5 Fun Things to See and Do in Washington State

Far flung to the very northwest corner of the nation, Washington state is a land of lumber, liberal ideology, stunning mountain views, and a plethora of things to do.

It’s the only state named after a president, the birthplace of Starbucks, a major contribution to the grunge music scene, and home to a lot of rain.

As you look at Tacoma apartments for rent or Seattle homes to buy, check out these fun things to do throughout the state.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is an incredibly diverse land that spans nearly one million acres.

There are a variety of ecosystems here, from rainforest to glacier-capped mountains to wild coastline and old-growth dense tree pockets.

The coastal portion has sandy Kalaloch and Ruby beaches as well as Ozette lake, one of the biggest on the Peninsula.

The Hoh Rainforest has enormous 500-year-old trees within and a popular short hiking loop.

Marymere Falls is a spectacular 90-foot thundering water attraction, and you can’t miss out on hiking Mt. Olympus, the park’s central feature that soars up 7,980 feet.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is iconic and one of the most well-known places in America; your mind may be conjuring its huge red-lettered sign right now.

What was once a small local market that began in 1907 has blossomed into a sprawling area rife with not just market stalls of food but street performers and artists.

The fish market is a big draw thanks to its fare but also its cheery workers.

The happiness of the employees is so notable that Fish Philosophy was created, a business technique that speaks to creating a happy work culture.

Space Needle

You certainly can’t miss this iconic building among the skyline, as it sits at over 600 feet.

The very top has a rotating observation deck where you can take in breathtaking views of the city, from downtown to the Olympic Mountains.

If heights don’t bother you, you’ll want to check out the leaning glass walls that tilt over the city.

The Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and is surrounded by the Seattle Center. The center is a 74-acre campus with museums, theaters, and other entertainment venues.

Mount Rainier National Park

This park was established in 1899, making it one of the oldest in the country.

Mount Rainier is the highlight, a volcano that is also the highest peak elevation in the state.

The entirety of the park has forests and meadows, as well as some of the biggest glaciers in the continental United States.

Here you may come across mountain goats, elk, and black bears among the diverse ecosystems that are present thanks to the various elevations and landscapes.

San Juan Islands

This is a series of 172 islands and reefs, with the four most popular being San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island, and Shaw Island.

Every island has its own personality and small-town aesthetic, and offers much to do: You can kayak or stroll through an art gallery, take a moped tour or sit down for a fine dining experience.

Another popular activity is whale watching from a tour boat, which will take visitors to Orcas Island.