Top 5 Things to Do in Washington

While living in Washington for 6 months, I explored as much as I could. Here are my favorite spots in the beautiful, lush scenic state of Washington.

1) San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are made up of 4 islands (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw). I visited the most inhabited island, San Juan, on a weekend attached to visiting Mount Vernon, WA for the annual Tulip Festival in April. One of the best moments of my life was on San Juan at the Cattle Point Lighthouse. Maybe it was because it was unexpected (sorry about that), or because it was my first overnight trip on my own (woot!), or maybe it was just plain spectacular. I have not been to Orcas Island but apparently that is a popular destination as well.

2) Paradise at Mt. Rainier

The magnetic marvel of Mt. Rainier (pronounced RAIN-EAR) is unparalleled. It begins with a drum roll through the windy road full of babbling brooks and waterfalls, giving glimpses of Mt. Rainier’s peak. As you reach higher up the mountain towards Mt Rainier’s Paradise section of the park, you will feel its roaring energy. There are many different hiking trails depending on the time of year and the type of hike you are looking for, but Skyline Trail is the most popular and most profound.

3) Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is on the large Olympic Peninsula about an hour + west of Seattle. In this very widespread park there are several breathtaking lakes, magical hiking trails, dramatic beach views, and a rainy rainforest! My favorite spots in this national park were Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge, the Tree of Life, and the Hoh Rainforest.

4) Experience Seattle

Seattle is also known as the Emerald City and the Rain City. I would agree! This beautiful, lush, green large city has many fun places to experience and check off your bucket list! My favorite things to do in Seattle are enjoying a Seattle Sounders soccer match, experiencing the Space Needle, ooh-ing and aah-ing in the Chihuly Glass Museum, geeking out in the Pop Culture Museum, and getting food and/or drinks in Ballard/Green Lake areas.

5) Leavenworth and catching a concert at the Gorge Amphitheater

Leavenworth is a German village about 3 hours east of the Seattle region. You really feel like you are in Germany here with the sky-high mountain range surrounding the town, the German-themed buildings, and hanging plants on all of the lamp posts. About an hour and a half southeast from Leavenworth is the Gorge Amphitheater. You can’t beat watching the sun set behind this concert venue while listening to some good music with a drink in-hand!