It is no surprise that in a state with three national parks, hundreds of miles of coastline, stunning islands, rugged wilderness areas, and a mountain with an explosive history, there would be spots that are generally overlooked by locals and visitors alike. These spots can sometimes be hidden away and other times be right off the freeway, just waiting to be explored.
These hidden gems in Washington range from full-blown national parks that are criminally under-visited to trails where you can get a glimpse into the state’s history without dealing with crowds.
So, if you’re looking to get a little off the beaten path and visit some new places in Washington this year, it’s time to pack your bags and hit the road as we explore some hidden gems throughout the Evergreen State.
Palouse Falls
Our first stop takes us over the Cascades and into the eastern part of the state, where prairies and farms reign supreme. Located along a tributary of the Snake River, Palouse Falls is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in the entire state.
The official state waterfall of Washington, the falls themself pour 200 feet into a massive bowl below. To get to the falls, head to Palouse Falls State Park, but we warned that parking here is extremely limited, so you can while you can expect some solitude while taking in the falls, you may have to wait a bit with your fellow visitors for a parking spot to open up.
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass is a narrow body of water that separates Fidalgo Island from Whidbey Island. The bridge over the pass is frequently busy, especially during summer weekends, with vacationers making their way to and from Whidbey.
But most don’t make the stop to take in this outstanding park that is loaded with trails, hidden coves, islands, and the chance to watch as the changing tides result in massive amounts of water rushing through the pass. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an orca or two playing in the waters under the bridge.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
This central Washington gem may not be worth a dedicated trip across the mountains, but its location right off of I-90 makes it a wonderful stop if you’re traveling across the state. The state park, located close to the Gorge Amphitheater, features short trails, water access, and views across the Columbia River. But the real highlight of this park is the petrified wood that can be found throughout the area. With over 50 different species of trees, it is a fun adventure to walk around and see how many you can find and the differences between them.
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, the Sol Duc Hot Springs and nearby waterfall make for an excellent stopping point for travelers making their way around the national park. The hot springs themselves are contained within the small resort that offers cabins for rent, but day visitors can grab a pass to enjoy a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the springs. It is best to arrive early, though, or stay overnight and enjoy a morning soak, as day passes are limited.
After a soak, you can meander up the short trail to the wonderful 4-channel Sol Duc waterfall.
Maryhill
The town of Maryhill, located well into the dry side of the Columbia River Gorge, is home to a number of fun attractions that make it a must-visit when passing through the area.
Photographs love the windy and photogenic Maryhill Loops Road, which you’ve probably seen in photos dozens of times without realizing where the location was. Just outside of town is the Maryhill Museum of Art, which punches well above its weight, given its remote location. Last but definitely not least is the you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it full-scale replica of Stonehenge, which is open daily and has no admission fee!
Iron Goat Trail
Just west of the Stevens Pass ski area, you’ll find a hiking trail that follows one of the country’s most impressive railways when it was built in the late 1800s. The Iron Goat Trail passes through tunnels blasted through the hillsides, over wooden trestle bridges, and along terrain that is almost impossible to imagine massive freight trains passing through.
Along the way, you’ll pass by massive forests and small waterfalls flowing down the hillsides. The first couple miles of the trail are ADA accessible, so it’s a great place for hikers of all abilities to get out and enjoy nature.
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a small coastal town located just across the water from Tacoma near the southern end of Puget Sound. If you’re arriving from I-5, you’ll pass over the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge, which replaced the famous Galloping Gerty, a bridge that famously started dancing in the wind, leading to its collapse shortly after.
The town of Gig Harbor is nestled into the small harbor of the same name and is filled with boat docks full of both working fishing boats and small pleasure crafts. The downtown core is lined with shops and restaurants that look over these calm waters that are enjoyed year-round by locals and visitors alike.
Roslyn
Roslyn, Washington, is most famous for being the set of the 90s sitcom Northern Exposure. Originally a small coal mining town on the eastern side of the Cascades, the city, with its quaint downtown, now relies primarily on tourism as fans of the show, despite airing nearly 30 years ago, still flock here to take photos with the famous locations like The Brick Tavern.
Hoh Rain Forest
Getting to the Hoh Rain Forest is no small task as it requires a nearly 4-hour drive from Seattle around the Olympic Peninsula. And you may be wondering if that’s worth it to just visit a forest.
Well, once you step inside the magic of the Hoh Rain Forest (just make sure you pack raingear so you can truly enjoy it), you’ll quickly realize why the folks who visit it end up coming back time and time again. From the massive trees to the thick canopy of moss that covers everything, it truly feels like you’re stepping into another world when you enter the forest. If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a native elk or bear it only adds to the fairytale feeling of the Hoh.
Fort Worden State Park
Located right next door to the popular Victorian-themed town of Port Townsend is a park full of forests, WWII-era army facilities to explore, beaches to relax on, campgrounds, and even a lighthouse! This state park serves as a great diversion from the hectic nature of Port Townsend during the summer months when visitors pour off the ferry and clog up the sidewalks throughout the city.
Bring your hiking shoes as there are miles of trails that crisscross the park where you can take in views to both the north and east over the sound as well as even discover a few gems hidden throughout the forest.
Fremont Troll
The People’s Republic of Fremont, as it is locally known, is a small neighborhood located just to the north of downtown Seattle. This area is known for its brewpubs, dining, and funky art scene that includes a statue of Lenin, a rocket of dubious history, and a massive troll that keeps watch under a bridge.
The Fremont Troll is an art installation that has shocked unsuspecting passers-by for years with its slightly creepy eyes and hand grasping a full-size Volkswagen Bug as if it had just pulled it down from the bridge above.
North Cascades National Park
I’m not sure if I can call a National Park a hidden gem, but based on its annual visitation numbers, it’s clear that while many people know about it, few actually visit. To be fair, the park does have a fairly short season, with the road usually opening up in late spring and closing again in the fall, but for a place with so much natural beauty, you’d expect more than 40,000 visitors a year!
But that’s just more the reason to visit, as you can be assured that with the exception of a few trails during some select times of the year, you’ll find plenty of solitude in this rugged national park that butts up against the border of Washington and Canada.
Lynden
The last thing you might expect to find along the northern edge of Northwestern Washington is a small Dutch-inspired town complete with a wooden windmill, but that’s what you’ll get in Lynden. This sleepy town located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Bellingham makes for a great day trip with its walkable downtown and adorable shops and Dutch-inspired decor.
Don’t visit Lynden without stopping at the Lynden Dutch Bakery to peruse its cases full of delectable, fresh-baked offerings.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park, located at the far Southwestern edge of the state, is home to not one but two stunning lighthouses that look out over the Pacific Ocean and entrance to the Columbia River. The park is also home to multiple campgrounds, miles of sandy beaches, hidden coves, and trails that wind their way through the hills and bluffs of the park.
Point Defiance Park
This Tacoma city park is a favorite amongst locals who love hiking its thickly wooded trails, biking a 5-mile drive, visiting the zoo, and riding the slides down the hill to the brand-new Dune Peninsula Park. If the name of Dune Park sounds familiar, that is because the author of the Dune books resided in Tacoma at a time when this area looked far different.
Once home to the derelict remains of a smelter that pumped toxic waste into the air, this served as a plot inspiration for the Dune books. Now, the park is home to wildlife, trails, and places for locals and visitors alike to gather and take in the views of Puget Sound and the towering Mt. Rainier.
Mt. Adams
It is hard to believe that a mountain as large as Mt. Adams could be overlooked, but in a state with so many massive peaks that are so easily accessible from the major population centers, and the fact that there are virtually no facilities built around Mt. Adams, it makes sense that this volcanic peak is so rarely visited.
With only a few forest roads leading up to the flanks of the mountain just getting close is no easy task. But for those that do they are treated to a long but technically easy climb that offers commanding views of the cascades to the north and south.
Ape Cave
Ape Caves, located just to the south of Mt. St. Helens, is a series of old lava tubes that can be explored by adventurous hikers. The caves have two branches, an upper and a lower, with the upper requiring more climbing, scrambling, and ducking through narrow passages. Whichever route you choose, make sure to bring at least 3 light sources, a friend, and your sense of adventure.
Make sure to protect the sensitive cave habitat by leaving pets at home and not touching the cave walls or disturbing any wildlife you may come across.
