There is endless natural beauty to discover in Washington! However, some of our state’s most jaw-dropping scenery is often located where many have yet to explore. For example, did you know about any of these nine enchanting places and hidden parks in Washington? These are some of the most beautiful spots in the Pacific Northwest.

1. Hidden Lake Lookout, Marblemount
Ryan Sullivan/Google
Perhaps one of the most fairy-tale places in Washington, this secluded area in the North Cascades National Park can be accessed by way of the Hidden Lake Trail. You can find the lookout cabin sitting nearly 6,500 feet high on top of rocks, looking down at the breathtaking dark waters! The trail is not for beginners and is rated difficult with an elevation gain of over 3,300 feet. But if you are able to make the trek, the views are certainly worth it.

You can learn more about the Hidden Lake Trail to the lookout on Alltrails.
2. Rampart Lakes, Snoqualmie Region
coplanar / Flickr
Hidden deep within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, one of the most scenic parks in Washington, the Rampart Lakes Basin consists of a stunning collection of puddles and small lakes sitting on rock and heather covered terraces, all connected by miniature creeks and short, narrow waterways.

You can learn more about the Rampart Lakes Basin on the webpage.
3. Lava Canyon Bridge, Cougar
Jake Reese/AllTrails
This 125-foot long overpass near Mount Saint Helens can be found along the Lava Canyon Trail, which begins as an easygoing trail and becomes increasingly more difficult as it proceeds down a steep rugged canyon towards the unique swinging bridge!

You can learn more about the Lava Canyon Bridge in our full coverage.
4. Pee Wee Falls, Pend Oreille County
Pend Oreille County
Many haven't heard of this spot because the falls cannot be seen without knowing how to find them. However, if you are able to paddle out to this beauty just south of Boundary Dam on the Pend Orielle River, the cascading waters of one of the best hidden waterfalls in Washington are spectacular!

You can learn more about Pee Wee Falls on the Pend Oreille County website.

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5. Gothic Basin, Granite Falls
logicalrealist / Flickr
The 10-mile trail out to this pristine basin in the Cascades may be for more experienced hikers, but its views of ice-carved lakes and rocky cliffs are quite astonishing! Dogs can also use the trail in case you want to bring your four-legged friend.

You can learn more about the Gothic BasinTrail in our full coverage.
6. Palisades Viewpoint, Packwood
U.S. Department of Transportation
If you're traveling along the White Pass Scenic Byway (also known as US Highway 12) you can stop at this viewpoint to catch a glimpse of these fascinating rock formations of dacite columns on the west side of Ayance Canyon!

You can read more about the White Pass Scenic Byway and Palisades Viewpoint on the website.
7. Hamilton Mountain & Rodney Falls Loop, Stevenson
Neal Coppola/AllTrails
Open year-round, this 8.1-mile trail in Beacon Rock State Park has some great views of Mount Hood and Mt. Adams, as well as a side path that features a waterfall from a bridge - it's one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Washington! The hike is difficult, so be prepared - it's best for experienced hikers.

Visit AllTrails for information on the Hamilton Mountain and Rodney Falls loop trail.
8. Boulder Cave, Chinook Pass
samanthalevang / Flickr
(Editor's Note: The Boulder Cave Trail is temporarily closed. Check the website for updates on reopening.)

Just outside of Naches in the Mount Rainier area you can explore this cave that was formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity, though it's now home to dozens of Pacific western big-eared bats!
9. Washington Pass Overlook, North Cascades
turcottes78 / Flickr
If you're heading down North Cascades Highway 20, this is a great place to stop on the east end of the North Cascades National Park for amazing photo opportunities. The paved trail to the overlook eventually makes a loop and boasts extraordinary views of one of the most scenic parks in Washington the whole way!

You can learn more about the Washington Pass Overlook in our full coverage.

Have you been to any of these captivating places and hidden parks in Washington before? Want to check any of them out? Share your thoughts below!

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More to Explore

Hidden Parks In Washington

Melissa M. | July 17, 2021

What are the best parks  in Washington?

Washington state is an absolute gem in the Pacific Northwest with some of the best scenery in the country. You can view our list of 15 Of The Best State Parks In Washington Worth A Visit to learn about Pearrygin Lake State Park in Winthrop, Curlew State Park in Republic, Flaming Geyser State Park in Auburn, and many more!

What are some fairy-tale places in Washington?

Located on the Olympic Peninsula, a visit to the Hoh Rainforest is like stepping into a fairy-tale world. Trek along the Hall of Mosses Trail for an otherworldly scene of dense moss-covered trees. The Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village on Bainbridge Island is quite an enchanting place to dine. Occupying a historic home, it also has gorgeous landscape views which just adds to the experience.

What are the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington?

Washington has some of the most magical waterfalls in the United States and many of them are listed in our post, Most People Don’t Know These 10 Epic Waterfalls Are Here In Washington. Read the article and make plans to see Wallace Falls, Panther Creek Falls, Franklin Falls, and more.

 

 

 

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Explore Washington

Featured Addresses
Hidden Lake Lookout, Cascade River Rd, Marblemount, WA 98267, USA
Rampart Lakes, Washington 98068, USA
Pewee Falls, Washington 99153, USA
Gothic Basin, Granite Falls, WA 98201, USA
Palisades, Washington 98377, USA
Beacon Rock State Park, Washington 98648, USA
3210 Old River Rd, Naches, WA 98937, USA
Washington Pass, Washington 98862, USA