but even in a state where every scene seems extraordinary, the Ohme Gardens stand out. This 40-acre estate offers a view of the Columbia River against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, making for an idyllic setting that could not be any more gorgeous. Read more about the Ohme Gardens here.
