Top Things to do in Washington
Top Hotels in Washington
- 1. Hyatt Regency Seattle
- 2. Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
- 3. Hyatt At Olive 8
- 4. Cedarbrook Lodge
- 5. The Paramount Hotel
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA
- 7. Mayflower Park Hotel
- 8. Lotte Hotel Seattle
- 9. Mediterranean Inn
- 10. Coast Gateway Hotel
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What to do and see in Washington, United States: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Mount St. Helens, Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach, Mount Rainier, Point Defiance Park, Manito Park, Bloedel Reserve, Mount Baker, Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Rides, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm.
Restaurants in Washington
1. Mount St. Helens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 475 reviews
While access to the still-steaming crater is forbidden, tourists flock to see what remains of this famous volcano.
Reviewed By SuperTed19 - Madison, United States
We spent the better part of a day making the drive to Johnston Ridge Observatory. Along the way, the road winds among the hills and trees and we were treated to so many amazing views that we thought we would run out of film for our camera (wink). Having seen the 1980 eruption on television, it was a shock to see how widespread the devastation (and new growth!) had was. Standing at Johnston Ridge and seeing the north side of the volcano that had been the location of the bulge that blew, one gets a true sense of how powerful Mother Nature truly is.
2. Hurricane Ridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,790 reviews
A 17-mile stretch of winding road through dense forests and alpine ice-covered peaks.
Reviewed By Panda_Bear_Will
My wife and I visited Olympic National Park six years ago on a single day excursion from Seattle; we were able to see Lake Crescent and the Hoh Rain Forest briefly on that trip and I knew I needed to return one day to explore the park more fully. The Hurricane Ridge Road was closed on that previous visit, so returning to see it and hike the entire Hoh River Trail to the Blue Glacier on Mt. Olympus became bucket-list items shortly thereafter. I was able to return to Olympic and spend six full days exploring it as fully as possible. This review will really cover the park as a whole rather than Hurricane Ridge, but the 17 mile road which is easily accessible from Port Angeles is definitely a must-see for any visitor. Olympic is really divided into 3 distinct ecosystems: the mountains, surrounding rain forests, and coastal beaches. In order to get the true Olympic experience, a person should make it a point to dedicate at least a full day to each region. The sheer size of the park requires a good deal of driving to hit each individual region; one will mostly traverse the perimeter the park on Highway 101 and several roads leading deeper into the interior will allow access to areas such as Hoh, Quinault, So Duc, etc. Port Angeles to the north of the park provides the most choices when it comes to food and lodging; the western part of the park is serviced by the small town of Forks and to the extreme southwest, Aberdeen. The eastern edge of the park doesn't have much in the way of points of interest within the park besides some lesser-used trails, but it is a pleasant drive with occasional small towns like Hoodsport worth exploring for a bit. Distances between these points of interest are considerable as you're looking at a several hour drive between them. There are enough gas stations and other services that you're never quite "off the grid" for that long, but having a good idea of the layout of the park will save unneeded driving (though the scenery is usually so lush and inviting that the miles kind of melt after awhile). With that said, the following provides the highlights of the park, IMO, while doing so in a logical counter-clockwise fashion for people driving in from Seattle: 1) Hurricane Ridge. On a clear day, the views of the Olympic Mountain range are pretty amazing from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The key word is "clear". Olympic is famous for its considerable rainfall and chances are you will encounter rain at several points throughout the day even during the summer. I recommend following the weather forecast and allowing for a possible return trip to Hurricane Ridge, if necessary. The first day I visited, clouds and rainfall offered tantalizing glimpses of the mountains beyond but nothing more. I return the next day and was treated to glacier-covered mountains and a lush alpine scene that was delightful to hike just around the parking lot (managed to see a hare, deer, and marmot within 10 minutes of the short hikes adjacent to the parking lot). Unfortunately, the Hurricane Hill trail further beyond the visitor center was closed for restoration. This area is the highlight of Olympic for me. 2) Lake Crescent. Returning to Highway 101 and heading west, the highway will eventually hug the shores of this large lake with mountains surrounding it. A popular short but very steep hike up Mt. Storm King will challenge even the more fit hikers (to reach its true summit, one must use several ropes for assistance). The highest waterfall within the park, Marymere Falls is also a short walk from the lake parking lot. 3) Rialto Beach. With its mountain ranges and lush rain forests, its easy to overlook the third aspect of Olympic NP which is actually very unique within the National Park system: the extended coastline of undeveloped wilderness. There are actually three areas of such coast line which are part of the park: the far northwestern reaches of Washington state which will include Lake Ozette, Rialto Beach which is west of the town of Forks, and the beaches running along Highway 101 in the southwestern portion of the park. I visited Rialto Beach and was treated to a leisurely hike along a beach trail leading to a rock arch (called "Hole in the Wall"), various other rock formations, and tide pools. This is some of the last extended undeveloped wild coast line within the US and is definitely worth a visit for anybody with several days to visit the park. 4) Hoh River Rain Forest: Upon my visit several years ago, I was most bummed to only spend about 30 minutes in this legendary forest which is often described as "enchanted" and "fairy-tale like". The Hoh River Trail extends for 17 miles (actually closer to 20 per several apps and devices I used to judge the distance) to the Blue Glacier on Mt. Olympus. For years, I dreamed of not only returning to the forest, but backpacking the trail all the way to the end. I was able to do so and while it was a very rewarding experience, I can say that the rain forest scenery and vibe does become a bit redundant after several miles. Most visitors will likely go no more than to 5 Mile Island for a day hike (the trail is very flat, so covering such distance is not much of a chore) and I believe that's sufficient. For those looking to backpack beyond, the trail remains flat to the 12.4 mile marker before climbing in elevation to Elk Lake. Beyond that, Glacier Meadows campsite beckons, but not before climbing down an unnerving ladder required to navigate a rock slide which wiped out the old trail. The climb to the Glacier itself is considerable and the distance (especially with a full backpack) makes this quite the workout. However, it was a lifetime experience that I'll cherish forever. For non-backpackers, the Hoh Forest is one of the more easily accessible rain forests within the park, but the scenery is pretty similar for most of them: lots of lush vegetation. 5) Lake Quinault. A scenic lake with some of the few actual lodgings within the park boundaries. This area also provides access to several more trails, both short and long distance, that seemed very enticing. In conclusion, Olympic may not get the headlines of more noted parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, but its lush surroundings and highly varied landscapes makes this one of the best parks in America.
3. Ruby Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,233 reviews
Dramatic Pacific coast beach with a rugged shoreline.
Reviewed By Brian0ntheGo - Bradenton, United States
If you are visiting the Olympic Peninsula, make sure you include a stop at Ruby Beach. After visiting the rainforests and the mountains of the region, you'll appreciate the seaside beauty of this picturesque spot. It is just a short walk down to the beach area from the parking lot, and once on the beach, you'll be busy taking pictures of the amazing rocks that stand out of the ocean, the piles of driftwood, the tidal pools, and the crashing waves. While we were there in the afternoon, sunsets must be amazing on clear days. If you want to picnic, make sure you bring your supplies with you as there are no stores anywhere close by. You'll be glad you visited Ruby Beach!
4. Mount Rainier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,754 reviews
At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the fifth highest mountain in the continental 48 states.
Reviewed By WanderingRoseTravels - Charlotte, United States
Mt. Rainier National Park rises out of the Cascade Mountain Range 14,411 feet and dominates the weather and scenery in the Pacific Northwest, just a short drive from Seattle, WA. The park contains a great trail system taking trekkers to meadows, waterfalls, mountain streams, wildlife, 25 major glaciers and iconic alpine settings such as the morning view of Rainier from Reflection Lake. We love the four-mile, round-trip hike up to Comet Falls, which you can extend to a seven-mile round-tripper to Van Trump Park.
5. Point Defiance Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,228 reviews
Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.
Reviewed By Ldcvsi - Tacoma, United States
I live within a mile of Pt. Defiance Park and it is one of the best urban parks you will find in the United States. Central Park in New York City is amazing for the surrounding museums, but you will never see more beautiful views of the water front, islands, and mountains than you will see from Pt. Defiance Park on a clear day. And did I mention I the world class zoo, the amazing fuchsia gardens, the miles of hiking trails through the forest, beaches to hang out on, sea lions and harbor seals hanging out in the kelp beds? And, if so inclined, you can take a ferry boat ride over to Vashon Island and back, right from the edge of Pt. Defiance Park. And the new addition to the park, the Dunes, is a beautiful walk along the waterfront that is ADA accessible, and has to die for views. There is something for everyone in this park. Drive the five mile drive if you don’t have much time (but please drive slowly as there is lots to see, and there are bikers and pedestrians); but make sure to stop at all the view points for a view of Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountain Range at one view point, the Olympic Mountain Range at another view point, and a great view of the Narrows Bridges at the other.
6. Manito Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,443 reviews
Reviewed By Snorkelingdancer - Ontario, United States
This park is huge, with formal flower gardens, grassy area with native plant gardens, a Japanese garden with a little waterfall and a koi pond,a big greenhouse with a great variety of plants incuding orchids and some unusual varieties of cactus, a playground area with picnic tables, and another picnic area with limited parking. It is all free, but they do accept donations. There are restrooms at the playground area and behind the greenhouse.
7. Bloedel Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 553 reviews
Reviewed By klanglow - Poulsbo, United States
This superb horticultural collection, acknowledged one of the best nationally, features many beautiful, special gardens arrayed along a Puget Sound bluff. Accessible by car (and sometimes local bus) from the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry, the site features a Japanese garden, a moss garden, beautiful pathways through typical Northwest forest locations, and beautifully planted special collections. Not to be missed, if you are a garden fan.
8. Mount Baker
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
Glaciers, crevasses and snowy pinnacles make this area a challenge for skiers.
Reviewed By urbanliberty - San Diego, United States
DEFINITELY incorporate this destination into your travels! The drive alone is an experience. Plenty of lookout points & hike along the route if you really want to take your time. I cant count how many times I said "OH MY GOD!"
9. Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
Just like the good old days only better. A two horse sleigh, clean crisp winter air, the crunch of fresh snow, open meadows, snow covered trees, and the babbling waters of Beaver Creek, sleigh bells and the carol of your choice. Enjoy a hot spiced cider by the open fire. End your horse drawn sleigh ride with a sizzling steak dinner at Beaver Creek Lodge in front of the rock fireplace.
Reviewed By britneyives
My husband and I had so much fun on our wagon ride learning about the history of the land from our tour guide. We ended the ride with the best apple cider by a cozy fire. We will definitely be visiting again!
10. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 403 reviews
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a USDA licensed farm located less than 1/2 mile from downtown Leavenworth. We provide farm tours for the whole family by appointment only. Come meet our friendly reindeer, feed them and take photos of a magical experience on the farm.
Reviewed By eshaynes - Portland, United States
Make reservations on their website. We got there about 25 minutes early to check in and there were good photo opportunities. After checking in, you can feed the chickens and turkeys, have a refreshment that is provided (cookies and coca), take pictures in/around the barn. When it is your time to go, everyone meets by the fire pit for a lesson on reindeer. After that, your group goes into the pen area with the reindeer. You are given food and the reindeer come up and eat. After that they help you get a picture with one reindeer. Absolutely fantastic time!
