What comes to mind when you think of Washington’s most famous landmarks? From our ocean beaches to our vast national parks, there’s certainly no shortage of potential answers. But when was the last time you actually visited some of the attractions our state is so famous for?
This road trip takes you to five of the Evergreen State’s most iconic landmarks. You could easily make the drive in a weekend, but we recommend allowing a couple of extra days to explore if you can, especially when you reach number five.
Google Maps
- Snoqualmie Falls
Mark Gunn / Flickr Start at the stunning Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions. The observation deck is right off the road, so there’s no need to hike or drive down any back roads to reach it. Believe it or not, Snoqualmie Falls is actually substantially higher than Niagara Falls. Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie, WA 98024, USA
- Mount Rainier National Park
Diana Robinson / Flickr Next, head south for about two hours and you’ll reach one of our most famous destinations. Mount Rainier National Park is breathtaking, and every Washingtonian should get to explore it. If you have the time, spend the rest of the day here and spend the night at one of the local hotels or cabins. Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA
- Mount St. Helens
Jasperdo / Flickr Mount Rainier isn’t far from Mount St. Helens, which made international news when it erupted in May of 1980. The eruption killed 57 people, including the notorious Harry R. Truman (not to be confused with Harry S. Truman), who refused to leave his lodge. Fortunately, things are a lot calmer in the area now. Mount Saint Helens, Mt St Helens, Washington 98616, USA
- Ape Cave
Krystal W / TripAdvisor Just south of Mount St. Helens sits the Ape Cave lava tube. Ape Cave is one of the longest lava tubes in the world, spanning over two miles. It was formed during a Mount St. Helens eruption, but not the most recent one—this happened over 2,000 years ago. Ape Cave, Washington 98616, USA
- Columbia River Gorge
daveynin / Flickr We don’t like to play favorites when it comes to Washington’s landmarks, but we may have saved the best for last. The mighty Columbia cuts right through the Cascade Mountains, and there’s an abundance of outdoor recreation, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and charming mountain towns on both the Washington and the Oregon side. This stunning view is from Beacon Rock State Park. Beacon Rock State Park, 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
What’s your favorite natural attraction in Washington?
Google Maps
Mark Gunn / Flickr
Start at the stunning Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions. The observation deck is right off the road, so there’s no need to hike or drive down any back roads to reach it. Believe it or not, Snoqualmie Falls is actually substantially higher than Niagara Falls.
Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie, WA 98024, USA
Diana Robinson / Flickr
Next, head south for about two hours and you’ll reach one of our most famous destinations. Mount Rainier National Park is breathtaking, and every Washingtonian should get to explore it. If you have the time, spend the rest of the day here and spend the night at one of the local hotels or cabins.
Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
Mount Rainier isn’t far from Mount St. Helens, which made international news when it erupted in May of 1980. The eruption killed 57 people, including the notorious Harry R. Truman (not to be confused with Harry S. Truman), who refused to leave his lodge. Fortunately, things are a lot calmer in the area now.
Mount Saint Helens, Mt St Helens, Washington 98616, USA
Krystal W / TripAdvisor
Just south of Mount St. Helens sits the Ape Cave lava tube. Ape Cave is one of the longest lava tubes in the world, spanning over two miles. It was formed during a Mount St. Helens eruption, but not the most recent one—this happened over 2,000 years ago.
Ape Cave, Washington 98616, USA
daveynin / Flickr
We don’t like to play favorites when it comes to Washington’s landmarks, but we may have saved the best for last. The mighty Columbia cuts right through the Cascade Mountains, and there’s an abundance of outdoor recreation, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and charming mountain towns on both the Washington and the Oregon side. This stunning view is from Beacon Rock State Park.
Beacon Rock State Park, 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
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