You can find some fascinating places all throughout our Evergreen State, but many of our most incredible spots are a bit more secluded. While it may take some effort to reach these hidden gems in Washington, you’ll be glad you found them. Here are 10 such destinations that promise to impress just about anyone. Ready to start exploring?
- Blue Lake Rhino Cave, Coulee City
Flickr / montressor
Flickr / montressor
This rhino-shaped cave was formed by basalt that was once a Diceratherium bull (an ancestor of the modern rhinoceros) out on the prairie when an eruption started. Its escape route ended up being cut off by a lake, which led to its unfortunate death. Nevertheless, the lava that covered the bull cooled into molten rock and hardened into the shape that you now see today. Not everyone may be able to crawl through the cave, but it’s certainly worth a trip to see in person! Learn more about why the Blue Lake Rhino Cave is one of the many marvels in Washington that must be seen to be believed.
- Stehekin Valley, Chelan
Flickr / 42453083@N07
Flickr / andyrs Despite current conditions, you can usually either hike in, fly in, or most commonly, take a ferry in to enter this amazing area at the northwest end of Lake Chelan. In fact, it’s considered one of the most remote places in Washington.
- San Juan Island National Historical Park
Flickr / tinyfroglet
Flickr / brad-darren
This park on the shores of Garrison Bay has trails for explorers of all skill levels - ranging from a strenuous hike up Young Hill to an easy loop along the bay. It’s truly one of the best historic landmarks in Washington.
- Port Williams Beach, Marlyn Nelson County Park, near Sequim
Facebook / Bryan E.
Complete solitude can be enjoyed at this shoreline. The park also offers a saltwater boat launch, four picnic tables (one accessible), vault toilets and a parking area. Port Williams Beach is actually one of the stops along our hidden beaches in Washington road trip.
- Afterglow Vista in Friday Harbor
Flickr / baggis
Flickr / heyskinny This is definitely not your average burial place! John McMillin was an important figure who helped bring Roche Harbor to life. He wanted the memory of his family to live on forever, so he carefully constructed this site for him and his relatives. After entering through the initial gate you’ll stumble upon three flights of symbolic steps. In the middle of the structure is a limestone table, which was made to represent their dining room table. Around this table are chairs, one for each family member with corresponding names on the backs. This location was chosen in particular because when the sun goes down during the summer, light shines through the trees and brilliantly illuminates the tomb. Learn more about this fascinating destination on the San Juan Islands in Washington.
- Waterfall Garden Park, Seattle
Flickr / basic_sounds
Yelp / Kerry M. This overlooked sanctuary lies in the middle of our big city, featuring a 22-ft. waterfall flowing over beautiful granite boulders. You can find this park by downtown and Pioneer Square on 2nd Ave S. & S. Main Street. When it comes to hidden gems in Washington, the Waterfall Garden Park certainly qualifies.
- Temple of Power, near North Cascades Visitor Center
Flickr / heyskinny
Flickr / jimculp
Inspired by the Pantheon in Greece, this public temple was created from recycled bits of giant circuit breakers for its columns. The futuristic work was made in honor of the small town of Newhalem that has a long history of providing electricity to Seattle. Learn more about some other wonderfully weird places to go in Washington.
- Soulful Soups, Spokane
Facebook / Soulful Soups
Yelp / Vincent C. Hidden food gems are a jackpot - and hungry Eastern Washingtonians can score one delicious meal at this Spokane restaurant. In addition to the soups they make here, you can also try some tasty tacos! Soulful Soups is truly one of the most iconic restaurants in Washington.
- Beckler Peak, Stevens Pass in Central Cascades
Flickr / trailspotter
Flickr / logicalrealist
Beckler Peak is a must-hike for all Northwest adventurers. It goes for 7.4 miles (round trip) with a 2263’ elevation gain, making for an enjoyable yet steady climb through old-growth forests. It’s adjacent to the Wild Sky Wilderness, so you’ll be able to view photogenic scenery all around! Learn more about some other breathtaking destinations in Washington you had no idea existed.
You can also check out some Secret Spots in Nature and these other amazing Hidden Gem Restaurants in Washington! This list could keep going and going…what are some of your favorite hidden gems in Washington?
Flickr / montressor
This rhino-shaped cave was formed by basalt that was once a Diceratherium bull (an ancestor of the modern rhinoceros) out on the prairie when an eruption started. Its escape route ended up being cut off by a lake, which led to its unfortunate death. Nevertheless, the lava that covered the bull cooled into molten rock and hardened into the shape that you now see today. Not everyone may be able to crawl through the cave, but it’s certainly worth a trip to see in person! Learn more about why the Blue Lake Rhino Cave is one of the many marvels in Washington that must be seen to be believed.
Flickr / 42453083@N07
Flickr / andyrs
Despite current conditions, you can usually either hike in, fly in, or most commonly, take a ferry in to enter this amazing area at the northwest end of Lake Chelan. In fact, it’s considered one of the most remote places in Washington.
Flickr / tinyfroglet
Flickr / brad-darren
This park on the shores of Garrison Bay has trails for explorers of all skill levels - ranging from a strenuous hike up Young Hill to an easy loop along the bay. It’s truly one of the best historic landmarks in Washington.
Facebook / Bryan E.
Complete solitude can be enjoyed at this shoreline. The park also offers a saltwater boat launch, four picnic tables (one accessible), vault toilets and a parking area. Port Williams Beach is actually one of the stops along our hidden beaches in Washington road trip.
Flickr / baggis
Flickr / heyskinny
This is definitely not your average burial place! John McMillin was an important figure who helped bring Roche Harbor to life. He wanted the memory of his family to live on forever, so he carefully constructed this site for him and his relatives. After entering through the initial gate you’ll stumble upon three flights of symbolic steps. In the middle of the structure is a limestone table, which was made to represent their dining room table. Around this table are chairs, one for each family member with corresponding names on the backs. This location was chosen in particular because when the sun goes down during the summer, light shines through the trees and brilliantly illuminates the tomb. Learn more about this fascinating destination on the San Juan Islands in Washington.
Flickr / basic_sounds
Yelp / Kerry M.
This overlooked sanctuary lies in the middle of our big city, featuring a 22-ft. waterfall flowing over beautiful granite boulders. You can find this park by downtown and Pioneer Square on 2nd Ave S. & S. Main Street. When it comes to hidden gems in Washington, the Waterfall Garden Park certainly qualifies.
Flickr / heyskinny
Flickr / jimculp
Inspired by the Pantheon in Greece, this public temple was created from recycled bits of giant circuit breakers for its columns. The futuristic work was made in honor of the small town of Newhalem that has a long history of providing electricity to Seattle. Learn more about some other wonderfully weird places to go in Washington.
Facebook / Soulful Soups
Yelp / Vincent C.
Hidden food gems are a jackpot - and hungry Eastern Washingtonians can score one delicious meal at this Spokane restaurant. In addition to the soups they make here, you can also try some tasty tacos! Soulful Soups is truly one of the most iconic restaurants in Washington.
Flickr / trailspotter
Flickr / logicalrealist
Beckler Peak is a must-hike for all Northwest adventurers. It goes for 7.4 miles (round trip) with a 2263’ elevation gain, making for an enjoyable yet steady climb through old-growth forests. It’s adjacent to the Wild Sky Wilderness, so you’ll be able to view photogenic scenery all around! Learn more about some other breathtaking destinations in Washington you had no idea existed.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USAAddress: Blue Lake Rhino, Washington 99115, USAAddress: Stehekin, WA 98852, USAAddress: Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USAAddress: Port Williams Road, Port Williams Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: USA, 664 Afterglow Dr, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USAAddress: UPS Waterfall Garden Park, 219 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USAAddress: Marblemount, WA 98267, USAAddress: Soulful Soups & Spirits, 117 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, USAAddress: US-2, Skykomish, WA 98288, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Washington May 01, 2021 Beth C. What are some lesser-known spots in Washington? Washington is a rather large state, and it stands to reason that some of its incredible attractions are relatively unknown. The following is a list of such places: Kubota Gardens in Seattle, Grove of the Patriarch’s Loop in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington Pass Overlook on the North Cascades Highway, Salt Creek Recreation Area in Port Angeles, Center For Wooden Boats in Seattle, Mount Constitution Tower in Orcas Island, LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, Quinault Rainforest in the Olympic National Park, Manito Park and Botanical Gardens in Spokane, and Wallace Falls State Park. Learn more about these underrated places in Washington. What are the most unique places in Washington? As mentioned above, the Mount Constitution Observation Tower is one of the most unique places in Washington. Reaching this fascinating landmark by hiking, biking, or driving is truly a memorable experience. From the top of this medieval-like observation tower, visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the Cascade Mountains. What are the best things to do in Washington? If you’re looking for a memorable day trip in Washington, we have just the place in mind. Cape Flattery in Clallam County promises some of the best views in the area. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this beautiful destination features a short boardwalk hike. But the most impressive part of all is that Cape Flattery is actually considered the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States.
The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in Washington
May 01, 2021
Beth C.
What are some lesser-known spots in Washington? Washington is a rather large state, and it stands to reason that some of its incredible attractions are relatively unknown. The following is a list of such places: Kubota Gardens in Seattle, Grove of the Patriarch’s Loop in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington Pass Overlook on the North Cascades Highway, Salt Creek Recreation Area in Port Angeles, Center For Wooden Boats in Seattle, Mount Constitution Tower in Orcas Island, LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, Quinault Rainforest in the Olympic National Park, Manito Park and Botanical Gardens in Spokane, and Wallace Falls State Park. Learn more about these underrated places in Washington. What are the most unique places in Washington? As mentioned above, the Mount Constitution Observation Tower is one of the most unique places in Washington. Reaching this fascinating landmark by hiking, biking, or driving is truly a memorable experience. From the top of this medieval-like observation tower, visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the Cascade Mountains. What are the best things to do in Washington? If you’re looking for a memorable day trip in Washington, we have just the place in mind. Cape Flattery in Clallam County promises some of the best views in the area. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this beautiful destination features a short boardwalk hike. But the most impressive part of all is that Cape Flattery is actually considered the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Washington is a rather large state, and it stands to reason that some of its incredible attractions are relatively unknown. The following is a list of such places: Kubota Gardens in Seattle, Grove of the Patriarch’s Loop in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington Pass Overlook on the North Cascades Highway, Salt Creek Recreation Area in Port Angeles, Center For Wooden Boats in Seattle, Mount Constitution Tower in Orcas Island, LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, Quinault Rainforest in the Olympic National Park, Manito Park and Botanical Gardens in Spokane, and Wallace Falls State Park. Learn more about these underrated places in Washington.
What are the most unique places in Washington?
As mentioned above, the Mount Constitution Observation Tower is one of the most unique places in Washington. Reaching this fascinating landmark by hiking, biking, or driving is truly a memorable experience. From the top of this medieval-like observation tower, visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the Cascade Mountains.
What are the best things to do in Washington?
If you’re looking for a memorable day trip in Washington, we have just the place in mind. Cape Flattery in Clallam County promises some of the best views in the area. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this beautiful destination features a short boardwalk hike. But the most impressive part of all is that Cape Flattery is actually considered the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States.
