A Guide to Spending Summer in WashingtonWashington State is best seen in the summer, with its incredible hiking, alpine lakes, adorable stays, water activities, and so much more. Get out of downtown and go explore the great big backyard here!Authorskatherinebeard
abbygoux
DestinationsWashingtonItinerary

Hikes & Outdoor Adventures

Lake Crescent
This is a must-stop in Olympic National Park. Enjoy a picnic and a swim at the lake. Make sure to head stop Devil's Punchbowl for some of the clearest waters.
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Oyster Dome
Part of the Chuckanut Mountain range, this trail is 5 miles roundtrip with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. The hike up here has amazing views of the San Juans, Skagit River flats, Olympic Mountains, and Samish Bay.
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Banks Lake
Visit the shores of this sparkling blue lake! A gem of Eastern WA... You can also opt to hike the Steamboat Rock trail which is 6 miles roundtrip and has 650 feet of gain. It leads you up a tall butte with sweeping views.
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Snoqualmie falls and Twin Falls Hike
Go with a guide and practiced naturalist to these two iconic, cascading falls!
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Diablo Lake
This hike is longer at 7.6 miles roundtrip but only has 1,400 feet of gain total. It is a steady climb to a gorge, a towering waterfall, and ultimately an amazing viewpoint of the lake.
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The Bloedel Reserve & Sightseeing
Out on Bainbridge Island, this tour takes you through a world-renowned garden and botanical reserve and down by the water all in one trip!
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Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead
About 5.5 miles in length, roundtrip, and with 1400 ft elevation gain, this is a moderate trail perfect for a taste of the quintessential PNW. Pass through wetlands and old growths, admiring waterfalls, and views of Whitehorse Mountain and Three Fingers on clear days.
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Mount Si
Perfect for novice and expert hikers, this trail gains about 3,100 feet in a little under four miles. Not too far from Seattle, this trail passes through old-growth forests and rises above the Snoqualmie Valley.
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Rattlesnake Lake
Once you get up here, it is a great spot to have a summer picnic or learn more about this area at the nearby Cedar River Watershed Education Center. Don't forget to hike up to the ridge for stunning views of the lake.
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Lake Union Park
This urban park is a super fun spot to rent kayaks and SUPs for a city escape! Tuesday nights are for the Duck Dodge. Bring a dinner and a blanket and watch as sailboats (and other boats) run around and race through the Lake.
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Half Day Guided Tour of Olympic National Park
Let a guide take you around to the best photo-spots, trails, and more in Olympic National Park with this tour.
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Favorite Snacks, Eats, & Drinks

Boat Shed Restaurant
The Boat Shed is the perfect place for a summer dinner on the patio. Enjoy a glass of wine with some fresh seafood.
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Hama Hama Oyster Saloon
Hama Hama is the perfect place to stop and grab a drink and some locally sourced food while exploring the Hood Canal. Make a reservation ahead of time as Hama Hama is always busy.
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Downriggers - Friday Harbor
Downriggers offers seating inside and out. You won't miss any of the views if you sit indoors as they have windows all around.
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Swiftwater Cellars
Sit out on the patio and enjoy a flight of wine and some amazing food while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
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Tipsy Cow Issaquah
Tipsy Cow has two locations, one in Issaquah and one in Redmond. This is the perfect place to grab a burger and a beer with friends.
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2 Margaritas Restaurant
2 Margaritas is the perfect place to unwind after exploring the southern part of Olympic National Park or the Hood Canal. Sit out on the patio and enjoy the setting sun while looking out at the blue water.
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McMenamins Olympic Club Theater
McMenamins is the perfect place to meet up with friends. There are a few locations around Washington so find the nearest location to you.
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Orchard Kitchen - Whidbey Island
Indulge in an 8-course meal whilst sitting amongst other travelers and community members at this Whidbey Island treat.
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Buddy Moos
No summer is complete without an ice cream treat! Come in here to try one (or a few) of their 36 flavors. They have all sorts of scoops, floats, sundaes, and more.
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Where to Stay

Alderbrook Resort & Spa
Enjoy a stay on the water. This resort has a golf course, a full-service spa, a coffee house, a bar, two restaurants, and more for guests to enjoy.
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The Inn at Abeja
Stay right on a vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley area! Complete with upscale dining options, tours, and of course, aesthetic rooms and villas, this is a relaxing luxury stay.
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Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan
A true, summer lake getaway stay here is essential. This hotel is the perfect home base for days on the water, relaxing reading a book, and longer day hikes in the area too!
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Ross Lake Resort
A stay in one of these cabins is a DREAM! Right on the water, with amazing views of the lake and a true summer camp feel will make you never want to leave.
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The Roosevelt
Along the Western coast, this home-style hotel is great for larger groups. The sunset views here are unreal and it has nearby beach access.
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Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel
Perfect for a summer stay amidst the mountains, this property is home to a couple of onsite pools, golf courses, and mountain-cabin-style accommodations.
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Harrison House Hotel & Suites of Friday Harbor
You'll feel right at home in these suites along Friday Harbor! Their waterfront views and seemingly endless amenities, like a fireplace and onsite restaurant and bar, are hard to beat!
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