Have you taken any amazing photos of the sun rising in our state?? The Sleeping Beauty Trail near the Columbia River Gorge is a relatively short, yet steep 2.5-mile hike that leads to an overlook with panoramic views. When most hikers refer to Blue Lake, this is the one they're talking about. Sunrise is located 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance and 14 miles northwest of the . So heres my little wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is not in Washington DC. This snowshoe trail is good for beginning snowshoe fans, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. The wall and the footpath provide great leading lines. If youre looking to do hiking in higher elevations (in most of the mountain ranges), youll need to wait until it warms up. This hike is a thrill for backpackers and day hikers alike. Park Butte. Ive pretty much been to every one of these places at least 20 times. If you want to feel as though youve entered a fairytale, take the ethereal Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail filled with trees that are covered in moss. There are many amazing Washington photography locations around Mount Rainier. Come during sunrise or sunset (like we dont recommend this enough, HA!) Palouse Falls is one of those rare places that you don't have to go to at sunrise or sunset to get the best light. The wind is very fierce in this natural corridor, but exciting nonetheless! From the lush trails of the Hoh Rainforest to the rushing waters of Sol Duc Falls, this place had adventure written all over it. Take a few pictures of the memorial then make your way to the right. Here are a few tips for enjoying a cozy, colorful view near Seattle: Be a sleuth. Learn more by visiting this, This southern-most peak on the eastern front of the Olympic Mountains has an astonishing view! Be warned that dispersed camping is bare bones. There is no other place in or around Washington that you will be able to capture it in such alignment (the view from the bike path along the George Washington Parkway is a little more spread out than this and difficult to get a good view of the US Capitol). This classic Southern Washington walking spot is a 2.3 mile loop with stunning river views, and its an amazing place to catch a sunset. This is also the best place to photograph cherry blossoms when theyre in season. 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Seattle 1. The views are epic and youll be surrounded by some of the most iconic Washington summits. Gothic Basin Location: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway Length: 9.2 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain: 2,840 feet Highest Point: 5,200 feet Best Season: Late July - mid-October Gothic Basin. Berty Mandagie is a Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here. Photo by trip reporter geezerhiker. We highly recommend camping at La Push during the summer and even wrote a guide to camping on the beach in Washington to give you a head start on planning your next adventure. The park features rock climbing, a trail to the top with many switchbacks, plus . While there are options to go on longer hikes (like these ones here and here) you would be satisfied with the views just from around the parking lot. The park has more than 700 glacial lakes, 131 of which are named. 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). Hope you found this guide useful and if you have any additional questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. Trail Conditions: The trail is super well maintained and well-trodden. The best way to capture this view is to use a long lens (100mm+). But dont let that make you miss out on this beautiful location. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you can check out Gothic Basin Trailhead in Snohomish County, Washington. Here, you can explore the many rock formations along the beach and climb over huge pieces of driftwood. Bala Mt. For the most part they are not allowed. The Hoh Rainforest is easily one of the most well-known photography spots in Washington state. Where have you found the best views in Washington? Its just a spectacular show. Thats it! for some spectacular views. Photo by trip reporter Willow's Humans. The San Juan Islands are the perfect place to capture that Washington State photo. A view of the river. Its a perfect location for an iconic Washington photo for minimal effort. Of all the islands we vi, The Philippine Tarsier The final stretch is definitely a bit steep and has some loose rock, so be careful when making the trek up. This is pretty awesome. One of the biggest bangs for your buck hikes on this list of best sunset hikes in Washington is the Kelly Butte Fire Lookout. You won't be disappointed. Read this post to pack your road trip essentials! Deception Pass is a Washington state park located on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound. It's Worth Waking up Early for These Sunrise Hikes. We hiked it on Friday morning and shared the peak with only 10 other hikers for the big show. Avid hiker. Each of these hikes has the epic opportunity to see a beautiful sunrise, because of its viewpoints and height advantage. Even as locals, we continue to discover more beautiful photo spots in Washington we want to add to this list. Its surprisingly quiet! Just for reference, this is what the carillon looks like. If youre up for it, continue a bit further up the trail to see Middle and Upper Rattlesnake Ledges. I just love how reflective the wall is. Ill try my best to answer them. Kerry Park Kerry Park is by far one of the most Instagrammable places in Seattle and one of the best places to see in Washington State. You can see the surrounding trees and the Washington Monument in the black granite. Either way, youll still be able to capture some beautiful sky images from here. 19 Easy Hikes in Washington State27 Best Waterfall Hikes in Oregon21 Hikes Near Bend Oregon19 Best Spring Hikes in WashingtonSpirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. If a sunrise hike is a tall order, don't worry. The trail winds you through the last patches of forest on the mountainside & is a fairly steep incline the entire 1.6 miles to the summit. Trail Difficulty: Intermediate. When you get a beautiful sunrise, man, theres nothing better. With 4,143 acres of camping, hiking, and marine exploring, theres something here for the whole family. Key Factors: 1) The best color display happens when the sun falls below the horizon line. And other nearby sandy spots known as Beaches 1 through 5 also offer quiet coastal appeal. From Utah to Maine to the prairie of Missouri, rise and shine, pack the camp coffee, and hit the trail before the rest of the world wakes up. But if you're looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. Cadillac Mountain is more than 1,500 feet tall, and the hike to the summit is about . This hike is a thrill for backpackers and day hikers alike. There are plenty of spots along the rocky ridge to set your bag down and relax. Its the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. Spray Falls and Narada Falls are also some incredible Washington waterfalls to check out in the area. Its a fairly easy hike. The trail to this looking is on a flat, 3.4-mile hike across the beach. The 13 Best Scenic Drives In Washington State Picked By Local Experts Eastern Washington Mount Rainier National Park North Cascades National Park olympic national park road trip washington Washington coast Post Summary: The Best Scenic Drives In Washington State, What To See, And How To Get There OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As the name of this beautiful 3 mile trail suggests, this is an amazing spot to catch a sunrise and to catch the last glimpses of daylight as well. While fairly short, the trail presents a moderate challenge. If youre curious about what to expect on this hike, weve created a guide to Rattlesnake Ledge, including the best times to visit and where to take photos! Just simple dirt pullouts that often can be a little steep or treacherous to get into. On the weekends this can be a busy hike & the top can feel pretty crowded. I think the biggest concern is when the memorials are crowded and other people may trip over the legs. That said, all who make it to the top will be rewarded with unmatched views. This hunk of rock in Banks Lake is a distinct example of massive Ice Age floods 15,000 years ago. So if you are interested in seeing more of Washington DC than just the sunrise, click here to check it out. Explore the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach! This is a popular place for Berty to shoot engagementscheck out more posts on PNW Engagements in part 1 and 2 here! Flickr / drewmark 3. I just cant stop staring at that little slice of light and the coolness that oozes off of this image. Other breathtaking beaches to explore in the region include South Beach and Kalaloch Beach. Here, there is a short series of boardwalks to stunning vistas of the ocean and spectacular rock formations. Located in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, it has everything that makes Pacific Northwest hiking trails special. Dogs & Kids not recommended at the peak. They may just go to the reflecting pool and call it the end of the day but dont be those people. Bring a windproof layer. Headlamp: To be able to see in the dark, of course! Spare Batteries: Just in case you need your flashlight for longer than you think. Flashlight: As an extra light source. At 7.5 miles in length, this is definitely the longest trail on this list of "easy" hikes. Consider fall and winter. See if you find Mount Olympus, the tallest peak in the Olympics using the map. 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After arriving at the hole in the wall, this lookout is a steep climb to the top of the cliff facing south. My top 7 places to capture the sunrise in and around Washington DC. I'm here to show beginner hikers that you can get outdoors and explore the trails just like everyone else. Curt Hedges Former Fenestration Specialist at Hartung Glass Industries Author has 152 answers and 64.3K answer views Updated 3 y Related Im Geena and this is me in the Maldive, KL is full of surprises You can't go wrong finding wildflowers at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. Commonly known as "The Evergreen State", Washington not only has incredible landscapes, it also has scenic seasides, panoramic cityscapes and bustling shops, restaurants and bars that attract locals and tourists from all around the globe. All other times other than sunrise at any of the memorials, its pretty much out of the question. Some of our favorites include the Paradise Area, Nisqually Vista Loop, The Sunrise Area, and the beginning of the trail to summit Mount Rainier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Against a backdrop of blue autumn sky and the magnificent peaks of the Cascades, they are a dazzling sightanda Washington essential. 3. Heres a look back at our post on Midnight Lightsand the video. Alpine Lakes Wikipedia Source. These caves are actually lava tubes filled with incredible ice formations. Keep clicking for seven of the state's top natural swim spots. Top 5 Bike Rentals in Seattle: Explore the Emerald City on Two Wheels, Wedding in Seattle: 5 Best Venues and 4 Awesome Tips for a Stunning Wedding, Scuba Diving in Seattle: 8 Best Dive Spots and 6 Diving Schools in Seattle, Plan your trip with experts and get best offers. For all those who want a concise list of our favorite photography locations in Washington State, this is the post for you. > Plan your visit to Carne Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location:Olympic National ParkLength:up to37 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:up to 3,700feetHighest Point:4,300 feetSeason:Year-round. > Plan your visit to Bird Mountain Loop using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: South Cascades White Pass/Cowlitz River ValleyLength:14 miles, one-wayElevation Gain:3,897 feetHighest Point:6,316 feetBest Season:July - September. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and surrounding areas are the perfect photo spots in Washington for geology buffs! At sunrise youre more likely to get images with no one in them while at sunset its nearly impossible. Saint Mary Lake has an . Look up the sunrise or sunset time. Seattle, WA 98104. This is a nice, easy trail for the beginning hiker that takes you around a 1.5 mile loop through ancient trees. But the real reason that this place is on this list is because of Netherlands Carillon. Hiking at these different times of day mixes up your hiking routine and creates memories with friends and family. It gives off this amazing warm glow on the memorials thats hard to get at sunset. Baker Snowline Chalet, a private home complete with a hot tub. However, the views make the effort so worth it! An invaluable resource is the Washington Trails Association, which gives plenty of information on trail statuses, conditions, etc. Its a great display of shadows, line and usually totally empty. If anything bad should happen, help will not be far away. Discovery Historic Loop, 115 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661, USA. Where can I find scenic overlooks in Washington? Flickr / patrickmcnally 2. The memorials are pretty far away so in order to capture a closer up shot, the zoom lens comes in handy. This place is a favorite in all seasons. Are you planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, only to be overwhelmed (in a good way!) ), 11 Stunning Places To Visit In the Inland Northwest, Travel Photography: 8 Easy Practices To Improve Your Images, Our Favorite Raincoats (For All PNW Seasons), 5 Things To Bring On The Washington Coast. Average Weather: Rainy and cloudy on the west side, sunny and dry on the east side. With reservations required and a steep hike ahead of you, only the determined and tough make it up here! Go on a weekday for fewer crowds (it gets very busy on the weekends). What are some natural wonders in Washington? Popular destinations within the San Juan Islands include Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Moran State Park, where visitors will find one of the best campgrounds in Washington. Warm Clothing: Its typically colder in the dark, so pack an extra layer. Windproof Jacket: Peaks and viewpoints tend to be windy. So of course, I had to add a little cherry blossom image here too . This post may contain affiliate links. To reach this area and photograph other amazing Washington sight sightseeing locations, click here to find directions for where to park and take a short hike. The Washington Pass Overlook is one you dont even have to hike to. You can get a view of the entire skyline of Washington DC. Bring a hot drink and a snack to stay warm and savor the experience. 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. Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers campsites, wildflower-filled alpine meadows, rushing waterfalls, and a stunning variety of mushroom species. The clouds paired with the colors from the sunrise create one of the most magical experiences youll ever have. Marmots and black-tail deer often roam the area, and theyre most active at dawn and dusk, giving you a great possibility of spotting them. If youre ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that youve ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. Mount St. Helens is first in line, and as you spin around, youll also see Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson. This provides some interesting angles for sunrise, especially using the columns as framing elements. Once youve arrived at Fremont Lookout, sit back and relax until the sun starts to rise. White Bluffs is divied up into three sections -- North, Central Slope, and South Slope -- and all three are worth a visit. I would say to just sit at the ledge and try to bring your camera down as low as possible to the water. & for sunrise, you wont find a view better. Photo by dbaile16. Meaning you get a slightly elevated view of Virginia and the Potomac River just by walking up the stairs and circling around the back. Here Ill give you a quick rundown on what you should be packing for a hike at sunrise. And if you know me, Im all about finding those reflections in puddles. to my monthly newsletter with insider info, free calendar wallpapers and fun exclusives just for you! Weekend Adventurer. However, we also think a great time to go is on a Sunday evening -families have already gone home in preparation for the week ahead. It's the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. However if youre photographing sunrise and there is no one else around, you could probably get away with it. The Eight Best Places to Take Pictures in Washington State. If you visit during the right season, watch for huckleberries alongside the trail on your way back to the trailhead! The project reminds me a bit of the Midnight Lights video at CenturyLink Field, though in this case the light show just happens to be performed by mother nature. 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. Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline, App of the Week: PITFALL! Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers campsites, wildflower-filled alpine meadows, rushing waterfalls, and a stunning variety of mushroom species. Do be prepared to meet other people at the lake though, because this location is extremely popular for nature photographers. Rainier. SEE MORE. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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