10 Stunning Washington State Destinations for a Nature Retreat
Are you looking for the perfect nature-filled getaway? Look no further than Washington State. With its lush forests, majestic mountains, and stunning coastlines, Washington State offers an abundance of destinations for those who want to get back to nature.
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Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Staying in the charming seaside town of Friday Harbor on the San Juan Islands is an experience that feels like stepping into one of those Hallmark movie small towns. This island offers sweeping views of the water and provides plenty of activities for those who want to explore the natural surroundings.
From whale watching and kayaking to biking or hiking, there are plenty of activities for you two to share. And Friday Harbor is one of the top whale-watching destinations in the United States, so I’d put that on the top of your “to-do” list for this area.
Friday Harbor House offers rooms with stunning views of the Harbor as well as on-site dining.
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Lopez Island
Spending a weekend on Lopez Island is the perfect way to enjoy a slightly adventurous and nature-filled getaway.
With its picturesque landscape, Lopez Island is known as a great island destination for biking. It offers a variety of biking trails that will take visitors to breathtaking vistas and stunning views of the water and then the mountains in the distance (including Mount Baker).
Lopez Village is your perfect destination for a day of exploration, offering quaint cafes and restaurants, a bookstore, captivating galleries, a historical museum, a library, and unique shops.
Edenwild Boutique Inn is a top-rated inn on Lopez Island. Guests love the location and the warm, friendly atmosphere.
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Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful part of the Northwest United States. Amazing forests, beautiful waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views will take your breath away.
With many hiking and biking trails, this is a perfect weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular spots in the Columbia River Gorge include Pool of the Winds in Beacon Rock State Park.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Columbia River Gorge, Skamania Lodge is a great option. This lodge located in Stevenson, Washington, offers views of both the river and gorge.
Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan makes a great Washington State weekend getaway. This 50-mile-long glacier-fed lake is located in the Cascade Mountains in central Washington.
Chelan is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Washington State. You’ll never be at a loss for something to do like hiking, fishing, boating, or swimming. Explore a variety of restaurants and stores located in town.
There are many options for places to stay in Chelan from camping to resorts. Try the Lakeside Lodge and Suites to enjoy a getaway right on the lake and just a few steps from Lakeside Park.
Snoqualmie Falls
To experience one of the best getaways in Washington State, check out the stunning 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls on the Snoqualmie River.
About 1.5 million people visit the Falls every year and enjoy the view. A two-acre park, gift shop, and an upper and lower observation deck await you there. The decks are available daily to provide breathtaking views of the cascading waters.
For a weekend of peace and natural beauty, Salish Lodge & Spa is a top choice. The resort opened its doors in 1916 and has since become one of Washington State’s top getaway spots. Perched upon the banks of Snoqualmie Falls, this lodge offers its guest rooms with captivating views.
North Cascades National Park
If you are looking for the perfect hiking weekend escape to Washington State, then a trip to North Cascades National Park should be at the top of your list. With miles of trails and stunning scenery, hiking in this park is best enjoyed between mid-June through September when it experiences its driest weather.
The North Cascades draw in seasoned backpackers and mountaineers, but they are also home to some good day hikes. At least five or six trails can be completed within two hours (or less!).
There are also many great places to stay near North Cascades National Park, such as the Ross Lake Resort. They only have a few units. You’ll want to enter the accommodation lottery to have a chance to grab a reservation.
Or check out North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin (keep in mind that there are no roads into Stehekin).
Olympic National Park
On Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula lies a breathtaking national park that offers an array of incredible sights from lush rainforest to towering mountains and sparkling beaches. From fishing, kayaking, and camping to hiking, exploring waterfalls, and admiring the Roosevelt elk that inhabit Olympic National Park, there’s truly something for everyone.
Prepare to be astonished by the Hoh Rain Forest, an emerald green paradise and one of the largest temperate rainforests in the entire United States.
I love the hike to Marymere Falls. This easy/moderate hike is just under 2 miles long roundtrip and will weave you through old-growth forest towards a breathtaking 90-foot waterfall.
Lake Quinault Lodge offers fireplace and lakeside rooms, an on-site dining room, and more.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park safeguards the towering 14,000+ foot Mount Rainier. According to the National Park Service, Mount Rainier “is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers.”
The majority of Mount Rainier National Park has been designated by Congress as wilderness, but the five developed areas include three visitor centers, a museum, and more.
There are two inns within Mt. Rainier National Park: Paradise Inn and National Park Inn.
Mount Baker
Mount Baker is one of the most famous peaks in the Cascade Mountains and the highest peak in the North Cascades. It’s a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders, and mountain climbers.
Although there are no lodgings within the Mount Baker ski area, there are a variety of places to stay in the foothills. Popular options include Mt. Baker Lodging, Glacier Guest Suites, and Winter Creek B&B.
Long Beach
Long Beach, Washington, is the perfect destination for a very PNW beach-y getaway. This stunning stretch of coastline offers plenty of opportunities to relax.
From walks along the 28 miles of beach to exploring iconic lighthouses, there’s something for everyone here. Join the many others who will be flying kites, walking the boardwalk, going horseback riding, or trying a whale-watching excursion.
WorldMark Long Beach is just a few minutes walk from the beach and offers apartment accommodations.
The Breakers offers a private beach area as well as an indoor pool.
The bottom line
Washington State is full of the most beautiful, from the Olympic Peninsula to the Columbia River Gorge and beyond. No matter where you go, whether a luxury hotel or a rustic cabin, you are sure to find stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
