My first suggestion is to stand at the Capitol reflecting pool facing east, you can get some great reflections. Visit AllTrails to learn more. Shuksan! Want to visit one of Washingtons most popular hikes without having to worry about as many crowds? Avid hiker. But the real reason that this place is on this list is because of Netherlands Carillon. Explore the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach! > Plan your visit to Harry's Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: South Cascades Mount Adams AreaLength:10.25 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,875 feetHighest Point: 5,230 feetBest Season:July - October. Follow our PNW Board on Pinterest for more location inspiration! Come during sunrise or sunset (like we dont recommend this enough, HA!) A flashlight or headlamp will help you hike safely in fading light. The last little part of the trail to the top is definitely steep, but its totally doable after the easy hike in. If you are heading out on an Olympic Peninsula road trip, Lake Crescent is a likely stop at the beginning of your journey. 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. One such wonder is the, 6 Incredible Natural Wonders In Washington That You Can Witness For Free, This Jaw Dropping Place In Washington Will Blow You Away, Dont Miss The Last Super Moon Of 2021 A Full Strawberry Moon Will Appear Over Washington This Month, Hike Through Ape Cave Lava Tube In Washington For An Incredible Underground Adventure, These Ice Caves In Washington Are A Stunning Natural Wonder, Flow Motion Is A Salt Cave Sanctuary In Washington That Will Completely Relax You, Theres a 50,000 Year Old Cave Bear Skeleton (And Much More) At Wonders Of The World In Washington, An Amethyst Cave And Zero Gravity Massages Await You At Flow Motion In Washington. Youll be blown away by the views in every direction of Mount Rainier, rolling hills, grazing mountain goats, and more. Photo by Woodsy. What are the most scenic hikes in Washington? Talk about an incredible view. From March until November, this 4.8 mile trail is accessible for beautiful sunset hikes. A summer favorite of many PNWers, La Push Second Beach should not be missed. So heres my little wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is not in Washington DC. Its on the very edge of the Columbia River Gorge, so you could visit Maryhill Stonehenge if you are planning a day trip from Portland. Weve created an interactive map that you can click on and explore more of these specific spots! Its a fairly easy trail to the top, as its paved for the entire way and is just a slight incline until you reach the last portion. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. > 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. Flickr / drewmark 3. The wind is very fierce in this natural corridor, but exciting nonetheless! Photo by trip reporter Willow's Humans. 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. A cloud inversion below Mount St. Helens. Have you taken any amazing photos of the sun rising in our state?? However since then Ive heard of photographer friends being asked to put it away. Source. Flickr / cxlt Its the most iconic and it is the place that I tell everyone they must go to if they have never been to the national mall and especially at sunrise. Weve got an entire guide on what to expect at Scenic Hot Springs, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself! > Plan your visit to Kettle Crest using WTA's Hiking Guide, Washington Trails Association Please share some locations in the comment section. 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! Take plenty of time to stop enjoy the scenery - it's incredible. 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. > Plan your visit to Steamboat Rock using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location:Central Washington -- Tri-CitiesLength:variesElevation Gain:variesHighest Point:900 feetBest Season:spring and fall. If youre looking to do hiking in higher elevations (in most of the mountain ranges), youll need to wait until it warms up. Click Here! However if youre photographing sunrise and there is no one else around, you could probably get away with it. You may see others during your sunrise trek, but once the 8-9:00 am mark rolls around, especially during the summer, this trail is bustling. 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. I love this spot to just sit on the edge of the pool and watch the sun rise. > Plan your visit to to Mount Angeles using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Mount Rainier Area SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens CanyonLength:3.2 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 600 feetHighest Point: 5,849 feetBest Season: Late June - October. Below, Ill tell you the top 7 hikes in the state that are worth crawling out of bed early and trekking up a mountain for, just to see those epic colors. All Rights Reserved, Photography & content cannot be used without our permission. This entire region is free dispersed camping and any open site is up for grabs. One such wonder is the Guler Ice Caves in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Here Ill give you a quick rundown on what you should be packing for a hike at sunrise. SEE MORE. On the way back, youll get to see those epic views that you missed in the dark, which are breathtaking. One of the few places to see DC's skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in Virginia. If you are not looking for a challenge, you can check out Naches Peak Loop Trailhead in Naches, Washington. The Tidal Basin is located across the street from the Korean War Memorial but it is easily missed since its a little bit out of the way from the other memorials. Dont be surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps and watching the sky change. A one stop shop if you will. Flickr / patrickmcnally 2. If you can angle it just right you, you can even get a shot of the Washington Monument poking through the soldiers legs. We never post anything without your permission. Get more stories delivered right to your email. As an added bonus I created a 1, 3, and 5 day sample photo itinerary for your trip to Washington DC, click here to download my ideal schedule. Photo by trip reporter WonderSmash. Skyfire is a handy tool for tracking and predicting colorful sunrises and sunsets. The most convenient free camping, however, if you have a van, is right at the trailhead. Spirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. It has really motivated us to get out and explore our home state, Washington! This incredible park is a popular destination to visit throughout the year, but snowy weather limits access to some areas. Make sure to stop by the Johnston Ridge Observatory, where you can watch a short film about the eruption and see unobstructed views of the mountain right out the window. We value your privacy. Sunrise Point offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, Mount Rainier, and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range such as Mount Adams. Photo by trip reporter neverstophiking. Lodging Nearby: Located in Port Angeles, Olympic Lodge by Ayres has an outdoor pool, and is just an hour from Hurricane Hill. The spray and sun create what seems to be an everlasting rainbow. Trail Conditions: The trail is super well maintained and well-trodden. But once youve made it to the top, none of that matters anymore, because youll have a unique view of Crescent Lake and fjord-like mountains. > Plan your visit to White Bluffs using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Eastern Washington -- Palouse and Blue MountainsLength: 16 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:1,000 feetHighest Point: 6,401 feetBest Season:spring. With mountain backdrops and a turquoise tint in the water, Ross Lake easily takes your breath away. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. 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. Check out Rattlesnake Ledge at sunrise, when the views are better and there are fewer people in the way of that perfect shot. Its the ultimate sunrise spot to see the big three landmarks (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the US Capitol) all lined up. It's the most iconic and it is the place that I tell everyone they must go to if they have never been to the national mall and especially at sunrise. There is something incredibly magical about the Hoh. Enjoy the misty view from the Peregrine Viewpoint, then hike to the Lower Falls Viewpoint for an eye level view. Its called Snap DC: Your Guide to taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond and it is available on Amazon. I could sit at the top of Mount Storm King for hours and just take in everything around me (in fact, I think that I did ). What are some natural wonders in Washington? I would say to just sit at the ledge and try to bring your camera down as low as possible to the water. Mount Rainier National Park is hands down one of the best places to photograph in Washington state. Constitution on Orcas Island (not on NYT list), the highest point in San Juan Islands, part of 5,000-acre Moran State Park. 2. There are 3 National Parks in Washington State: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. At sunrise youre more likely to get images with no one in them while at sunset its nearly impossible. Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach. (1.4 miles roundtrip, 310 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound Energy) Or maybe you have lived here your whole life, but want to see more of Washington state? 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. Its in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of the capital city but the views here are fabulous. For all those who want a concise list of our favorite photography locations in Washington State, this is the post for you. The San Juan Islands are the perfect place to capture that Washington State photo. The Evergreen State is an outdoor playground filled with natural wonders. No! It gives off this amazing warm glow on the memorials thats hard to get at sunset. After a while of hiking, youll reach a large junction where youll branch off onto a new trail. From here, youll be able to see for miles, looking down at Rattlesnake Lake and outwards at Mount Si and Mailbox Peak. Although the shore is covered with sailboats, two of the famous attractions - Mount Rainier and Space Needle can be seen here. Whats better than enjoying a nice hike in the great outdoors? Ross Lake, North Cascades National Park. Here, you can explore the many rock formations along the beach and climb over huge pieces of driftwood. Sunrise from Netherlands Carillon with a 300mm lens. I love photographing the US Capitol with my wide angle lens. Plan ahead. If youre up for it, continue a bit further up the trail to see Middle and Upper Rattlesnake Ledges. We suggest coming in the late spring when the water levels are high. 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. If a sunrise hike is a tall order, don't worry. Source. Whether you want to visit a historic lighthouse, hit the sandy beach, or stroll through coastal forests and overlooks, there is something for anyone. Your details are safe with us. Climb up the final ascent and reach the lookout that is longer staffed, but provides one epic viewpoint for hikers. Go any time of day in any sort of weather. After youve made the 1.5-mile hike to the top, youll find High Rock Lookout atop a large rock. That said, all who make it to the top will be rewarded with unmatched views. Its a little more rugged here than La Push, so if youre looking for a little adventure this is your place. Be sure that you're camping on an established site or sturdy surface, like rock or dirt, and avoid camping in meadows or grasses, as this can damage the landscape. Museum Of Flight, Read More > Plan your visit to Hoh Rainforest using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Olympic Peninsula PacificCoastLength: 4 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: minimalBest Season: Year-round. This is Vietnams best kept, I dont really know how to begin to talk about V. My world is a brighter place with you in it. 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. The skies are awash in pale pink and warm yellows with the imposing Mount Rainer sitting right in front of your face. A small tarn along the trail. Plus, it's great for kids. We recommend going during sunrise or sunset its VERY hot in the middle of the day (no trees!). Here, you can see the remnants of the 1980 eruption, and how the surrounding landscape is recovering and changing because of it. ), head out on the Sourdough Ridge Trail, which starts off paved, but quickly becomes dirt. Spring the mountain will be carpeted in wildflowers, Summer brings the best weather and lush green trails, Fall is crisp & cool, & in Winter the snowy peak is more difficult to summitbut the views are an absolute winter wonderland. The sky bursts with pinks, oranges, reds and lavenders. 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. You can get a view of the entire skyline of Washington DC. Some of our favorites include the Paradise Area, Nisqually Vista Loop, The Sunrise Area, and the beginning of the trail to summit Mount Rainier. Washington has a variety of magical sunsets: beaches, mountains, lakes, etc. You dont want to miss the sunrise though so give yourself 1 hour & 20 minutes if youre worried. Here are some of the best places to take pictures in Seattle! Anywhere you go, Mount Rainier is waiting in the background to blow you away with yet another picture-perfect view. Location: Gifford Pinochet National Forest. Trail Difficulty: Intermediate. Plus there is this overwhelming feeling of peace and calm in a city thats usually hustling and bustling during the day. Elliott Bay Marina Source Nestled in northeastern downtown Seattle, by the Magnolia Bluff, Elliott Bay Marina gives a whole different feel to the city's shoreline. Liberty Bell Mountain is located on Highway 20 in the North Cascades National Park. This state park is located in the most southwest corner of Washington state and is a perfect stop on a road trip of the Oregon Coast. An abundance of wildflowers in Spider Meadow. The Seattle Astronomical Society even recommends this spot. And once you get close, youll be met with a slippery uphill slope with ropes strapped to trees to help you reach the top. Its en route. The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. If youre ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that youve ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW. Distance: 6.3 milesDifficulty: HardElevation Gain: 2,100 feetEstimated Time: 4 hoursLocation: Gifford Pinchot National ForestPass Required: Northwest Forest. 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). These hot springs are reservation-only, and they are tucked away in the mountains, so they take some work to get to, but the results are so worth it. Peaceful lakes, snow-capped mountain views, flower-filled ridgelines and more await you here. Rainier. But if you're in good enough shape to make the journey, the views alone will motivate you to keep going. For even more beautiful places in Washington, head down to the base of Ross Lake. Youll get to admire them on your way back to the trailhead! Warm Clothing: Its typically colder in the dark, so pack an extra layer. Windproof Jacket: Peaks and viewpoints tend to be windy. On the weekends this can be a busy hike & the top can feel pretty crowded. Thats it! Want to discover more Washington waterfalls? 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. Look up the sunrise or sunset time. Yes there is Capitol police everywhere (you can even see one on the second balcony of this image) but they wont bother you unless youre doing something that youre not supposed to be doing. Consider fall and winter. 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. Read More:10 Incredibly Beautiful Hikes In Washington State, This 198-foot waterfall is actually the state waterfall of Washington. We nearly got our van stuck trying to navigate the tight space. High Rock Lookout is one of my favorite short hikes Ive ever done in Washington. In this short window of time, hikers will rejoice by frolicking along the trail surrounded by fields of wildflowers and soaking in one of the classic views of The Mountain. > Plan your visit to Rialto and Hole-in-the-Wall using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Olympic Peninsula Northern CoastLength:6.25 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,254 feetHighest Point: 6,454 feetBest Season: July - August. > Plan your visit to Blue Lake using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- Mount Baker AreaLength: 7.5 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 2,200 feetHighest Point: 5,450 feetBest Season: Late summer - fall. Whether you've just moved to Washington state or you just want to show off Washington's stellar hiking trails to your out-of-state visitors, this list of hikes shows off some of Washington's best trail diversity. If youre looking for the best time to visit, definitely choose sometime in the fall, because the colors and larches around the lake are astounding. Many people come to climb its adventurous rockface, but its just as exhilarating seeing it from the Washington Pass Observation Site parking lot! 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. This historic Stonehenge was inspired by the original one in England and built as a memorial for the soldiers of the local area who fought in WWII. 1. Colchuck Lake is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in one of the most beautiful Washington state mountain ranges The Cascades! Accessible for beautiful sunset hikes be surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the memorials hard. Find high rock Lookout atop a large rock Pass Observation site parking lot watch the rising. Its adventurous rockface, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself, grazing mountain goats and! 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