Off The Beaten Path in Washington State: 7 Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss

Washington is known as the Evergreen State, and it’s no wonder – lush evergreen forests, beautiful national parks and wildlife preserves and more. Hopefully your trip to Washington will explore some of these wonders as well as the traditional stops in Tacoma and Seattle. Here are some out-of-the-way sights you won’t want to miss:

Port Angeles Underground. While Port Angeles is the headquarters for Olympic National Park, there is so much more to this small town than meets the eye. One of the most interesting sights is the Port Angeles Underground Heritage Tour. At the turn of the 20th century, residents were faced with increased flooding risks in the downtown area. In 1914, they decided to raise the city by about 15 feet, which left a maze of underground tunnels and buried storefronts that are yours to explore during this 2-hour tour.

Mount St Helens. On May 18, 1980, this active volcano erupted and made headlines the world over. Today, you can tour the blast zone to see the devastation. Visit the Johnson Ridge Observatory to get an overview of the area and then hike the Eruption Trail to see how this volcano changed the landscape forever.

Leavenworth. Tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains is the picturesque Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. After enjoying the old world charm of the city’s restaurants and shops, there are plenty to do to keep you busy. Take a hike along Icicle Ridge, go tubing or white water rafting down the Wenatchee River.  Take a tour of the Eagle Creek Winery and do some wine tasting. And when you’re back in town, don’t forget to visit the Nutcracker Museum, home to over 6,000 nutcrackers!

Fall City Wallaby Ranch. Ever want to see wallabies and kangaroos up close and personal but didn’t want to go to Australia? Then visit the Wallaby Ranch in Fall City, a USDA-certified breeder of Gray and Albino Bennett’s Wallabies and Red kangaroos. Book an appointment for your tour, learn more about these marsupials and get a chance to play with them at the petting zoo.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Located on the site of a former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum offers visitors a chance to step back to experience life in the 1850s.

Yakima Valley. Want to know a secret? Yakima Valley is the #1 hops region in the world, beating out Germany for this important component of beer making. Take a hop tour of the area’s craft breweries, or if wine is more your style, visit some of the areas leading wine cellars for some wine tasting.

San Juan Island. If you’re ready for a laid-back trip, then San Juan Island will fit the bill. Walk around the quaint fishing village of Friday Harbor. Explore the nature trails of Lime Kiln Park. Take a whale watching or kayaking tour around the island. Visit the American and English Camps with garrisons left from the Pig War of 1859. Tour the Pelindaba Lavender Farm and immerse yourself in all things lavender. Or visit San Juan Vineyards for some wine tasting.

Are you ready to plan your trip to Washington? Give Luxury Destinations concierge a call at (805) 236-4437.  We’re happy to help you plan your vacation to the Pacific Northwest!