Washington is ground zero for adventure in the Pacific Northwest. With so many natural wonders to explore, it can be hard to choose. StorQuest is here to help. Here are five hidden gems to discover in the Evergreen State when you’re able to recreate responsibly.
Beacon Rock
A harrowing mile-long stretch of switchback trail. Stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Unreal rock climbing. More than a mile of river shoreline on which to play. Adventure comes in many forms at Beacon Rock State Park, a southwestern Washington gem that sometimes gets overlooked among the state’s endless collection of natural wonders. It’s definitely worth a weekend trip.
Hidden Lake Lookout
Break out your backcountry ski gear and head for Hidden Lake Lookout. This awesome hut trip through North Cascades National Park terrain serves up breathtaking views – and endless powder. The hike in is about 13 miles and climbs more than 5,500 feet in elevation, but the payoff is phenomenal – a warm cabin overlooking the Cascades and some epic backcountry skiing. The lookout is first-come, first-served. Be safe and gear up appropriately, as you’ll be trekking through avalanche terrain.
Olympic Hot Springs
Who needs a fancy resort? Take a dip in these natural hot springs for free. Located about 2.5 miles from the Boulder Creek Trailhead in the Olympic National Park wilderness, these hot springs pools are accessible only by foot. Fun fact: There used to be an actual resort at the pools, but it closed in the 1960s.
Palouse Falls
These 200-feet falls were carved more than 13,000 years ago by the Ice Age floods – and you’ll be hard pressed to find a natural wonder more wondrous than this. Stunning volcanic formations serve up even more awesome views as you explore the Palouse River canyon. Though it gets its fair share of traffic in all seasons, it’s worth the trip to southeast Washington for a closer look.
Blake Island
Blake Island is a small and secluded gem on the Puget Sound. Featuring miles of trails for hiking and biking – and a gorgeous stretch of shoreline that makes for some phenomenal fishing and scuba diving opportunities. You’ll have to wait a bit to visit this hidden wonder, though. Ferry service to the island is shut down for the winter season due to COVID-19, but you’ll be able to visit again as early as spring. Put it on your list to discover this spring.
Make Room for Awesome
StorQuest Self Storage in Lake Stevens, Washington, is here to help you make room for more awesome in your life. Rent your unit today and create the ultimate adventure locker for your outdoor gear.