In my opinion, the Reflecting Pool is the ultimate sunrise location in Washington DC. You can't go wrong finding wildflowers at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Seattle Elliott Bay Marina. 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. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Check the weather forecast (www.weather.gov or www.usairnet.com) for a partly cloudy day with a cloud base above 10,000 feet that will reflect vivid colors. All of these give the perfect opportunity for a great sunrise hike in Washington, as long as you are lucky with a clear day and the ability to crawl out of bed early! The biggest problem with sunrise hikes is finding a convenient place to sleep the night before. One last thing to note, I wrote a book all about photographing Washington DC. A view of the river. Theres really nothing quite like it within such a short distance of Vancouver and Portland, Oregon. You May Not Know: 34 Impressive and Fun Facts About Washington State. Ive lived in the area my whole life and been photographing the National Mall for over 8 years. We respect your privacy. 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. Have a scoop that you'd like GeekWire to cover? Trail Conditions: The trail is super well maintained and well-trodden. Louisa Boren Park. Bonus: seen this bus on Instagram? But if youre looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. Looking for more amazing Pacific Northwest hot springs? Even as locals, we continue to discover more beautiful photo spots in Washington we want to add to this list. This narrow and rocky trail alsoincludes old-growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins. The Seattle Astronomical Society even recommends this spot. Youll be able to explore a bit of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and explore the surrounding Puget Sound by boat. Lodging Nearby: The Best Western Plus in Camas offers free breakfast and is less than an hour away from Silver Star Mountain. One of the biggest bangs for your buck hikes on this list of best sunset hikes in Washington is the Kelly Butte Fire Lookout. The trail to this looking is on a flat, 3.4-mile hike across the beach. To the left of the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Many people come to climb its adventurous rockface, but its just as exhilarating seeing it from the Washington Pass Observation Site parking lot! The Hoh Rainforest is easily one of the most well-known photography spots in Washington state. Once youve made it, relax on one of the rocks at the top, watch as the sun creeps its way over the hills, and admire the peaks in the distance. Twitter The beauty found in Washington state is seemingly endless as are the number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery. Visit, In the North Cascades Range is a stunning large wilderness area that you can explore while hiking one of the many trails like the one covered in our, Also known as Washington State Route 20, this is a great scenic route if you're looking for a wondrous view. My first suggestion is to stand at the Capitol reflecting pool facing east, you can get some great reflections. Photo by trip reporter Willow's Humans. When is the Best Time to Hike in Washington? Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Timpanogos' 11,752 summit during the . If you arent able to get one, day hikes can be just as rewarding! SEE MORE. > 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. Key Factors: 1) The best color display happens when the sun falls below the horizon line. is reborn on iPhone and iPad, Butter finger blues: The states where people most likely will break their iPhones and iPads, Senior Software Engineer, Fraud Prevention. I'll help teach you how to find off-the-beaten-path attractions even in the most traveled places & give you the confidence to visit any destination that piques your curiosity. These views and an excellent trail system make Sunrise the second most visited location in the park. From here, its a fairly steady uphill climb to reach the lookout tower and the trail is covered in loose rocks, so watch your footing! The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Here Ill give you a quick rundown on what you should be packing for a hike at sunrise. Distance: 4.1 milesDifficulty: HardElevation Gain: 2,100 feetEstimated Time: 4 hoursLocation: Olympic National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. We suggest coming in the late spring when the water levels are high. So if you are interested in seeing more of Washington DC than just the sunrise, click here to check it out. Long Beach Peninsula. There are SO many incredible places in Washington if we included every destination this blog post would be a mile long. If you are looking for scenic hikes around Washington, you are in luck. In my opinion, the Reflecting Pool is the ultimate sunrise location in Washington DC. The Olympic National Park is one of the best places to take pictures in Washington State. 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). > Plan your visit to Naches Peak using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Mount Rainier Area NE - Sunrise/White RiverLength:9.0 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,500 feetHighest Point:7,828 feetBest Season:Mid-July - October. Cape Flattery is the most northwest point of the contiguous United States. What are some scenic hikes in Washington? And there you are, sitting on top of a mountain, admiring the miles of views, listening to the peaceful sound of birds chirping. This provides some interesting angles for sunrise, especially using the columns as framing elements. Thats it! If you're looking for a great view of a full moon over the city, Kerry Park is the place to be. The incredible view of Rattlesnake Ledge from the top is loved by families and photographers alike. He put the time lapses together using After Effects, and sped and slowed the movement to sync with the music. Sunrise is spectacular here. The trails at Mount Rainier National Park can get very busy in the summertime, so we suggest visiting early in the morning or in the shoulder season for pictures without crowds! Its just a spectacular show. Photo by trip reporter ZhuckYu. Weve created an interactive map that you can click on and explore more of these specific spots! There are signs here, but make sure that youre putting that headlamp to use and paying attention to avoid a wrong turn! Tacoma never looked so heavenly at dawn. Heres a look back at our post on Midnight Lightsand the video. Spend 30 minutes walking around the area its incredibly beautiful on a clear day! Plus, its family-friendly and great for those who want to see an epic spot but arent really big hikers. Views across the river and into Oregon from atop Cape Horn. Hope you found this guide useful and if you have any additional questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. Flickr / patrickmcnally 2. I have a friend who has captured this with a 400mm and it looks so good! 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. 1. A classic Mount St. Helens hike, leaving from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. If youre lucky enough, theres this amazing warm, orange glow that hits the white marble. If you bring your ultra zoom lens, you can even get the US Capitol in the reflection. Consider fall and winter. This incredible park is a popular destination to visit throughout the year, but snowy weather limits access to some areas. This is also the best place to photograph cherry blossoms when theyre in season. Distance: 5.7 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,100 feetEstimated Time: 3 hoursLocation: Mount Rainier National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. There are several places around the building that will get you that amazing sunrise image. 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. Sunrise from Netherlands Carillon with a 300mm lens. I'm Geena, a long-term budget traveler determined to scout out the most interesting cultural activities & experiences each destination has to offer. Source. The sky bursts with pinks, oranges, reds and lavenders. Head to Iwo Jima (US Marine Corps War Memorial) for sunrise and you wont be disappointed. Gothic Basin. Distance: 3.4 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 900 feetEstimated Time: 2 hoursLocation: Olympic National ParkPass Required: National Parks Pass. But thats not to say that the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial isnt beautiful at sunrise either. A perfect mix of wildflower fields and blue/green mountains, this place captures the heart of free spirits and sunset chasers. Hike an iconic section of the PCT north of Snoqualmie Pass. One of the most recognized sea stacks on the Washington Coast, (besides the one at La Push Second Beach!) 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. 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. After youve captured some images of the Reflecting Pool, walk up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial. Each of these hikes has the epic opportunity to see a beautiful sunrise, because of its viewpoints and height advantage. Photo by trip reporter TheKingBoar. The Eight Best Places to Take Pictures in Washington State. 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. For the serious photographers out there, you may be wondering about tripods. (More fun facts about Washington state here! Of all the islands we vi, The Philippine Tarsier Since youre already there, the Korean War Memorial should be on your list to capture as well. White Bluffs is divied up into three sections -- North, Central Slope, and South Slope -- and all three are worth a visit. Its uphill almost the entire time with loose rocks covering the trail, except for a few spots that open up to views of rolling hills. But the real reason that this place is on this list is because of Netherlands Carillon. 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. Picture Lake was definitely given its name for good reason, as its likely one of the most picturesque lakes Ive ever seen! So if you are interested in seeing more of Washington DC than just the sunrise, click here to check it out. In the spring, this hike is a great one for wildflower meadows dotted with scarlet gilia, dutchman's breeches, calypso orchid, sulphur lupine, giant-head clover, elkhorn clarkia, and more. > Plan your visit to Park Butte using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop HighwayLength:9.2 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,840 feetHighest Point: 5,200 feetBest Season:Late July - mid-October. A cloud inversion below Mount St. Helens. This summer, add these trails to your must-do list and enjoy them at the most magical time of day. 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. How Much Does It Actually Cost to Travel the World? There are plenty of trails to choose from across the park. You cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally! Here, you can see the remnants of the 1980 eruption, and how the surrounding landscape is recovering and changing because of it. When the oranges from the sunrise start to fill the sky and spill over the mountains, the entire view gets a magical glow. To sum up the San Juans in a few words, we would say this: ferries, marine life, pristine beaches. The hillsides are alive with wildflowers at mid-summer, and the view from the end of Harry's Ridge has you looking straight into the mouth of the crate, not to mention views of Spirit Lake, Mount Adams and even Mount Hood on a clear day. This is a nice, easy trail for the beginning hiker that takes you around a 1.5 mile loop through ancient trees. All are so unique and fun to photograph spread all along the 2.1 mile loop around the basin. From the lush trails of the Hoh Rainforest to the rushing waters of Sol Duc Falls, this place had adventure written all over it. Hiking trails in Olympic expose the beach, rainforest, and high alpine scenery of this wild peninsula, and Mount Rainier hiking trails really test your legs, as do the top-rated hiking trails of . ), make sure to secure the proper backpacking permits before planning your backpacking trip. Its surprisingly quiet! Ill try my best to answer them. Rialto Beach is full of adventure, wonder, and drop-dead gorgeous hikes. Heres everything you need to know before you go. Cross the street towards a little trail that leads you around a little turn in the path and you will see the Carillon. Where have you found the best views in Washington? Come during sunrise or sunset (like we dont recommend this enough, HA!) 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 What To Pack on a Sunrise Hike in Washington. Just simple dirt pullouts that often can be a little steep or treacherous to get into. Its easily one of the best photo spots in Washington state! 7. Open Since 1906 Cle Elum Bakery Has Been Serving Bread And Pastries In Washington Longer Than Any Other Bakery, Countless Celebrities Have Loved This Iconic Washington Nightclub For Decades, Here Are The 8 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In Washington, According To Our Readers, The Afternoon Tea At This British-Themed Brunch Spot In Washington Will Transport Your Taste Buds Across The Pond, The Adults-Only Resort In Washington Where You Can Enjoy Some Much-Needed Peace And Quiet, The Southern Restaurant With Some Of The Best Home-Cooked Food In Washington, This Washington Flea Market Covers Huge Ground With Up To 600 Vendors On-Site, Few People Know About This Washington Valley Covered In Lavender. And enjoy them at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, walk up the steps the. Mile long Washington we want to see a beautiful sunrise, click to. 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