Washington: The Evergreen State. Contrasting Landscapes. Outdoor Paradise.

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Kayaking on the beautiful blue waters of Baker Lake near Bellingham, Washington.

Olympic Peninsula - Fort Worden

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Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden Historical State Park on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Cascade Loop - The Enchantments

Washington: The Evergreen State. Contrasting Landscapes. Outdoor Paradise.

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Perfection Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Cascade Loop area.

The Pacific Northwest is a spectacular place, characterized by stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, and lush forests—all of which can be found in Washington. Some of the best places to appreciate Washington’s impressive scenery include the North Cascades and the Olympic Peninsula. The North Cascades Scenic Byway is a great way to see the mountainous areas of the state. To see the coastal region of Washington, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway can’t be missed. Along this drive, not only can you see the ocean beaches, but also rain forests and part of Olympic National Park. Another short but scenic drive that offers some interesting culture and history is the Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway.

There are three national parks in Washington—Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park. Mount Rainier is the recognizable landmark that can be seen even from the Seattle area. North Cascades National Park Service Complex also includes Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. For the rainforest experience, Olympic National Park is a must-see.