Woodland Park Zoo 3. This charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic National Forest. Photo by trip reporter neverstophiking. The Washington Pass Overlook is one you dont even have to hike to. Mt. Classic, wide, central Washington views. Visit AllTrails to learn more. A classic Mount St. Helens hike, leaving from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Distance: 4.1 milesDifficulty: HardElevation Gain: 2,100 feetEstimated Time: 4 hoursLocation: Olympic National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. Read More:10 Incredibly Beautiful Hikes In Washington State, This 198-foot waterfall is actually the state waterfall of Washington. To find this view, route your map to the Diablo Lake Overlook. Ive done all the research for you so you can just get out there and shoot. > Plan your visit to Harry's Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: South Cascades Mount Adams AreaLength:10.25 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,875 feetHighest Point: 5,230 feetBest Season:July - October. How Much Does It Actually Cost to Travel the World? One of the most difficult hikes that Ive done is to Mount Storm King, simply because its a straight uphill shot for the entire hike. Is Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in the Maldives Worth the Hype? Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours drive from Seattle. But once youve made it to the top, none of that matters anymore, because youll have a unique view of Crescent Lake and fjord-like mountains. Jutting 5892 feet into the air above the forested slopes of the surrounding hillsides, Sunrise Peak's rocky summit offers enterprising hikers some of the best early morning views of Mount Adams you can get in the state. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. A cloud inversion below Mount St. Helens. However since then Ive heard of photographer friends being asked to put it away. > Plan your visit to to Mount Angeles using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Mount Rainier Area SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens CanyonLength:3.2 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 600 feetHighest Point: 5,849 feetBest Season: Late June - October. Lake Wenatchee has tons of hiking trails that surround the lake. Plus there is this overwhelming feeling of peace and calm in a city thats usually hustling and bustling during the day. The Olympic National Park is huge, so weve put together the perfect road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, including all the best stops (like this one below)! Take a Twilight Tour in Forks on your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula! Spray Falls and Narada Falls are also some incredible Washington waterfalls to check out in the area. This provides some interesting angles for sunrise, especially using the columns as framing elements. The, The Evergreen State is an outdoor playground filled with natural wonders. Saint Mary Lake has an . Here Ill give you a quick rundown on what you should be packing for a hike at sunrise. If youre interested in vanlife I recommend trying a short overnight in your car like this one to see if its something youre interested in. Washington State Nickname: The Evergreen State. Washington has a variety of magical sunsets: beaches, mountains, lakes, etc. If youve been in Seattle only a little bit, SOMEONE is bound to have recommended you hike Rattlesnake Ledge, of of the most iconic hikes near Seattle. Silver Star Mountain is a lot less busy than the other trails on this list, so you may get the chance to enjoy it in solitude. (Aka, its a very very short walk). It's near impossible to choose just one or two essential Mount Rainier hikes, but make this hike is so well-rounded, it makes the cut. Dont worry though even if no one else is around, park police have the memorials under constant surveillance which makes this one of the safest places to be in DC at night. This narrow and rocky trail alsoincludes old-growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins. For more, visit our, Drive along this scenic byway to see some of the most diverse landscape the state of Washington has to offer. This classic Southern Washington walking spot is a 2.3 mile loop with stunning river views, and its an amazing place to catch a sunset. If you are looking for scenic hikes around Washington, you are in luck. Love Washington? Heres a look back at our post on Midnight Lightsand the video. > Plan your visit to Kendall Peak using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Central Cascades Stevens Pass - EastLength:7.3 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:3,600 feetHighest Point: 7,085feetBest Season: Late summer - fall. Consider fall and winter. Liberty Bell Mountain is located on Highway 20 in the North Cascades National Park. Photo by trip reporter mytho-man. Source. This place not only has pristine water and beautiful views from the Storm King and Fairholme docks, but you can also hike up Mt. to my monthly newsletter with insider info, free calendar wallpapers and fun exclusives just for you! Flickr / ajstarks This fiery sunset lit up Seattle's sky perfectly. Dont be surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps and watching the sky change. It's stunning! While it may look like an easy trek from the moderate elevation gain and length -- it is anything but. All are so unique and fun to photograph spread all along the 2.1 mile loop around the basin. Learn more in our, Just south of Mount St. Helens, these 'lava tubes' are great for hiking and new adventures. Speaking of rain, on day 21 of the experiment there's a transition from sunrises to rain and clouds. They make for great foreground elements . To reach this area and photograph other amazing Washington sight sightseeing locations, click here to find directions for where to park and take a short hike. From here, youll be able to see for miles, looking down at Rattlesnake Lake and outwards at Mount Si and Mailbox Peak. The worst that will happen is that someone will ask you to put it away. 2. > Plan your visit to Cape Disappointment using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Southwest Washington Columbia River Gorge - WALength:7.2miles, roundtripElevation Gain:1,300 feetHighest Point:1,350 feetBest Season:Year-round. Weve created a guide to Cape Disappointment to some secret coves, trails, and directions of how to reach the lighthouse! The memorials are pretty far away so in order to capture a closer up shot, the zoom lens comes in handy. This entire region is free dispersed camping and any open site is up for grabs. This was along the steps leading to the Capitol building. It's Worth Waking up Early for These Sunrise Hikes. Although the shore is covered with sailboats, two of the famous attractions - Mount Rainier and Space Needle can be seen here. Here are some of the best places to take pictures in Seattle! But dont let that make you miss out on this beautiful location. Its a great display of shadows, line and usually totally empty. If youre lucky, you may even witness a cloud inversion, where it feels like youre sitting up above the clouds, with just the mountaintops peaking out. This hike is a thrill for backpackers and day hikers alike. ), head out on the Sourdough Ridge Trail, which starts off paved, but quickly becomes dirt. This one is waterproof! Bear Spray: Because animals are most active as the sun is coming up. GPS System: All Trails and Cairn are great options for a phone GPS. Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers campsites, wildflower-filled alpine meadows, rushing waterfalls, and a stunning variety of mushroom species. Enjoy your time here and remember the Leave No Trace principles! Other breathtaking beaches to explore in the region include South Beach and Kalaloch Beach. Because its not always as glamorous as you think. Meaning you get a slightly elevated view of Virginia and the Potomac River just by walking up the stairs and circling around the back. A backpacking favorite where you can spend a dayor a weekexploring the wonders of this alpine landscape. Go on a weekday for fewer crowds (it gets very busy on the weekends). There is so many great details to see that I want to make sure that I can include them all in one photograph. Please share some locations in the comment section. We nearly got our van stuck trying to navigate the tight space. Its definitely one of our favorite places to see on the Olympic Peninsula! What are some scenic hikes in Washington? It gives off this amazing warm glow on the memorials thats hard to get at sunset. Yes there is Capitol police everywhere (you can even see one on the second balcony of this image) but they wont bother you unless youre doing something that youre not supposed to be doing. This is a popular sunrise hike in Washington because it isnt too hard and still delivers on the views. This trail is a classic Gorge-area hike. Read More:What To Expect On A Sunrise Hike At Palouse Falls, Like Palouse Falls, its quite the drive from welleverything. This historic Stonehenge was inspired by the original one in England and built as a memorial for the soldiers of the local area who fought in WWII. Youll almost feel like youre in Norway, rather than Washington, because the hills jut straight out of the ground and curve around the lake in the most beautiful way. I just love how reflective the wall is. Source. What are some natural wonders in Washington? Sunrise is located 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance and 14 miles northwest of the . Pro tip: Bring an ultra zoom lens. The views from Sunrise Peak are marvelous all day. Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline. The Tidal Basin is located across the street from the Korean War Memorial but it is easily missed since its a little bit out of the way from the other memorials. We recommend going during sunrise or sunset its VERY hot in the middle of the day (no trees!). Spray Falls and Narada Falls are also some incredible Washington waterfalls to check out in the area. Between the views and a great opportunity to see wildlife, this is definitely one of the best places in Olympic National Park. Here, you can see the remnants of the 1980 eruption, and how the surrounding landscape is recovering and changing because of it. Its a great spot for sunrise with even less people than the rest of the National Mall. Rainier. Less than an hour's drive outside of Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park, which is focused on the towering peak of Mount Rainier itself, the highest mountain in Washington. This is a nice, easy trail for the beginning hiker that takes you around a 1.5 mile loop through ancient trees. I personally think the memorial looks best during snow or fog because it helps eliminate some of the distracting bushes and trees. Disclaimer: Do we think this is a complete list? The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. Its en route. Technically, its not the National Mall so the same rules dont apply as they do at the memorials. Explore the geology and admire the unparalleled views. Heres everything you need to know before you go. Snap DC: Your Guide to Taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond Best Places to Watch and Capture Washington DC Sunrises, 210 Pages - 04/26/2018 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher). In the spring, this hike is a great one for wildflower meadows dotted with scarlet gilia, dutchman's breeches, calypso orchid, sulphur lupine, giant-head clover, elkhorn clarkia, and more. Check out Falls Creek Falls trail, which takes you to another gorgeous waterfall in Washington! Its on the very edge of the Columbia River Gorge, so you could visit Maryhill Stonehenge if you are planning a day trip from Portland. Bring good hiking shoes and a few good hours to spend exploring the many trails here. Against a backdrop of blue autumn sky and the magnificent peaks of the Cascades, they are a dazzling sightanda Washington essential. Your efforts will be well-rewarded with the scenery up top. If youre yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, These 9 Nature Hikes Will Make You Fall Even More In Love With Washington, 9 Low-Key Hikes In Washington With Amazing Payoffs, The Beautiful Tiger Mountain In Washington Has A Mouthwatering Drive-In Right By The Trails, The Little-Known Beach In Washington You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 1.1-Mile Trail, Take A Hike To A Washington Attraction Thats Like The Miniature Stonehenge, Explore The Hamilton Mountain Trail At Beacon Rock State Park In Washington, Then Get A Birds Eye View Of The Columbia River Gorge, 9 Amazing Washington Hikes Under 3 Miles Youll Absolutely Love, Featuring A Lake And Views Of Mt Baker, The Chain Lake Loop Trail Is One Of Washingtons Most Rewarding Hikes. Sometimes, extremely talented photographers will capture this incredible, overlooked phenomena and share their photos with us online! Get more stories delivered right to your email. Read about our latest sunrise at Lake Wenatcheeand see the amazing Washington pictures we got! Lodging Nearby: Mountain Meadows Inn is a small, private home, just a few minutes drive from the National Park. When is the Best Time to Hike in Washington? By Melissa Ozbek, author of Moon 75 Great Hikes Seattle, Recommendations from the African Diaspora. Favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands include sea kayaking, whale watching, and dining on local fare. > Plan your visit to Naches Peak using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Mount Rainier Area NE - Sunrise/White RiverLength:9.0 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,500 feetHighest Point:7,828 feetBest Season:Mid-July - October. But if you're in good enough shape to make the journey, the views alone will motivate you to keep going. Let me know if you hiked High Rock Lookout & loved the sunrise views as much as we did! There is a big parking lot (with bathrooms) with several viewpoints of the lake below. In this short window of time, hikers will rejoice by frolicking along the trail surrounded by fields of wildflowers and soaking in one of the classic views of The Mountain. Its one of the coolest places in Washington state to visit if you love flora and fauna there is an abundance of both here! Anywhere you go, Mount Rainier is waiting in the background to blow you away with yet another picture-perfect view. Explore the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach! These are some of the best hikes in Washington for seeing the beautiful sunset. And the best part is, you can find a hiking trail nearby to suit just about any experience level, ability level, or personal taste. Glacier National Park is the destination of choice for people who enjoy stunning lake sunrise and sunsets. Once you begin making your way down, youll likely meet many others who got out of bed after you did, making their way up to the ledge. Personally, it looks beautiful when its gloomy AND when its bright and sunny. Share them with us on our Facebook page! White Bluffs is divied up into three sections -- North, Central Slope, and South Slope -- and all three are worth a visit. 1. Not legally Im sure, but stealth camping is a major part of vanlife, and as long as you are self-contained and dont draw attention to yourself, youll save yourself the early morning drive. The Palouse River charges over the rocky precipice and plummets 198 feet to the waiting, round salt-rock canyon. Against a backdrop of blue autumn sky and the magnificent peaks of the Cascades, they are a dazzling sightand, There is something incredibly magical about the, . Head to our, This incredible natural beauty is located in Palouse Falls State Park in Eastern Washington and was has the distinction of being named Washington's official waterfall. Wait until the sun rises a little bit above the horizon and when it hits the inside of the memorial. Talk about an incredible view. After arriving at the hole in the wall, this lookout is a steep climb to the top of the cliff facing south. Go any time of day in any sort of weather. For my ladies: The bathrooms close to the FDR Memorial is by far the best bathroom in the entire mall. For more information on Goat Rocks Wilderness, visit this, With the number of mountains throughout the state, overlooks are found everywhere. in Washington. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you can check out Gothic Basin Trailhead in Snohomish County, Washington. Id recommend following your instincts and emotions while capturing images here. Check out Rattlesnake Ledge at sunrise, when the views are better and there are fewer people in the way of that perfect shot. Starting at the Sunrise Visitor Center (fitting name, right?! From March until November, this 4.8 mile trail is accessible for beautiful sunset hikes. Artist Point is located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, and the 4.4 mile trail comes with a seriously stunning reward. Food of Seattle: 15 Dishes of Seattle that You Must Try! Theres no other time of day where you will get President Lincoln looking so warm. The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. Read more in, Located in Central Washington, you'll find the remains of what was once the largest waterfall known on Earth, which is now 3.5 miles of steep cliff that drops over 400 feet. My first suggestion is to stand at the Capitol reflecting pool facing east, you can get some great reflections. Photo by trip reporter WonderSmash. These views and an excellent trail system make Sunrise the second most visited location in the park. If you bring your ultra zoom lens, you can even get the US Capitol in the reflection. Get closer! > Plan your visit to Blue Lake using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- Mount Baker AreaLength: 7.5 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 2,200 feetHighest Point: 5,450 feetBest Season: Late summer - fall. Photo by trip reporter geezerhiker. This hunk of rock in Banks Lake is a distinct example of massive Ice Age floods 15,000 years ago. Want another epic Washington Coast adventure? While fairly short, the trail presents a moderate challenge. Its in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of the capital city but the views here are fabulous. If you can angle it just right you, you can even get a shot of the Washington Monument poking through the soldiers legs. Nestled close to waterways and mountains, There are 5 best spots to watch the sunrise in Seattle. While the larches here turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, we recommend visiting this trail in the summer to avoid full parking lots and congestion. Gothic Basin Location: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway Length: 9.2 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain: 2,840 feet Highest Point: 5,200 feet Best Season: Late July - mid-October Gothic Basin. If you're yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, these trails are great for winter hikes. For all those who want a concise list of our favorite photography locations in Washington State, this is the post for you. Just for reference, this is what the carillon looks like. Click Here! Mount Rainier National Park is hands down one of the best places to photograph in Washington state. Around Washington, you can even get a shot of the best in! Views and a great spot for sunrise, especially using the columns as framing.. Becomes dirt Olympic National Park you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps to! 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