Rainier, Olympic, and the North Cascades National Parks in Washington deserve the millions of tourists that come to see them every year. Don’t overlook Washington state parks, though; they rank among the state’s top tourist destinations and provide just as much adventure and sightseeing.
Check out our list of the greatest state and national parks in Washington whether you’re searching for somewhere to visit for a little adventure, a multi-day trip, or even a view to remember for years to come.
Top 7 National Parks In Washington
Mount Rainier National Park
The most recognizable mountain in Washington is Mount Rainier National Park, which rises 14,410 feet above sea level. There are many fun things to do in Mount Rainier.
One of the most picturesque national parks in the country is located around this active volcano. Visitors can seen at Mount Rainier National Park’s subalpine meadows, alpine lakes, and craggy peaks in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
The greatest way to see the park’s natural regions is via hiking, and there are paths for every skill level. Six distinct hiking areas, including the appropriately titled Paradise Area, mainly divide the park. Here, the Skyline Loop Trail, with its variable-distance loops, provides an excellent introduction to the mountain.
The Naches Peak Loop at the White River Entrance on the park’s eastern side is another well-liked walk. Additionally, a 93-mile must-do hiking trip is available along the world-famous Wonderland Trail, which surrounds the whole base of Mount Rainier.
This is not enough in Mount Rainier, many more things are fun here.
Olympic National Park
Nearly a million acres of wilderness on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington are protected by Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park has a number of huge areas of temperate rainforest. Including the well-known Hoh Rainforest, in addition to glaciated mountains and undeveloped shoreline. The park’s diversity of habitats makes it possible to undertake a broad variety of activities.
The park’s numerous rivers, lakes, and untamed coast provide year-round possibilities for boating and fishing. Olympic National Park has plenty of backpacking and hiking paths to keep you on your feet for the rest of your life.
Experienced mountaineers are best suited for bigger exploits on Mount Olympus. The 17.4-mile Hoh River Trail, which can be completed in an overnight hiking trip, leads to this glaciated mountain. Due to the diversity of routes available, backpacking in Olympic National Park generally evokes feelings of being a child in a candy store.
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park Complex is made up of the two nearby Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. More than two million acres of rocky mountain terrain on western Washington’s northern boundary are covered by these public places.
The Stephen Mather Wilderness designation shields a sizable portion of the forest from the nearby logging and mining activity on more than 90% of the North Cascades National Park Complex.
Many of the picturesque sights and attractions in North Cascades National Park are a little more difficult to get due to its mountainous terrain. The challenging multi-day hike or ferry ride into North Cascades National Park is worthwhile because the park’s limits contain some of the most breathtaking alpine views most people will ever see.
Deception Pass State Park
With almost two million visitors a year, Deception Pass State Park is the most visited state park in Washington. The neighbouring Puget Sound region may be explored in a variety of ways thanks to it as well.
A recognisable high bridge that spans the Deception Pass canal connects the state park. Which extends between Fidalgo Island and the northernmost tip of Whidbey Island.
Deception Pass State Park’s facilities and accessibility are largely thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Which constructed the majority of the park’s infrastructure in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Centre, located in the park’s Bowman Area, now educates visitors on the CCC’s past.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Being only 12 miles from the town of Leavenworth. Which has a Bavarian character, Lake Wenatchee State Park is a popular site for both locals and visitors in Washington.
The park’s extensive array of recreational opportunities also attracts people all year round in addition to the picturesque vistas of Lake Wenatchee and the spectacular Dirtyface Peak above the waters.
Activities: Although groomed cross-country ski tracks are available throughout the winter months to accommodate skiers. Summer is when the majority of tourists arrive. The lake is popular for swimming and boating, and the park offers boat rentals. Popular inland activities include biking, hiking, and riding horses.
Palouse Falls State Park
The 198-foot Palouse Falls cascade serves as the inspiration for the name of Palouse Falls State Park. Which is located in the southeast region of Washington. The major draw of the park is this picturesque waterfall. One of the most stunning in all of Washington, but many tourists also come to see the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The hiking route that passes by the falls is lined with informational plaques that describe the area’s rich geological and cultural heritage. With a short walk, visitors may access many viewpoints of Palouse Falls. Tent-only camping areas are available at Palouse Falls State Park for visitors looking to stay the night.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
On the western side of San Juan Island, in the far northwest of Washington State, sits Lime Kiln Point State Park.
Often referred to as Whale Watch Park. It is well known for being among the best places in the world to see whales. From May to September, you have the best opportunity of spotting these enormous beasts.
Activities: Lime Kiln Point State Park has a wide range of activities available all year round. It is difficult to miss the ancient lighthouse that looks out over the shore when touring this 36-acre. Day-use state park and taking in the rugged coastline it contains. The trip alone is worthwhile for this picturesque lighthouse.
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