The 9 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Washington

From the natural landscapes to the bright city skylines, Washington is a state full of color. In my travels around the Evergreen State, I have found some of the most colorful, vibrant, gorgeous destinations—places that I love to recommend to others. The following are just some of the colorful places you can find in Washington State. In fact, these are nine of my favorites. 

1. North Cascades Highway

State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Washington. This 140-mile byway takes you through North Cascade National Park to gorgeous places like bright blue alpine lakes and dense green forests. While stunning all year long, if you really want to see color, visit when the fall foliage is at its peak. Autumn's palette makes this one of the best places to visit in Washington in the fall.

2. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields

Every spring, Skagit Valley is easily one of the most colorful places in Washington, as you’ll see fields of bright and vibrant tulips in full bloom. Plan a visit during the month of April to attend the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where you can truly get up close and experience these colorful tulip gardens. This month-long festival offers activities for all ages, from a parade to you-pick flower options. Tickets are required, and I recommend purchasing them early. It's also wise to attend on a weekday. Weekends can be quite busy, and you don't want large crowds ruining these views. 

3. Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park

The Hoh Rain Forest may not be filled with all the colors of the rainbow, but it’s a destination that is certainly not dark and dull. This is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., and it receives up to 170 inches of rain each year. This means you will feel as if you are walking through a jungle, with thick, lush, bright-green vegetation. Of course, it’s not just the flora and fauna that add to the colors of the Hoh Rain Forest, but also the wildlife that calls it home. Keep an eye out for bright yellow banana slugs, black bears, Roosevelt elk, various bird species, and more.

4. Pike Place Market, Seattle

Pike Place Market is one destination that will send your senses into overdrive. This is Seattle’s original farmers market, and as you walk around, you’ll not only see brightly-lit signs of all shapes and sizes, but specialty foods, produce, handmade goods, and more. While there is color all around, if you really want to see a rainbow, head to the Gum Wall. Located beneath Pike Place Market on Post Alley, this large brick wall is covered in used chewing gum.

5. Leavenworth

If you are looking for charm, color, beauty, and the perfect getaway destination, it doesn’t get much better than Leavenworth. This Bavarian-style village is nestled in the Cascade Mountains and feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook world. As you walk down the street, you’ll notice colorful German architecture, locally-owned shops and restaurants, and the coolest Nutcracker Museum. I recommend visiting Leavenworth during the holidays when the entire town is decked to the nines in twinkling lights and holiday décor. It's a truly colorful Washington experience.

6. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most gorgeous areas in Washington, and if color is what you are after, your jaw will drop with a visit to the park’s subalpine meadows in the summer. These areas show off when warmer weather arrives with their stunning wildflower displays. You’ll find all types of flowers, a rainbow of colors, and views for miles—it almost feels like a painting rather than real life. 

7. Arts Downtown, Puyallup

If you love incredible art, downtown Puyallup won't disappoint. Throughout the city’s downtown area, you’ll find the most incredible outdoor sculpture gallery featuring more than 55 permanent and rotating sculptures and art pieces. You can choose to explore many of these sculptures on a docent-led tour or a self-guided tour, where you can take as long as you want to admire the colors, details, and craftsmanship of each piece.

8. Museum of Glass, Tacoma

One of our favorite attractions in Tacoma is also one of the most colorful—the Museum of Glass. This large museum is 75,000 square feet, features incredible glass art exhibits, and is home to the largest glass studio on the West Coast. One of the most impressive, colorful attractions in the museum is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot-long pedestrian bridge between the Museum of Glass and downtown Tacoma. This is a bridge that’s quite a colorful sight.

9. Palouse Region at Sunset 

One of the most underrated and colorful views in Washington is one of my personal favorites—the Palouse at sunset. Having lived in the Palouse Region for several years, I fell in love with this area each season, especially at harvest, when the rolling hills are covered in a beautiful golden color. But no matter the time of the year, there is something stunning about the Palouse with a fiery sunset overhead. In my opinion, eastern Washington doesn’t get the love it deserves, and views like the Palouse at sunset are just one of the many reasons why. 

What other colorful places in Washington State would you add? Did your favorite make my list? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you. And if you are feeling inspired to get out and explore the Evergreen State, try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.