Yeah, I didn’t think I’d ever be reading those six words on my own blog either. But here we are!
After so many messages asking about my favorite places to hike, drive to or areas to explore. I was like okay what the heck LET’S DO THIS.
Before we get started though some things I want to remind you:
- These places are my HOME – I live within 3 hours of all these. Making them basically my backyard
- Bringing me to my next point PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN – This is a huge reason as to why I don’t share my spots with people because of how much trash has been built up in just even a months difference. If you can pack it in, why aren’t you carrying it out?
- Be polite and respectful to others enjoying the moment around you – Please don’t be that person who comes in blasting music and yelling when others are clearly enjoying a moment in peace
- Don’t fly drones in places they shouldn’t be – Most of these beautiful places are in National Parks which means please be following rules
- HAVE SO MUCH FUN, TAKE A MILLION PHOTOS, WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL AND KEEP EXPLORING!
ARTIST POINT IN MOUNT BAKER
I’m sure you’ve heard about this place a million times throughout Instagram, Google, Facebook, Twitter you name it. But I guarantee you there’s a reason why, it’s worth seeing! The whole area up here you could get lost in for days, there’s so many different trails to lakes and beautiful mountain views. Plan for a whole day up here and don’t miss sunset!
Viewpoints while here:
Picture Lake: A small lake with Shuskan right behind it.. A great place for sunset
Heather Meadows Visitor Center: Great view of small lakes against jaw dropping mountain views
Artist Point: The end of the road and main destination, so make sure to hit those two stops before or after!
Hikes that are up here:
Bagley Lakes: Good for a small day hike (2.0mi RT, 150ft elevation gain, Dogs allowed)
Herman Saddle: Epic close up views of both Mount Baker and Shuskan, great for sunset! (
Lake Ann: Good day hike (8.2mi RT, 1900 ft elevation gain, Dogs allowed)
Chain Lakes Loop: Great for a day hike (6.5mi RT, 1820ft elevation gain, Dogs allowed)
Table Mountain: (2.6mi RT, 725ft elevation gain, No dogs allowed)
Ptargiman Ridge: (9.0mi RT, 1800ft elevation gain, Dogs allowed)
DIABLO LAKE OVERLOOK IN NORTH CASCADES
Okay I won’t even lie when I first saw this place my jaw literally dropped. It’s about 2 hours from my house but I couldn’t even believe it because the water color is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Turquoise green all year round with mountain views every which way you look. Why wouldn’t you want to go?
WASHINGTON PASS OVERLOOK IN NORTH CASCADES
I don’t even know why I’m telling you guys this place honestly, this is my runaway spot. Whenever I’m in need of a beautiful drive I’ll stop at Diablo Lake first and then continue another hour to Washington Pass. You can literally drive right on top of this mountain and watch cars pass below you. It’s really an incredible place to make you feel insignificant. This place is never packed with people so please please please respect this one a lot. Want to read more about stops in North Cascades along Highway 20? Check here!
HOH RAINFOREST IN OLYMPIC N.P
When I tell you Washington has it all.. I really meant it! Beaches, RAINFORESTS?!, mountains, some desert. It’s the best! So while you’re in WA make sure to drive over to Olympic National Park if you have time and drive / hike through the rainforest. The trees there make you feel like you’re in an enchanted fairytale, the serenity is unmatchable. It is sort of far depending where you’re coming from as you have to take a ferry over this way, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. Want to figure out how to plan a whole weekend trip there? I gotcha covered!
PARADISE, WA IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
It is exactly how it sounds.. I could have wrote Mount Rainier National Park but that’s not as eye catching lol
All of Mount Rainier is gorgeous but Paradise area is like no other.. Seriously my favorite thing is just driving up to the top and exploring all the trails up there and stopping off at Reflection Lake. They have plenty of campsites so plan to sleep there. And if you do, make sure to look up at the stars, on a clear night they’re like no other. I swear last summer Cierra and I could see the Milky Way with our naked eye.
Roadside Attractions:
Paradise Valley Road: A one way road that takes you through beautiful views of Rainier and in summertime will be filled with flowers!
Reflection Lake: Literally a pull off right along the road that is a gorgeous place to catch a quick sunrise or sunset!
Inspiration Point: Views of Rainier and Tatoosh Ridge
Hikes from here:
Skyline Trail: I love coming to Paradise for this hike! It’s a 5.5 mile loop trip that is so beautiful because no matter which way you’re wandering Rainier is always right behind you or infront of you. Also endless views of other surrounding peaks.
Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls: Myrtle Falls is such a picturesque location, a waterfall with the iconic mountain right behind it? A must see!
Bench and Snow Lakes: A 2.4 mile hike to some beautiful lakes with alpine meadow views
Pinnacle Peak: A nice hike to get extra views of Rainier and Mount Adams (2.6 miles)
There’s so many places I could mention in WA that you must see, I mean 23 years of living here. 8 of which I’ve explored really in depth, but that takes away from the adventure. I hope if you can get anything more out of this post than just a few beautiful places to see, it’s that you get out and explore near your hometown. You research Google Maps until your eyes feel like they’re going to fall out, you find the name of that beautiful place on Pinterest, you grab a map and stumble upon a place you’ve never heard of. I just really hope that you go the extra mile to find a beautiful place because it makes it feel like it’s yours that much more, even if it’s just for one day.
Like or comment if you plan to see any of these places in the near future- Would love to see who ends up going where!
Thank you for being Lost in a Dream with me
With lots of love,
Niki