Travel Itinerary
Washington State delivers an extraordinary blend of natural wonders, culinary treats, and cultural experiences perfect for your 2025 bucket list.
Misty rainforests, soaring mountain peaks, lively cities, and serene islands await every type of adventurer.
Pack your bags and get ready for a year filled with unforgettable Washington experiences.
1. Hike the Colchuck Lake Trail
Lacing up your boots for this challenging trek rewards hikers with stunning turquoise waters nestled among jagged peaks.
Morning light transforms the lake into a dazzling sapphire jewel, making sunrise hikes particularly magical. Remember to secure your Alpine Lakes Wilderness permit well in advance as this popular trail fills up quickly.
2. Stay in the Cozy Bear Creek Treehouse
Nestled among towering pines, this enchanting treehouse offers a whimsical escape from everyday life.
Wake up to birdsong filtering through windows that frame forest views from every angle. Guests particularly love the charming spiral staircase, outdoor shower, and the gentle sounds of the nearby creek that lulls you to sleep each night.
3. Ride the Lady of the Lake to Stehekin
Gliding across the crystal waters of Lake Chelan takes you to a remote paradise accessible only by boat, floatplane, or foot.
Stehekin Valley welcomes visitors with breathtaking mountain vistas and a pace of life that feels gloriously unchanged by time. Make sure to sample fresh pastries at the famous bakery before exploring this isolated community’s natural splendor.
4. Explore Olympic National Park – Hoh Rainforest Walks
Stepping into this ancient temperate rainforest feels like entering another world entirely.
Moss-draped trees create an emerald cathedral overhead while Roosevelt elk might appear silently between massive tree trunks. Walking the Hall of Mosses trail (just 0.8 miles) offers a perfect introduction to this magical ecosystem that receives up to 14 feet of rain annually.
5. Attend Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup
Live oompah bands, traditional dancers, and the smell of fresh pretzels create an authentic German atmosphere. Sampling craft beers from regional breweries while participating in stein-holding contests makes this autumn celebration a perfect way to welcome the changing seasons.
6. Enjoy a Magical Date Night at Canlis in Seattle
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular city views while impeccable service makes every occasion feel special.
Splurging on their seasonal tasting menu showcases Pacific Northwest ingredients transformed through innovative techniques, creating culinary memories that linger long after the evening ends.
7. Tour the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend
Maritime history comes alive during this celebration of craftsmanship where hundreds of wooden vessels gather in one of Washington’s most charming Victorian seaports.
Salty sea captains share tales while craftspeople demonstrate traditional boat-building techniques. Kids particularly enjoy the hands-on activities including knot-tying workshops and the chance to row authentic wooden boats across the harbor.
8. Hike the Palouse to Cascades Rail Trail
Following abandoned railway lines, this remarkable trail stretches across Washington offering a journey through diverse landscapes and fascinating history.
Cycling across the spectacular Beverly Railroad Bridge provides thrilling Columbia River views. Ambitious adventurers can tackle segments of this 200+ mile trail while day-trippers enjoy shorter sections through tunnels, over trestles, and past historic train stations.
9. Whale Watching at Lime Kiln Point, San Juan Island
Nicknamed “Whale Watch Park,” this rocky shoreline offers land-based orca viewing unlike anywhere else in the world.
Binoculars reveal majestic orcas swimming incredibly close to shore as they hunt salmon in the kelp forests. Summer afternoons provide your best chance to witness these magnificent creatures breaching and spy-hopping, sometimes just yards from mesmerized onlookers.
10. Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
Vibrant glass sculptures transform Seattle Center into an otherworldly artistic experience that dazzles visitors of all ages.
Sunlight streams through the magnificent 100-foot glass house, creating dancing rainbows across the floor. Wandering through outdoor gardens where colorful glass pieces emerge from lush plantings provides a unique harmony between nature and human creativity that feels distinctly Pacific Northwestern.
11. Sun Mountain Lodge Stay in Winthrop
Perched high above the Methow Valley, this mountain retreat combines rustic elegance with breathtaking panoramic views.
Stargazing from private balconies reveals constellations rarely visible from cities. Guests love seasonal activities ranging from horseback riding through wildflower meadows to cross-country skiing on 200+ kilometers of groomed trails, making this destination perfect year-round.
12. Hike Beacon Rock
Rising from the Columbia River Gorge, this ancient volcanic plug offers one of Washington’s most accessible yet thrilling hikes.
Switchback trails with sturdy handrails wind upward, revealing increasingly spectacular views with each turn. Standing triumphantly atop this 848-foot monolith rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the Columbia River stretching for miles in both directions.
13. Palouse Falls State Park
Water plunges dramatically 198 feet into an ancient canyon, creating one of Washington’s most photographed natural wonders.
Sunrise casts golden light across the rugged landscape, making early morning visits especially rewarding for photographers. Spring brings the most powerful water flow, though year-round visitors marvel at how this spectacular waterfall seems to appear unexpectedly amid rolling farmland.
14. Ride the Mount Rainier Railroad in Autumn
ViPassengers enjoy views impossible to see by car while learning about logging history that shaped the region.
Kids squeal with delight spotting wildlife through windows while adults appreciate how the slower pace allows everyone to truly absorb the majesty of Mount Rainier looming in the distance.
15. Drive the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway
Ancient ice age floods carved this dramatic landscape of towering basalt cliffs, sparkling lakes, and rolling farmland.
Pulling over at Dry Falls viewpoint reveals a geological wonder where waters once thundered at four times the volume of Niagara. Birders should bring binoculars as countless migratory species flock to wildlife refuges along this 150-mile route through Washington’s fascinating scablands.
16. Sleep on the Water at The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle
Rock gently to sleep as water laps directly beneath your room at Seattle’s only genuine over-water hotel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame unobstructed views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Music lovers appreciate the rock-and-roll history where legendary bands like The Beatles famously fished from their windows during stays at this iconic waterfront property.
17. Camp at Glacier Peak Wilderness Day Hike Base
Setting up camp in this remote wilderness area provides access to some of Washington’s most pristine alpine landscapes.
Morning mist rises from valleys revealing wildflower meadows and jagged peaks rarely seen by casual visitors. Ambitious hikers can tackle portions of the Pacific Crest Trail while others enjoy shorter day hikes to crystalline lakes reflecting snow-capped mountains.
18. Dine at The Pink Door in Seattle
Finding the unmarked entrance marked only by a pink door leads to one of Seattle’s most beloved dining secrets.
Aerial performers occasionally swing above diners enjoying Italian-American classics in this whimsical Pike Place Market institution. Securing a table on the back deck rewards patrons with stunning Puget Sound views that perfectly complement fresh seafood and handmade pasta dishes.
19. Snowshoe Artist Point in Winter
Sunlight sparkles across vast white landscapes creating a magical atmosphere unlike summer hiking experiences.
Beginners appreciate the relatively flat terrain while everyone marvels at how snowshoeing transforms familiar viewpoints into otherworldly scenes straight from a winter fairy tale.
20. Extended Vacay on San Juan Island
Slowing down to island time allows for deeper exploration of this magical archipelago’s hidden treasures.
Renting bicycles offers perfect transportation for discovering lavender farms, alpaca ranches, and secluded beaches. Locals share insider tips about secret sunset spots and the best times to visit Lime Kiln Point for orca sightings during extended stays that reveal why islanders cherish this peaceful paradise.
21. Drive the Washington Portion of the International Selkirk Loop in Fall
Winding through northeastern Washington, this scenic byway showcases spectacular autumn colors reflected in pristine lakes and rivers.
Stops in charming towns like Metaline Falls reveal fascinating mining history and artistic communities. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound with chances to see moose, eagles, and even caribou along less-traveled sections of this 280-mile international loop through Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
22. Town to Visit in Washington: Leavenworth
Seasonal festivals transform the town throughout the year, from summer’s lively beer gardens to winter’s magical Christmas lighting ceremonies. Adventure seekers appreciate how quickly you can go from shopping for cuckoo clocks to world-class hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting just minutes from downtown.
23. Experience Forest of Shadows in Seattle
Stepping into this immersive art installation transforms ordinary city exploration into a magical forest journey through light and sound.
Interactive elements respond to movement, creating personalized experiences for each visitor. Families particularly love how the blend of technology and nature appeals to all ages, making this newer Seattle attraction a perfect activity for rainy days or evening adventures.
24. King Tides Viewing (bonus coastal spectacle)
Witnessing these extreme tidal events along Washington’s coastline offers a dramatic natural phenomenon few travelers experience.
Waves crash spectacularly against sea stacks and cliffs during these highest tides of the year. January typically offers the best viewing opportunities, though checking tide charts helps plan visits to coastal spots like Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, or Westport for this awe-inspiring oceanic display.
25. Stay at Fox Haven on the River
Waking up to river sounds flowing just steps from your private cabin creates an instant connection with nature at this hidden gem.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame forest and water views from cozy interiors featuring local craftsmanship. Guests love ending adventure-filled days soaking in the riverside hot tub while watching for wildlife and stargazing from this peaceful sanctuary near Mount Rainier.