Nearby Attractions

National Parks and Natural Areas


North fork of the Skokomish river, Olympic National Park
Washington state contains some of the most spectacular natural areas in the country, including unique treasures such as Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park. If you have time to visit only one or two places during your Northwest stay, these should be among your top choices. In addition, there are many less famous places that are well worth seeking out. Here is a brief introduction to some favorites: See the recommended reading section and accompanying websites for more detailed information, maps, and trip-planning tips.

Trip Planning: Visiting most of the following areas requires at minimum a long day. Many are best done as a multi-day trip. For example, a good 2-day trip could combine visits to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier, with lodging overnight somewhere in between the two parks. Likewise, North Cascades National Park can be best explored as a 2-day loop, going over Hwy 20 and returning via Hwy 2, or vice versa.

Camping and Day Use Fees: Most of the national parks have day use fees ($10), but also offer various longer-term passes. Most campgrounds also charge a fee. Parking at trailheads in National Forest areas throughout the state requires a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 daily, $30 annually), available at nearby ranger stations, grocery stores, etc. Visit this website for more information. 


Hiking: Washington is one of the premier hiking states in the country. Although you can get a good taste of Washington from the road, the only way to experience the wild areas meaningfully is to get out of your car onto a trail. Most major attractions have wheelchair accessible trails. If you plan to do some hiking, know your limitations and review basic hiking requirements (including maps and local conditions) for the area. Even in August, many of the mountainous areas can have severe and unpredictable weather-- don't go unprepared. In addition, keep in mind August is bug season in some of the more remote wilderness areas-- carry repellent and protective clothing for peace of mind. 

Trail notations below include round-trip distances and elevation gain, where applicable. There are many local resources to help you plan your trip. In addition to the websites below, The Mountaineers, a local outdoors organization, publishes numerous excellent guidebooks, available at the University Bookstore and REI (see "other sights"). Check out the Washington Trails Associations Hiking Guide for additional helpful information, including selected trail reviews, recommended reading, maps, hiking tips, etc.

Flyfishing: Guides for Flyfishing Western Washington

  • Cascades: Russ Osenbach (360-424-9441), John Farar (Patrick's Fly Shop, Westlake Ave., Seattle)
  • Olympic Peninsula: Dave Steinbach (360-417-0937), J.D. "Dr." Love (360-327-3772).

These are the best flyfishers in this part of the world. Prices average $200/fisher/day. Visitors to our waters at this time of the year can fish for trout, searun cutthroat trout, summer-run salmon, and of course Steelhead.

Recommended Reading: Inside Out Washington by Ron Judd.; Pacific Northwest Hiking by Ron Judd and Dan A. Nelson; "100 Hikes." and "Best Short Hikes.." series for various areas of Washington, published by the Mountaineers. Northwest Best Places, by David Brewster and Stephanie Irving.