Three destinations in Washington state were named in a list of the West Coast’s most beautiful escapes. Travel and Leisure released their list of the 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit on the West Coast this year, and three of them are in Washington! Best of all, they can all be reached in under four hours from Seattle.
Read on for all the details!
In the spirit of offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of West Coast cities like Seattle, T+ L highlighted the 15 most beautiful “slow escapes to the quieter parts of California, Oregon, and Washington.” They suggested one of Washington’s most scenic national parks for your next big road trip, an outdoorsy town for solo adventurers, and an idyllic PNW island town for a weekend getaway full of whale watching.
Best for solo adventurers: White Salmon, Washington
White Salmon is an ideal destination for those exploring on their own, thanks to the abundance of organized outdoor adventures available year-round. Travelers can easily join guided hikes, wine strolls, or whitewater rafting and kayaking trips, making it simple to connect with others or venture out independently. Set within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the town is also known for exceptional kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions, extensive mountain biking trails, and a popular Wildflower Festival that offers a calmer way to experience the area.
Best national park with views: Olympic National Park
Spanning almost a million acres across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is known for its dramatic scenery, from towering, snow-covered peaks to one of the country’s rare temperate rain forests. Some of the park’s most impressive vistas can be found in the Hurricane Ridge area, especially along the Hurricane Hill hike. This 1.6-mile paved route gains roughly 700 feet in elevation and rewards hikers with wide-open, unforgettable views. The trailhead sits in the park’s northeastern section, roughly 100 miles from Seattle (but note that it is usually closed during the winter months).
Best for whale watching: Friday Harbor, Washington
Washington’s coast is dotted with more than 100 San Juan Islands, though only a select few—most notably San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez—are easily reached by ferry. (Travel tip: you need to make an advance reservation to drive onto the ferry.) Located on San Juan Island, Friday Harbor functions as the area’s primary gateway and gathering point. While the town offers plenty to enjoy, from farm-fresh dining to local wineries, whale watching is a major draw. Orcas live in these waters year-round, and additional whale species migrate through the region between spring and fall. Visitors can join guided boat excursions, or opt for a land-based experience by strolling the shoreline at Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the best places to spot whales from shore.