With its diverse landscape, a multitude of natural resources and rich history, Washington State is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away and experience the absolute most. From Seattle’s busy cityscape to the Pacific Ocean beach towns of the coast and Olympic National Park’s lush rainforest, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit Washington State. In fact, this handy guide from the travel blog The Culture Trip details the numerous “Reasons Why You Should Visit Washington State,” so consider referring to that resource the next time you’re planning a vacation to a destination with a lot to offer.

San Juan Islands

One of Washington State’s best-kept secrets from the rest of the country has to be its stunning San Juan Islands, which are a group of islands in the northwest corner of Washington State that are known for their natural beauty and spectacular views. The San Juan Islands are accessed by Washington State Ferries, which depart from Seattle via the San Juan Clipper, which will bring you straight to Friday Harbor. Alternatively, you can take the Puget Sound Express from Port Townsend to Friday Harbor, or you can take a seaplane from Seattle, Everett, or other locations in the area. The majority of the San Juans consists of uninhabited islands; however, approximately 700 people live on San Juan Island year-round, and for good reason! The sparse population leaves plenty of space for boaters and hikers seeking peace and solitude while exploring this beautiful part of the world.

A Collection of National Parks

Washington State is home to 18 national park sites, including Mount Rainier National Park, which is a famous icon in the Washington Landscape, an active volcano, and one of the most picturesque mountain ranges in the world; this is because it’s home to some of the highest peaks in Washington—including Mt. Rainier itself at 14,411 feet (4,392 m). While there are many hiking trails that offer incredible views, perhaps one of the best ways to experience this national park is by taking advantage of its proximity to water activities like kayaking or rafting on rivers like the Nisqually Riveror White River. Also in the state is the impressive  Olympic National Park, which is a park heralded for its immense diversity in terms of precipitation, elevation, and wilderness. Olympic National Park boasts more than 75 miles (120 km) of coastline along its 1 million acres, making it one of only three U.S parks with an ocean view from every point within its boundaries—and includes beaches like Third Beach near Forks where you can watch humpback whales offshore.

Nearby Apple Orchards

If you’re in the mood for something less hiking or water traversal-intensive, then look no further than the sheer joy that comes along with exploring the apple orchards of Wenatchee Valley and Yakima Valley. In the Wenatchee Valley and Yakima Valley, you can find some of the largest apple orchards in the United States. These valleys are home to more than 3,000 varieties of apples, including Honeycrisp (named after its sweet taste), Grimes Golden (which has an exceptionally long shelf life) and Winesap (with a deep red flesh that is juicy and flavorful). If you visit these areas during harvest season (fall into winter), you’ll see workers picking apples by hand at night by torchlight to avoid damaging them during transport. You’ll also notice large tractors moving bins full of apples along conveyor belts before they’re transported via rail car or truck to be sold as fresh fruit or processed into juice or cider products around the world.

Breathtaking RainForests

The Hoh Rainforest on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S,and it’s guaranteed to take your breath away. The Hoh Rain Forest was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in Washington if not only for the sights of “a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species [and] mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.”

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