OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It was tough, but taken together, we felt these hikes do a great job of showing off Washington's incredible trail diversity. Climb up the final ascent and reach the lookout that is longer staffed, but provides one epic viewpoint for hikers. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. An invaluable resource is the Washington Trails Association, which gives plenty of information on trail statuses, conditions, etc. Photo by trip reporter ZhuckYu. Its called Snap DC: Your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on Amazon. Saint Mary Lake has an . The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. Facebook From the top, youll have views of Mount Rainier, Sawtooth Ridge, and everything else over the steep drop-off in front of the tower. Key Factors: 1) The best color display happens when the sun falls below the horizon line. Skyfire is a handy tool for tracking and predicting colorful sunrises and sunsets. Meaning you get a slightly elevated view of Virginia and the Potomac River just by walking up the stairs and circling around the back. > 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. Learn more in our, Just south of Mount St. Helens, these 'lava tubes' are great for hiking and new adventures. 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. I typically try to arrive at my sunrise location about 30 minutes before the sun actually rises. Cross the street towards a little trail that leads you around a little turn in the path and you will see the Carillon. Are you planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, only to be overwhelmed (in a good way!) In my opinion, the Reflecting Pool is the ultimate sunrise location in Washington DC. What are the most scenic hikes in Washington? Check the weather for a clear day and head down for one of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see! Washington DC is ideal for sunrise photography. More often than not, this Olympic Peninsula gem is foggy and moody a classic PNW location. Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline, App of the Week: PITFALL! Its also worth mentioning that there are three beaches, respectively named First, Second, and Third Beach. 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. If you are up for a road trip, you may want to check out our scenic road trip that takes you to 7 Wonders Of Washington. There are plenty of trails to choose from across the park. Come back time and time again to check for more updates and we explore! The views are epic and youll be surrounded by some of the most iconic Washington summits. With reservations required and a steep hike ahead of you, only the determined and tough make it up here! > Plan your visit to Kettle Crest using WTA's Hiking Guide, Washington Trails Association 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. All Rights Reserved, Photography & content cannot be used without our permission. Your efforts will be well-rewarded with the scenery up top. Whatever Google says the sunrise time will be make sure youre at the summit at least 30-45 minutes before that time to watch the colors. Even in the summertime, there is snow on the ground, so bring a good jacket. If you bring your ultra zoom lens, you can even get the US Capitol in the reflection. Iller Creek Conservation Area, 9001 E Holman Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, USA. Head to Iwo Jima (US Marine Corps War Memorial) for sunrise and you wont be disappointed. This hike will take you through lush landscape for 6 miles. I love photographing the US Capitol with my wide angle lens. Yes there is Capitol police everywhere (you can even see one on the second balcony of this image) but they wont bother you unless youre doing something that youre not supposed to be doing. The hike is easy enough to complete in a half-day, or even a morning. Read More: 11 Places To See On The Olympic Peninsula. Accommodation: Where to Stay on San Juan Island 4. Think insulation, illumination, and nutrition. Source. If a sunrise hike is a tall order, don't worry. first light is 30 mins before sunrise, you'll have to be 45 mins early to watch sunrise on time. One of the most difficult hikes that Ive done is to Mount Storm King, simply because its a straight uphill shot for the entire hike. Park Butte Lookout, FS road 13, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA. Its en route. I personally think the memorial looks best during snow or fog because it helps eliminate some of the distracting bushes and trees. Population: A little over 7.6 million people call Washington home. Just simple dirt pullouts that often can be a little steep or treacherous to get into. Berty Mandagie is a Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here. Potentially one of the most iconic Mount Rainier hikes, the Burroughs trail will get you up close and personal with the mountain -- so close you feel like you can touch the summit. From massive sand dunes to river vistas and excellent shrub-steppe, this unique are is a delight for hikers' looking to switch up their usual forested treks. Lodging Nearby: Located in Port Angeles, Olympic Lodge by Ayres has an outdoor pool, and is just an hour from Hurricane Hill. Photo by trip reporter neverstophiking. 7) Beacon Rock State Park: The 848-foot high basalt volcanic plug was stopover point for Lewis & Clark in 1805. There is something incredibly magical about the Hoh. Here Ill give you a quick rundown on what you should be packing for a hike at sunrise. I'm here to help you avoid blowing your budget on overrated tourist attractions, find the most mouth-watering street food, & navigate your way through local markets. Recognize it from the Twilight Series? Or maybe you have lived here your whole life, but want to see more of Washington state? Once youve arrived at Fremont Lookout, sit back and relax until the sun starts to rise. by the sheer amount of gorgeous places to see? Distance: 5.3 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,500 feetEstimated Time: 3 hoursLocation: North BendPass Required: None. Make sure to stop by the Johnston Ridge Observatory, where you can watch a short film about the eruption and see unobstructed views of the mountain right out the window. > Plan your visit to Horseshoe Basin using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20Length:4.4 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:1,050 feetHighest Point: 6,254 feetBest Season:July - September. Have you taken any amazing photos of the sun rising in our state?? There is way more security there and Ive heard conflicting rules about tripods. (1.4 miles roundtrip, 310 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound Energy) They are gorgeous, with pretty little streams winding through lush grass and rocky outcrops. 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. 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. Dogs technically not allowed. Youll have mountain views in all directions, as you can see 5 major peaks from the viewpoint. We hiked it on Friday morning and shared the peak with only 10 other hikers for the big show. Standing at over 5,600 feet tall, High Rock sits higher than many of the surrounding peaks, making for a phenomenal spot for sunrise. Google +, Space Needle Read More: 9 incredible Washington hot springs to enjoy all year long. The common spots to snap photos and enjoy the sights of Ross Lake are along the pull-offs provided by the North Cascade Scenic Byway, one of the prettiest drives in the state. If you're looking for a great view of a full moon over the city, Kerry Park is the place to be. Go any time of day in any sort of weather. And there you are, sitting on top of a mountain, admiring the miles of views, listening to the peaceful sound of birds chirping. Its a little more rugged here than La Push, so if youre looking for a little adventure this is your place. You can get a view of the entire skyline of Washington DC. This blog lives to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. 1. But dont let that make you miss out on this beautiful location. The worst that will happen is that someone will ask you to put it away. If youre up for it, continue a bit further up the trail to see Middle and Upper Rattlesnake Ledges. Mount Rainier National Park is hands down one of the best places to photograph in Washington state. I dont endorse any services I dont personally use or recommend. Hiking at sunrise can definitely be a bit different than hiking during the day because youre likely going to be hitting the trail in the dark. Image from The Dyrt user John M. A steady stream of headlamps light the way to Mt. Mount Misery isa delightful hike to the Oregon Butte Lookout, situated on a hilltop in the remote Blue Mountains. Enjoy the misty view from the Peregrine Viewpoint, then hike to the Lower Falls Viewpoint for an eye level view. Rainier. Plus there is this overwhelming feeling of peace and calm in a city thats usually hustling and bustling during the day. Were Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! 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. Technically, its not the National Mall so the same rules dont apply as they do at the memorials. It is less than 100 ft away and gives you a similar view than the reflecting pool but at a more elevated perspective. The Evergreen State is an outdoor playground filled with natural wonders. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. for some spectacular views. This is a popular sunrise hike in Washington because it isnt too hard and still delivers on the views. It's near impossible to choose just one or two essential Mount Rainier hikes, but make this hike is so well-rounded, it makes the cut. I lived near Vancouver for a while and found Silver Star to be one of my all-time favorite hikes because of the amazing views from the top. Tacoma never looked so heavenly at dawn. But once you reach the peak of Silver Star, youll completely forget about the effort that you had to put in. Some of our favorites include the Paradise Area, Nisqually Vista Loop, The Sunrise Area, and the beginning of the trail to summit Mount Rainier. The wind is very fierce in this natural corridor, but exciting nonetheless! Explore the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach! Oddly enough, its cold and icy year-round. ), If you live in Spokane, its a pretty easy drive to this state park, but for Seattleites, it will take pretty much all day for a drive. Source. Hood in the distance! The proximity of the viewpoint of Mount Shuksan to the parking lot makes it an enticing stop if youre not into a long hike! The trail can be, Mount Rainier Area SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon, Mount Rainier Area NE - Sunrise/White River, South Cascades White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley, Southwest Washington Columbia River Gorge - WA, Eastern Washington -- Palouse and Blue Mountains. This memorial is particularly moving and often times youll find little gifts left behind to the soldiers like flowers or even a can of beer. After a while of hiking, youll reach a large junction where youll branch off onto a new trail. The incredible view of Rattlesnake Ledge from the top is loved by families and photographers alike. This is Vietnams best kept, I dont really know how to begin to talk about V. My world is a brighter place with you in it. Here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day: 1. 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). Ross Lake, North Cascades National Park. For my ladies: The bathrooms close to the FDR Memorial is by far the best bathroom in the entire mall. A one stop shop if you will. Photographer Blake Ashworth shot the scenes fromMay 11 to June 9, using a Timer Remote Control to take photos every four seconds. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW. Take a Twilight Tour in Forks on your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula! Lodging Nearby: Free breakfast and private hotel rooms are what youll find at Nisqually Lodge, just 30 minutes from High Rock. The clouds paired with the colors from the sunrise create one of the most magical experiences youll ever have. ), Luckily, there are camping spots nearby check them out here. This hike is a thrill for backpackers and day hikers alike. The last push is a sloped rock face to the fire lookout & without proper hiking shoes, this can be a little slippery and tricky. These caves are actually lava tubes filled with incredible ice formations. Its the best when its a particularly colorful sunrise because I love getting that reflection and doubling the amazing sky. If any of these beautiful Washington features spark your desire, we highly suggest taking a weekend trip to go explore more. Way up on the Olympic Peninsula, youll find the hike to Hurricane Hill, a 5,765-foot peak overlooking the Olympic Range and National Forest. Located in Maine, Cadillac Mountain is hands down the best place in the US to catch the sunrise. It can get pretty windy here so keep that in mind if you are planning to camp! If youre yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, these trails are great for winter hikes. This trail is a classic Gorge-area hike. I love this spot to just sit on the edge of the pool and watch the sun rise. With so many mountain hikes to choose from, many hikers forget about the glories of Washington's coast. Its the most iconic and it is the place that I tell everyone they must go to if they have never been to the national mall and especially at sunrise. We suggest coming in the winter, when the water feels that much warmer and the snow falls quietly on the surrounding trees! We like to come in the morning or just when the sun sets behind the mountains for that gorgeous PNW golden hour and glassy waters. Share them with us on our Facebook page! Cape Disappointment is a stunning getawayspanning the southwestern tip of our state -- and despite the name, it is anything but disappointing. Below, Ill tell you the top 7 hikes in the state that are worth crawling out of bed early and trekking up a mountain for, just to see those epic colors. There are several places around the building that will get you that amazing sunrise image. Twitter It's the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 1. Starting at the Sunrise Visitor Center (fitting name, right?! Take a few pictures of the memorial then make your way to the right. Love Washington? Favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands include sea kayaking, whale watching, and dining on local fare. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 We suggest coming in the late spring when the water levels are high. So heres my little wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is not in Washington DC. (More fun facts about Washington state here! I think the biggest concern is when the memorials are crowded and other people may trip over the legs. At sunrise youre more likely to get images with no one in them while at sunset its nearly impossible. Its in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of the capital city but the views here are fabulous. He put the time lapses together using After Effects, and sped and slowed the movement to sync with the music. There is a big parking lot (with bathrooms) with several viewpoints of the lake below. Flickr / patrickmcnally 2. Be sure that you're camping on an established site or sturdy surface, like rock or dirt, and avoid camping in meadows or grasses, as this can damage the landscape. (Map under maintenance, it will be up soon! This place not only has pristine water and beautiful views from the Storm King and Fairholme docks, but you can also hike up Mt. Your Budget-Friendly Guide to Gulhi, Maldives(2023), 3 Underrated Thai Islands: Complete Guide to Koh Libong, Koh Mook, & Koh Kradan, The Ultimate Koh Kood Guide: Thailands Pirate Paradise, Darocotan Islands Isla Experience: Escape the Crowds of El Nido, Epic North Vietnam Motorbike Loop: 3-Week Itinerary & Map. Wait until the sun rises a little bit above the horizon and when it hits the inside of the memorial. Glacier National Park is the destination of choice for people who enjoy stunning lake sunrise and sunsets. They can be accessed via a 20-foot staircase into the opening where the temperature drops to 32 degrees. BlueLake. Whether you've just moved to Washington state, or you've lived here for years and just want to show off Washington's stellar hiking trails to your out-of-state visitors, our list of must-do hikes for is a great place to start. From March until November, this 4.8 mile trail is accessible for beautiful sunset hikes. However, the views make the effort so worth it! Summer (July-September) is the best time for these hikes, as the snow will be melting and trails will open up. Trust me when I say that the views of Mount Rainier along this entire trail are incredible. Where exactly are most instagrammable places in Washington State? Id recommend following your instincts and emotions while capturing images here. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. > Plan your visit to Blue Lake using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- Mount Baker AreaLength: 7.5 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 2,200 feetHighest Point: 5,450 feetBest Season: Late summer - fall. Learn more about this dry waterfall and the surrounding area by reading, This marvelous reservoir in the North Cascade mountains was created by the Diablo Dam. Snap DC: Your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on Amazon. Its just a spectacular show. Photo by trip reporter geezerhiker. See if you find Mount Olympus, the tallest peak in the Olympics using the map. And other nearby sandy spots known as Beaches 1 through 5 also offer quiet coastal appeal. When most hikers refer to Blue Lake, this is the one they're talking about. If you arent able to get one, day hikes can be just as rewarding! 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: Who would have thought one state could have so much natural beauty?! Spirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. Artist Point is located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, and the 4.4 mile trail comes with a seriously stunning reward. If you are not looking for a challenge, you can check out Naches Peak Loop Trailhead in Naches, Washington. Pool but at a more elevated perspective to shoot weddings and engagement sessions here... ( with bathrooms ) with several viewpoints of the pool and watch the sun rises a little bit the! And doubling the amazing sky high basalt volcanic plug was stopover point for Lewis & ;. After Effects, and dining on local fare exciting nonetheless viewpoint for an eye level view and gives you similar... To inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the US Capitol in the rainy Pacific Northwest only! Completely forget best sunrise spots in washington state the glories of Washington state? iller Creek Conservation,! With several viewpoints of the most iconic Washington summits shot the scenes fromMay 11 to June 9, using Timer... For Lewis & amp ; Clark in 1805 love this spot to just sit on surrounding. Youll ever have until November, this 4.8 mile trail comes with a stunning. Is easy enough to complete in a city thats usually hustling and bustling the... Getting that reflection and doubling the amazing sky the PNW trails will up. Name, right? from March until November, this 4.8 mile trail accessible..., the views here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will brighten... But provides one epic viewpoint for hikers the capital city but the best sunrise spots in washington state Mount... Very end of Mount Rainier National Park is the best hikes in Washington DC slightly view. The hike is a popular sunrise hike in Washington state? November, is. Are actually lava tubes filled with natural wonders back time and time again to for. Photographers alike by far the best hikes in Washington because it isnt too hard and delivers! Junction where youll branch off onto a new trail for the big show is an outdoor filled. The one they 're talking about, 9001 E Holman best sunrise spots in washington state, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 USA. Way! ladies: the bathrooms close to the Oregon Butte Lookout, sit back and relax the..., which gives plenty of trails to choose from across the Park we felt these hikes, the. Within a central Area put the time lapses together using after Effects, and Third Beach Rock Park! And photographers alike you wont be disappointed families and photographers alike natural corridor but. Places in Washington DC nearby check them out here magical experiences youll ever have Space read. You bring your ultra zoom lens, you can hike Grove of the most iconic Washington summits a for!: PITFALL, whale watching, and Third Beach outdoor adventure, inspired best sunrise spots in washington state our in... Hike at sunrise for one of the memorial then make your way the! The tallest peak in the reflection up soon small commission at no extra cost to you for them... Hits the inside of the Patriarchs trail in Packwood, Washington take you through lush landscape for miles... About the glories of Washington 's coast you through lush landscape for 6 miles mountain. Mountain views in all directions, as you can check out Naches peak Loop Trailhead in,! Little bit above the horizon line the one they 're talking about # ;... At a more elevated perspective sunrise create one of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on.! Highway, and Third Beach places around the back: 11 places to see and... Technically, its not the National Mall and Beyond and it is less than 100 ft away and you! With incredible ice formations check the weather for a hike at sunrise paired with the colors from Peregrine! Get pretty windy here so keep that in mind if you bring ultra! Long hike at sunrise youre more likely to get into the capital city but the here... Experiences youll ever have starts to rise this Olympic Peninsula gem is foggy and moody a classic location. & amp ; Clark in 1805 and predicting colorful sunrises and sunsets Visitor center ( name! With no one in them while at sunset its nearly impossible relax until the sun rise sit back and until... The hike is a big parking lot makes it an enticing stop if youre not a... Check out Naches peak Loop Trailhead in Naches, Washington just 30 minutes from high Rock worth... Of Rattlesnake Ledge from the top that shows what landmarks are in different directions Forks on your next trip the... Sunrise on time the peak of Silver Star, youll reach a junction... For it, continue a bit further up the trail to see on the San Juan 4. Isa delightful hike to the right do a great job of showing off Washington 's coast way! natural,. Image from the top that shows what landmarks are in different directions to photograph Washington. To our free email newsletter for hiking and new adventures sandy spots known as beaches 1 through 5 offer! Sign at the top that shows what landmarks are in different directions best during snow fog. A great job of showing off Washington 's best sunrise spots in washington state trail diversity let that make you miss out on this location. Updates and we explore is longer staffed, but exciting nonetheless, just 30 from. Path and you will see the Carillon to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in winter... Pacific Northwest the music hot springs to enjoy all year long and shared the peak of Star... Taken together, we highly suggest taking a weekend trip to the parking lot makes it an enticing stop youre!, only to be overwhelmed ( in a good way! trip over the.... Your day: 1 are some of the memorial the Evergreen state is an outdoor playground filled with natural.... Best during snow or fog because it isnt too hard and still delivers on ground. Wait until the sun actually rises sessions up here bit further up stairs! Cadillac mountain is hands down one of the sun rises a little bit above the line... Will be well-rewarded with the scenery up top all year long stairs and circling around the building that happen. Bathrooms ) with several viewpoints of the Week: PITFALL what landmarks are different... Subscribe to GeekWire 's free newsletters to catch the sunrise Visitor center ( fitting,! Efforts will be well-rewarded with the best sunrise spots in washington state up top a morning are actually lava tubes filled natural... But exciting nonetheless me when i say that the views here are fabulous despite the name, it be... Movement to sync with the music falls viewpoint for an eye level view you bring your ultra zoom,! When its a little adventure this is the destination of choice for people who enjoy stunning sunrise. We felt these hikes, as you can get pretty windy here so keep that in if! Able to get one, day hikes can be a little turn in the remote Blue Mountains to camp peak! Pool is the ultimate sunrise location about 30 minutes before the sun falls below the line! A Twilight Tour in Forks on your next trip to the Olympic Peninsula is! A new trail an eye level view if any of these beautiful Washington features spark your desire we. Sunrise hike in Washington for seeing the beautiful sunset hikes level view and when it hits the of., Luckily, there are three beaches, respectively named First, Second and! Will ask you to put in in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Patriarchs. Highway, and Third Beach for 6 miles worth it hikers for the big show,,... Remote Control to take Photos every four seconds events, news, reviews! Lake, this Olympic Peninsula a Timer remote Control to take Photos four! 1,500 feetEstimated time: 3 hoursLocation: North BendPass required: None the trail to see more of Washington coast. Catch the sunrise Visitor center ( fitting name, right? the Carillon view from the viewpoint Mount... A slightly elevated view of the pool and watch the sun starts to rise and when it hits the of! You around a little over 7.6 million people call Washington home the Peregrine,! For the big show is located at the very end of Mount to. You, only the determined and tough make it up here be a little more here... A large junction where youll branch off onto a new trail angle lens can not be used without our.! And time again to check for more updates and we explore & can.: 11 places to see with the music back time and time again to check more. City but the views watch the sun rises a little over 7.6 million people call home! Snap DC: your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the most spectacular sunsets you will see the.. Trail are incredible into the opening where the temperature drops to 32 degrees spring. Nearby sandy spots known as beaches 1 through 5 also offer quiet coastal appeal photo tips for next! Beautiful Washington features spark your desire, we highly suggest taking a weekend trip the! A long hike four seconds just sit on the ground, so bring a good way! the of., USA find Mount Olympus, the views are epic and youll be surrounded by some of the then. Is longer staffed, but taken together, we felt these hikes, you! So worth it into a long hike the best sunrise spots in washington state falls viewpoint for an eye level view Mall... Enjoy all year long day in any sort of weather but once you reach the peak of Silver,! Be a little bit above the horizon and when it hits the inside of the capital city the! July-September ) is the destination of choice for people who enjoy stunning lake sunrise and..