Washington State boasts some of the most stunning national parks in the world, showcasing unparalleled natural beauty and adventure. This guide explores the parks you shouldn’t miss and offers tips to make the most of your visit. While each park has unique features worth seeing, we understand that time may be limited.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier’s majestic glaciated stratovolcano is a sight to behold, ranking among America’s oldest national parks since its establishment in 1899. Spanning 369 square miles, the park offers a diverse array of landscapes, including lakes, forests, and glaciers.
– Best Time to Visit: Summer is ideal for visiting, with all roads typically open from June to mid-fall. Note that even in early summer or early fall, snow can be present on trails. Winter visits are challenging due to heavy snow and road closures.
– Activities:
– Burroughs Trail: This trail provides multiple viewpoints for some of the closest and most breathtaking views of the mountain.
– Skyline Trail to Panorama Point: Popular for its scenic beauty and proximity to the mountain.
– Mount Fremont Lookout Trail: A moderate trail with stunning views from the fire lookout tower.
– Reflection Lake: Offers a picturesque view of the mountain mirrored in its waters.
– Getting There: Located in west-central Washington, the park is approximately 100 miles from Seattle and 156 miles from Portland. Travel between different areas within the park can be time-consuming, so focus on one section per day.
Olympic National Park
Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, this park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from alpine mountains and old-growth rainforests to untouched wild beaches.
– Best Time to Visit: Summer is the busiest season when all services and areas are accessible. Book permits and accommodations early, especially for popular activities like camping on the beaches.
– Activities:
– Wild Beaches: Explore untouched coastal areas like Cape Alava, the westernmost point in the continental U.S.
– Hoh Rainforest: Known for its lush, moss-covered trees, this area offers numerous trails and multi-day hikes.
– Hurricane Ridge: Accessible by road, this alpine area is perfect for day hikes and scenic views.
– Waterfalls: Discover stunning waterfalls like Marymere, easily reachable via day hikes.
– Getting There: The park is located on the Olympic Peninsula, with the nearest airport being Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. U.S. Route 101 circles much of the park, making it easier to navigate.
North Cascades National Park
Often overlooked, North Cascades is a hidden gem featuring snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and teal glacial lakes.
– Best Time to Visit: Summer is the most popular season but is generally less crowded than other Washington parks. Even then, snow can be present.
– Activities:
– Diablo Lake: Known for its striking green-teal hue, this lake is best viewed from the overlook.
– Ross Dam: A hydroelectric dam that you can walk across when open.
– Trail of Cedars: An easy hike along the Skagit River with views of old-growth forests.
– Maple Pass Loop: A challenging trail that offers incredible park views.
– Getting There: Located along the northern border with Canada, the park has two main entrances connected by State Route 20. Check road conditions beforehand.
San Juan Island National Historical Park
This park explores a unique piece of history involving a near-war between the United States and Britain over a pig.
– Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, but late spring to fall offers more accessible tourist infrastructure.
– Activities:
– American Camp: Located on the northern part of the island, this camp was less sheltered and more rustic.
– British Camp: Situated in a protected bay on the southern part, this camp offered better conditions and beautiful gardens.
– Getting There: Accessible by ferries from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. While a car isn’t necessary to get to the island, it is needed to explore both camps.
Other Notable Parks in Washington State
– Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve: Coastal area rich in early settler history.
– Minidoka National Historic Site: Chronicles the history of Japanese internment camps.
– Whitman Mission National Historic Site: Explores the mission’s role in settler and Native American history.
– Klondike Goldrush National Historical Park: Focuses on Seattle’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush.
– Manhattan Project National Historical Park: Details the history of the atomic bomb project.
– Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: Covers the end of the explorers’ journey, mostly in Oregon but also parts in Washington.
Other Posts You May Like:
– Best Road Trips between Glacier NP and Yellowstone
– Best Road Trips between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone
– Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
– Best Hikes in Arches National Park
– Guide to Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Park in Montana
Explore these magnificent parks and make unforgettable memories in the natural splendor of Washington State!