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
Top 10 Hiking Trails in Washington, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Cape Flattery Trail, Hurricane Ridge, Maple Pass Loop, Clear Creek Trail, Skyline Trail, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, Lacamas Park Trail, Second Beach Trail, Snoqualmie Falls, Tipsoo Lake Loop.
Restaurants in Washington
1. Cape Flattery Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 587 reviews
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. 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. Maple Pass Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
A scenic trail passing by lakes and meadows.
Reviewed By 718kristens - Tennessee, United States
Best hike! I couldn’t stop taking pictures because the views were amazing. Hiking sticks were very helpful. We went counter clockwise. It was a gradual incline to the top and not too steep back down. Most hikers were wearing masks or put them on when we passed. We started around 8am. Took us about 6 hours total with lunch at the top and lots of breaks for my 12 year old. Take plenty of water. I never felt unsafe. Well marked path once you’re on it. Weather was much cooler and easier in the early morning hours. Bugs were not a problem (october). Parking was available. Don’t forget to pay your $5 fee at the box or display your pass.
4. Clear Creek Trail
5. Skyline Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
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 ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️
6. 5 Mile Drive & Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By OlyGirlJan - Tacoma, United States
Great place to visit and have a full days adventure, must sees are Owens Beach, Point Defiance Zoo, also must do the 5 Mile drive and make it a day and have lunch at Anthony's on the waterfront with great food and spectacular views of Puget Sound and don't forget to go down the slides across from Anthony's its a great place for the kids to release some energy.
7. Lacamas Park Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By pentajs - Camas, United States
This is just the nicest close-in park to relax and have a picnic lunch, jump in a raft and cruise the lake, take the kids to the playground, or other outdoor activity. It's beautiful!
8. Second Beach Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Dense and marshy forest trail on the Olympic Coast.
Reviewed By RalphieBoy2020
Very nice beach near Salt Creek campground. Tide pools and really worthwhile at low tides. Lots of parking available.
9. Snoqualmie Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,985 reviews
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state's most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall.
Reviewed By aloha25 - San Francisco, United States
We were delighted to see Snoqualmie Falls!! An hour from Seattle and only 45 minutes from the SEATAC Airport, the little town of Snoqualmie is charming; the Falls are spectacular; Salish Lodge is wonderful as is the Dining Rooms at Salish Lodge. The Falls are 100 feet higher than Niagra Falls (but not as wide). They range from a two stream to a six stream depending on rain and control from the river. It's a gorgeous area with mature forest. It is well worth the visit!!!! Bring a raincoat as there is a spray from the falls or you may have a bit of rain.
10. Tipsoo Lake Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
A 3.6-mile trail offering great views of Mt. Rainier.
Reviewed By ffehling2018 - Puyallup, United States
Beautiful late Summer views on views. The wild flowers are 100% in full Bloom in August! We hiked on a semi cloudy day, but the views and overall atmosphere of Tipsoo is breathtaking. I can only imagine the views on a clear blue sky day.
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