Washington State Travel Guide
Discover the Evergreen State with Seattle's iconic skyline, Olympic rainforests, Mount Rainier alpine meadows, and the scenic San Juan Islands.
Welcome to Washington
Washington State is a breathtaking blend of vibrant urban energy and spectacular wilderness. Seattle anchors the Pacific Northwest with its iconic Space Needle, world-famous Pike Place Market, and thriving coffee and tech culture. Beyond the city, three magnificent national parks offer dramatically different landscapes — the lush rainforest and rugged coastline of Olympic, the glacier-capped volcanic peak of Mount Rainier, and the jagged peaks of the North Cascades. Island-hop through the San Juan archipelago for whale watching and farm-fresh living, or explore the wine country of Eastern Washington. With over 3,000 miles of marine shoreline and some of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, Washington delivers unforgettable adventures in every direction.
Seattle Attractions & Experiences
Space Needle
Iconic 605-foot observation tower with rotating SkyCity restaurant and 360-degree views
Pike Place Market
Historic 1907 waterfront market with fish throwing, artisan vendors, and the original Starbucks
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Stunning exhibition of Dale Chihuly's monumental glass sculptures next to the Space Needle
Museum of Flight
World's largest private air and space museum with 175 aircraft and spacecraft
Seattle Aquarium
Puget Sound marine life showcase with otters, seals, and giant Pacific octopus
Capitol Hill
Vibrant neighborhood with indie music venues, coffee shops, and LGBTQ+ culture
Gas Works Park
Unique park on Lake Union with converted gasification plant ruins and skyline views
Fremont Neighborhood
Self-proclaimed Center of the Universe with troll statue, Sunday market, and quirky shops
National Parks & Wild Landscapes
Olympic National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site with temperate rainforest, glacier peaks, and 70+ miles of wild coastline
Mount Rainier National Park
14,411-foot stratovolcano with subalpine wildflower meadows, glaciers, and Paradise visitor area
North Cascades National Park
Remote alpine wilderness with 300+ glaciers, jagged peaks, and turquoise glacial lakes
San Juan Islands
Archipelago of 172 islands offering whale watching, kayaking, cycling, and fresh Dungeness crab
Best Hiking Trails
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Skyline Divide Trail
Ridge walk above Mount Baker with panoramic views of glaciers, Puget Sound, and Canadian peaks
Snow Lake Trail
Popular Snoqualmie Pass trail through old-growth forest to a stunning alpine lake below Chair Peak
The Enchantments
Legendary through-hike past dozens of jewel-colored alpine lakes beneath granite peaks — permit required
Hogback Ridge
High ridge traverse in the Olympics with sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island
Hurricane Ridge
Accessible alpine meadow hike with wildflowers, black-tailed deer, and views of the Olympic Mountains and Canada
Rattlesnake Ledge
Immensely popular Issaquah day hike rewarding hikers with sweeping views over Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascades
San Juan Islands
Orcas Island
Largest San Juan Island with Moran State Park, Cascade Lake, and the best whale watching in the archipelago
San Juan Island
Friday Harbor hub with historic lime kiln whale watching park and English Camp National Historical Park
Lopez Island
Flat cycling paradise with farms, local art galleries, and the most laid-back island atmosphere
Whidbey Island
Largest island in the lower 48 with Deception Pass State Park and charming Langley village
When to Visit Washington
Summer delivers Washington's best weather for hiking and island exploration, while winter brings world-class skiing to Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass.
Spring
Rain eases and wildflowers emerge on the lower slopes of Rainier. Cherry blossoms transform the University of Washington campus. Waterfall flows peak across all three national parks.
Summer
The Pacific Northwest's golden season with long days, rare sunshine, and perfect conditions in the mountains. Paradise at Rainier blooms with lupine. San Juan Islands are at their finest.
Fall
Larch trees turn golden in the North Cascades for breathtaking fall color. Fewer crowds on trails. Seattle's food and arts scene heats up as rain returns in October.
Winter
Seattle stays mild for a winter city. Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass offer excellent skiing with Cascade powder. Whale watching in the San Juans peaks with gray whale migration.
Washington State Photo Gallery
