6 Scenic Trips to Put on Your Summer Bucket List

written by Ryn Pfeuffer

Every Washingtonian knows that our picture-perfect summers are the reward for enduring such long, gray winters. From Seabrook to the San Juan Islands, here are six places to put on your summer travel bucket list. Every single one of these destinations is a winner. So, whether you book a trip this year or put these on the list of places you dream about, they’re all within Washington state and suitable for a quick trip or extended stay.

San Juan Islands

San Juan Island is a popular bucket list trip for several reasons, including its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, rich history and abundant outdoor activities.

From Seattle, take a ferry from Anacortes to the town of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The ferry ride is a scenic experience and takes about an hour.

After arriving in Friday Harbor, check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the town. Or take a short drive to English Camp, established by the British in the 1860s and now a National Historical Park.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Coho Restaurant. For those staying in Friday Harbor, it’s a few blocks from the ferry station. The four-course tasting menu is a steal at $85 per person. Then, catch the sunset from Lime Kiln Point State Park—the 36-acre park is home to some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. If you want to see more, book a whale-watching tour—visitors often spot orca, humpback and gray whales.

Take a ferry to Orcas Island and spend the day exploring the island. Visit Moran State Park and hike, drive or bike (May 15 to September 15) to the top of Mount Constitution for panoramic views of the islands. In the afternoon, head to Eastsound and grab a pastry at Brown Bear Baking, then peruse the books at Darvill’s Bookstore. If the tide is low, walk to Indian Island via a “tombolo” or raised sandbar.

Or, take a ferry to Lopez Island and spend the day cycling around the island. Lopez is known for its bike-friendly roads and beautiful scenery, so bicycles are a great way to experience the island.

STAY

Pebble Cove Farm

ORCAS ISLAND
www.pebblecovefarm.com

PLAY

Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching

SAN JUAN ISLAND
www.sanjuanislandwhalewatch.com

EAT

Ursa Minor

LOPEZ ISLAND
www.ursaminorlopez.com

DRINK

The Barnacle

ORCAS ISLAND
www.thebarnacle.com

San Juan Island Brewing Company

SAN JUAN ISLAND
www.sanjuanbrew.com

Lake Chelan

Located in the heart of the North Cascades region, Lake Chelan is one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the world, with stunning turquoise waters that stretch for more than 50 miles. Visitors can take in the lake’s natural beauty by hiking, biking, or driving along scenic routes that offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Lake Chelan is also home to various cultural events and festivals, including the Lake Chelan Bach Festival, the Lake Chelan Rodeo and the Lake Chelan Crush Festival. Plan accordingly, and you may have an opportunity to experience the region’s unique culture at one of these events.

Head to Lake Chelan State Park, located on the lake’s southern shore. This park offers swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. In the afternoon, take a wine tour of the local wineries in the area—the area offers more than thirty wineries. Later, enjoy a picnic dinner (and a discreet glass of pinot noir or chardonnay—two of the region’s best varietals) on the beach at Don Morse Park, watching the sunset over the lake. There are also plenty of picnic tables, too.

Take a scenic drive up to Stehekin, a small community at the head of the lake that’s only accessible by boat or seaplane. The drive takes about two hours, and you’ll pass through beautiful forests and mountains along the way. Once in Stehekin, you can hike to Rainbow Falls or explore the Stehekin Valley Ranch. In the evening, take a boat ride back to Chelan and enjoy dinner at The Bistro at Lake Chelan.

STAY

Lakeside Lodge & Suites
www.lakesidelodgeandsuites.com

PLAY

Stehekin Valley Ranch
www.stehekinvalleyranch.com

Lake Chelan Boat Co.
www.ladyofthelake.com

EAT

The Bistro at Lake Chelan
www.chelanbistro.com

DRINK

Nefarious Cellars
www.nefariouscellars.com

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is an iconic destination in Washington, known for its towering peak, glaciers, wildflower meadows and diverse wildlife. This majestic guardian, named initially Mount Tahoma by the Puyallup Tribe, is the highest mountain in Washington state, standing at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters) tall.

The mountain is part of the Cascade Range and is an active volcano, although it has not erupted in more than 100 years.

Mount Rainier National Park, which surrounds the mountain, was established in 1899 and attracts more than two million visitors annually. The park is home to more than 260 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes that take multiple days to complete.

Once you arrive at Mount Rainier National Park, check into Paradise Inn. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s Paradise area, known for its wildflower meadows and stunning views of Mount Rainier.

In the evening, attend a ranger-led program to learn more about the park’s history and ecology. Or, drive up to the parking lot at the Sunrise Visitor Center, the highest point accessible by car in the park, for incomparable stargazing, especially on a clear night during the Milky Way season.

If you want to learn more about the unique fauna and flora in the park, take a guided hike with a naturalist guide to explore the mountain. There are also guided horseback rides through the park’s wilderness and tours of its glaciers to learn more about its geological history.

Visit the Grove of the Patriarchs, an old-growth forest located on the banks of the Ohanapecosh River. The forest features giant trees that are hundreds of years old.

Enjoy dinner at Copper Creek Restaurant in the nearby town of Ashford in the evening. If you’re up for an elevated experience, grab a drink or dinner at the Summit House, sitting in the clouds at 6,872 feet and steps from the top of the Mount Rainier Gondola.

STAY

Paradise Inn
www.mtrainierguestservices.com/accommodations/paradise-inn

PLAY

EZ Times Trail Rides
www.eztimeshorserides.com

EAT

Copper Creek Restaurant
www.coppercreekinn.com/copper-creek-restaurant

DRINK

Summit House Restaurant
www.crystalmountainresort.com/things-to-do/dining/summit-house-restaurant

White Salmon

White Salmon is a charming town in the Columbia River Gorge in Washington State. It is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, scenic beauty, and friendly community. There are many options for outdoor enthusiasts of all activity levels.

Start the day by stopping at White Salmon Baking Co. (the breakfast sandwiches are divine) before taking a scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge and stopping at viewpoints and waterfalls, such as Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls.

In the afternoon, take a hike in the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.

Then hit the nearby trails on a guided mountain biking tour, with stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding landscape.

Feeling more adventurous? Take a guided whitewater rafting trip on the White Salmon River, and take on thrilling rapids through stunning scenery.

If you need time out from outdoor adventuring, spend some time at the nearby Mary-hill Museum of Art. It features a collection of art from around the world and stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is also worth a stop, especially if you have kids. It features exhibits and interactive displays about the natural and cultural history of the Columbia River Gorge.

Relax and recap the day over a glass of wine and small bites at White Salmon newcomer Soča Wine Shop & Bar.

STAY

Hotel Iconica
www.hoteliconica.com

PLAY

River Drifters White River Salmon Tour
www.riverdrifters.net

EAT

White Salmon Baking Co.
www.whitesalmonbaking.com

DRINK

Soča Wine Shop & Bar
www.socawine shop.com

Seabrook

If any town was made for biking and sunsets, it’s the quaint, coastal town of Seabrook. Known for its beautiful beaches, charming architecture, and laid-back atmosphere, Travel & Leisure called Seabrook “the best-kept secret in Washington state” in 2022.

In less than three hours, you can be settled in your beachy digs at Good Day Getaway. Spend the afternoon exploring the town (it’s an easy walk from your rental), visiting local shops and restaurants, or taking a stroll along the beach. Whether you swim, sunbathe, or explore tide pools, Mocrocks Beach is a sandy stretch of pristine beauty. Pacific Beach State Park is an easy 1.5 miles north, too. This entire stretch of coast can be explored via kayaking or paddle-boarding—there are plenty of guided tours. Year-round surfing is also a major draw for weekend warriors.

Take a guided hike in the nearby Olympic National Forest, which offers a variety of trails for all skill levels and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. While there, swing by the Lake Quinault Lodge, a historic hotel with beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and stunning lake views.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Ocean Shores, a small town that offers a range of family-friendly activities, such as go-karting, horseback riding and mini-golf.

Don’t miss dinner at Rising Tide Tavern. Then, wrap up the day cozied up to a bonfire on the beach or attend the Outdoor Summer Concert Series in Sunset Amphitheater Park.

On the way out of town, take a quick detour and stop in Aberdeen, the birthplace of Kurt Cobain. In 2021, Washington State’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation announced that the house where Cobain lived from 1968 to 1984 had been officially approved for inclusion on its Heritage Register of culturally important buildings.

STAY

Good Day Getaway
www.seabrookwa.com/vacation-rentals/good-day-getaway

PLAY

Buck’s NW
www.bucksnw.com

EAT

Rising Tide Tavern
www.risingtidetavern.com

DRINK

Stowaway Wine Bar
www.thestowawaywinebarseabrook wa.com

Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is one of the few remaining temperate rainforests in the world, with a unique ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. UNESCO has awarded it the distinction of being both a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. It’s also been deemed the quietest place in the United States by Gordon Hempton of “One Square Inch of Silence” (www.onesquareinch.org).

Visitors can explore the forest’s lush and vibrant landscape—think towering trees, ferns, mosses and mushrooms. Not to mention abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears and many bird species. In addition, the Hoh River Trail is a popular hiking option, offering a scenic route that winds through the forest and along the Hoh River.

For additional details, check out our Olympic Peninsula Trip Planner.