The 10 Best Things to do Adventurous in Washington, United States

October 25, 2021 Frederic Celentano

Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Cape Flattery Trail, Mount St. Helens, Hurricane Ridge, Mount Rainier, Heliotrope Ridge Trail, Skyline Trail, Zip San Juan, Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Rides, Mount Rainier National Park, BestHour Fitness.
Restaurants in Washington

1. Cape Flattery Trail

Neah Bay, WA http://northolympic.com/files/capeflatterytrail/index.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 587 reviews

Cape Flattery Trail

This trail overlooks the northwestern-most point in the contiguous United States.

Reviewed By MKDtravl

Waves crashing, wide ocean view ahead. A short trail descends to a viewpoint: boardwalk in places, very muddy in others on a slightly wet February day.

2. Mount St. Helens

WA 98649 +1 503-245-1428 http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/main/!ut/p/z0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zijQwgwNHCwN_DI8zPwBcqYKBfkO2oCADIwpjI/?pname=Mt%20St.%20Helens%20National%20Volcanic%20Monument%20-%20Home&ss=110623&pnavid=null&navid=091000000000000&ttype=main&
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 475 reviews

Mount St. Helens

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.

3. Hurricane Ridge

Olympic National Park, WA +1 847-625-1726 http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,790 reviews

Hurricane Ridge

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.

4. Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park, WA 98304 +1 360-569-2211 http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,754 reviews

Mount Rainier

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. Heliotrope Ridge Trail

Glacier, WA http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/mbs/alerts-notices/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 24 reviews

Heliotrope Ridge Trail

A four-mile trail offering views of Coleman Glacier on Mt. Baker.

6. Skyline Trail

Mount Rainier National Park, WA 98304 +1 360-569-6571 http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/skyline-trail.htm
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 308 reviews

Skyline Trail

With an elevation gain of 1,400 fee, this five-mile hiking trail starts from Paradise to Panorama Point, Stevens-Van Trump Memorial with a final descent into Paradise Valley and Myrtle Falls.

Reviewed By shesekmatok - Los Angeles, United States

Hello fellow travelers ???? Come Early! It's nuts up there ???? **there's cell reception** ???????? The trails start at the visitor center. Huge parking space, loads of visitors and the park is trying to accommodate all the cars arriving. Started my day at 8am and it was hectic. Paradise trails starts with a steep and paved path. I was aiming for the skyline loop trail, but you will see on the way, that one trail meets another and u can combine them and choose ur own path. Started with the skyline loop, then met the lakes trail, added reflection lake, went on the lakes high trail, Narada falls and finished at Paradise. All in all it was about 10 miles long amazing hike. U get the essence of the park in one day ???? see pics enclosed. The skyline trail is covered with snow in some parts. U can find a way around sometimes, but there are some patches u have to cross. I've done one by sliding on my ass. Was fun ???? Wild flower meadows, water streams and breathtaking views all the way. Seen alpine marmots which are so cute. The part of the lakes is an easier hike and still gorgeous. If u have questions, feel free to ask ???? Have fun and be safe ????????‍♀️????????‍♀️????????‍♀️????????‍♀️

7. Zip San Juan

1959 Egg Lake Rd, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250 +1 360-317-8434 [email protected] http://www.zipsanjuan.com
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 439 reviews

Zip San Juan

Come and experience for yourself the only Zip Line Tour in the San Juan Islands in Washington State. Our family friendly zip tour features 8 zip lines that will take you through a beautiful forest, across an otter inhabited lake and over protected wetlands. This tour is an amazing way to experience the natural landscape of San Juan Island while zipping from platform to platform through the forest canopy.Upon reaching the site, you will be given an orientation and then have the opportunity to practice zipping on our smaller practice zip lines. After this, our guides will lead you on a brief hike to the first of the zip lines. Throughout your tour you will soar past tall Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, and experience the forest and wetlands from a viewpoint usually exclusive to birds.Tours last approximately 3 hours, which includes travel time to and from the course. The Zip San Juan course is approximately 10 minutes from Friday Harbor. Zip San Juan can provide your transportation to and from Friday Harbor to the zip site.

Reviewed By NCApple - Everett, United States

We took an early ferry so had a chance to visit the Whale Museum and have a tail gate lunch before we were picked up for our tour at the appointed time. Guides were great & reassuring with their backgrounds, information & instructions. Only 1 of the 6 of us had zipped before so they were patient, reassuring and had fun demonstrating what to do & what not to do and why. Beautiful day with lots of Zip and Do Dah!

8. Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Rides

19115 Chiwawa Loop Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826-9550 +1 509-763-2713 [email protected] https://www.leavenworthsleighrides.com
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 253 reviews

Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Rides

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!

9. Mount Rainier National Park

39000 State Rt 706 E, Ashford, WA +1 360-569-2211 http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 524 reviews

Mount Rainier National Park

Reviewed By 273triciaa - Louisville, United States

We visited both Paradise and Sunrise areas of MRNP....Gorgeous view and great hiking in both locations! Driving the area was even gorgeous...I might even like this park better than Glacier NP...it is amazing!! At least in Summer :)

10. BestHour Fitness

1320 S 324th St Suite A4, Federal Way, WA 98003-8445 +1 253-313-5768 [email protected] http://mybesthour.com
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 197 reviews

BestHour Fitness

BestHour Kickboxing - Federal Way, WA is the #1 fitness program for stunning results! Turbocharge your life with FUN no-contact fitness kickboxing routines - a fighter's attitude - and fat-destroying, adrenaline pumping 60-minute bouts of dynamic cardio, stretching & resistance training. Expert instructors at Federal Way, WA guide you through bag-hitting techniques ANYONE can do - perfect for beginners. No fitness experience needed to join BestHour Kickboxing! Calorie-crushing moves sculpt your killer physique. Super low Web-Specials, exclusive members-only apparel & personalized support make you feel like family. Dare to be remarkable - Join us in Federal Way, WA For more information, check us out!

Reviewed By mpaloiau

At my trial-class, the warm welcome I received from non-judgey staff & other members immediately set me at ease. There are members of all shapes, ages, sizes, fitness levels. The community of support & encouragement is unprecedented! Staffing ratio is great - all the personal attention & support I could ask for, without the huge price tag of personal trainers at other gyms. I've had gym memberships before, but never actually WANTED to go. With every class my energy & stamina increase, I'm learning new technique, and making new friends. Now I can't wait to get to my next class - it's fun and addictive!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.