Ready to see some seriously wild stuff without ever leaving Washington?
We’re talking glowing lakes, thundering waterfalls, volcanoes that changed the landscape, and forests so green they look fake.
This is a full-on adventure packed with jaw-dropping views, cool hikes, and places that’ll make you say “Woah!”
Let’s hit the road, you’re about to find out why this state is one giant natural wonderland.
1. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a massive 268-foot waterfall just 30 minutes east of Seattle, right near the town of Snoqualmie.
It’s one of the most famous waterfalls in Washington and draws over a million visitors every year, plus it was even featured in the TV show Twin Peaks.
You can check out the falls from a viewing platform at the top or hike the short but steep trail down to the base for a totally different angle.
There’s also a historic hydroelectric power plant built in 1898 hidden below the falls, and the fancy Salish Lodge sits right at the top if you’re into waterfall views with your waffles.
2. North Cascades National Park
Next up is North Cascades National Park, a jaw-dropping wilderness packed with more than 300 glaciers and jagged mountain peaks that honestly just don’t look real.
It’s about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive northeast of Snoqualmie Falls, and honestly, it feels like you’ve landed in Switzerland without ever leaving Washington.
There are tons of hiking trails, but the Maple Pass Loop is a must with it’s 7.2 miles of wildflowers, lakes, and nonstop alpine views.
And if you’re into dramatic drives, don’t miss the North Cascades Highway—it’s one of the most scenic roads in the entire state.
3. Colchuck Lake
After soaking in those epic mountain views, head about 3.5 to 4 hours southeast to Colchuck Lake which is a glowing turquoise gem tucked in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The hike to get there is no joke (about 8 miles round trip with serious uphill sections), but the payoff is unreal with crystal-clear water, towering granite peaks, and maybe even a mountain goat or two.
The lake sits at the base of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks, so it basically feels like you’re walking into a giant postcard.
Pro tip: hit the trail early because parking fills up fast, and you’ll want plenty of time to chill by the lake before heading back down.
4. Dry Falls
Once you’ve tackled Colchuck, shift gears and make your way about three hours east to Dry Falls which is one of the coolest geologic surprises in the state.
It looks like a massive cliff today, but get this: Dry Falls used to be a waterfall four times the size of Niagara during the Ice Age floods.
Now it’s, well, dry but the scale is still jaw-dropping, stretching over 3.5 miles wide and dropping 400 feet straight down.
Stop by the visitor center for wild flood facts and then hit the overlook for views that’ll seriously mess with your sense of scale.
5. Palouse Falls
Keep heading southeast and you’ll find Palouse Falls which is Washington’s official state waterfall and an absolute stunner rising out of nowhere in the middle of rolling farmland.
The falls plunge 200 feet into a rocky canyon, and the contrast between the flat Palouse hills and this dramatic drop is just plain wild.
You can catch the best views from the easily accessible overlook, and there are also designated viewing areas that offer different angles.
Stick around for sunset if you can as the golden light on the canyon walls is next-level gorgeous and totally worth the wait.
6. Mount Rainier National Park
Next, head west to Mount Rainier National Park, where the state’s tallest volcano (yep, it’s still active!) steals the show at a towering 14,410 feet.
This park is downright gorgeous with wildflower-covered meadows, icy glaciers, and trails that make you stop every five minutes just to gawk.
One of the best spots is the Paradise area, which lives up to its name in July and August when it bursts into a sea of color thanks to the blooming lupines, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies.
Whether you’re hiking the Skyline Trail, spotting marmots, or just chilling with a view of the snow-capped peak, Rainier never stops showing off.
7. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Just when you think Washington can’t get any more dramatic, Mount St. Helens brings the boom (literally).
This volcano famously erupted in 1980, blasting off the top of the mountain and leaving behind a wild, otherworldly landscape that you can still explore today.
For something serene, Coldwater Lake offers a tranquil environment with stunning mountain views and is perfect for kayaking, picnicking, or simply soaking it all in as you relax by the water.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can even hike to the rim of the volcano but be ready for ash, altitude, and some major bragging rights.
8. Olympic National Park
To wrap up your road trip with a total change of scene, head northwest to Olympic National Park, where you can hit mountains, beaches, and rain forest all in one day.
The Hoh Rain Forest is the star here—it’s dripping with moss, filled with towering old-growth trees, and honestly feels like walking into Jurassic Park.
You can wander the Hall of Mosses trail for an easy, magical stroll or go deeper into the forest on the Hoh River Trail if you’re up for a longer hike.
And when you’re done channeling your inner forest elf, drive out to Ruby Beach or Hurricane Ridge for some bonus coastal or mountain views.
Just a quick reminder: the rainforest and its access trails are currently closed at the time of writing due to a major road washout so be sure to check online before planning your visit!
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