Last Updated
Washington State is a great spot to visit in the winter. Whether you’re looking to explore Seattle or head further inland to enjoy a snowy holiday, you’ll have no problem finding memorable things to do in the evergreen state. Here are 7 ideas for unique places to visit this winter!
1. Leavenworth
A visit to this town will make you feel like you’ve fallen into a winter wonderland! Leavenworth is best known for its Bavarian-themed shops and buildings. The town's unique shops – such as The Nutcracker Museum and Shop – will have you in the Holiday spirit in no time. In addition to its memorable, Christmas-y ambiance, Leavenworth is also home to several attractions and festivals. Stay after the sun sets to view the town’s incredible Christmas light display – nearly every building in the main section of town is intricately decorated. Or, make some memories by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride, either through the town itself or in the nearby forests! If you’re looking for a getaway that really captures the holiday spirit, Leavenworth, WA is hard to beat.
2. The Palouse
Here’s one for fans of the great outdoors! Head over to the Eastern side of the state to see the stunning Palouse Landscape. In the summer months, the hills are a lush rolling green spectacle. In the winter months, they are transformed into an equally gorgeous, snow-covered sight. You’ll also want to check out Palouse Falls, the state's official waterfall. Both the dramatic rolling hills as well as the falls can be stunning in the winter when they are covered in frost or snow.
3. The Hoh Rainforest
Head over to the Olympic Coast to view the Hoh Rainforest! This rainforest is the largest of its kind in the United States and is bound to make a memorable trip. The Hoh Rainforest is located inside the gorgeous Olympic National Forest, and is home to several unique features that make it worth a visit! You’ll want to check out the Hall of Mosses, a lush loop trail highlighting the area’s beautiful flora. The Hall of Mosses trail is also just under a mile, making this a great option for visitors of all hiking levels. One quick tip – despite its status as a rainforest, the area does get quite cold in the winter months, and can even experience some snow in the coldest months. For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to bring a warm jacket and shoes when you visit!
4. The San Juan Islands
Head off the coast of Seattle to visit the San Juan islands! There are over 100 named islands, but only a smaller portion of these are actually inhabited. 3 of the islands are accessible by ferry, and can all make for an enjoyable and memorable trip! The first, San Juan Island, is home to some one-of-a-kind stops such as The Whale Museum, as well as a number of shops and restaurants. Orcas Island, meanwhile, is the largest of the islands. This one is a great choice for those looking to bring their car over with them – in addition to exploring Moran State Park, you can also check out the town of Eastsound. The last island accessible by ferry is Lopez Island. This island is home to all manner of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Lopez Island is also a great choice for those looking to travel by bike.
5. North Bend
Head outside of Seattle to visit North Bend. A small town located at the base of the looming Mount Si, North Bend has a little something for everyone. If you’re looking to get some shopping in, you won’t beat the deals at the collection stores at North Bend Premium Outlets – some of the outlet stores there include Nike and Coach. The town was also the inspiration for the classic murder mystery show Twin Peaks, and you can visit some iconic spots in the show – such as the Double R Diner (actually Twede’s Diner) on your visit here!
6. Lake Chelan
If you enjoy winter sports – snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and so on – Lake Chelan is the place for you! There are several great options for a variety of activities only a few miles from downtown Chelan, adding a rare level of convenient access to activities such as snowboarding. This close proximity to the town also makes this a great option for families of various ages or groups with differing interests – it will be easy to enjoy different activities during the day and meet up again afterward!
7. Seattle Underground
Here’s one for the adventurous – or those who want to add something a little spooky to their trip! A visit to the Seattle Underground can be a great way to add something new to your trip to Washington’s most well-known city. The city as it currently stands was actually built on top of sections of the “old” Seattle – and many of the sections are still standing and accessible to the public via tour.
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
Top U.S. Destinations For A Festive Christmas Holiday
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.