Washington is best known for its largest city, Seattle, but the Emerald State is also home to a staggering number of scenic destinations. Whether you want to hike to the falls, admire the snow-capped mountains from a distance, or spend the day on islands off the coast, Washington has it all. It’s easy to fill your vacation with city life, world-class attractions, national parks, and more while in the Pacific Northwest. Use this list of the best weekend getaways in Washington State as you plan your next travel itinerary.
Mount Rainier National Park
Less than an hour’s drive from Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park, the highest mountain in Washington State. This incredible park is a popular destination to visit year-round, but snowy weather limits access to some areas. In the Paradise section of the park, you’ll see fields of colorful wildflowers and great walking trails. In the Sunrise area, you can drive to the highest point in the park for truly spectacular views.
Mount ST volcanic national monument
In southwest Washington is Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, a destination that marks the site of the 1980 volcanic eruption, perfect to plan a few nights. Don’t miss the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center in Silver Lake, where you can get a brief history of the region and the 1980 eruption.
Spokane
After Seattle, Spokane is the largest city in Washington and is located in the eastern part of the state. In Spokane, you can visit Riverfront Park, where the 1974 World’s Fair was held. Some of the city’s top attractions include the John A. Finch Arboretum, the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture, and Spokane Falls. You can also visit some of the most popular golf courses in the city.
Lake Chelan
At the base of Washington’s North Cascade Range is Lake Chelan. It is a center for landscapes, outdoor recreation and wine tasting in the Pacific Northwest. Visiting the vineyards is one of the region’s biggest attractions, and you can spend a day sipping and visiting places like Vin du Lac Winery, Karma Vineyards, or Malison Vineyards. Hiking possibilities are plentiful.
Columbia River Gorge
The gorge cuts through the Cascade Mountains that form the boundary between Washington and Oregon, and spectacular views of the gorge can be obtained from above. Multnomah Falls cascade right into the gorge at one point, which only adds to the beauty of this particular destination. One of the best ways to see the Columbia River Gorge from the Washington side is to drive along State Route 14.
Olympic national park
To see lush green rainforest and rugged mountain ranges in one destination, visit the Olympic National Park. One of the highlights of a visit to the Olympic National Park is the Hoh Rain Forest, where herds of elk can be seen roaming the landscape. For a less strenuous adventure, admire the summer wildflowers of Hurricane Ridge or hike between cliffs and sea caves at Cape Flattery.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a welcoming place and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering an abundance of outdoor activities in breathtaking scenery. You can kayak in the water, take tours to observe orcas in their natural habitats, dine on fresh seafood, or walk through the San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Snoqualmie Falls
Halfway between the towns of Snoqualmie and Fall City is Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular attractions. The torrential waters of the falls make it an impressive and unforgettable place to visit and a prime spot for photographers in the Pacific Northwest. There are short walking trails around Snoqualmie Falls, where visitors can admire huge trees and lush plant life within the falls.
