Konnichi wa / Great Outdoors

Introduction

Washington is known for its lush rainforests, rolling mountains and beautiful coastlines. It's no wonder that the state of Washington has so many national parks run by the National Park Service available to explore throughout the year. From the Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula to Mount Rainier National Park in Pierce County, there are a variety of natural wonders waiting for you to discover!

Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park is the largest national park in Washington and encompasses nearly a million acres of land. It has many different ecosystems that range from temperate rain forests to alpine meadows, beaches, rivers, lakes (including Lake Crescent), and glaciers. The Quinault Rainforest features old-growth trees up to 300 feet tall with lush understory and moss on every surface area; it also includes some early-successional plant communities such as forested wetlands or lowland bogs. This unique ecosystem can create its own weather systems which protect it from fires. In addition, lakes at higher elevations are frozen more often than those found near sea level due to their colder temperatures - this creates beautiful landscapes during winter months!

As one of the most popular national parks in Washington, the Olympic National Park has attracted many visitors with its main visitor center in Port Angeles. However, it is still possible to find solitude and be immersed in nature's beauty within these trees. You can also partake in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing or wildlife viewing (including mountain goats) - making it an ideal destination for all sorts of enthusiasts!

The weather at this national park varies drastically depending on which area you are exploring; some areas have rain year-round while others experience cold climates with snowfall during winter months. In order to prepare for your visit here before setting out into the wilderness remember to pack sunscreen and bug spray (during warmer months), warm clothing including gloves/hats if visiting during colder seasons and waterproof shoes that will protect you from slippery surfaces due to the rain.

Hurricane Ridge

This is a popular destination for visitors to Washington State because it offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains (including Mount Olympus, the highest peak) and coastline, and is only 18 miles by road from Port Angeles. There are many different trails that range in difficulty so there's something for everyone! One of these hikes includes traveling through an old-growth forest with huge Douglas Fir trees, dense understory vegetation, mossy rocks and ferns - making this trek great for spotting wildlife. Hurricane Ridge also has recreational activities with a cross country ski area which can be enjoyed by skiers or snowshoers; you won't want to miss out on the opportunity to witness the beautiful winter scenery here before heading back home!

Port Angeles

Port Angeles is located in the northern coast of Washington near Olympic National Park. It's known for its natural beauty, climate and recreation opportunities including kayaking, boating, fishing or whale watching - just to name a few! The city also has artistic advantages with theaters and museums that provide visitors with engaging activities during their stay here.

Puget Sound

Situated on the northeast coast of Seattle, this body of water is famous for its natural beauty. Its shores are home to historic towns and modern cities alike, including Tacoma and Everett. The waters off Puget Sound offer a wealth of recreation opportunities like kayaking or fishing.

Western Washington’s Olympic Peninsula also has many parks with views of the Pacific Ocean as well as inland lakes and mountains. Hoh Rainforest—a temperate rainforest that contains some of North America's tallest trees—is located in Olympic National Park near Mossyrock. Quinault Rain Forest Preserve offers visitors an opportunity to see one of only two remaining stands where old-growth Douglas fir thrive side by side with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar.

The Olympic National Forest spans two million acres of wilderness with five designated recreation areas. The Hood Canal Bridge Scenic Route offers a spectacular drive across the canal that separates the Quillayute River Valley from the Pacific Ocean's coast to Point Brown near Hoquiam, Washington. Nearby are opportunities for fishing or kayaking on one of Puget Sound’s most scenic waterways which offers an opportunity to see wildlife like bald eagles perched in trees overlooking its shores and seals basking just offshore. Hiking trails abound along this part of the sound where visitors can enjoy stunning views of both glacier-capped mountains as well as scattered islands off shore made up largely of sandstone bedrock.

Puget Sound’s Olympic Peninsula offers a variety of national park destinations, from the rugged cliffs at Cape Flattery to the mossy forests found in Hoh Rainforest. The Hood Canal Bridge Scenic Route is another popular destination close by that provides stunning views of one of Puget Sound's most scenic waterways which offer an opportunity to see wildlife like seals basking just offshore as well as bald eagles perched in trees overlooking its shores.

Hiking trails abound along this part of the sound where visitors can enjoy stunning views of both glacier-capped mountains as well as scattered islands off shore made up largely of sandstone bedrock.

Mount Rainier National Park

The Mount Rainier National Park is the fifth most visited national park in the United States and offers visitors a chance to experience nature with all of its beauty. It's located near Seattle, Washington which means that many people visit this location as well! The glaciers at this destination have been melting over time but they still remain an iconic sight for those who manage to spot them from afar. You will also find dense forests full of wildlife amidst snow-capped mountains - complete with scenic views during winter months; there are even some hiking trails (ideal for summer months) available if you're looking for something more challenging or less strenuous depending on your preference!

This beautiful natural wonder has so much history behind it; different tribes used this land centuries before European settlers arrived. For example, the Chinook and Quinault tribes still use this area for hunting purposes.

Since Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Washington, it's important to know that there are a variety of trails available with different difficulties so you have something for every skill level! For those who want more challenging hiking excursions or need more time to explore nature, there is an opportunity to camp here as well - since some areas within this park lack overnight accommodations such as hotels and motels.

93-Mile Wonderland Trail

This adventurous hike is 93 miles long, winding through the forest with lots of elevation gain. It's one of Washington State's most challenging hikes and goes all over Eastern, WA - from Mount Rainier National Park to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. The trail itself can be split into two sections for those who may not have time or energy to complete it in its entirety before their visit ends!

North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades National Park is a great place to experience the outdoors with its hiking trails, fishing opportunities and canoeing - not to mention the breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls for those who want to be immersed in nature. It's also one of Washington State's most visited national parks because it has such an easy accessibility point: Seattle! You can expect many different types of terrain here from alpine meadows to rolling hills; there are even some areas that have dense forests so you won't feel too alone when exploring this area. No matter what type of adventure seeker you are or what your interests may lie in, this park will surely provide something for everyone all year round!

Olympic National Forest

The Olympic National Forest is located on the western side of Washington State and serves as a home to many different types of wildlife, towering trees and lush vegetation. For those who want some peace and tranquility from the city life or metropolitan areas that surround it, this might be just what you need! You can go for an afternoon hike in one of its wilderness trails where there are opportunities to spot animals like bobcats, bears or elk; not to mention numerous lakes perfect for fishing enthusiasts!

There are also opportunities here to do things such as horseback riding with your family members during warmer months - since these forested regions provide ample space for them to roam freely. This national forest also has mountain biking trails which make it possible for visitors to explore on their own or with friends.

Olympic National Forest is a natural wonder that will provide you and your family with memories to last for years - no matter if it's an overnight stay or even a day trip!

Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Located in North Central Washington, Ross Lake National Recreation Area is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience nature at its best. There are many different types of trails here with varying lengths and difficulties so that everyone has the opportunity to fit their preferences! For those who enjoy fishing or have more time on their hands, there's plenty of opportunities available: one can find lakes perfect for all types of fish or even remote streams where this activity is possible as well.

For those wanting a little bit easier hike but still want some scenic views, there's also an option for "low impact" hikes which do not require much climbing; these typically last no longer than three hours - depending on your pace when exploring new territory.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is the most active volcano in the contiguous United States and is a must-see national monument for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Washington State, and get up close with nature - not to mention have an experience like no other! You can spend your day exploring Mount Saint Helen's in two different ways: by car or on foot! For those who want to stay in their vehicle, there's plenty of opportunity to stop and admire the numerous viewpoints that provide stunning views of this mountain.

For those who want a more hands-on experience or have limited time on their hands, then getting out and exploring Mount Saint Helen's National Volcanic Monument by foot is for you! There are several hiking trails that last anywhere from two hours to six hours depending on how much you want to explore the area.

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is a must-see destination for anyone who's passionate about exploring and experiencing nature in its truest form!

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can be found near the Cascade Mountains and is a beautiful, lush area perfect for hiking enthusiasts or those who just want to spend time outdoors in nature. This national forest offers something for everyone: it has beaches where you can have an easy stroll along the water's edge; lakes that are perfect for fishing enthusiasts or those who like to spend time near the water; for hikers, there's an abundance of trails that provide spectacular views with plenty of wildlife sightings.

For campers, this national forest has many different campsites available: some are open and sunny while others have a more serene setting inside dense forests where you might hear animals rustling nearby.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a natural wonder that provides visitors with the opportunity to escape into nature and enjoy hiking trails, beaches or even fishing - all in one place!

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Located in Central Washington, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a natural wonder that will provide you and your family with memories to last for years - no matter if it's an overnight stay or even a day trip! With this national recreation area, there are many things one can do: hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty available; beaches where water enthusiasts will be able to swim and fish; there's even a lighthouse where one can climb the tower for an amazing view of Lake Chelan.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a must-see destination that provides something for everyone!

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, located near Portland in Oregon and Washington State, is a perfect place for residents of the Pacific Northwest to come explore nature. This scenic area has many different activities available: trails that are great for hiking enthusiasts; waterfalls where one can take a refreshing dip after exploring the hikes; there's even an old-growth forest with trees so tall they seem as though they might be touching the sky!

This national scenic area also provides visitors with places to sleep overnight or just spend time away from home - whether it's camping on stunning beaches or staying at one of several campgrounds. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is sure to provide you and your loved ones with memories that will last forever - no matter how long you stay!

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is an absolutely stunning destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore natural beauty in all its glory. Some of the most common activities here include kayaking, fishing and taking a stroll along beaches - just be sure to pack your camera because you'll want to capture some memories with this place!

For those who want to be able to enjoy the scenery without being in direct contact with nature - you can take a scenic drive through Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and admire it from afar. There are several different loops that provide visitors with an opportunity for panoramic views of the area, as well as some stops where one could get out and explore more on foot.

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is an exquisite destination that offers vistas of natural beauty. You won't regret spending time here!

Final Thoughts on National Parks in Washington

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

— John Muir

The Great Outdoors Collection

View Our Top Products

July 05, 2021 — Konnichi wa