5 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Washington This Year
Washington is a land shaped by fire, water, and time, and its landscapes reflect that untamed beauty. From towering volcanic peaks and moss-draped rainforests to thundering waterfalls and rugged coastal straits, the Evergreen State delivers natural wonders that rival any in the country. Each destination holds its own spectacular character—whether it is the wildflower meadows of Mount Rainier, the misty silence of the Hoh Rainforest, or the dramatic plunge of Palouse Falls. Discover five of the most breathtaking natural wonders to visit in Washington this year.
Mount Rainier National Park
Rising to 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is a towering, glaciated volcano and the centerpiece of its namesake national park, which was established on March 2, 1899. Surrounded by valleys, vast waterfalls, subalpine meadows, and old-growth forests, the mountain is the highest point in the Cascade Range. Its slopes are covered by more than twenty-five glaciers and an enormous amount of snow and rain. The park offers several distinct areas, including Paradise and Sunrise. It is a popular spot for mountaineering, with about 10,000 yearly attempts to reach the summit, and only half succeed. Summer, particularly from July through August, is the optimal time to visit, when wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is ideal for hiking.
Ninety-seven percent of the park is preserved as a wilderness area. It was also designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997 for its rustic-style architecture, exemplified by the Paradise Inn, and is considered a masterpiece of early park master planning.
Hoh Rainforest
Anchoring the Pacific Northwest’s natural splendor, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in America. Visitors are greeted by towering old-growth trees, a vibrant green canopy, and a forest floor blanketed with mosses and ferns. The iconic Hall of Mosses Trail, a short 0.8-mile loop, offers an intimate look at the forest’s lush flora, while the Spruce Nature Trail meanders along Taft Creek and the Hoh River, showcasing both new and ancient growth.
For extended exploration, the Hoh River Trail stretches deep into the forest, passing multiple campgrounds and ending at the Blue Glacier moraine beneath Mt. Olympus. Guided tours provide expert insight into the ecosystem, and overnight camping allows for a serene morning along the river.
Located within Olympic National Park, the rainforest lies about two hours from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks, accessible via Upper Hoh Road off Highway 101. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center has exhibits, trail information, and seasonal guidance. The campground, open year-round, features 72 sites among the towering trees. Peak visitation occurs in summer, so mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid crowds. Fall and spring also have milder weather and vibrant scenery, while winter highlights the forest’s dramatic rainfall, averaging 140 inches annually, creating its signature emerald allure.
Palouse Falls
Nestled at the base of a dramatic basalt gorge, Palouse Falls plunges 198 feet, commanding attention at Palouse Falls State Park along rural Highway 261. Trails along the rim provide breathtaking views, while paths down to Palouse Creek let you experience the waterfall’s thunderous beauty up close. Nearby, Lyons Ferry State Park invites swimming, picnicking, or fishing for steelhead and salmon, which can also be seen while navigating the fish ladder at Little Goose Dam through underwater viewing windows. The surrounding landscape, shaped by ancient lava flows, creates a rugged backdrop for hiking, photography, and quiet reflection.
A scenic drive along the Palouse Byway leads to Pullman, home to Washington State University’s red-brick campus. Stop at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe for classic treats or tour the Bill Chipman Trail, a seven-mile rail path connecting Pullman with Moscow, Idaho. Families can explore hands-on exhibits at the Palouse Discovery Science Center, while Steptoe Butte, 25 miles north, provides panoramic views of the Blue, Selkirk, and Bitterroot ranges, perfect for sunsets and listening for Northern saw-whet owls. Spring through early fall presents the most favorable conditions for this adventure.
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens, known as Lawetlat'la to the Cowlitz and Loowit or Louwala-Clough to the Klickitat, is an active stratovolcano in Skamania County, Washington. Its catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, remains the most economically destructive volcanic event in US history, reshaping the landscape and creating the current crater. Geologically young, the mountain formed within the last 40,000 years, with its pre-1980 summit cone rising about 2,200 years ago. Monitored closely by the Cascades Volcano Observatory due to its “very high threat” status, Mount St. Helens continues to fascinate geologists, hikers, and climbers alike.
The mountain attracts adventurers year-round, with late spring through early fall providing the most favorable conditions. The Monitor Ridge Route leads to the crater rim with approximately 4,600 feet of elevation gain over five miles, while the winter Worm Flows Route climbs 5,700 feet in six miles. Surrounding trails like the Loowit Trail provide scenic loops at mid-elevations. Visitors can also explore the Silver Lake Visitor Center, about 30 miles west, featuring models, exhibits, and natural trails to learn about the volcano’s dramatic history.
Deception Pass
Deception Pass is a striking strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island in northwest Washington. Connecting Skagit Bay to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the pass is crossed by the historic Deception Pass Bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area has been home to Coast Salish tribes for thousands of years, with European explorers first charting the waters in the late 18th century. Strong tidal currents, roiling eddies, and occasional standing waves create a dramatic seascape, visible from the bridges or trails below, attracting kayakers and thrill-seekers.
Ben Ure Island, just east of the bridge, holds a dark history tied to 19th-century human smuggling. Today, the region teems with marine life, including lingcod, greenlings, barnacles, and vibrant invertebrates, making it a prime spot for experienced divers. Trails and viewpoints along the south bridge provide sweeping vistas of the swirling waters. Late spring through early fall presents the best conditions for sightseeing, kayaking, and exploring the surrounding state park.
From the moss-draped trails of the Hoh Rain Forest to the rugged crater of Mount St. Helens and the swirling currents of Deception Pass, Washington showcases some of the Pacific Northwest’s most captivating landscapes. Each destination blends natural beauty with unique history, inviting exploration, adventure, and reflection. Whether hiking through emerald forests, summiting an active volcano, or gazing across dramatic tidal waters, these natural wonders provide unforgettable experiences and a true connection to the state’s diverse and dynamic environment.
