Read this post to pack your road trip essentials! Read More: 5 Essential Things You Need For The Washington Coast. Artist Point is located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, and the 4.4 mile trail comes with a seriously stunning reward. > 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. Bonus: seen this bus on Instagram? Its fun to get little dancing reflections like this one pictured. There are SO many incredible places in Washington if we included every destination this blog post would be a mile long. The project reminds me a bit of the Midnight Lights video at CenturyLink Field, though in this case the light show just happens to be performed by mother nature. An invaluable resource is the Washington Trails Association, which gives plenty of information on trail statuses, conditions, etc. Its the best when its a particularly colorful sunrise because I love getting that reflection and doubling the amazing sky. Theres no other time of day where you will get President Lincoln looking so warm. Its a perfect location for an iconic Washington photo for minimal effort. And the reflection in the lakes of the trees, mountains, and setting sun are so worth that long drive up the side of the mountains. Take a Twilight Tour in Forks on your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula! > 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. Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline. Some of our favorites include the Paradise Area, Nisqually Vista Loop, The Sunrise Area, and the beginning of the trail to summit Mount Rainier. Im Geena and this is me in the Maldive, KL is full of surprises 1. If you are not looking for a challenge, you can check out Naches Peak Loop Trailhead in Naches, Washington. Saint Mary Lake has an . Weve got an entire guide on what to expect at Scenic Hot Springs, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself! I typically try to arrive at my sunrise location about 30 minutes before the sun actually rises. 1. Chasing the sunset is rad all year long but I enjoy them more often in summer when the nights are warm. This city is a heavy, Im obsessed with the Singapore Airport , THE ISLA EXPERIENCE (Aka, its a very very short walk). Distance: 4.1 milesDifficulty: HardElevation Gain: 2,100 feetEstimated Time: 4 hoursLocation: Olympic National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. Two of the most beautiful natural features meet to make this one of the best places to watch the sunrise (or sunset!) Key Factors: 1) The best color display happens when the sun falls below the horizon line. Plan to arrive at your viewpoint at least 15 minutes prior to find a nice viewing spot, set up your blanket or tripod, crack open a thermos of hot tea, and put your layers on. Here are a few tips for enjoying a cozy, colorful view near Seattle: Be a sleuth. My top 7 places to capture the sunrise in and around Washington DC. I'm Geena, a long-term budget traveler determined to scout out the most interesting cultural activities & experiences each destination has to offer. 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Seattle Elliott Bay Marina. Palouse Falls is one of those rare places that you don't have to go to at sunrise or sunset to get the best light. All other times other than sunrise at any of the memorials, its pretty much out of the question. Lodging Nearby: Free breakfast and private hotel rooms are what youll find at Nisqually Lodge, just 30 minutes from High Rock. > Plan your visit to White Bluffs using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Eastern Washington -- Palouse and Blue MountainsLength: 16 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:1,000 feetHighest Point: 6,401 feetBest Season:spring. Imagine waking up to this striking bronze sunrise in Port Angeles EVERY morning. Mount Misery isa delightful hike to the Oregon Butte Lookout, situated on a hilltop in the remote Blue Mountains. Location:PasaytenLength: 12 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,550 feetHighest Point: 7,200 feetBest Season: July - October. Heres everything you need to know to capture a stunning sunrise in Washington DC: I love the alignment of where the sun rises among the monuments as opposed to where the sun sets from. The trails at Mount Rainier National Park can get very busy in the summertime, so we suggest visiting early in the morning or in the shoulder season for pictures without crowds! Or you can hike Grove of the Patriarchs Trail in Packwood, Washington. It was tough, but taken together, we felt these hikes do a great job of showing off Washington's incredible trail diversity. From this viewpoint, you can see the Space Needle, much of downtown, and the water. But also, consider taking a few moments for yourself here. by John Cook on August 18, 2012 at 10:19 pmDecember 15, 2014 at 8:04 pm, Geek Life: Fun stories, memes, humor and other random items at the intersection of tech, science, business and culture. An inside look at the most Instagrammable shots in Washington. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW. If youre looking to do hiking in higher elevations (in most of the mountain ranges), youll need to wait until it warms up. There are 3 National Parks in Washington State: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. It's the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. Photo by trip reporter Akorn. 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. This challenging yet rewarding hike is known for the brilliant gold colors of western larches. Between the great views, the epic experience, and the incredible colors that fill the sky during sunrise, it just cant be beaten. Distance: 0.4 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 10 feetEstimated Time: 10 minutesLocation: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National ForestPass Required: Northwest Forest. Flickr / hokyumgrl This warm scenery featuring Lake Washington is especially relaxing! Check out Rattlesnake Ledge at sunrise, when the views are better and there are fewer people in the way of that perfect shot. As an added bonus I created a 1, 3, and 5 day sample photo itinerary for your trip to Washington DC, click here to download my ideal schedule. Whether you've just moved to Washington state or you just want to show off Washington's stellar hiking trails to your out-of-state visitors, this list of hikes shows off some of Washington's best trail diversity. If youre yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, these trails are great for winter hikes. Timpanogos' 11,752 summit during the . Love Washington? Even in the summertime, there is snow on the ground, so bring a good jacket. The Hoh Rainforest is easily one of the most well-known photography spots in Washington state. (with directions!). Cape Flattery is the most northwest point of the contiguous United States. SEE MORE. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Were Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! Source. Thats it! Youll get to admire them on your way back to the trailhead! Address: Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA Address: Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA . 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. 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. 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. Of all the islands we vi, The Philippine Tarsier Read about our latest sunrise at Lake Wenatcheeand see the amazing Washington pictures we got! & for sunrise, you wont find a view better. > 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. Make sure to check the weather before coming here, many times Berty and I have visited only to have a huge blanket of fog covering the mountains! This trail is a classic Gorge-area hike. Sunrise is located 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance and 14 miles northwest of the . Snoqualmie Falls, located in Snoqualmie, is a classic Seattle destination made even more special by bubblegum pink and pearly blue hues at sunrise. Its uphill almost the entire time with loose rocks covering the trail, except for a few spots that open up to views of rolling hills. Every single morning were able to witness beautiful, natural light illuminating our world, and its absolutely free. Once youve arrived at Fremont Lookout, sit back and relax until the sun starts to rise. In my opinion, the Reflecting Pool is the ultimate sunrise location in Washington DC. Avid hiker. The memorials are pretty far away so in order to capture a closer up shot, the zoom lens comes in handy. We all know how gorgeous The Evergreen State is. All Rights Reserved, Photography & content cannot be used without our permission. Popular destinations within the San Juan Islands include Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Moran State Park, where visitors will find one of the best campgrounds in Washington. Woodland Park Zoo If you are heading out on an Olympic Peninsula road trip, Lake Crescent is a likely stop at the beginning of your journey. Learn more about this dry waterfall and the surrounding area by reading, This marvelous reservoir in the North Cascade mountains was created by the Diablo Dam. Recognize it from the Twilight Series? If youre looking for the best time to visit, definitely choose sometime in the fall, because the colors and larches around the lake are astounding. Starting at the Sunrise Visitor Center (fitting name, right?! While many folks head up the paved path to Hurricane Hill, solitude seekers climb up the Mount Angeles trail and branch off to attain Sunrise Ridge. A cloud inversion below Mount St. Helens. Plus, trails are less crowded and youll have more time to sleep before sunrise. Located in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, it has everything that makes Pacific Northwest hiking trails special. Mount Baker, Mt Baker, Washington 98244, USA. 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. (Map under maintenance, it will be up soon! 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. Hiking Trails in Washington: The best hiking trails of Washington traverse the state's many environments, including three esteemed national parks. 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. is reborn on iPhone and iPad, Butter finger blues: The states where people most likely will break their iPhones and iPads, Senior Software Engineer, Fraud Prevention. Louisa Boren Park. Id recommend following your instincts and emotions while capturing images here. Weve created a guide to Cape Disappointment to some secret coves, trails, and directions of how to reach the lighthouse! To the left of the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Enjoying some of the best hikes in Washington that end with a stunning sunset, of course. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. If anything bad should happen, help will not be far away. Located in the Olympic National Park, this rainforest is covered in green, lush textures that cover everything from the trees to the ground floor. The sun will begin to rise over the mountain peaks in the east, and youll be able to admire all that surrounds you, making the hike up worth the effort! Sunrise Point offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, Mount Rainier, and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range such as Mount Adams. Love Washington? Share them with us on our Facebook page! While fairly short, the trail presents a moderate challenge. But if you're looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. Hiking at sunrise can definitely be a bit different than hiking during the day because youre likely going to be hitting the trail in the dark. This is also the best place to photograph cherry blossoms when theyre in season. This is a trail to save until August or September. Its the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. However, its not exactly on the way to anything (its a detour on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula) so plan an extra few hours into your drive to visit Cape Flattery. White Bluffs is divied up into three sections -- North, Central Slope, and South Slope -- and all three are worth a visit. If you're ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that you've ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and surrounding areas are the perfect photo spots in Washington for geology buffs! Distance: 3.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 900 feetEstimated Time: 2 hoursLocation: Olympic National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. The 13 Best Scenic Drives In Washington State Picked By Local Experts Eastern Washington Mount Rainier National Park North Cascades National Park olympic national park road trip washington Washington coast Post Summary: The Best Scenic Drives In Washington State, What To See, And How To Get There Hope you found this guide useful and if you have any additional questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. Here, you can see the remnants of the 1980 eruption, and how the surrounding landscape is recovering and changing because of it. Follow our PNW Board on Pinterest for more location inspiration! 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. Plus, it's great for kids. From Utah to Maine to the prairie of Missouri, rise and shine, pack the camp coffee, and hit the trail before the rest of the world wakes up. Population: A little over 7.6 million people call Washington home. However, the views make the effort so worth it! After youve made the 1.5-mile hike to the top, youll find High Rock Lookout atop a large rock. You cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally! Berty Mandagie is a Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here. Alpine Lakes Wikipedia 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. You can see the surrounding trees and the Washington Monument in the black granite. If youre lucky enough, theres this amazing warm, orange glow that hits the white marble. Its easily one of the best photo spots in Washington state! > 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. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you can check out Gothic Basin Trailhead in Snohomish County, Washington. The worlds smalles, MU CANG CHAI Whatever Google says the sunrise time will be make sure youre at the summit at least 30-45 minutes before that time to watch the colors. Visit AllTrails to learn more. On some days, the 22-year-old Tacoma resident would wake up as early as 3 a.m. in order to make it to the location. The Seattle Astronomical Society even recommends this spot. From massive sand dunes to river vistas and excellent shrub-steppe, this unique are is a delight for hikers' looking to switch up their usual forested treks. 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. Here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day: And dont forget at the end of the day, you can admire some lovely sunsets here in Washington as well! ), make sure to secure the proper backpacking permits before planning your backpacking trip. Bring a hot drink and a snack to stay warm and savor the experience. I took this image with my 70-200mm and cropped it in a little bit further in photoshop. Have you taken any amazing photos of the sun rising in our state?? Distance: 3.2 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,300 feetEstimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutesLocation: AshfordPass Required: None. The common spots to snap photos and enjoy the sights of Ross Lake are along the pull-offs provided by the North Cascade Scenic Byway, one of the prettiest drives in the state. Sunrise over Alki Beach in Seattle. It's Worth Waking up Early for These Sunrise Hikes. Google +, Space Needle 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)! Spend 30 minutes walking around the area its incredibly beautiful on a clear day! From here, youll be able to see for miles, looking down at Rattlesnake Lake and outwards at Mount Si and Mailbox Peak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There is no other place in or around Washington that you will be able to capture it in such alignment (the view from the bike path along the George Washington Parkway is a little more spread out than this and difficult to get a good view of the US Capitol). I love photographing the US Capitol with my wide angle lens. But if youre looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. Spirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. Where exactly are most instagrammable places in Washington State? Standing at over 5,600 feet tall, High Rock sits higher than many of the surrounding peaks, making for a phenomenal spot for sunrise. We highly recommend camping at La Push during the summer and even wrote a guide to camping on the beach in Washington to give you a head start on planning your next adventure. 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. Sunrise is early here since youre sitting on the highest peaks around. Its en route. Check out Falls Creek Falls trail, which takes you to another gorgeous waterfall in Washington! Heres a look back at our post on Midnight Lightsand the video. Enjoy your time here and remember the Leave No Trace principles! Unsubscribe at anytime. These are some of the best hikes in Washington for seeing the beautiful sunset. Learn more by visiting this, This southern-most peak on the eastern front of the Olympic Mountains has an astonishing view! You won't be disappointed. , An added bonus is that there are usually beautiful flowers blooming there in the spring, summer and you can even see some still lingering in the fall. Its called Snap DC: Your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on Amazon. Accommodation: Where to Stay on San Juan Island 4. If youre up for it, continue a bit further up the trail to see Middle and Upper Rattlesnake Ledges. Beaver Falls Flickr / ldeld This charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic National Forest. Your efforts will be well-rewarded with the scenery up top. Hed spend anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour gathering footage, depending upon how amazing the scene was.. Shuksan! To sum up the San Juans in a few words, we would say this: ferries, marine life, pristine beaches. And there you are, sitting on top of a mountain, admiring the miles of views, listening to the peaceful sound of birds chirping. This is a popular place for Berty to shoot engagementscheck out more posts on PNW Engagements in part 1 and 2 here! Whether you want to visit a historic lighthouse, hit the sandy beach, or stroll through coastal forests and overlooks, there is something for anyone. No! > Plan your visit to Steamboat Rock using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location:Central Washington -- Tri-CitiesLength:variesElevation Gain:variesHighest Point:900 feetBest Season:spring and fall. Hiking at these different times of day mixes up your hiking routine and creates memories with friends and family. The incredible view of Rattlesnake Ledge from the top is loved by families and photographers alike. Seattle, WA 98104. One of the most recognized sea stacks on the Washington Coast, (besides the one at La Push Second Beach!) Washington DC is ideal for sunrise photography. It is less than 100 ft away and gives you a similar view than the reflecting pool but at a more elevated perspective. Curt Hedges Former Fenestration Specialist at Hartung Glass Industries Author has 152 answers and 64.3K answer views Updated 3 y Related Source. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Rialto Beach is full of adventure, wonder, and drop-dead gorgeous hikes. The sky bursts with pinks, oranges, reds and lavenders. Hike Time: Only about 50 minutes to the summit. A view of the river. Save a visit to this dramatic state park for spring or fall (when things cool off). With 4,143 acres of camping, hiking, and marine exploring, theres something here for the whole family. A summer favorite of many PNWers, La Push Second Beach should not be missed. These views and an excellent trail system make Sunrise the second most visited location in the park. Other breathtaking beaches to explore in the region include South Beach and Kalaloch Beach. High Rock Lookout is one of my favorite short hikes Ive ever done in Washington. Youll be blown away by the views in every direction of Mount Rainier, rolling hills, grazing mountain goats, and more. BlueLake. What are the most scenic hikes in Washington? The clouds paired with the colors from the sunrise create one of the most magical experiences youll ever have. Best Time of Year to Go: All seasons!! Whats better than enjoying a nice hike in the great outdoors? If you are hoping to stay overnight (and you definitely should! We like to come in the morning or just when the sun sets behind the mountains for that gorgeous PNW golden hour and glassy waters. Below, Ill tell you the top 7 hikes in the state that are worth crawling out of bed early and trekking up a mountain for, just to see those epic colors. Hiking trails in Olympic expose the beach, rainforest, and high alpine scenery of this wild peninsula, and Mount Rainier hiking trails really test your legs, as do the top-rated hiking trails of . Photo by trip reporter Mountain_Vagabond. Its a great spot for sunrise with even less people than the rest of the National Mall.