Ah, Washington. The Evergreen State.





Washington is a treasure filled with unique experiences. Washington is a treasure filled with unique experiences. Everywhere you turn, each place feels like a Bob Ross painting. Mammoth waterfalls, massive mountains, and majestic forests are just the beginning.





If you’re ready to experience some of the best God offers in nature, check out these 10 unique experiences.

1. Dry Falls: Home of the Largest Waterfall





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Found in the heart of Washington State, Dry Falls is one of the most fascinating natural landscapes of North America. Dry Falls was once the largest waterfall known on earth. In fact, it’s estimated width was five times of Niagara Falls, and ten times the flow of all rivers in the world combined.





During the Ice Age, ice sheets dammed many rivers. Eventually, water in Lake Missoula rose high enough to float the ice dam, causing a flood in the Grand Coulee. Once the river returned to its normal course, it left the falls in this region dry.





Related: Interested in learning about the geology and history of Dry Falls? Then click here to check out our Geology Camp.





If you prefer the beauty of a “live” waterfall, then you’ll want to visit Snoqualmie Falls.

2. Snoqualmie Falls and the People of the Moon

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Situated in the town of Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall. The local Native Americans believe these falls are "the place where First Woman and First Man were created by Moon the Transformer." This is why Snoqualmie is the English translation of the Salish word for “moon”.





When the glaciers receded, a fertile plain opened near Snoqualmie Falls. As Native Americans soon discovered, there were plentiful edible foods found throughout the land. Deer and mountain goats were plentiful at that time too.





More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year, an experience you will not want to miss.

3. Mount Rainier, the Highest Mountain in Washington





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No trip to Washington State is complete without experiencing Mount Rainier. With a summit elevation of 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest mountain of Washington state.





Over time, Mount Rainier brought in droves of aspiring entrepreneurs. Mining, water development, and timber companies sprang up in the early years of the 1900s. Due to the absence of established regulations, many had limited success.





Because of its large amount of glacial ice, Mt. Rainier is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Still, an estimated 1.8 million to 2 million people visit this awe-inspiring location every year.

4. Second Beach: A Land of Constant Sun (Even in the Drizzling Rain)





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Stunning ocean views, towering sea stacks, and sightings of bald eagles are some of the reasons to visit Second Beach. Come in April or October, and you may be lucky to see a whale as they migrate through the region!





Due to ingenious raccoons, bears, and other wildlife, you must store all food and garbage in park-approved Bear Canisters. Rawr!

5. Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Biggest Wilderness in Washington

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Alpine Lakes Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Washington State. Here, you’ll find craggy peaks, deep glacial valleys, and granite walls dotting the landscape.





Notable mountains include Mount Stuart, the highest point in the wilderness at 9,415 feet, and Mount Daniel, the highest point in King and Kittitas counties at 7,960 feet.





With 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails, there’s much to explore and take in at this location.

6. Liberty Bell Mountain: A Climber’s Playground





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It’s hard for climbers driving over Highway 20 not to stop and drool. With a summit of 7,720 feet, Liberty Bell Mountain comes in a variety of climbs.





About a mile south of Washington Pass, Liberty Bell is the most northern spire of the Liberty Bell Group. With high-quality alpine climbing, granite faces, and difficult rock grooves, this mountain is a popular weekend climb.





There are 18 traditional climbing routes that traverse this mountain. Routes range on Liberty Bell from 5.6 class and grade II, to 5.12a class, and grade IV to V.

7. The Enchantments: The Birthplace of Fairy Tales





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One of the most spectacular locations along the Cascade Range, The Enchantments is a sight to behold. Herds of mountain goats wander these lush spires. As you soak in the surrounding, you’ll understand why early visitors gave this land fairytale-like names.





Due to the overwhelming popularity, visitors must get a permit when visiting from May 15 through October 31. See the USDA Forest Service site for more details.

8. Chirico Trail: Issaquah's Best Workout Off The Beaten Path





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Located near Issaquah, Washington, The Chirico Trail is a lovely spot to get away from everyday life.





A summit of West Tiger Mountain, you’ll find plenty of wildlife and waterfalls along this scenic hike. This popular site is also a common spot for paragliding and hang-gliding adventures.

9. Olympic National Park: Rugged Mountains, Lush Forests, and Calming Coastlines





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Wow! With nearly a million acres, what won’t you find in this wonderful wildlife wilderness? From icicle glaciers, temperate rain forests, and foggy sea stacks, this national park has it all.





Did you know there are three distinct ecosystems in this park? You’ll find mountains, coastline, and rainforests here, giving you plenty of variety.





There are 15 animals and 8 plants that uniquely live in the Olympic National Park. This includes the Olympic marmot, Olympic Mazama pocket gopher, and crescent trout.





10. Wallace Falls: A Rivendell-like Fantasy

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If you are looking for lush forests and stunning views without all the traffic, Wallace Falls is the place to go. This foret features 1,380 acres filled with wild waterfalls, lush lakes, and rushing rivers.





The three waterfalls each drop over 200 feet. Upper Wallace Falls drops 240 feet in five tiers, Wallace Falls drops 367 feet in three sections, and Lower Wallace Falls drops 212 feet in five tiers.





The park has twelve miles of hiking trails and five miles of biking trails to explore the land. You can also find a rock-climbing wall 8 miles east near Index.



Looking for a place to stay in Washington? Peniel Ranch offers affordable group rentals for groups in the Pacific Northwest. Click here to learn more.