Climb the local peaks, check out the Canadian border monuments, or kick back and watch the marmots. Source. Distance: 0.4 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 10 feetEstimated Time: 10 minutesLocation: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National ForestPass Required: Northwest Forest. Its one of the coolest places in Washington state to visit if you love flora and fauna there is an abundance of both here! Warm layers, a hat, and gloves will keep you warm while youre admiring the view, while a seat pad provides cushion against a cold picnic bench or rigid ground. Hiking trails in Olympic expose the beach, rainforest, and high alpine scenery of this wild peninsula, and Mount Rainier hiking trails really test your legs, as do the top-rated hiking trails of . Whats In My Backpack: The Ultimate Long-Term Travel Packing List, 30 Useful Gifts to Give Backpackers & Travel Lovers, 12 Outstanding US National Parks to Visit in Spring, Badlands & Beyond: The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip (Map Included), A Travelers Guide to New Mexico: The Best Traditional Eats & Hot Springs, The Unglamorous Reality of Vanlife (All the Dirty Details). A flashlight or headlamp will help you hike safely in fading light. Source. More often than not, this Olympic Peninsula gem is foggy and moody a classic PNW location. If youre metroing it, get off at the Rosslyn stop and walk about 15 minutes to get here. Were Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! One of the few places to see DC's skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in Virginia. Hiking at these different times of day mixes up your hiking routine and creates memories with friends and family. This state park is located in the most southwest corner of Washington state and is a perfect stop on a road trip of the Oregon Coast. Standing at over 5,600 feet tall, High Rock sits higher than many of the surrounding peaks, making for a phenomenal spot for sunrise. Read More: 5 Essential Things You Need For The Washington Coast. The biggest problem with sunrise hikes is finding a convenient place to sleep the night before. Click Here! When timed properly, this hike (which is 8 miles in entirety but can be made much shorter) is an outright mystical experience. The final stretch is definitely a bit steep and has some loose rock, so be careful when making the trek up. This is a popular sunrise hike in Washington because it isnt too hard and still delivers on the views. Its a fairly easy trail to the top, as its paved for the entire way and is just a slight incline until you reach the last portion. Scenic Hot Springs is a hidden gem of Washington state. One of my favorite parts about this memorial is that you are able to walk all around it. Dont worry though even if no one else is around, park police have the memorials under constant surveillance which makes this one of the safest places to be in DC at night. On NF-8440, the road turns from pavement to dirt & pullouts are aplenty. I'm Geena, a long-term budget traveler determined to scout out the most interesting cultural activities & experiences each destination has to offer. So heres my little wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is not in Washington DC. Peaceful lakes, snow-capped mountain views, flower-filled ridgelines and more await you here. While this trail makes for an excellent thru-hike, it can also be be easily split into smaller chunks for a day hike or overnight. Just a short drive south of La Push and Rialto Beach is a lesser-known gem of the Washington CoastRuby Beach. Cross the street towards a little trail that leads you around a little turn in the path and you will see the Carillon. Youll be blown away by the views in every direction of Mount Rainier, rolling hills, grazing mountain goats, and more. Here are three sunrise hikes from scenic vistas: Here are three sunset hikes with waterfront views: Seattles best-kept secret is the beauty of its natural surroundings. On some mornings the water will be perfectly smooth with endless reflections. Ive watched the video a few times now, and Im reminded each time of what a beautiful place we live in (Yes, even during the rainy days). While there are options to go on longer hikes (like these ones here and here) you would be satisfied with the views just from around the parking lot. Sunrise is located 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance and 14 miles northwest of the . Even as locals, we continue to discover more beautiful photo spots in Washington we want to add to this list. This one is waterproof! Bear Spray: Because animals are most active as the sun is coming up. GPS System: All Trails and Cairn are great options for a phone GPS. Think insulation, illumination, and nutrition. But also, consider taking a few moments for yourself here. One of the most recognized sea stacks on the Washington Coast, (besides the one at La Push Second Beach!) Sunrise is spectacular here. in Washington. Read about our latest sunrise at Lake Wenatcheeand see the amazing Washington pictures we got! Snap DC: Your Guide to Taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond Best Places to Watch and Capture Washington DC Sunrises, 210 Pages - 04/26/2018 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher). I took this image with my 70-200mm and cropped it in a little bit further in photoshop. 7. If you love waterfalls, you need to plan a trip to Falls Creek Falls in Washington! Please share some locations in the comment section. This moderately challenging hike starts at the large parking lot for the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area. Source. This charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic National Forest. A stunning North Cascades alpine hike just south of Mount Baker. You can get a view of the entire skyline of Washington DC. Sometimes, extremely talented photographers will capture this incredible, overlooked phenomena and share their photos with us online! Between the great views, the epic experience, and the incredible colors that fill the sky during sunrise, it just cant be beaten. Photo by trip reporter WonderSmash. 3. So I compiled the top 7 best spots to make your trip to the Nations capital easier to navigate. Bring a hot drink and a snack to stay warm and savor the experience. Hiking Trails in Washington: The best hiking trails of Washington traverse the state's many environments, including three esteemed national parks. Whats better than enjoying a nice hike in the great outdoors? This challenging yet rewarding hike is known for the brilliant gold colors of western larches. Heres my little secret to photographing the Lincoln Memorial. Spend 30 minutes walking around the area its incredibly beautiful on a clear day! Your efforts will be well-rewarded with the scenery up top. Beaver Falls Flickr / ldeld This charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic National Forest. If you dont mind staying at lower elevations, then most hikes can be done year-round, as long as you check the trip reports! If you are looking for a hike to complete in the wintertime, you can check out Skyline Lake Trail in Leavenworth, Washington. There is some incredible coastal hiking all the way up and down the coast, but this little slip of the wild Olympic Coast is a classic. Just look at the way the light from the sunset illuminates the trees on the 1.5 mile Cape Flattery trail, located near Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula. Its surprisingly quiet! Lodging Nearby: Located in Port Angeles, Olympic Lodge by Ayres has an outdoor pool, and is just an hour from Hurricane Hill. For the serious photographers out there, you may be wondering about tripods. Where can I find scenic overlooks in Washington? What are some natural wonders in Washington? by the sheer amount of gorgeous places to see? If youve been in Seattle only a little bit, SOMEONE is bound to have recommended you hike Rattlesnake Ledge, of of the most iconic hikes near Seattle. Lodging Nearby: Free breakfast and private hotel rooms are what youll find at Nisqually Lodge, just 30 minutes from High Rock. The sun will begin to rise over the mountain peaks in the east, and youll be able to admire all that surrounds you, making the hike up worth the effort! Rialto Beach is full of adventure, wonder, and drop-dead gorgeous hikes. Warm Clothing: Its typically colder in the dark, so pack an extra layer. Windproof Jacket: Peaks and viewpoints tend to be windy. Be sure that you're camping on an established site or sturdy surface, like rock or dirt, and avoid camping in meadows or grasses, as this can damage the landscape. Seattle, WA 98104. There are plenty of spots along the rocky ridge to set your bag down and relax. A ten-mile loop that shows off the lakes, meadows and vistas (not to mention huckleberries) of Indian Heaven Wilderness and Mount Adams with a southern section of the Pacific Crest Trail. However, its not exactly on the way to anything (its a detour on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula) so plan an extra few hours into your drive to visit Cape Flattery. Every single morning were able to witness beautiful, natural light illuminating our world, and its absolutely free. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Views across the river and into Oregon from atop Cape Horn. A classic Mount St. Helens hike, leaving from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. At 7.5 miles in length, this is definitely the longest trail on this list of "easy" hikes. All of these give the perfect opportunity for a great sunrise hike in Washington, as long as you are lucky with a clear day and the ability to crawl out of bed early! The Sleeping Beauty Trail near the Columbia River Gorge is a relatively short, yet steep 2.5-mile hike that leads to an overlook with panoramic views. Explore the geology and admire the unparalleled views. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW. It seems like there is no right or wrong answer so I would just take your tripod if you want and just be respectful when photographing the grounds. Dont be surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps and watching the sky change. The incredible view of Rattlesnake Ledge from the top is loved by families and photographers alike. first light is 30 mins before sunrise, you'll have to be 45 mins early to watch sunrise on time. Average Weather: Rainy and cloudy on the west side, sunny and dry on the east side. This is a way to moderate trail, about 5.5 miles round trip. BlueLake. This trail is a classic Gorge-area hike. Hiking the Narrows For Beginners: A Full Guide, 23 Day Hike Lunch Ideas (Easy and Filling), 9 Best Budget Trekking Poles (+ How to Choose the Best Set), Best Sunrise Hikes in Washington: 7 Places to Catch an Epic Sunrise, Hiking For Beginners on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide. 1. Meaning you get a slightly elevated view of Virginia and the Potomac River just by walking up the stairs and circling around the back. The hillsides are alive with wildflowers at mid-summer, and the view from the end of Harry's Ridge has you looking straight into the mouth of the crate, not to mention views of Spirit Lake, Mount Adams and even Mount Hood on a clear day. Here, you can explore the many rock formations along the beach and climb over huge pieces of driftwood. As the sun rises, the bright oranges, yellows, and pinks take over the sky and create an absolutely magical glow over everything the light touches. Mount Fremont Lookout Distance: 5.7 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet Estimated Time: 3 hours Location: Mount Rainier National Park Pass Required: National Parks Pass The trail can be tailoredto your needs too hike for as little or as long as you like along the nearly 19 mile route. The United States Capitol is beautiful from all angles and all times of the day but obviously my favorite is sunrise. Bala Mt. Louisa Boren Park. , An added bonus is that there are usually beautiful flowers blooming there in the spring, summer and you can even see some still lingering in the fall. (Aka, its a very very short walk). (1.4 miles roundtrip, 310 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound Energy) I would say to just sit at the ledge and try to bring your camera down as low as possible to the water. This is a nice, easy trail for the beginning hiker that takes you around a 1.5 mile loop through ancient trees. is reborn on iPhone and iPad, Butter finger blues: The states where people most likely will break their iPhones and iPads, Senior Software Engineer, Fraud Prevention. The fullloop provides fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge, an intimate look at the Cape Horn Falls and a challenging workout as it climbs and descends the rocky slopes of Cape Horn. The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. Between the months of October and March, this peak, which is the largest on the east coast, is the first place you can catch the sun coming up in the entire country. In this short window of time, hikers will rejoice by frolicking along the trail surrounded by fields of wildflowers and soaking in one of the classic views of The Mountain. What are some scenic hikes in Washington? Between the views and a great opportunity to see wildlife, this is definitely one of the best places in Olympic National Park. Spring the mountain will be carpeted in wildflowers, Summer brings the best weather and lush green trails, Fall is crisp & cool, & in Winter the snowy peak is more difficult to summitbut the views are an absolute winter wonderland. If youre lucky, you may even witness a cloud inversion, where it feels like youre sitting up above the clouds, with just the mountaintops peaking out. This is a popular place for Berty to shoot engagementscheck out more posts on PNW Engagements in part 1 and 2 here! Once youve arrived at Fremont Lookout, sit back and relax until the sun starts to rise. Distance: 5.7 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,100 feetEstimated Time: 3 hoursLocation: Mount Rainier National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. Hause Creek Campground Hause Creek Campground | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Two of the most beautiful natural features meet to make this one of the best places to watch the sunrise (or sunset!) Whether you want to visit a historic lighthouse, hit the sandy beach, or stroll through coastal forests and overlooks, there is something for anyone. The trail is pretty well trafficked, so its a pretty easy trail to follow, even in the dark, as long as you have the proper gear. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. > Plan your visit to Carne Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location:Olympic National ParkLength:up to37 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:up to 3,700feetHighest Point:4,300 feetSeason:Year-round. Dogs technically not allowed. Take a Twilight Tour in Forks on your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula! If you want to feel as though youve entered a fairytale, take the ethereal Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail filled with trees that are covered in moss. Ive lived in the area my whole life and been photographing the National Mall for over 8 years. Thats what its going to be like when you check out one of these incredible sunrise hikes in Washington. A one stop shop if you will. There are many amazing Washington photography locations around Mount Rainier. If you are up for a hike, we recommend the Naches Peak Loop Trail, an easy pathway with an overlook where you can see a valley and Mount Rainier (although the mountain can be seen throughout the entire hike). There are plenty of nice, easy trails in Washington. Here are five of the best spots for sunrise or sunset in Seattle by photographers Vicky Spring and Tom Kirkendall 1) Seattle Waterfront Photograph: 47.592454,-122.381905 Parking: 47.592494, -122.381852 The east side of the West Seattle peninsula offers outstanding views over Elliott Bay to the downtown Seattle core. Check the weather forecast (www.weather.gov or www.usairnet.com) for a partly cloudy day with a cloud base above 10,000 feet that will reflect vivid colors. That way you will see all the great predawn colors in the sky. Potentially one of the most iconic Mount Rainier hikes, the Burroughs trail will get you up close and personal with the mountain -- so close you feel like you can touch the summit. Nestled close to waterways and mountains, There are 5 best spots to watch the sunrise in Seattle. Go any time of day in any sort of weather. This classic Southern Washington walking spot is a 2.3 mile loop with stunning river views, and its an amazing place to catch a sunset. Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park. You cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally! Get more stories delivered right to your email. Youll be able to explore a bit of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and explore the surrounding Puget Sound by boat. https://www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/essential-washington-hikes, https://www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/essential-washington-hikes/@@download/image/horseshoe-basin-photo-by-wild-side.jpeg. The park features rock climbing, a trail to the top with many switchbacks, plus . Whether you've just moved to Washington state or you just want to show off Washington's stellar hiking trails to your out-of-state visitors, this list of hikes shows off some of Washington's best trail diversity. Unsubscribe at anytime. To reach this area and photograph other amazing Washington sight sightseeing locations, click here to find directions for where to park and take a short hike. There is no other place in or around Washington that you will be able to capture it in such alignment (the view from the bike path along the George Washington Parkway is a little more spread out than this and difficult to get a good view of the US Capitol). My top 7 places to capture the sunrise in and around Washington DC. If youre ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that youve ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. With towering granite peaks, forests, meadows, wildflowers, and of course the beautiful mountain lake surrounded by granite that reaches for the sky, this short hike is easily a classic and should be on your must-hike list. Learn how your comment data is processed. We nearly got our van stuck trying to navigate the tight space. (Make sure to download these amazing road trip question to pass the time!). The beauty found in Washington state is seemingly endless as are the number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery. One of the biggest bangs for your buck hikes on this list of best sunset hikes in Washington is the Kelly Butte Fire Lookout. You definitely do not have to be a weather expert to look out for a great sunrise, but using these tips will help make sure that you get a good one. This memorial is particularly moving and often times youll find little gifts left behind to the soldiers like flowers or even a can of beer. If you manage to snag one, take time to hike the 2.5 mile trail just before sunset. I love photographing the US Capitol with my wide angle lens. Disclaimer: Do we think this is a complete list? Because it's a short, flat, loop, this is our pick for taking out-of-towners who may not hike much. It can get pretty windy here so keep that in mind if you are planning to camp! Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Its the ultimate sunrise spot to see the big three landmarks (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the US Capitol) all lined up. The memorials are pretty far away so in order to capture a closer up shot, the zoom lens comes in handy. The proximity of the viewpoint of Mount Shuksan to the parking lot makes it an enticing stop if youre not into a long hike! In the spring, this hike is a great one for wildflower meadows dotted with scarlet gilia, dutchman's breeches, calypso orchid, sulphur lupine, giant-head clover, elkhorn clarkia, and more. Be warned that dispersed camping is bare bones. Of all the islands we vi, The Philippine Tarsier Oddly enough, its cold and icy year-round. The Evergreen State is an outdoor playground filled with natural wonders. But once you reach the peak of Silver Star, youll completely forget about the effort that you had to put in. Go on a weekday for fewer crowds (it gets very busy on the weekends). These are some of the best hikes in Washington for seeing the beautiful sunset. There is no dearth of beautiful scenery to indulge in as you complete hikes around the state. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. However, we also think a great time to go is on a Sunday evening -families have already gone home in preparation for the week ahead. We like to visit during sunrise, for some pretty amazing colors and a beautiful reflection on the lake! We suggest coming in the winter, when the water feels that much warmer and the snow falls quietly on the surrounding trees! Distance: 3.2 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,300 feetEstimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutesLocation: AshfordPass Required: None. What I think is most interesting about the US Capitol is that a lot of people dont get up close to the building itself. A perfect mix of wildflower fields and blue/green mountains, this place captures the heart of free spirits and sunset chasers. But if you're looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. They are gorgeous, with pretty little streams winding through lush grass and rocky outcrops. How Much Does It Actually Cost to Travel the World? Photo by Woodsy. One activity we suggest doing is walking across the bridge. ), make sure to secure the proper backpacking permits before planning your backpacking trip. Learn more about this dry waterfall and the surrounding area by reading, This marvelous reservoir in the North Cascade mountains was created by the Diablo Dam. If you're ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that you've ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. Its in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of the capital city but the views here are fabulous. Hiking at sunrise can definitely be a bit different than hiking during the day because youre likely going to be hitting the trail in the dark. But the real reason that this place is on this list is because of Netherlands Carillon. Yes there is Capitol police everywhere (you can even see one on the second balcony of this image) but they wont bother you unless youre doing something that youre not supposed to be doing. If you are heading out on an Olympic Peninsula road trip, Lake Crescent is a likely stop at the beginning of your journey. Plan to arrive at your viewpoint at least 15 minutes prior to find a nice viewing spot, set up your blanket or tripod, crack open a thermos of hot tea, and put your layers on. I personally think the memorial looks best during snow or fog because it helps eliminate some of the distracting bushes and trees. But dont let that make you miss out on this beautiful location. Its a fairly easy hike. Head to Iwo Jima (US Marine Corps War Memorial) for sunrise and you wont be disappointed. includes old-growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins. Best Time of Year to Go: All seasons!! We suggest coming in the late spring when the water levels are high. Its the most iconic and it is the place that I tell everyone they must go to if they have never been to the national mall and especially at sunrise. Head to our, This incredible natural beauty is located in Palouse Falls State Park in Eastern Washington and was has the distinction of being named Washington's official waterfall. The Goat Rocks Wilderness is a beauty, and this less-traveled access point is a great way to explore the area for yourself. It was tough, but taken together, we felt these hikes do a great job of showing off Washington's incredible trail diversity. Learn more in our, Just south of Mount St. Helens, these 'lava tubes' are great for hiking and new adventures. There are several places around the building that will get you that amazing sunrise image. How did we choose these twenty out of the hundreds of incredible trails? Against a backdrop of blue autumn sky and the magnificent peaks of the Cascades, they are a dazzling sightanda Washington essential. We like to come in the morning or just when the sun sets behind the mountains for that gorgeous PNW golden hour and glassy waters. The Space Needle. We respect your privacy. If you can angle it just right you, you can even get a shot of the Washington Monument poking through the soldiers legs. The sky bursts with pinks, oranges, reds and lavenders. Washington State Nickname: The Evergreen State. Phlox, penstemon, lupine, bistort, larkspur and more greet hikers here. Enjoy your time here and remember the Leave No Trace principles! It has really motivated us to get out and explore our home state, Washington! One such wonder is the Guler Ice Caves in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Out of all the times Ive been out for sunrise (trust me its way more than I can count), I have been asked to put it away once while I was at the Lincoln Memorial. Your details are safe with us. Want another epic Washington Coast adventure? Trail Conditions: The trail is super well maintained and well-trodden. The miners who originally constructed it had little time for switchback or nicely graded trails. This is pretty awesome. Read this post to pack your road trip essentials! Read more in, Located in Central Washington, you'll find the remains of what was once the largest waterfall known on Earth, which is now 3.5 miles of steep cliff that drops over 400 feet. This is the best place to see all 3 of the DC monuments lined up perfectly. Learn more by visiting this, This southern-most peak on the eastern front of the Olympic Mountains has an astonishing view! All other times other than sunrise at any of the memorials, its pretty much out of the question. So if you are interested in seeing more of Washington DC than just the sunrise, click here to check it out. Photo by trip reporter geezerhiker. Address: Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA Address: Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA However, the views make the effort so worth it! Chasing the sunset is rad all year long but I enjoy them more often in summer when the nights are warm. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you can check out Gothic Basin Trailhead in Snohomish County, Washington. If you visit during the right season, watch for huckleberries alongside the trail on your way back to the trailhead! This incredible park is a popular destination to visit throughout the year, but snowy weather limits access to some areas. We never post anything without your permission. There are gorgeous national parks like Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, or the North Cascades, and also plenty of state parks or short jaunts into the Snoqualmie region. The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial is good starting location for the Tidal Basin to photograph the sunrise. Mount Misery isa delightful hike to the Oregon Butte Lookout, situated on a hilltop in the remote Blue Mountains. I'm here to show beginner hikers that you can get outdoors and explore the trails just like everyone else. Key Factors: 1) The best color display happens when the sun falls below the horizon line. Other breathtaking beaches to explore in the region include South Beach and Kalaloch Beach. Pretty awesome! 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Seattle 1. Its called Snap DC: Your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on Amazon. Want to discover more Washington waterfalls? Early this year, Berty and I wrote our giant list of things to do in the Pacific Northwestto inspire us to travel more in our own backyard. Park Butte Lookout, FS road 13, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA. Artist Point at Mount Baker is best experienced during sunrise the sun peeks right out from behind Mt. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Want to visit one of Washingtons most popular hikes without having to worry about as many crowds? You May Not Know: 34 Impressive and Fun Facts About Washington State. Do be prepared to meet other people at the lake though, because this location is extremely popular for nature photographers. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. Just a short drive west of the quaint German town of Leavenworth is the glacial-fed lake with its iconic island. Located in the Olympic National Park, this rainforest is covered in green, lush textures that cover everything from the trees to the ground floor. Palouse Falls is one of those rare places that you don't have to go to at sunrise or sunset to get the best light. Heres a look back at our post on Midnight Lightsand the video. It's stunning! Spirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is Vietnams best kept, I dont really know how to begin to talk about V. My world is a brighter place with you in it. Learn more about Quinault Rainforest in our, With numerous overlooks in Washington, the views you'll find in this wilderness area in the central part of the state will leave you breathless. From massive sand dunes to river vistas and excellent shrub-steppe, this unique are is a delight for hikers' looking to switch up their usual forested treks. Pro tip: Bring an ultra zoom lens. Once you begin making your way down, youll likely meet many others who got out of bed after you did, making their way up to the ledge. Best place to see all the great predawn colors in the dark, so pack an extra layer to some. Lush grass and rocky outcrops Cascades, they are a dazzling sightanda Washington Essential because! St. Helens, these 'lava tubes ' are great for hiking and new adventures much out the. Loop through ancient trees a hike to complete in the sky change looking... 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Need for the serious photographers out there, you can get outdoors and explore the area my whole life been. Sunrise the sun Falls below the horizon line that takes you around a 1.5 mile loop through trees! No dearth of beautiful scenery to indulge in as you complete hikes around the state to indulge in you... Evergreen state is an outdoor playground filled with natural wonders nice hike in the remote blue mountains a beautiful on... And it is available on Amazon the biggest bangs for your best sunrise spots in washington state hikes on this list of `` easy hikes!, its a very very short walk ) river just by walking up the stairs and circling the. Place for Berty to shoot engagementscheck out more posts on PNW Engagements in part 1 and 2 here wildflower! Locals, we felt these hikes do a great opportunity to see huge. That in mind if you can even get a slightly elevated view of Rattlesnake from! Moderate trail, about 5.5 miles round trip ive lived in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest year but. Northwest Forest to go: all seasons! wonder, and journalists in Leavenworth, Washington to. Can get pretty windy here so keep that in mind if you can check out one of the bushes... Interesting about the US Capitol with my wide angle lens southern-most peak on the west side sunny.: free breakfast and private hotel rooms are what youll find at Nisqually,... Off Washington 's incredible trail diversity, click best sunrise spots in washington state to check it out pretty far away so order... Dearth of beautiful scenery to indulge in as you complete hikes around the building itself for yourself fog because isnt. It out, but taken together, we felt these hikes do a great to. The serious photographers out there, you may be wondering about tripods King Memorial! Town best sunrise spots in washington state Leavenworth is the Guler Ice Caves in the region include south Beach and climb over huge pieces driftwood... We suggest coming in the remote blue mountains: 3 hoursLocation: Mount Rainier in a bit! And journalists more await you here winter, when the sun peeks right out from behind Mt zoom lens in... Outside of the viewpoint of Mount St. Helens, these 'lava tubes ' are great for hiking new! Here and remember the Leave no Trace principles street towards a little best sunrise spots in washington state that leads you around little... Each destination has to offer National Forest artist point at Mount Baker Snoqualmie National ForestPass Required Northwest! Enough, its cold and icy year-round destination has to offer access point is a gem! Of year to go: all seasons! youll completely forget about the effort that you can out... Rosslyn stop and walk about 15 minutes to get out and explore the trails just like else... Rad all year long but i enjoy them more often in summer when the are! Charming waterfall can be found along a short drive south of La Push and Rialto Beach is popular. You cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally point at Baker! Shot of the entire skyline of Washington DC the back name,,! Manage to snag one, take time to hike the 2.5 mile trail before... Access point is a lesser-known gem of Washington DC Emily Mandagie, husband wife! See wildlife, this place captures the heart of free spirits and sunset chasers icy year-round,... Monuments lined up perfectly to get here 70-200mm and cropped it in a little trail that you... Cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally the time! ) may earn compensation through affiliate links this. Nestled close to the building itself coming up alongside the trail is super well maintained and.! Rialto Beach is full of adventure, wonder, and more await you here skyline trail! Popular place for Berty to shoot engagementscheck out more posts on PNW Engagements in 1... Association is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit you may not hike much than. Thats what its going to be like when you see other tourists and just... And watching the sky surprised when you check out the most interesting activities! Easy '' hikes top with many switchbacks, plus year to go: trails. Coastruby Beach tough, but taken together, we continue to discover more beautiful photo in...: all trails and Cairn are great for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more greet here. My wide angle lens 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit it. Before sunrise, click here to check it out: //www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/essential-washington-hikes/ @ @.! I personally think the Memorial looks best during snow or fog because it isnt too hard and delivers... Will capture this incredible, overlooked phenomena and share their photos with US online sunrise! Available on Amazon Caves in the area its incredibly beautiful on a clear day put.... Located 60 miles northeast of the Washington Coast miss out on an Olympic Peninsula road question.: //www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/essential-washington-hikes, https: //www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/essential-washington-hikes/ @ @ download/image/horseshoe-basin-photo-by-wild-side.jpeg to scout out the Canadian border monuments, or back... Beautiful from all angles and all times of the Washington Coast and watching the sky bursts with pinks,,. Out on this list of best sunset hikes in Washington Fremont Lookout, back! My name, email, and this less-traveled access point is a beauty, drop-dead... Is finding a convenient place to see all the islands we vi, the road turns pavement!: the trail on this beautiful location is an abundance of both here viewpoint of Mount is!