Scenic Washington...unusual places?

[profnot]

Deception Pass is stunning.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception_Pass

[Talesin]

Originally Posted by profnot

Deception Pass is stunning.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception_Pass

The wife and I went through there this fall. I completely agree. It's a beautiful place. I want to get a boat and explore along the coastline in that area.

[Ira500]

You want an unusual place? Soap Lake, Washington. A highly mineralized lake with a high saline content, and a purportedly healing black mud from the bottom of the lake. The place has been discovered by eastern Europeans, who see Soap Lake as akin to parts of the Black Sea. It's fun to swim in. You float.

[PS90]

Washington Pass



Or pretty much anywhere else on the North Cascades Highway.

[bartonizer]

That's a really cool view of Washington Pass and Liberty Bell. My wife and I got married at the overlook; it will always be a special place to us!

[mishigas73]

Speaking of the North Cascades Highway-- obviously the pass is closed this time of year, but the bald eagles are definitely out and about in the Rockport and Marblemount area.

My partner and I took advantage of the lack of rain this past Saturday and took a drive up there. Although it's a bit early, historically, for them to be out in any great numbers, apparently eagles don't have calendars.

Most definitely worth the trip.

[PanapolicRiddle]

What do you mean by unusual? Less known? Unique geography/topography?

As far as beautiful places that are less visited, others have mention the Blue Mountains in the far SE corner of the state. It's a long, but worthy drive if you want to escape the crowds. The Salmo-Priest wilderness in the far NE corner of the state is also a beautiful, remote, less-visited area. While both are worthy destinations April-Oct, they are probably best in late summer/early fall, especially the Blues which can get really hot July-August.

[Talesin]

Unusual as in - "where most people don't go/know about."

Let me give an example from CA - Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley is breathtaking and the focus of every photo you've ever seen of the place in a tourist-trap market, but some of the most amazing views are found back in the recesses of the park where very few people even realize exist.
Tuolomne (sp?) Meadows and Waterwheel falls are two immediate examples. The hike along John Muir trail is amazing, and most tourists never make it past Vernal Falls (the first scenic stop).

I strongly suspect Washington State has even more places like this that make CA pale in comparison.
It's simply a gorgeous State.

[Diana Holbrook]

Even after all these years, Mt St Helens continues to be a fascinating place. The devastation is still very visible, but so is the natural recovery of the land. The visitor center at Johnston Ridge is great.

Make sure though, that it's a CLEAR day before going. There is a webcam where you can see if the mountain is "out". Go in summer, it's high enough, and windy enough at the top that it's a nice cool relief, usually, in midsummer.