We are officially in late summer and that means it’s time to get out there and do all of the seasonal outdoor activities that you can. From hiking stunning trails to railriding adventures, we have you covered with where to go and what to do before fall. Here are 13 stunning places to see in Washington before summer ends.
Ape Cave
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If you’re brave enough you can explore the 2.5 miles of Ape Cave that are open to the public. You’ll walk along a chilly, pitch-black corridor deep beneath the forest floor. Best of all is that you can choose between the 3/4 mile long Lower Cave for an easier trek or the 1.5 mile Upper Cave which involves some navigation over rock piles and scaling an 8-foot rock wall for a true cave experience. Keep in mind that timed reservations are required to visit Ape Cave and can be made online.
Where: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
When: Open until October 31st
Cost: $2
Beacon Rock State Park
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Beacon Rock towers 848 feet over the Columbia River and is actually the core of an ancient volcano. While massive in size, the hike to the top is only a mile long but is set on a series of dizzying switchbacks. The hike certainly isn’t easy, your heart rate will get going but considering how tall the rock is, the series of switchbacks is a welcome adventure to see the views at the top.
Where: 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA
Cost: $11.50-$35
Naked Falls
Naked Falls has long been beloved by the people of Stevenson, Washington for its beauty and versatility. You have the option of simply relaxing in the swimming pools, sunning yourself on the rocks, or getting adventurous by exploring the cliffs. You can of course try all three and you also have the option of camping overnight on the property should you choose.
Where: Stevenson, Washington
Cost: Parking passes start at $11, Camping starts at $50
Dry Falls State Park
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The Dry Falls Cataract is well worth the visit as it is an example of Washington’s scablands and it was also once a massive waterfall. Some believe it to have been one of the largest waterfalls in the world at that time. When it was flowing, it is estimated to have been four times the size of Niagara Falls according to the National Park Service.
Where: 34875 Park Lake Road N.E., Coulee City, WA
Hours: Summer: 6:30 AM-Dusk, Winter: 8 AM-Dusk
Cost: $11.50-$35
Blake Island
Once a private island steeped in history, Blake Island is now a 472-acre marine park with 5 miles of saltwater beach. What makes it such an amazing place to visit is the fact that it is accessible by private watercraft only. So hop on your boat, rent one, or head out with friends for either a day trip or a camping excursion.
Where: Blake Island, WA
Lime Kiln State Park
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Lime Kiln is worth visiting for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s considered one of the best whale-watching spots on Earth. Secondly, it has a beautiful 1919-vintage lighthouse that you’re sure to snap at least a few pictures of.
Where: 1567 Westside Road, Friday Harbor, WA
Cost: $11.50-$35
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Devil’s Punchbowl
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail along the Spruce Railroad Trail or the Lake Crescent Trail, whichever name you prefer. As you walk down the trail you’ll come along the Punchbowl, a small, protected cove of still and deep water. Go for an icy swim or enjoy the views from the footbridge that crosses the lake in front of the Punchbowl.
Where: Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park
Cost: $15-$30
Long Beach
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This beach matches its name as it’s home to the longest contiguous beach in the US! You can of course stroll the beach, check out the scenic boardwalk, and even enjoy an international kite festival that takes place each August. The options here are almost endless.
Where: Long Beach, WA
Big Huckleberry Mountain
Big Huckleberry Mountain might just be one of the most scenic hikes you try out this summer. The 11.5-mile roundtrip adventure takes you through wildflower meadows and also forests. What’s more, if you don’t want to deal with the seasonal busyness of Dog Mountain, this is a great alternative.
Where: Columbia River Gorge
Now if you want to get outdoors and enjoy our state’s natural beauty while also having fun, here are a few more active options for you to enjoy. Each can be done solo or with friends and family.
Vance Creek Railriders
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If you’re ready for an adventure, you can experience pedaling the historic Simpson Logging Company railroad on a unique 4-wheel vehicle. These vehicles have wheels like trains but are not linked like rail cars. Over the course of your two-hour pedal, you’ll get to see diverse trees, and foliage as well as recently logged forest parcels, ponds, and even low bridges over Goldsborough Creek.
Where: 421 W Hanks Lake Rd, Shelton, Washington
Hours: Rides available at 9 AM, 12 PM & 3 PM, Thursday-Monday
Cost: $34/Guest age 12 yrs, $22/Guest age 0-11
Head to a local U-pick spot
Washington is in prime U-pick season and that means you have all sorts of options for picking delicious berries, fruit, and vegetables. What’s more these u-pick farms are often located in scenic places or simply have great farm views and amenities.
Leavenworth Adventure Park
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Washington’s first alpine roller coaster opened earlier this summer at Leavenworth Adventure Park. It’s 2,700′ long with a vertical drop of 234 feet and three 360-degree spiral helix circles. You have the ability to use side brakes for a slow, scenic ride or you can release the brakes and cruise up to 27mph all while taking in the views of Tumwater Canyon, Icicle Ridge, the Wenatchee River Rapids, and the town of Leavenworth.
Where: 545 Junction Ln, Leavenworth, WA
Hours: Thursday-Monday 10 AM-6 PM
Cost: Single adult ride $19, Three ride pack $45
Goldendale Observatory
If your idea of natural beauty is the night sky then you need to visit Goldendale Observatory. The Observatory is home to one of the nation’s largest public telescopes and gives you a chance to look into our planet’s deep sky. What’s more, it’s free to visit the observatory, you just need to make a reservation online before you go.
Where: 1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale, WA
Hours: April 1st-September 30th: Thursday-Sunday, Solar Show: 3 PM-5 PM, Evening Show: 9 PM-Midnight, October 1st-March 31st: Friday-Sunday, Solar Show: 2 PM-4 PM, Evening Show: 7 PM-10 PM
Cost: Free
Enjoy the rest of the summer, Washington!
