The Insider Washington State Bucket List Every Adventurer Should Have in 2024

Want to know the must-have activities your Washington State Bucket List needs? These are the best things to do in Washington State from someone who was born & raised here.

Exploring Washington State as a visitor or a resident is thrilling. If you’re anything like me, you are planning as much as possible to make the most of your time and money. As someone who has lived in Washington my entire life, I am giving you my insider ideas to add to your Washington State Bucket List.

You are going to learn everything you can’t leave off of your Washington State Bucket List — from free things to do in Washington State, Washington summer bucket list ideas, Seattle bucket list ideas, and extreme things to do in Washington State.

After learning about my entire Washington State Bucket List you will be extra prepared to experience the wonders of Washington.

This post is all about the The Insider Washington State Bucket List Every Adventurer Should Have in 2022.

2023 Washington State Bucket List

1. Free things to do in Washington State

Since I am fresh out of college, I often opt for free activities. And honestly, I’m never disappointed. Outdoor recreation is incomparable here. And if you time your trips right, you can even access national and state parks without paying a penny.

• Go whale watching from the shore. The Puget Sound is a large inlet of salt and fresh water that skirts the San Juan Islands and major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. So, we have mammals like harbor seals, sea lions, and whales. Hands down, the top resource for tracking whale sightings is Orca Network’s Facebook page. Both by keeping an eye on posts and also by sheer luck, I’ve seen orcas and humpback whales. It will take your breath away! And at the very least, you will get fresh air and waterfront views. Pro tip: I highly recommend bringing binoculars. While whales can be visible even if they’re on the opposite side of the channel, they’re much easier to spot with a little help from technology.

• Adventure off-the-beaten path by dispersed camping. This type of camping does not have established campgrounds or facilities. Instead, you camp ruggedly in your vehicle or in a tent on designated lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Check out this list of areas that span mountains, rivers, and even islands. Before you go, read BLM’s guidelines for dispersed camping here.

• Explore one of our 140 scenic state parks on a Washington State Park Free Day. Our collection of year-round forested, waterfront, and undoubtedly beautiful state parks is a gem. You can hike, swim, bike, camp, and more. On the following popular days, I’d recommend visiting hidden gems like Griffiths-Priday State Park, Potlatch State Park, or Lincoln Rock State Park. Try searching by region here. All other times, entrance is $10/day or $30 for an annual Discover Pass. Discover Pass Free Days in 2022: January 1, January 17, March 9, March 19, April 22, June 11, June 12, June 19, September 24, October 10, November 11, November 25.

• Visit the iconic Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, or Mt. Rainier National Park on a Free Day. Constantly, travelers come from all over the world to see America’s National Parks. Washington’s are spectacular. They are teaming with wild plants and animals. Regularly, entrance is $30/day or $80 for an annual America The Beautiful Pass – valid at all national parks. National Park Fee Free Days in 2022: January 18, April 17, August 4, August 25, September 25, November 11. Please note that the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier can become very backed up on these days, so arrive early before 9am. Please note that the winter season impacts road access.

• Swing by Snoqualmie Falls. Feel the power of the raging 268 ft falls. Seriously, you may feel the spray of water if you visit on a stormy, heavy flow day. You can access the viewpoints without much walking or hike 1.4 miles down to get a lower angle. Afterwards, do little a shopping at the renowned restaurant and lodge at the top of the falls. Overall, Snoqualmie Falls is a quick stop that will stay with you forever.

2. Washington State Summer Bucket List

• Take a hike with in-your-face views of Mount Rainier. Naches Peak Loop Trail is one of my most loved trails because of how accessible it is. For instance, I’ve seen many families hiking here. You can expect to log 3.2 miles and 600 ft elevation. Keep an eye out for deer and mountain goats! Or, if you are looking for a slightly less trafficked trail with backpacking opportunities, try Summit Lake Trail. This easy-moderate trail is around 7 miles and gains about 1,500 ft elevation. You can learn all about it in my guide here.

• Road trip through Olympic National Park. Must-see spots include Hurricane Ridge (it offers mesmerizing mountain views), Ruby Beach, and the Hoh Rainforest. Summer is the prime time because Hurricane Ridge is snow-free and suitable for hiking and the coastal areas of the park are warmer and drier. I recommend dedicating 2-3 days.

{RELATED POST: Hike to the Ultimate Waterfall in Olympic National Park}

• Discover local wildlife at Northwest Trek. This conservation area gives you an opportunity to connect with wildlife that is native to Washington. In less than 1.5 hours drive from Seattle, you will meet eagles, owls, otters, black bears, and mountain lions. The most memorable part, however, is the guided tram ride that winds through the free-roaming area filled with bison, moose, mountain goats, and more while providing live commentary from your driver. Photographers, this is the perfect place to safely practice capturing animals on your camera!

• Immerse yourself in flowers. Native wildflowers of all colors liven up the landscape. In the South Sound, the best place to see purple lupine dancing in the breeze is Van Lierop Park. Check out my guide for visiting here. Or, if you want to see a variety of unbelievable native and non-native flowers, then Point Defiance Rose Garden is the spot. It’s best to visit between June and September, on weekdays, and in the mornings. Finally, you can’t talk about flowers without mentioning the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Every April, you can visit rainbow-colored fields of tulips, daffodils, and more. With the mountainous backdrop, the scene couldn’t be more beautiful.

• Visit an active volcano, Mount St. Helens. Less than 50 years ago this volcano erupted. As a result, it left a harsh, unmistakable crater, ash across the United States, and trees lodged into the ground. The most popular place to visit is Johnston Ridge Observatory. Here, you can see a free film about the history of the eruption. Its cinematic ending will leave you in awe. My favorite family-friendly day hike is the Hummocks Trail. You will log 2.3 miles with only 100ft elevation gain.

3. Seattle Bucket List

• See the entire city from 73 floors high. at the Sky View Observatory in Columbia Tower. It’s the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest and gives you stunning 360 degree views. You can also check out viewing platforms at the Space Needle or Smith Tower.

• Enjoy a sunset picnic at Discovery Park. Since it is ~2 mile hike down to the beach, I recommend checking out the lighthouse and beach first and then hiking back up while it is still light out. Then, take a seat on a bench or blanket atop the bluff. Once, we picked up food from local pizzeria Fat Zach’s Pizza and carried it out. It made for the perfect dinner and sunset show!

• Ride the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry. While you can get amazing views of the downtown skyline from Gas Works Park, Kerry Park, or Alki Beach there is none better than the one you’ll get from the water. As you slowly pull away from Seattle, the skyline “zooms out,” so to speak. Plus, riding the ferry is truly a signature Washington experience. But please, hold onto your hats! Once arriving in Bainbridge, there is a charming downtown that is walkable and offers delicious dining and small-town shopping.

• Shop Pike Place Market. Treat yourself to fresh flowers and steaming apple cider. They are guaranteed to brighten even the most gloomiest of Pacific Northwest days. This is likely the most photographed area of all of Seattle. Look for the original Starbucks Coffee, golden pigs, and nearby Gum Wall.

• Stroll through the University of Washington campus. As an alumni I may be biased, but this campus is stunning. And to be fair I saw many, many tourists checking it out during my studies here. From the famous cherry blossom-filled Quad to Suzallo Library’s Harry Potter-style reading room to Drumheller Fountain and its views of Mt Rainier, it’s worth spending a half-day here. For dining, I recommend the coffee shops and restaurants serving Asian cuisine on University Way (“The Ave”).

4. Extreme Things to Do in Washington State

• Go parasailing with Mt. Rainier views in Tacoma. While I used to think parasailing was reserved for tropical waters, it is mind-blowing in Puget Sound. From 600ft+ high, you get a birds-eye-view perspective. Plus, you can get some pretty epic photos with Mt. Rainier in the background. Growing up, my cousins and I parasailed here and in Maui — and honestly, it’s a tie. Adult rates start at $100. Observers start at $75.

• Ride mountain bikes at Duthie Hill. To get your adrenaline rushing, try mountain biking. It is a common hobby in the Pacific Northwest. One of the most common areas to ride is Duthie Hill. With trails of all difficulty, there’s something for beginners and advanced bikers alike. And it is a brief 30-minute drive from Seattle. Visiting from out of town? Rent a bike down the street at Progression Cycle. As a hiker who has tried mountain biking, I will admit that it can be more exciting to roll through the forests than to walk.

• Enjoy a scenic seaplane tour. Whether you prefer city views, volcano views, or island views a seaplane offers the ultimate Northwest experience. On the other hand, you can watch seaplanes landing at South Lake Union Park. Although I have not made it in the air yet, it’s on my list! Race you to it. A few of the most popular tours are hosted by Kenmore Air and Seattle Seaplanes.

• Soar through the Sky with Bellevue Zip Tour. What’s more awesome than a zip line within the second-largest city center in the state? Exploring high up in a Maple and Douglas Fir canopy, you will cross 7 lines and multiple suspension bridges. Last fall, I zip lined here for the first time ever. Shortly after, I bought tickets to bring my family back! Generally, the course is open from April through October. Tickets are $85 per adult.

For more information, see travel recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health here. And if you will be traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, see updates here.

This post was all about the essential things to have on your Washington State Bucket List in 2023.

How many of these have you checked off? Let me know in the comments below!

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