27 Amazing Things Still On Your Washington 2025 Bucket List
Washington state offers countless adventures waiting to be discovered.
From majestic mountain trails to charming small towns and breathtaking coastal views, the Evergreen State has something for everyone.
Let’s explore 27 must-see destinations and experiences to add to your Washington bucket list for 2025.
1. Colchuck Lake Trail
Lace up your hiking boots for one of Washington’s most rewarding day hikes. The stunning turquoise waters reflect surrounding peaks in a picture-perfect alpine setting.
Many adventurers use this trail as a gateway to the Enchantments, but Colchuck Lake itself deserves your full attention. The 8-mile round trip journey challenges and rewards in equal measure.
2. Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop
Perched high above the Methow Valley, this luxurious mountain retreat offers panoramic views that will take your breath away. The rustic-elegant accommodations blend perfectly with the natural surroundings.
Whether you visit during wildflower season or winter snowfall, each season transforms the landscape into something magical. Horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and stargazing are just a few activities to enjoy.
3. San Juan Island
Island life slows everything down to the perfect pace on this Pacific Northwest gem. Watching orcas breach offshore while picnicking at Lime Kiln Point State Park creates memories that last forever.
Rent a bicycle to explore Friday Harbor’s charming streets, filled with art galleries and seafood restaurants. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot foxes, eagles, and seals during leisurely exploration of this island paradise.
4. Mount Rainier Railroad in Autumn
Vintage railcars whisk passengers through tunnels of golden and crimson foliage during fall’s spectacular color show. The rhythmic clickety-clack creates a nostalgic soundtrack for your journey through time.
Mount Rainier provides a majestic backdrop as you travel through forests and over trestles. Steam billows dramatically overhead while you relax in comfort, experiencing the landscape as travelers did a century ago.
5. Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
Walking beneath vibrant glass sculptures feels like entering a fantastical underwater world. Artist Dale Chihuly’s imagination comes alive in this Seattle Center masterpiece that merges art with nature.
Sunlight streams through colorful installations, casting rainbow patterns across walls and floors. Evening visits offer a different magic as illuminated pieces glow against the night sky, with the Space Needle towering dramatically overhead.
6. Maryhill Stonehenge
Overlooking the Columbia River stands an unexpected sight – a full-scale replica of England’s famous Stonehenge. Built as a World War I memorial, this concrete monument creates striking silhouettes against dramatic gorge landscapes.
Sunrise and sunset transform the monument into a photographer’s dream. The combination of ancient design with panoramic river views creates a contemplative space unlike anywhere else in Washington.
7. Ancient Lakes Trail
Hidden within the Columbia Basin’s desert landscape lies a surprising oasis of waterfalls and lakes. Dramatic basalt cliffs create a striking contrast with green waters, especially beautiful during spring wildflower blooms.
Backpackers love the relatively flat terrain and numerous camping spots near pristine lakes. Wildlife sightings add excitement to the journey through this unexpected desert paradise in eastern Washington.
8. Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend
Maritime history comes alive each September as hundreds of wooden vessels gather in this Victorian seaport. Master craftsmen demonstrate traditional boatbuilding techniques while musicians create a festive atmosphere throughout the waterfront.
Sail aboard historic schooners during the festival for an unforgettable experience on Port Townsend Bay. Seafood vendors, maritime art, and nautical demonstrations make this event appealing even to landlubbers.
9. Beacon Rock
Rising 848 feet straight from the Columbia River, this massive monolith offers hikers a thrilling climb. Switchback trails with handrails wind up the rock face, delivering increasingly spectacular gorge views with each turn.
Once the core of an ancient volcano, Beacon Rock now stands as one of America’s largest monoliths. Lewis and Clark documented this natural landmark during their expedition, making it a piece of living history.
10. Artist Point in Winter
Snowshoe through a winter wonderland to reach this viewpoint showcasing Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan in their snow-covered glory. Crisp mountain air fills your lungs as panoramic alpine vistas unfold in every direction.
Adventurous photographers brave pre-dawn darkness to capture alpenglow painting the peaks pink and gold. The journey through deep snowfields makes arriving at this spectacular viewpoint even more rewarding.
11. Canlis in Seattle
Fine dining reaches artistic heights at this legendary Seattle restaurant perched above Lake Union. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sparkling city views while innovative Northwest cuisine delights even the most discerning palates.
Family-owned since 1950, Canlis combines mid-century architectural elegance with contemporary culinary creativity. Seasonal tasting menus showcase the Pacific Northwest’s finest ingredients in a setting that feels both special occasion and intimately welcoming.
12. Palouse to Cascades Rail Trail
Pedal through history on this remarkable 285-mile trail following a former railroad route across Washington. Crossing the spectacular Beverly Bridge rewards cyclists with breathtaking Columbia River views and access to the trail’s eastern sections.
Cool tunnels provide welcome relief during summer rides through diverse landscapes. From dense forests to open farmland and high desert, the changing scenery keeps multi-day journeys continuously fascinating.
13. Ross Lake
Kayaking across emerald waters surrounded by jagged mountain peaks creates an otherworldly experience in North Cascades National Park. Remote floating cabins offer unique overnight accommodations for those willing to paddle to reach them.
Motorized boats are limited, preserving the tranquil atmosphere of this 23-mile-long alpine lake. Wildlife sightings, including eagles and bears, add excitement to explorations of hidden coves and inlets.
14. Ellensburg
Cowboy culture meets college town vibrancy in this central Washington gem. Historic brick buildings house quirky shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
Rodeo fans flock to the famous Labor Day weekend Ellensburg Rodeo. Year-round, visitors enjoy the combination of western heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural offerings from Central Washington University.
15. The Pink Door in Seattle
Finding the unmarked entrance to this Pike Place Market institution begins your journey into culinary theater. Trapeze artists swing overhead while diners enjoy Italian cuisine in a whimsical, pink-hued setting.
Second-floor balcony tables provide perfect people-watching over Post Alley. Evening cabaret performances add extra sparkle to an already magical dining experience that has delighted Seattle visitors for decades.
16. Leavenworth’s Village of Lights: Christmastown
Millions of twinkling lights transform this Bavarian-themed village into a winter wonderland during December weekends. Alpine buildings dusted with snow create a storybook setting straight from a European Christmas market.
Roasted chestnuts, glühwein, and carolers complete the festive atmosphere. Bundle up for horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered meadows after exploring shops filled with handcrafted ornaments and holiday treasures.
17. King Tides
Nature puts on a dramatic show during winter’s highest tides along Washington’s coastline. Massive waves crash against shoreline rocks, sending spectacular spray high into the air at viewing spots like Westport and Ocean Shores.
Storm watchers bundle up against wind and rain to witness nature’s raw power. The combination of king tides with winter storms creates a thrilling display of oceanic force that reminds visitors of the Pacific’s untamed character.
18. International Selkirk Loop (WA portion)
Road trip enthusiasts find paradise on Washington’s section of this scenic byway circling the Selkirk Mountains. Winding along rivers and through small towns, the route showcases northeastern Washington’s untamed beauty and pioneer heritage.
Metalline Falls offers a perfect lunch stop with views of Box Canyon’s dramatic limestone walls. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with possibilities including moose, elk, and even woodland caribou in this remote corner of the state.
19. The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle
Rock history permeates this iconic waterfront hotel where The Beatles once famously fished from their room window. Rooms built directly over Elliott Bay create the sensation of floating on water while enjoying Seattle skyline views.
Fireplace suites combine rustic Northwest elegance with maritime atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant serves excellent seafood with floor-to-ceiling windows framing ferries and Olympic Mountains across the sound.
20. Forest of Shadows in Seattle
Mystery awaits in this interactive theater experience hidden within Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. Participants become characters in an unfolding supernatural narrative that blends Pacific Northwest folklore with immersive storytelling.
Artistic lighting transforms ordinary spaces into ethereal forests and shadowy realms. Unlike traditional theater, audience members actively shape the evening’s story through their choices, creating a unique adventure each night.
21. Fox Haven on the River in Baring
Glamping reaches new heights at this luxury riverfront retreat nestled against Mount Baring. Safari-style canvas tents with proper beds and furnishings offer wilderness immersion without sacrificing comfort.
Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Skykomish River rushing past your doorstep. Morning coffee on private decks provides opportunities to spot eagles fishing while mountain peaks emerge from morning mist just beyond the riverbank.
22. Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup
Raise your stein at Washington’s largest celebration of Bavarian culture each October. Live polka bands energize crowds while traditional dancers showcase authentic folk performances between rounds of beer and pretzels.
Wiener dog races draw cheering spectators to watch adorable dachshunds sprint for glory. Hammerschlagen contests test coordination as participants attempt to drive nails into stumps while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
23. Bear Creek Treehouse in Sultan
Childhood dreams come alive in this luxury treehouse perched 20 feet above a babbling creek. Handcrafted woodwork and stained glass windows create a magical atmosphere among the branches of old-growth forest.
A spiral staircase leads to your elevated hideaway complete with modern amenities. Soak in the outdoor hot tub surrounded by forest sounds or warm up by the fireplace after exploring nearby hiking trails.
24. Diablo Lake Overlook
Gasps of amazement escape involuntarily when visitors first glimpse the otherworldly turquoise waters of Diablo Lake. Glacial flour suspended in the water creates this surreal color against a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks.
Photographers line the viewpoint railing during golden hour to capture perfect reflections. Learning about the hydroelectric project that created this lake adds fascinating engineering context to the natural beauty.
25. Deception Pass Bridge
Vertigo might strike as you walk across this engineering marvel spanning the churning waters between Fidalgo and Whidbey islands. Powerful tidal currents create whirlpools and standing waves 180 feet below the narrow walkway.
Sunset transforms the 1935 structure into a photographer’s dream silhouetted against colorful skies. Nearby hiking trails offer additional vantage points to appreciate the bridge’s graceful arches from different angles.
26. Cape Flattery
Standing at the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States delivers a profound sense of reaching the edge of the world. Wooden boardwalks wind through mossy forest to viewing platforms perched atop dramatic sea cliffs.
Crashing waves have carved sea caves and rock formations visible from overlooks. Managed by the Makah Tribe, this special place offers cultural context alongside natural beauty at the corner where Pacific Ocean meets Strait of Juan de Fuca.
27. La Push Beaches
Misty mornings reveal sea stacks rising like sentinels from the Pacific Ocean along these wild Olympic Peninsula beaches. Driftwood logs larger than cars create natural seating for watching spectacular sunsets paint the horizon.
First, Second, and Third beaches each offer distinctive character and varying levels of seclusion. Tidepools reveal colorful sea stars and anemones while bald eagles soar overhead in this magical coastal wilderness.
