8 Distinctive Locations to Go to Close to Seattle

Nestled within the coronary heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is understood for its iconic Area Needle and vibrant music scene. Town can also be surrounded by pure magnificence, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests, making it the proper hub for weekend getaways and exploring the good open air.

Whether or not you’re trying to find your first house in Seattle or wish to lease an condo, the encircling area has one thing for everybody. Listed below are 10 locations to go to whereas residing in Seattle which can be positive to please.

Aasgard Pass, Leavenworth, WA, USA

1. Olympic Nationwide Park

Estimated journey time: 2 hours

Olympic National Park is a shocking vacation spot simply two hours from Seattle, providing a various vary of pure magnificence. Discover wild seashores, historic old-growth forests, and glacier-capped peaks. Encounter majestic wildlife similar to Roosevelt elk, black bears, and bald eagles. Whether or not you search journey or tranquility, the park affords limitless alternatives for inspiration and rejuvenation. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for anybody within the Seattle space, so pack your baggage and hit the street.

Hiker on a trail in Olympic National Park Washington USA

2. Mount Rainier Nationwide Park

Estimated journey time: 1.5 hours

Visiting Mount Rainier must be an merchandise on everybody’s Seattle bucket record. Mount Rainier Nationwide Park is an iconic vacation spot positioned simply an hour and a half away. The park is house to Mount Rainier, a 14,411-foot stratovolcano that’s merely awe-inspiring. Guests can hike alongside scenic wonderland path, soak up beautiful vistas of wildflower meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls, and revel in picturesque drives by the park’s pristine landscapes. For anybody within the Seattle space in search of journey, leisure, or simply an opportunity to marvel at one of the beautiful pure wonders within the Pacific Northwest, this can be a vacation spot that can’t be missed.

Mount Rainier and Eunice Lake as seen from Tolmie Peak in Washington state, USA.

3. San Juan Islands

Estimated journey time: 4 hours by ferry

Simply north of Seattle, the San Juan Islands provide a peaceable retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town. With over 170 islands to discover, there’s no scarcity of outside adventures available, from kayaking and whale watching to mountain climbing and biking. However that’s only the start. The islands are additionally house to charming small cities and villages, the place you possibly can immerse your self within the native arts scene and uncover the work of proficient native artists. And with regards to leisure, there’s no higher place to unwind than on the islands’ secluded seashores, the place you possibly can take in the solar and hearken to the mild sound of the waves lapping on the shore. Don’t miss out on this unbelievable alternative to find one of many Pacific Northwest’s most stunning and fascinating locations.

San Juan Islands

4. Snoqualmie Falls

Estimated journey time: 40 minutes

Snoqualmie Falls is a shocking pure surprise positioned simply 30 miles east of Seattle. This 268-foot waterfall cascades right into a deep pool under, creating a wide ranging sight that’s positive to depart you in awe. Take within the falls from a scenic overlook or hike all the way down to the bottom for a more in-depth look. It’s the proper vacation spot for a fast day journey or a calming weekend getaway, providing an opportunity to flee the town and immerse your self in the fantastic thing about nature. 

The encircling space can also be house to some nice mountain climbing trails, permitting you to discover the plush forests and scenic vistas of the area. And when you’re a foodie, you’ll want to cease by the Salish Lodge and Spa, which affords scrumptious eating choices and beautiful views of the falls.

Snoqualmie Falls

5. Leavenworth

Estimated journey time: 2.5 hours

Get a style of Europe simply two and a half hours from Seattle in Leavenworth, an enthralling Bavarian-style village nestled within the Cascade Mountains. This picturesque city is famend for its Bavarian structure, with charming streets lined with distinctive retailers, cafes, and eating places that provide a style of Germany. Guests can get pleasure from a variety of scrumptious food and drinks, from conventional German fare like bratwurst and sauerkraut to regionally crafted beers and wines.

Leavenworth additionally affords quite a lot of mountain climbing trails, river rafting, snowboarding, and different out of doors actions out there all year long. The close by Wenatchee River affords world-class white-water rafting, whereas the encircling mountains are house to miles of scenic mountain climbing trails, good for exploring the fantastic thing about the Pacific Northwest. 

All year long, the village hosts quite a lot of festivals and occasions that remember the distinctive tradition and heritage of the area, from Oktoberfest to the Christmas Lighting Pageant.

Leavenworth, WA

6. North Cascades Nationwide Park

Estimated journey time: 2 hours

North Cascades National Park is a must-visit vacation spot positioned about three hours north of Seattle. This beautiful park boasts rugged peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes, providing guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in a number of the most breathtaking pure magnificence the Pacific Northwest has to supply. Whether or not you’re a mountain climbing fanatic, a tenting aficionado, or just in search of a scenic drive by pristine wilderness, North Cascades Nationwide Park has one thing for everybody. 

7. Mount St. Helens Nationwide Volcanic Monument

Estimated journey time: 2.5 hours

Situated about two and a half hours south of Seattle, Mount St. Helens Nationwide Volcanic Monument is a testomony to the facility of nature. This awe-inspiring vacation spot affords guests an opportunity to witness firsthand the aftermath of the historic 1980 eruption, together with the gaping crater left behind by the catastrophe. Mountain climbing trails all through the monument present beautiful views of the volcano and its environment, providing a singular and unforgettable expertise for guests of all ages. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or simply in search of a day journey stuffed with breathtaking views and unforgettable reminiscences, Mount St. Helens Nationwide Volcanic Monument is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody within the Seattle space. 

Logged forest near Mount St. Helens Washington

8. Victoria, British Columbia

Estimated journey time: 3 hours by ferry

Victoria is an enthralling seaside metropolis positioned only a quick ferry trip from Seattle, providing guests a style of old-world British allure. This picturesque vacation spot is stuffed with historic buildings, stunning gardens, and world-class museums, offering an ideal mix of tradition and leisure. Guests may get pleasure from quite a lot of out of doors actions, together with whale watching, mountain climbing, and extra. 

Seattle and its environment provide a wealth of pure magnificence and out of doors actions for everybody to get pleasure from. From nationwide parks to charming villages, there are a number of choices for locations to go to close to Seattle.

Downtown Victoria British Columbia