Ive spent years photographing the city and these are my favorite places that I would recommend to anyone who wants to get some killer early morning shots of the city. The park has more than 700 glacial lakes, 131 of which are named. The sky bursts with pinks, oranges, reds and lavenders. Facebook For more information on Goat Rocks Wilderness, visit this, With the number of mountains throughout the state, overlooks are found everywhere. 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. And the reflection in the lakes of the trees, mountains, and setting sun are so worth that long drive up the side of the mountains. Take plenty of time to stop enjoy the scenery - it's incredible. This challenging yet rewarding hike is known for the brilliant gold colors of western larches. These are some of the best hikes in Washington for seeing the beautiful sunset. Theres a sign at the top that shows what landmarks are in different directions. When you get a beautiful sunrise, man, theres nothing better. Its a perfect location for an iconic Washington photo for minimal effort. Heres everything you need to know before you go. Learn how your comment data is processed. And there you are, sitting on top of a mountain, admiring the miles of views, listening to the peaceful sound of birds chirping. Source. This image was taken a little bit after the sun had risen from behind the memorial. 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. To the left of the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. While the larches here turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, we recommend visiting this trail in the summer to avoid full parking lots and congestion. Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach. Tacoma never looked so heavenly at dawn. There is no dearth of beautiful scenery to indulge in as you complete hikes around the state. If youre looking to do hiking in higher elevations (in most of the mountain ranges), youll need to wait until it warms up. This hike is a thrill for backpackers and day hikers alike. Photo by trip reporter WonderSmash. The beauty found in Washington state is seemingly endless as are the number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery. What are some scenic hikes in Washington? This charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic National Forest. One of the first places youll pass is a lake called Picture Lake. There are several hammock poles positioned at the very tippy-top of the lookout and are undoubtedly the best views. Cross the street towards a little trail that leads you around a little turn in the path and you will see the Carillon. Here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day: 1. Air circulation is quicker in fall and winter, clearing out the dust and haze in the atmosphere for more brightly colored sunrises and sunsets. Weve created a guide to Cape Disappointment to some secret coves, trails, and directions of how to reach the lighthouse! This post may contain affiliate links. But if youre looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline. All are so unique and fun to photograph spread all along the 2.1 mile loop around the basin. There are SO many incredible places in Washington if we included every destination this blog post would be a mile long. I love this spot to just sit on the edge of the pool and watch the sun rise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Weve got an entire guide on what to expect at Scenic Hot Springs, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself! Kelly Butte Fire Lookout. This challenging yet rewarding hike is known for the brilliant gold colors of western larches. Even in the summertime, there is snow on the ground, so bring a good jacket. Here are a few tips for enjoying a cozy, colorful view near Seattle: Be a sleuth. Spend 30 minutes walking around the area its incredibly beautiful on a clear day! Snap DC: Your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on Amazon. If you are heading out on an Olympic Peninsula road trip, Lake Crescent is a likely stop at the beginning of your journey. The Seattle Astronomical Society even recommends this spot. The Lookout: For a truly perfect morning I recommend bringing up some instant coffee & hammocks. Here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day: And dont forget at the end of the day, you can admire some lovely sunsets here in Washington as well! 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. Keep clicking for seven of the state's top natural swim spots. With the number of mountains throughout the state, overlooks are found everywhere. This is a popular sunrise hike in Washington because it isnt too hard and still delivers on the views. Less than an hour's drive outside of Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park, which is focused on the towering peak of Mount Rainier itself, the highest mountain in Washington. [wp_my_instagram username="themandagies" limit="6" layout="6" size="large" link=""], the perfect road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, our favorite places to see on the Olympic Peninsula, 34 Impressive and Fun Facts About Washington State. Pretty awesome! Its easily one of the best photo spots in Washington state! Distance: 3.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 900 feetEstimated Time: 2 hoursLocation: Olympic National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. Read this post to pack your road trip essentials! Photo by trip reporter neverstophiking. For the most part they are not allowed. Sunrise is early here since youre sitting on the highest peaks around. 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. Silver Star Mountain is a lot less busy than the other trails on this list, so you may get the chance to enjoy it in solitude. This place not only has pristine water and beautiful views from the Storm King and Fairholme docks, but you can also hike up Mt. There are plenty of trails to choose from across the park. Horseshoe Basin. 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. Warm Clothing: Its typically colder in the dark, so pack an extra layer. Windproof Jacket: Peaks and viewpoints tend to be windy. 7) Beacon Rock State Park: The 848-foot high basalt volcanic plug was stopover point for Lewis & Clark in 1805. If youre ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that youve ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. 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. Sunrise and sunset hikes are a wonderful way to greet the day or night. Open Since 1906 Cle Elum Bakery Has Been Serving Bread And Pastries In Washington Longer Than Any Other Bakery, Countless Celebrities Have Loved This Iconic Washington Nightclub For Decades, Here Are The 8 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In Washington, According To Our Readers, The Afternoon Tea At This British-Themed Brunch Spot In Washington Will Transport Your Taste Buds Across The Pond, The Adults-Only Resort In Washington Where You Can Enjoy Some Much-Needed Peace And Quiet, The Southern Restaurant With Some Of The Best Home-Cooked Food In Washington, This Washington Flea Market Covers Huge Ground With Up To 600 Vendors On-Site, Few People Know About This Washington Valley Covered In Lavender. Where can I find scenic overlooks in Washington? 8. What To Expect On A Sunrise Hike At Palouse Falls, 10 Awe-Inspiring Things To Do In Redwood National Park, 23 Incredible Things To Do In Boise, Idaho (For Outdoor Lovers). Or you can hike Grove of the Patriarchs Trail in Packwood, Washington. If you decide to plan a memorable adventure anywhere in the state, here are 15 places with the best views in Washington that you should add to your itinerary: 1. They can be accessed via a 20-foot staircase into the opening where the temperature drops to 32 degrees. 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. A peaceful scene photographed near the summit of Mt. This image was captured with my 70-200mm. > Plan your visit to Gothic Basin using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Snoqualmie Region Snoqualmie PassLength: 12.0miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,600 feetHighest Point: 5,400 feetBest Season:Late July - September. Sunrise from Netherlands Carillon with a 300mm lens. This hunk of rock in Banks Lake is a distinct example of massive Ice Age floods 15,000 years ago. If you visit during the right season, watch for huckleberries alongside the trail on your way back to the trailhead! Scenic Hot Springs is a hidden gem of Washington state. Top 5 Bike Rentals in Seattle: Explore the Emerald City on Two Wheels, Wedding in Seattle: 5 Best Venues and 4 Awesome Tips for a Stunning Wedding, Scuba Diving in Seattle: 8 Best Dive Spots and 6 Diving Schools in Seattle, Plan your trip with experts and get best offers. You May Not Know: 34 Impressive and Fun Facts About Washington State. 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. ), Luckily, there are camping spots nearby check them out here. Weve got a guide for that too! Read More: 5 Essential Things You Need For The Washington Coast. At sunrise youre more likely to get images with no one in them while at sunset its nearly impossible. Park Butte Lookout, FS road 13, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA. 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. This historic Stonehenge was inspired by the original one in England and built as a memorial for the soldiers of the local area who fought in WWII. Go any time of day in any sort of weather. > Plan your visit to to Mount Angeles using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Mount Rainier Area SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens CanyonLength:3.2 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 600 feetHighest Point: 5,849 feetBest Season: Late June - October. Plus there is this overwhelming feeling of peace and calm in a city thats usually hustling and bustling during the day. In autumn, the changing of the seasons brings Roosevelt elk to the area. This includes the waterfall, walking along the rivers edge, a bridge crossing, and meandering under a canopy of trees. I love photographing the US Capitol with my wide angle lens. There are many great hikes that you can do any time of year in the state of Washington, but there are also many that need to be timed properly. We highly suggest visiting Mount St. Helens during the late spring early summer, because this is when the wildflowers are in bloom! Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers campsites, wildflower-filled alpine meadows, rushing waterfalls, and a stunning variety of mushroom species. Head to Iwo Jima (US Marine Corps War Memorial) for sunrise and you wont be disappointed. The last time I spoke to a Capitol Policeman about it, he said they are allowed. This is a way to moderate trail, about 5.5 miles round trip. The Hoh Rainforest is easily one of the most well-known photography spots in Washington state. There was a time where you would have been able to climb to the top, but it has been closed off for years. If youre yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, These 9 Nature Hikes Will Make You Fall Even More In Love With Washington, 9 Low-Key Hikes In Washington With Amazing Payoffs, The Beautiful Tiger Mountain In Washington Has A Mouthwatering Drive-In Right By The Trails, The Little-Known Beach In Washington You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 1.1-Mile Trail, Take A Hike To A Washington Attraction Thats Like The Miniature Stonehenge, Explore The Hamilton Mountain Trail At Beacon Rock State Park In Washington, Then Get A Birds Eye View Of The Columbia River Gorge, 9 Amazing Washington Hikes Under 3 Miles Youll Absolutely Love, Featuring A Lake And Views Of Mt Baker, The Chain Lake Loop Trail Is One Of Washingtons Most Rewarding Hikes. 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). We never post anything without your permission. Louisa Boren Park. From this viewpoint, you can see the Space Needle, much of downtown, and the water. Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers campsites, wildflower-filled alpine meadows, rushing waterfalls, and a stunning variety of mushroom species. He put the time lapses together using After Effects, and sped and slowed the movement to sync with the music. Near Ranier National Park along the ridge of the Sawtooth Mountains. 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. 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. Lodging Nearby: Just 30 minutes from Picture Lake is the Mt. The Kettle Crest is a high-country route stretching 44-miles alongsome of the most glorious areas of northeastern Washington. Distance: 0.4 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 10 feetEstimated Time: 10 minutesLocation: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National ForestPass Required: Northwest Forest. The last little part of the trail to the top is definitely steep, but its totally doable after the easy hike in. 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Share them with us on our Facebook page! by John Cook on August 18, 2012 at 10:19 pmDecember 15, 2014 at 8:04 pm, Geek Life: Fun stories, memes, humor and other random items at the intersection of tech, science, business and culture. A backpacking favorite where you can spend a dayor a weekexploring the wonders of this alpine landscape. Hiking at these different times of day mixes up your hiking routine and creates memories with friends and family. Food of Seattle: 15 Dishes of Seattle that You Must Try! A peek out to the Pacific Ocean. Mount Rainier National Park is hands down one of the best places to photograph in Washington state. It is less than 100 ft away and gives you a similar view than the reflecting pool but at a more elevated perspective. This trail is a classic Gorge-area hike. A flashlight or headlamp will help you hike safely in fading light. The Palouse River charges over the rocky precipice and plummets 198 feet to the waiting, round salt-rock canyon. 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