Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Washington

Explore lesser-known natural wonders and attractions in eastern Washington.

We live in a state full of diverse, rugged beauty. From our ocean beaches to our expansive forests, these hidden gems in Washington have something for everyone. And while western Washington's natural wonders are well-documented, some of the attractions on the east side of the state go largely unnoticed. But this is a side of the Evergreen State everyone should explore.

This mapped-out route takes you to five of our hidden gems. And while it's possible to visit them all in a day if you wake up early and live in the area, we recommend making a weekend of it so you'll have time to explore them.

1. Dry Falls

Located in the heart of the Grand Coulee, Dry Falls is one of our most impressive natural wonders. This 3.5-mile wide chasm of basalt is all that remains of the last great Ice Age flood in the area. The views from the Dry Falls Interpretive Center are mindblowing.

2. Blue Lake (and the Rhino Cave)

Just a few miles from Dry Falls is the little-known Blue Lake Rhino Cave. This rhino-shaped cave was formed by a Diceratherium bull, an ancestor of the rhinoceros. The Diceratherium was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. When a nearby volcano erupted, his escape route was cut off by a lake, and he met a fiery fate. The corpse was covered by lava and remained undiscovered until the 1940s.

3. Soap Lake

This unique mineral lake isn't exactly hidden. That being said, not many people know about its alleged healing properties. The minerals in the water are very alkaline, killing viruses and bacteria without harming their human hosts. People have been coming here to soak for centuries.

4. Gravity Hill

Gravity Hill isn't easy to find, but it's worth a try. Located on a stretch of North Crosby Road about 10-15 miles north of Prosser, this quiet road can really spook you. Start at the base of a small incline, put your car in neutral, and you'll miraculously begin to roll uphill. The only thing is, you'll roll right toward an allegedly haunted grain silo.

5. Stonehenge Memorial, Maryhill Museum of Art

An ode to the ancient, Neolithic structure itself, Washington's own Stonehenge Memorial is located a few miles east of Maryhill Museum of Art. It typically opens for the season in March and stays open until fall.

Take a look at these 10 hidden spots that most Washingtonians aren't aware of. How many of these hidden gems in Washington have you seen in person? Let us know your experiences in the comments.

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