Top Activities in Washington State

Washington state is a jewel in the Pacific Northwest, home to the magnificent Cascade Mountain range, cold-weather rainforests, and one of the country's fastest-growing cities.

With a combination of large cities and little towns, this place offers activities for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, so there is something for everyone. We love this state in the United States, I would even say.

We've compiled a list of incredible locations and activities that you should put on your Pacific Northwest bucket list, ranging from must-see attractions to Washington State's best-kept secrets.

We've compiled a massive list of exciting things to do in Washington state that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust, whether you're road tripping through the Pacific Northwest or you live in the Evergreen State and are searching for a weekend adventure!

Top Activities In The State Of Washington

These are our top picks if you're seeking for the best activities in the state of Washington.

1. Fall In Love With Seattle

Seattle is a city full with wonderful things. The people and activities in this city are diverse, offering everything from internationally recognized coffee to a vibrant live music scene and must-see tourist attractions.

For good reason, the majority of tourists visiting Washington state make a stop in Seattle. One of our favorite big American cities is this one.

We've put up the best guide to things to do in Seattle, whether you're a new resident or just spending a few days exploring this quickly expanding city.

2. Hot Air Balloon Flight Beside Mount Rainier

Though it's not often that we can get ourselves to rise before dawn, this exceptional occasion was unquestionably worth the exception.

One of the most amazing experiences in Washington state is flying in a hot air balloon right in front of Mount Rainier at sunrise. It's undoubtedly a must-do activity for everyone visiting the Pacific Northwest.

From thousands of feet above the Earth, you may see the sun rise into cotton candy skies while you float weightlessly over the planet. They soar above the picturesque Washingtonian landscapes of rivers, lakes, and woods in addition to passing directly in front of Mount Rainier.

When Seattle Ballooning invited me to go on a hot air balloon ride, I was blown away by everything, from the breathtaking sights (hello, Rainier!) to my incredibly enthusiastic pilot.

For anyone who is interested in booking a flight or is unsure, I have written a detailed account of my experience hot air ballooning in Seattle. From my frank thoughts on the trip and what to anticipate on a flight to insider advice like what to wear, this review has it all.

3. Take A Food Tour With Savor Seattle

As you are undoubtedly aware, we love to eat. We always want to explore the local cuisine as soon as we arrive somewhere new. And we've discovered that taking a culinary tour is the best way to truly experience the local cuisine.

We've taken culinary tours in many different places across the globe, including Bangkok, Portland, and Kathmandu, and we'll admit that we're a little bit addicted. What's not to love about sampling dishes from the greatest restaurants and learning about the local favorites firsthand?

If you're a food enthusiast searching for activities to do in Washington state, we believe Savor Seattle's culinary tours are really good!

4. Discover The Enchantments

The Enchantments should undoubtedly be on your radar if you enjoy hiking. This wilderness area truly lives up to its name with its piercing blue glacial lakes, meadows covered in wildflowers, wild mountain goats wandering freely, and peaks that are as breathtaking as they are difficult to reach.

However, don't plan on just pulling up in your tent and hiking boots. Only 728 of the 18,000 candidates to the annual lottery held by the Enchantment Wilderness region are awarded a camping permit in the Core Enchantments area.

It may sound a little austere, but you'll understand when you realize that these restrictions are meant to keep a wilderness region from becoming overrun by tourists. Visit our sister site to learn everything you need to know about hiking the Enchantments, including how to apply for your permit.

Read Also: Affordable Airbnbs in Seattle You Must Try

5. Explore The Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula, which is home to wild beaches, tall mountains, dense rainforests, fanciful waterfalls, port cities, and Native American reservations, is located across Puget Sound from Seattle. This is a fantastic day trip from Seattle, about two hours away from the city.

There is so much spectacular beauty on the Olympic Peninsula, or the "OP," that we have a whole article on things to do in Olympic National Park. Additionally, we've compiled a list of the top hikes in Olympic National Park for hikers of all skill levels.

6. Soak In A Hot Spring

Although Washington doesn't have as many hot springs as the nearby states of Oregon and Idaho, there are still a few that you can visit.

Although a little hike is required to get there, our favorite hot spring is located close to Stevens Pass. But the effort will be well worth it when you're soaking in hot water with views of the mountains and, hopefully, just a handful of other people. On our sister website, we offer a detailed guide to Scenic Hot Springs that includes directions.

7. Hike To The Enchanted Valley Chalet

It's likely that you've seen pictures of this renowned barn-like building in the bizarre Enchanted Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks.

Located in Washington's Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula, the Enchanted Valley Trail is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and an abundance of fauna. The 27-mile out-and-back track makes an incredible multi-day backpacking trek in the OP.

Does this seem like anything you'd be interested in? Plan your trip and learn more about hiking the Enchanted Valley Trail. In the OP, it's unquestionably one of our best backpacking adventures!