The Ultimate Washington Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 6 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
There are so many hidden gems in Washington, that one could spend days, weeks, months, — even years! — discovering them all. And while the Evergreen State might not be the largest of the 50 United States of America, its 71,300 square miles of land is home to so much glorious wonder. Take Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, for example. This area is an enchanting, mystical, and often mysterious place. From the forest trails to the otherworldly beaches, exploring Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is never a dull experience.
The truth is, you could drive the peninsula a dozen times and have a dozen different experiences. There are also dozens of hidden gems that even the locals tend to miss. This single-day road trip highlights a few of those hidden gems in Washington that are worth seeking out — that is, if you can manage to find them.
Start your adventure in Port Angeles and seek out the lovely Madison Falls. A short, paved 0.2-mile trail will take you straight to the viewpoint. This horsetail-shaped waterfall plunges about 50 feet by the Elwha River, just west of Port Angeles. Luckily, the path out to the cascade is short, paved, and wheelchair accessible, making it a must-visit when seeking easy-access waterfalls near me in Washington.
2. Salt Creek Recreation Area
Salt Creek Recreation Area, Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary, 3506 Camp Hayden Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Next, head 15 miles west of Port Angeles and check out the stunning Salt Creek Recreation Area . If you’ve never been on the Olympic Peninsula, you may not know about Salt Creek Recreation Area. This unique county park is just west of Port Angeles, along US Route 101 not far from Joyce. But it isn’t like most other parks in Washington. Salt Creek was previously a former defense military base during World War II, known as Camp Hayden. It now just serves as one of the most scenic places to camp, explore tide pools, old military bunkers, and relax on the beach with extraordinary views.
A hidden gem within the wondrous Salt Creek Recreation Area, Striped Peak Falls is a vision. Perhaps the most popular route is Striped Peak, which kicks off near the park's entrance booth and winds through forest until ascending to a viewpoint. From the top, you'll be rewarded with vistas of the Strait, Vancouver Island in B.C., and even the Cascades.
Another of the trail's highlights is the eponymous Striped Peak Falls, a marvelous cascade sure to take your breath away. The trail itself is five miles in length, so you won't have time to hike the entire thing and stay on track. However, Striped Peak Falls is visible after about a mile.
4. Joyce General Store
Joyce General Store, 50893 WA-112, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Stock up on snacks and drinks at the Joyce General Store. The general store first opened in 1911, making it the longest continually operating general store in Washington. Back then, it was common for the town general store to also serve as the post office, which this place continues to do to this day. From groceries to housewares to gifts, you never know what you'll find on these shelves! Winsome and charming (the store even has its own shop kitty, named, appropriately, Kitty!), this historic establishment is always worth paying a visit.
Located near Clallam Bay, this Washington waterfall is actually a series of very small cascades located along the Hoko River. They drop about five feet at the head of a narrow gorge. The GPS coordinates are not easy to find, so this might be a tricky spot to discover... which makes it all the more thrilling to find, we say!
6. Ozette Indian Village Archeological Site
Ozette Native American Village Archeological Site, Clallam Bay-Neah Bay,, Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA
One of Washington's most fascinating hidden gems, the Ozette Indian Village Archeological Site is the site of an archaeological excavation, but it was once a village occupied by the Ozette Makah people. This historical landmark is often used by people hiking the 9.5-mile long Ozette Loop.
Do you have any favorite little-known spots on the Olympic Peninsula? What are your favorite hidden gems in Washington? Share them with us in the comments below… we always love discovering new places!
Address: Madison Falls Trailhead, 1930 Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Address: Salt Creek Recreation Area, Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary, 3506 Camp Hayden Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Address: Striped Peak, Washington 98363, USA
Address: Joyce General Store, 50893 WA-112, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Address: Hoko Falls, Washington 98326, USA
Address: Ozette Native American Village Archeological Site, Clallam Bay-Neah Bay,, Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden gems in Washington
May 27, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other hidden gems in Washington?
After you’ve tackled the above road trip, which leads to some marvelous hidden gems in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, it’s time to check out the state’s other treasures, which are numerous. In terms of little-known natural wonders, Stehekin Valley, Port Williams Beach, Pee Wee Falls, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, and Falls Creek Cave are all places sure to drop your jaw. If you’re an urbanite, Waterfall Garden Park in Seattle is a total hidden gem that can be found near Pioneer Square on 2nd Ave S. and S. Main Street. Hundreds of people pass by this sanctuary in the middle of downtown everyday, never knowing that just further back is a hidden 22-foot waterfall flowing over beautiful granite boulders… which is truly a shame, because it’s quite captivating!
Congdon Castle is another really cool hidden gem in Washington; this 30,000-square foot stone castle is occupied by a family, so it’s not currently open to the public. While privacy is understandable, you can’t help but wonder how amazing it looks on the inside too. It has been noted that the castle features 80 rooms, 18 of which are bedrooms, a lookout tower with a sleeping porch, and even an indoor swimming pool. If you do happen to come across this royal fort near Yakima, you can always admire the exterior
Address: Madison Falls Trailhead, 1930 Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Address: Salt Creek Recreation Area, Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary, 3506 Camp Hayden Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Address: Striped Peak, Washington 98363, USA
Address: Joyce General Store, 50893 WA-112, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Address: Hoko Falls, Washington 98326, USA
Address: Ozette Native American Village Archeological Site, Clallam Bay-Neah Bay,, Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
