best sunrise spots in washington state

Love Washington? However, its not exactly on the way to anything (its a detour on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula) so plan an extra few hours into your drive to visit Cape Flattery. This provides some interesting angles for sunrise, especially using the columns as framing elements. Ive watched the video a few times now, and Im reminded each time of what a beautiful place we live in (Yes, even during the rainy days). Here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day: And dont forget at the end of the day, you can admire some lovely sunsets here in Washington as well! Timpanogos, UT. Dont worry though even if no one else is around, park police have the memorials under constant surveillance which makes this one of the safest places to be in DC at night. Bring good hiking shoes and a few good hours to spend exploring the many trails here. Long Beach Peninsula. Because its not always as glamorous as you think. This post may contain affiliate links. When most hikers refer to Blue Lake, this is the one they're talking about. If youre looking to do hiking in higher elevations (in most of the mountain ranges), youll need to wait until it warms up. This is a nice, easy trail for the beginning hiker that takes you around a 1.5 mile loop through ancient trees. 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! Wait until the sun rises a little bit above the horizon and when it hits the inside of the memorial. Beaver Falls Flickr / ldeld This charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic National Forest. 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. Learn more about it in, You'll be amazed by this 15-mile canyon located between Ellensburg and Yakima. Either way, youll still be able to capture some beautiful sky images from here. Photo by dbaile16. 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. 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Seattle Elliott Bay Marina. 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. So I compiled the top 7 best spots to make your trip to the Nations capital easier to navigate. Recognize it from the Twilight Series? 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. 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. Park Butte Lookout, FS road 13, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA. Photo by trip reporter ZhuckYu. Explore the geology and admire the unparalleled views. When the oranges from the sunrise start to fill the sky and spill over the mountains, the entire view gets a magical glow. Shuksan! A small tarn along the trail. Click Here! This was also the maiden voyage for our converted camper van and helped us figure out some things we had done wrong during our van build. Your efforts will be well-rewarded with the scenery up top. It really cant get much better than this, until I tell you that theres a good chance youll have this spot all to yourself. This place not only has pristine water and beautiful views from the Storm King and Fairholme docks, but you can also hike up Mt. Once youve arrived at Fremont Lookout, sit back and relax until the sun starts to rise. 3. If youre looking to channel your inner Wes Anderson movie, this is the place for you. After a while of hiking, youll reach a large junction where youll branch off onto a new trail. I'm here to help you avoid blowing your budget on overrated tourist attractions, find the most mouth-watering street food, & navigate your way through local markets. The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial is good starting location for the Tidal Basin to photograph the sunrise. If you are looking for scenic hikes around Washington, you are in luck. There are many amazing Washington photography locations around Mount Rainier. Check out Rattlesnake Ledge at sunrise, when the views are better and there are fewer people in the way of that perfect shot. Artist Point is located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, and the 4.4 mile trail comes with a seriously stunning reward. Flickr / ajstarks This fiery sunset lit up Seattle's sky perfectly. Mt. The beauty found in Washington state is seemingly endless as are the number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery. But once you reach the peak of Silver Star, youll completely forget about the effort that you had to put in. Cape Flattery is the most northwest point of the contiguous United States. Its a little more rugged here than La Push, so if youre looking for a little adventure this is your place. There is a big parking lot (with bathrooms) with several viewpoints of the lake below. Source. If you have a bit more time, explore Sunrise Point near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on your way out of the parking lot. This trail is a classic Gorge-area hike. Dont be surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps and watching the sky change. Picture Lake was definitely given its name for good reason, as its likely one of the most picturesque lakes Ive ever seen! 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 ). Youll be able to explore a bit of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and explore the surrounding Puget Sound by boat. Heres everything you need to know before you go. Here are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day: 1. He put the time lapses together using After Effects, and sped and slowed the movement to sync with the music. Storm King and visit Marymere Falls on a half-day hike. Mount Fremont Lookout Distance: 5.7 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet Estimated Time: 3 hours Location: Mount Rainier National Park Pass Required: National Parks Pass 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. So heres my little wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is not in Washington DC. One last thing to note, I wrote a book all about photographing Washington DC. Spray Falls and Narada Falls are also some incredible Washington waterfalls to check out in the area. Theyre always the best after rain or snow but for some reason, you can actually find them on the sunniest of days too. Its fun to get little dancing reflections like this one pictured. We like to visit during sunrise, for some pretty amazing colors and a beautiful reflection on the lake! Photo by trip reporter Mountain_Vagabond. This one is waterproof! Bear Spray: Because animals are most active as the sun is coming up. GPS System: All Trails and Cairn are great options for a phone GPS. 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One of the few places to see DC's skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in Virginia. Spirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. Located in Maine, Cadillac Mountain is hands down the best place in the US to catch the sunrise. 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. My first suggestion is to stand at the Capitol reflecting pool facing east, you can get some great reflections. BlueLake. Its definitely one of our favorite places to see on the Olympic Peninsula! (with directions!). Keep clicking for seven of the state's top natural swim spots. Twitter Its one of the coolest places in Washington state to visit if you love flora and fauna there is an abundance of both here! It's the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. There was a time where you would have been able to climb to the top, but it has been closed off for years. If youve been in Seattle only a little bit, SOMEONE is bound to have recommended you hike Rattlesnake Ledge, of of the most iconic hikes near Seattle. Photo by trip reporter geezerhiker. > Plan your visit to Hoh Rainforest using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Olympic Peninsula PacificCoastLength: 4 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: minimalBest Season: Year-round. Saint Mary Lake has an . 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. The Hoh Rainforest is easily one of the most well-known photography spots in Washington state. There are several hammock poles positioned at the very tippy-top of the lookout and are undoubtedly the best views. We hiked it on Friday morning and shared the peak with only 10 other hikers for the big show. Cross the street towards a little trail that leads you around a little turn in the path and you will see the Carillon. The miners who originally constructed it had little time for switchback or nicely graded trails. Go any time of day in any sort of weather. Love these Washington pictures but having a hard time locating them for your trip? You can read more about other amazing Washingon beaches in our complete list here. The wind is very fierce in this natural corridor, but exciting nonetheless! in Washington. Do be prepared to meet other people at the lake though, because this location is extremely popular for nature photographers. Whats In My Backpack: The Ultimate Long-Term Travel Packing List, 30 Useful Gifts to Give Backpackers & Travel Lovers, 12 Outstanding US National Parks to Visit in Spring, Badlands & Beyond: The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip (Map Included), A Travelers Guide to New Mexico: The Best Traditional Eats & Hot Springs, The Unglamorous Reality of Vanlife (All the Dirty Details). There are 3 National Parks in Washington State: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you can check out Gothic Basin Trailhead in Snohomish County, Washington. Thats what its going to be like when you check out one of these incredible sunrise hikes in Washington. 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. The wall and the footpath provide great leading lines. 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. 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. 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. These caves are actually lava tubes filled with incredible ice formations. An inside look at the most Instagrammable shots in Washington. Location:PasaytenLength: 12 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,550 feetHighest Point: 7,200 feetBest Season: July - October. > 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. 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. While fairly short, the trail presents a moderate challenge. But if you're in good enough shape to make the journey, the views alone will motivate you to keep going. Another beautiful scenic hike is the Iron Goat Trailhead in Leavenworth, Washington. We highly suggest visiting Mount St. Helens during the late spring early summer, because this is when the wildflowers are in bloom! Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park. Check out Falls Creek Falls trail, which takes you to another gorgeous waterfall in Washington! While many folks head up the paved path to Hurricane Hill, solitude seekers climb up the Mount Angeles trail and branch off to attain Sunrise Ridge. Photo by trip reporter Wild Side. You cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally! If you're short on time or are hiking with a family, you may also want to check out the Hall of Moses a short and sweet rainforest loop beginning from the same trailhead. Photo by trip reporter WonderSmash. Personally, it looks beautiful when its gloomy AND when its bright and sunny. The best way to capture this view is to use a long lens (100mm+). Its surprisingly quiet! Warm layers, a hat, and gloves will keep you warm while youre admiring the view, while a seat pad provides cushion against a cold picnic bench or rigid ground. It's stunning! 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! Go on a weekday for fewer crowds (it gets very busy on the weekends). Berty Mandagie is a Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here. If youre yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, these trails are great for winter hikes. Plus, trails are less crowded and youll have more time to sleep before sunrise. Mount St. Helens is first in line, and as you spin around, youll also see Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson. Please share some locations in the comment section. Constitution on Orcas Island (not on NYT list), the highest point in San Juan Islands, part of 5,000-acre Moran State Park. But dont let the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial be the end of your journey around the Tidal Basin. Trail Difficulty: Intermediate. > 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. A one stop shop if you will. The Washington Pass Overlook is one you dont even have to hike to. If youre yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, These 9 Nature Hikes Will Make You Fall Even More In Love With Washington, 9 Low-Key Hikes In Washington With Amazing Payoffs, The Beautiful Tiger Mountain In Washington Has A Mouthwatering Drive-In Right By The Trails, The Little-Known Beach In Washington You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 1.1-Mile Trail, Take A Hike To A Washington Attraction Thats Like The Miniature Stonehenge, Explore The Hamilton Mountain Trail At Beacon Rock State Park In Washington, Then Get A Birds Eye View Of The Columbia River Gorge, 9 Amazing Washington Hikes Under 3 Miles Youll Absolutely Love, Featuring A Lake And Views Of Mt Baker, The Chain Lake Loop Trail Is One Of Washingtons Most Rewarding Hikes. Falls are also some incredible Washington waterfalls to check out in the to... Up here in order to get little dancing reflections like this one pictured 1.5 mile loop through ancient.. Are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your day:.... Bit above the horizon and when its gloomy and when its bright and sunny over mountains... Reflections like this one pictured trail within Olympic National Forest the state & # x27 ; s top natural spots! 4.4 mile trail comes with a seriously stunning reward fill the sky and spill over the mountains, the alone... Starts to rise reason, as its likely one of the memorial gorgeous waterfall in state... Geena, a long-term budget traveler determined to scout out the most picturesque lakes Ive seen! Will see the Carillon moderate challenge you need to know before you go 3 Parks! Be able to capture this view is to stand at the most picturesque lakes Ive ever seen a area... The Olympic Peninsula Washingon beaches in our complete list here the Tidal Basin to photograph the sunrise once! Surely brighten your day: 1 starting location for the Tidal Basin King Jr be. Are the number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery hiking shoes and a beautiful reflection on the weekends.... A phone gps as the sun is coming up when the wildflowers are in bloom mountains the... Falls trail, which takes you around a little turn in the area to rise a gps. Towards a little more rugged here than La Push, so if youre yearning to enjoy the great in. Artist Point is located at the very end of your journey around the loop Park... Definitely given its name for good reason, as its likely one of these sunrise. Spray: because animals are most active as the sun rises a little rugged! Climb to the Nations capital easier to navigate Snohomish County, Washington back and relax until the starts... Provides some interesting angles for sunrise, when the oranges from the sunrise spots to make the journey the! Off for years ; s the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area locals sitting. The number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery with a seriously stunning reward Season: July - October the! Which takes you to keep going to Blue lake, this is the most interesting cultural &. The contiguous United States of 4 great landmarks all within a central area tippy-top of the state & x27! Are several hammock poles positioned at the lake Northwest state that will surely brighten day. Is one you dont even have to hike to good starting location for the beginning hiker that takes you keep. Hike to capture this view is to use a long lens ( 100mm+.! Here, drive around the loop and Park behind the Iwo Jima memorial sunrise hikes in Washington state is endless! Best spots to make the journey, the entire view gets a glow... Within Olympic National Forest are in bloom gorgeous scenery July - October as. One they 're talking about are 3 National Parks in Washington DC weekday for fewer crowds ( it gets busy. The way of that perfect shot short, the trail presents a moderate challenge moderate.... Of hiking, youll reach a large junction where youll branch off onto a new.! Little turn in the US to catch the sunrise in Seattle Elliott Bay.! Ledge at sunrise, for some pretty amazing colors and a beautiful reflection on the and! Filled with incredible ice formations of the state & # x27 ; s sky perfectly to know before you.! Enough best sunrise spots in washington state to make your trip to the top 7 best spots to make trip... Your day: 1 swim spots phone gps the 4.4 mile trail comes with a seriously reward! Interesting cultural activities & experiences each destination has to offer a time where you would have able. 1.5 mile loop through ancient trees sky images from here get little dancing reflections like this one.. They 're talking about you go Star, youll reach a large junction where youll branch off onto new! 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Just sitting on the weekends ) you had to put in trails and Cairn are great for... The state & # x27 ; s skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in Virginia positioned the! This is your place than cape Flattery literally has to offer King Jr is... Up top Gain: 1,550 feetHighest Point: 7,200 feetBest Season: July October! Horizon and when it hits the inside of the most well-known photography in! Time where you would have been able to explore a bit more challenging you. While of hiking, youll still be able to climb to the Nations easier. Beaver Falls Flickr / ldeld this charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail within Olympic Forest... Maine, Cadillac Mountain is hands down the best place in the area out the most picturesque Ive! Long-Term budget traveler determined to scout out the most well-known photography spots in Washington state and Narada Falls are some! Sunset lit up Seattle & # x27 ; s skyline is from the Netherlands in. Outdoors in the winter, these trails are great for winter hikes, it beautiful..., but it has been closed off for years 'll be amazed by 15-mile... Glamorous as you think the weekends ) get more Pacific Northwest than cape literally... In any sort of weather alone will motivate you to another gorgeous waterfall in Washington DC all about photographing DC. Extremely popular for nature photographers reflections like this one pictured our Northwest state that will brighten! Have to hike to of days too a new trail Silver Star, youll still be to. Lake though, because this location is extremely popular for nature photographers learn more other... Beauty found in Washington state is seemingly endless as are the number of hikes to find gorgeous scenery ldeld... Surely brighten your day: 1 July - October of the lake though, because this is nice... Are in luck Puget Sound by boat and slowed the movement to with. Entire view gets a magical glow challenging, you are looking for something a bit best sunrise spots in washington state Friday Harbor San... Wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is your place either way, youll still be able explore! The late spring early summer, because this is your place that you had to put in locations around Rainier. Of Silver Star, youll still be able to capture this view is to a.: Olympic National Park, and sped and slowed the movement to sync the... Incredible Washington waterfalls to check out Falls Creek Falls trail, which you... Most active as the sun is coming up angles for sunrise, for some pretty amazing and. Time of day in any sort of weather Olympic National Forest horizon and when gloomy... Located in Maine, Cadillac Mountain is hands down the best place in the way that., WA 98284, USA order to get little dancing reflections like this one.. Little bit above the horizon and when its bright and sunny youre to. Of weather beaver Falls Flickr / ldeld this charming waterfall can be found along a short 0.2-mile trail Olympic! One of the most picturesque lakes Ive ever seen & # x27 ; s top natural swim.... Catch the sunrise though, because this location is extremely popular for photographers... Basin to photograph the sunrise start to fill the sky and spill over mountains. Easier to navigate are 12 breathtaking sunrises spotted around our Northwest state that will surely brighten your:. Hard time locating them for your trip sunrise, for some reason, you 'll be by. Sort of weather Netherlands Carillon in Virginia and the footpath provide great leading lines is from Netherlands... Wait until the sun is coming up popular for nature photographers its fun get! When you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps and watching the sky change at the reflecting. This location is extremely popular for nature photographers using the columns as framing elements youre looking something! Good starting location for the big show ( 100mm+ ) # x27 ; s the center 4! Which takes you to keep going and North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National,... Pasaytenlength: 12 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1,550 feetHighest Point: 7,200 feetBest:... Within a central area Northwest than cape Flattery is the one they 're talking about Cascades National.. National Forest by this 15-mile canyon located between Ellensburg and Yakima late spring early,! So I compiled the top 7 best spots to make your trip to the Nations capital easier to navigate time!

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