Download the around.us app
For a better experience, use our mobile application.

Discover Washington State's Secret Side: Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path

This curated collection takes you on a journey through Washington State's lesser-known attractions. Each point of interest offers a unique experience away from the crowds, showcasing the state's natural beauty, intriguing history, and captivating local culture.

Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls

Franklin County, United States

A striking waterfall amidst the serene Palouse region

Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery

Clallam County, United States

The northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States with stunning coastal views

Ape Caves
Ape Caves

Skamania County, United States

An extensive network of lava tubes offering a subterranean adventure

Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock

Skamania County, United States

An 848-foot monolith offering hiking trails with picturesque views of the Columbia River Gorge

Grove of the Patriarchs
Grove of the Patriarchs

Pierce County, United States

An ancient forest featuring colossal old-growth trees and a sense of timelessness

Deception Pass Bridge
Deception Pass Bridge

Island County, United States

A historic bridge connecting Whidbey and Fidalgo islands with dramatic oceanic vistas

Iron Goat Trail
Iron Goat Trail

Stevens County, United States

A scenic hike through the Cascades following the historic path of the Great Northern Railway

Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach

Jefferson County, United States

An iconic beach known for its dramatic sea stacks and tide pools in Olympic National Park

Moran State Park
Moran State Park

San Juan County, United States

A vast state park on Orcas Island famous for Mount Constitution and pristine lakes

Maryhill Stonehenge
Maryhill Stonehenge

Klickitat County, United States

A full-size replica of the original Stonehenge as a World War I memorial

Spokane Falls
Spokane Falls

Spokane County, United States

Downtown Spokane's centerpiece where the city's river plummets with remarkable power

North Head Lighthouse
North Head Lighthouse

Pacific County, United States

An operational lighthouse offering picturesque coastal views and historical insights

St. Helens Hotel
St. Helens Hotel

Lewis County, United States

A historic hotel in Chehalis with a 1930s theme and original Art Deco elements

Dry Falls
Dry Falls

Grant County, United States

One of the largest waterfalls known in geological history, now a stark dry cliff

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve

Thurston County, United States

A natural wonder featuring mysterious mounded landscapes unique to the region

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

Island County, United States

A coastal area that preserves the historical, agricultural, and cultural traditions of the island

The Nutty Narrows Bridge
The Nutty Narrows Bridge

Cowlitz County, United States

The world’s narrowest animal crossing bridge, built for squirrels in Longview

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
Manito Park and Botanical Gardens

Spokane County, United States

An enchanting public park with thematic gardens, conservatory, and duck ponds in Spokane

Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park

Jefferson County, United States

A 19th-century military fort turned state park with expansive shoreline and history

Steptoe Butte
Steptoe Butte

Whitman County, United States

A quartzite island offering panoramic views of the surrounding Palouse hills

Fremont Troll
Fremont Troll

King County, United States

A large, iconic sculpture of a troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle located under the Aurora Bridge

The Japanese Gulch
The Japanese Gulch

Snohomish County, United States

A delightful mix of industrial history and nature with numerous hiking trails in Mukilteo

Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit

Clallam County, United States

The longest natural sand spit in the United States, featuring a historic lighthouse at its tip

Oysterville Historic District
Oysterville Historic District

Pacific County, United States

A beautifully preserved 19th-century village known for its oyster farming history.

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

Grant County, United States

A stunning park with lakes in the coulee left behind by ancient floods.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Spokane County, United States

A haven for migratory birds and wildlife amidst channeled scablands and wetlands.

Lime Kiln Point State Park
Lime Kiln Point State Park

San Juan County, United States

Known as 'Whale Watch Park', this is one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas.

Artist Point
Artist Point

Whatcom County, United States

A stunning viewpoint at the very end of Mount Baker Highway offering views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.

Fort Columbia State Park
Fort Columbia State Park

Pacific County, United States

One of the few intact coastal defense sites in the US with history, hiking, and views of the Columbia River.

Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center

Jefferson County, United States

The visitor center in Olympic National Park that serves as a gateway to towering trees in a temperate rainforest.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum
LeMay – America’s Car Museum

Pierce County, United States

A museum showcasing America's automotive treasures with a collection of over 250 cars.

USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
USS Turner Joy Museum Ship

Kitsap County, United States

A historic naval destroyer ship turned into a museum offering visitors a glimpse into naval history.

Goldendale Observatory State Park
Goldendale Observatory State Park

Klickitat County, United States

An educational facility with one of the nation's largest public telescopes under some of the darkest skies.

Peace Arch State Park
Peace Arch State Park

Whatcom County, United States

A unique park centered around the Peace Arch that celebrates the long-standing peace between the U.S. and Canada.

The Enchantments
The Enchantments

Chelan County, United States

A series of alpine lakes and peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness with challenging trails and views.

Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve

Kitsap County, United States

An internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve, perfect for peaceful strolls.

Nordic Heritage Museum
Nordic Heritage Museum

King County, United States

Celebrates the impact of Nordic immigrants in the Pacific Northwest through exhibits and events.

Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park

Pacific County, United States

Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, with lighthouses, hiking, and Lewis & Clark history.

Wing Luke Museum
Wing Luke Museum

King County, United States

Dedicated to the Asian-Pacific American experience with guided neighborhood tours.

Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park

Snohomish County, United States

Home to gorgeous waterfalls, deep forests, and backcountry lakes.

Palouse Falls A striking waterfall amidst the serene Palouse region

Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls A striking waterfall amidst the serene Palouse region
Cape Flattery The northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States with stunning coastal views

Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery The northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States with stunning coastal views
Ape Caves An extensive network of lava tubes offering a subterranean adventure

Ape Caves
Ape Caves An extensive network of lava tubes offering a subterranean adventure
Beacon Rock An 848-foot monolith offering hiking trails with picturesque views of the Columbia River Gorge

Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock An 848-foot monolith offering hiking trails with picturesque views of the Columbia River Gorge
Grove of the Patriarchs An ancient forest featuring colossal old-growth trees and a sense of timelessness

Grove of the Patriarchs
Grove of the Patriarchs An ancient forest featuring colossal old-growth trees and a sense of timelessness
Deception Pass Bridge A historic bridge connecting Whidbey and Fidalgo islands with dramatic oceanic vistas

Deception Pass Bridge
Deception Pass Bridge A historic bridge connecting Whidbey and Fidalgo islands with dramatic oceanic vistas
Iron Goat Trail A scenic hike through the Cascades following the historic path of the Great Northern Railway

Iron Goat Trail
Iron Goat Trail A scenic hike through the Cascades following the historic path of the Great Northern Railway
Ruby Beach An iconic beach known for its dramatic sea stacks and tide pools in Olympic National Park

Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach An iconic beach known for its dramatic sea stacks and tide pools in Olympic National Park
Moran State Park A vast state park on Orcas Island famous for Mount Constitution and pristine lakes

Moran State Park
Moran State Park A vast state park on Orcas Island famous for Mount Constitution and pristine lakes
Maryhill Stonehenge A full-size replica of the original Stonehenge as a World War I memorial

Maryhill Stonehenge
Maryhill Stonehenge A full-size replica of the original Stonehenge as a World War I memorial
Spokane Falls Downtown Spokane's centerpiece where the city's river plummets with remarkable power

Spokane Falls
Spokane Falls Downtown Spokane's centerpiece where the city's river plummets with remarkable power
North Head Lighthouse An operational lighthouse offering picturesque coastal views and historical insights

North Head Lighthouse
North Head Lighthouse An operational lighthouse offering picturesque coastal views and historical insights
St. Helens Hotel A historic hotel in Chehalis with a 1930s theme and original Art Deco elements

St. Helens Hotel
St. Helens Hotel A historic hotel in Chehalis with a 1930s theme and original Art Deco elements
Dry Falls One of the largest waterfalls known in geological history, now a stark dry cliff

Dry Falls
Dry Falls One of the largest waterfalls known in geological history, now a stark dry cliff
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve A natural wonder featuring mysterious mounded landscapes unique to the region

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve A natural wonder featuring mysterious mounded landscapes unique to the region
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve A coastal area that preserves the historical, agricultural, and cultural traditions of the island

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve A coastal area that preserves the historical, agricultural, and cultural traditions of the island
The Nutty Narrows Bridge The world’s narrowest animal crossing bridge, built for squirrels in Longview

The Nutty Narrows Bridge
The Nutty Narrows Bridge The world’s narrowest animal crossing bridge, built for squirrels in Longview
Manito Park and Botanical Gardens An enchanting public park with thematic gardens, conservatory, and duck ponds in Spokane

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
Manito Park and Botanical Gardens An enchanting public park with thematic gardens, conservatory, and duck ponds in Spokane
Fort Worden Historical State Park A 19th-century military fort turned state park with expansive shoreline and history

Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park A 19th-century military fort turned state park with expansive shoreline and history
Steptoe Butte A quartzite island offering panoramic views of the surrounding Palouse hills

Steptoe Butte
Steptoe Butte A quartzite island offering panoramic views of the surrounding Palouse hills
Fremont Troll A large, iconic sculpture of a troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle located under the Aurora Bridge

Fremont Troll
Fremont Troll A large, iconic sculpture of a troll clutching a Volkswagen Beetle located under the Aurora Bridge
The Japanese Gulch A delightful mix of industrial history and nature with numerous hiking trails in Mukilteo

The Japanese Gulch
The Japanese Gulch A delightful mix of industrial history and nature with numerous hiking trails in Mukilteo
Dungeness Spit The longest natural sand spit in the United States, featuring a historic lighthouse at its tip

Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit The longest natural sand spit in the United States, featuring a historic lighthouse at its tip
Oysterville Historic District A beautifully preserved 19th-century village known for its oyster farming history.

Oysterville Historic District
Oysterville Historic District A beautifully preserved 19th-century village known for its oyster farming history.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park A stunning park with lakes in the coulee left behind by ancient floods.

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park A stunning park with lakes in the coulee left behind by ancient floods.
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge A haven for migratory birds and wildlife amidst channeled scablands and wetlands.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge A haven for migratory birds and wildlife amidst channeled scablands and wetlands.
Lime Kiln Point State Park Known as 'Whale Watch Park', this is one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas.

Lime Kiln Point State Park
Lime Kiln Point State Park Known as 'Whale Watch Park', this is one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas.
Artist Point A stunning viewpoint at the very end of Mount Baker Highway offering views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.

Artist Point
Artist Point A stunning viewpoint at the very end of Mount Baker Highway offering views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.
Fort Columbia State Park One of the few intact coastal defense sites in the US with history, hiking, and views of the Columbia River.

Fort Columbia State Park
Fort Columbia State Park One of the few intact coastal defense sites in the US with history, hiking, and views of the Columbia River.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center The visitor center in Olympic National Park that serves as a gateway to towering trees in a temperate rainforest.

Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center The visitor center in Olympic National Park that serves as a gateway to towering trees in a temperate rainforest.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum A museum showcasing America's automotive treasures with a collection of over 250 cars.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum
LeMay – America’s Car Museum A museum showcasing America's automotive treasures with a collection of over 250 cars.
USS Turner Joy Museum Ship A historic naval destroyer ship turned into a museum offering visitors a glimpse into naval history.

USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
USS Turner Joy Museum Ship A historic naval destroyer ship turned into a museum offering visitors a glimpse into naval history.
Goldendale Observatory State Park An educational facility with one of the nation's largest public telescopes under some of the darkest skies.

Goldendale Observatory State Park
Goldendale Observatory State Park An educational facility with one of the nation's largest public telescopes under some of the darkest skies.
Peace Arch State Park A unique park centered around the Peace Arch that celebrates the long-standing peace between the U.S. and Canada.

Peace Arch State Park
Peace Arch State Park A unique park centered around the Peace Arch that celebrates the long-standing peace between the U.S. and Canada.
The Enchantments A series of alpine lakes and peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness with challenging trails and views.

The Enchantments
The Enchantments A series of alpine lakes and peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness with challenging trails and views.
Bloedel Reserve An internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve, perfect for peaceful strolls.

Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve An internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve, perfect for peaceful strolls.
Nordic Heritage Museum Celebrates the impact of Nordic immigrants in the Pacific Northwest through exhibits and events.

Nordic Heritage Museum
Nordic Heritage Museum Celebrates the impact of Nordic immigrants in the Pacific Northwest through exhibits and events.
Cape Disappointment State Park Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, with lighthouses, hiking, and Lewis & Clark history.

Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, with lighthouses, hiking, and Lewis & Clark history.
Wing Luke Museum Dedicated to the Asian-Pacific American experience with guided neighborhood tours.

Wing Luke Museum
Wing Luke Museum Dedicated to the Asian-Pacific American experience with guided neighborhood tours.
Wallace Falls State Park Home to gorgeous waterfalls, deep forests, and backcountry lakes.

Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park Home to gorgeous waterfalls, deep forests, and backcountry lakes.