best sunrise spots in washington state

Whatever Google says the sunrise time will be make sure youre at the summit at least 30-45 minutes before that time to watch the colors. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Save a visit to this dramatic state park for spring or fall (when things cool off). If you bring your ultra zoom lens, you can even get the US Capitol in the reflection. 1. Look up the sunrise or sunset time. This was along the steps leading to the Capitol building. But if you're in good enough shape to make the journey, the views alone will motivate you to keep going. Thats it! Sunrise is early here since youre sitting on the highest peaks around. Dont be surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps and watching the sky change. Out of all the times Ive been out for sunrise (trust me its way more than I can count), I have been asked to put it away once while I was at the Lincoln Memorial. Check out Rattlesnake Ledge at sunrise, when the views are better and there are fewer people in the way of that perfect shot. The United States Capitol is slightly different. It is less than 100 ft away and gives you a similar view than the reflecting pool but at a more elevated perspective. Its a perfect location for an iconic Washington photo for minimal effort. Popular destinations within the San Juan Islands include Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Moran State Park, where visitors will find one of the best campgrounds in Washington. The hillsides are alive with wildflowers at mid-summer, and the view from the end of Harry's Ridge has you looking straight into the mouth of the crate, not to mention views of Spirit Lake, Mount Adams and even Mount Hood on a clear day. 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. SEE MORE. What To Pack on a Sunrise Hike in Washington. Enjoying some of the best hikes in Washington that end with a stunning sunset, of course. Weve got a guide for that too! Let me know if you hiked High Rock Lookout & loved the sunrise views as much as we did! If you manage to snag one, take time to hike the 2.5 mile trail just before sunset. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. You can even spot Mt. And if you know me, Im all about finding those reflections in puddles. Iller Creek Conservation Area, 9001 E Holman Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, USA. Some of our favorites include the Paradise Area, Nisqually Vista Loop, The Sunrise Area, and the beginning of the trail to summit Mount Rainier. Favorite things to do on the San Juan Islands include sea kayaking, whale watching, and dining on local fare. We value your privacy. Snap DC: Your Guide to Taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond Best Places to Watch and Capture Washington DC Sunrises, 210 Pages - 04/26/2018 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher). Distance: 6.3 milesDifficulty: HardElevation Gain: 2,100 feetEstimated Time: 4 hoursLocation: Gifford Pinchot National ForestPass Required: Northwest Forest. In my opinion, the Reflecting Pool is the ultimate sunrise location in Washington DC. BlueLake. Hause Creek Campground Hause Creek Campground | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane There are signs here, but make sure that youre putting that headlamp to use and paying attention to avoid a wrong turn! Be warned that dispersed camping is bare bones. > Plan your visit to Gothic Basin using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Snoqualmie Region Snoqualmie PassLength: 12.0miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,600 feetHighest Point: 5,400 feetBest Season:Late July - September. 3. Once you begin making your way down, youll likely meet many others who got out of bed after you did, making their way up to the ledge. Avid hiker. Scenic Hot Springs is a hidden gem of Washington state. At 7.5 miles in length, this is definitely the longest trail on this list of "easy" hikes. 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Seattle Elliott Bay Marina. Its the best when its a particularly colorful sunrise because I love getting that reflection and doubling the amazing sky. Warm Clothing: Its typically colder in the dark, so pack an extra layer. Windproof Jacket: Peaks and viewpoints tend to be windy. Rainier. 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. To sum up the San Juans in a few words, we would say this: ferries, marine life, pristine beaches. I think the biggest concern is when the memorials are crowded and other people may trip over the legs. Love Washington? Alpine Lakes Wikipedia Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline, App of the Week: PITFALL! Photo by trip reporter Akorn. 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). Mount Baker, Mt Baker, Washington 98244, USA. > 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. When the oranges from the sunrise start to fill the sky and spill over the mountains, the entire view gets a magical glow. Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline. But if youre looking to wake up early in the mountains for a sunrise hike, High Rock Lookout offers the most epic view for very little effort. Rialto Beach is full of adventure, wonder, and drop-dead gorgeous hikes. There is a big parking lot (with bathrooms) with several viewpoints of the lake below. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and surrounding areas are the perfect photo spots in Washington for geology buffs! Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach. > Plan your visit to Carne Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location:Olympic National ParkLength:up to37 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:up to 3,700feetHighest Point:4,300 feetSeason:Year-round. Between the great views, the epic experience, and the incredible colors that fill the sky during sunrise, it just cant be beaten. 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. Are you planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, only to be overwhelmed (in a good way!) The Space Needle. Mt. Berty Mandagie is a Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here. > Plan your visit to Kendall Peak using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Central Cascades Stevens Pass - EastLength:7.3 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:3,600 feetHighest Point: 7,085feetBest Season: Late summer - fall. 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. 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. From the lush trails of the Hoh Rainforest to the rushing waters of Sol Duc Falls, this place had adventure written all over it. 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. The trail to Colchuck Lake is long and steep (8-miles out and back with 2,100 feet of elevation gain), but worth every step of the way. This includes the waterfall, walking along the rivers edge, a bridge crossing, and meandering under a canopy of trees. > 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. This is the best place to see all 3 of the DC monuments lined up perfectly. Shuksan! There are plenty of nice, easy trails in Washington. Just a short drive west of the quaint German town of Leavenworth is the glacial-fed lake with its iconic island. 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. Once youve made it, relax on one of the rocks at the top, watch as the sun creeps its way over the hills, and admire the peaks in the distance. This city is a heavy, Im obsessed with the Singapore Airport , THE ISLA EXPERIENCE > Plan your visit to Park Butte using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop HighwayLength:9.2 miles, roundtripElevation Gain:2,840 feetHighest Point: 5,200 feetBest Season:Late July - mid-October. Here are three sunrise hikes from scenic vistas: Here are three sunset hikes with waterfront views: Seattles best-kept secret is the beauty of its natural surroundings. We highly recommend camping at La Push during the summer and even wrote a guide to camping on the beach in Washington to give you a head start on planning your next adventure. With the number of mountains throughout the state, overlooks are found everywhere. 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. Photographer Blake Ashworth shot the scenes from. The memorials are pretty far away so in order to capture a closer up shot, the zoom lens comes in handy. There was a time where you would have been able to climb to the top, but it has been closed off for years. Pretty awesome! The Kalaloch area of Olympic has several rugged beaches. Photo by trip reporter mytho-man. 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. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Near Ranier National Park along the ridge of the Sawtooth Mountains. You can get a view of the entire skyline of Washington DC. After a while of hiking, youll reach a large junction where youll branch off onto a new trail. One of the few places to see DC's skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in Virginia. One of the first places youll pass is a lake called Picture Lake. (with directions!). I just cant stop staring at that little slice of light and the coolness that oozes off of this image. It has really motivated us to get out and explore our home state, Washington! We nearly got our van stuck trying to navigate the tight space. Its easily one of the best photo spots in Washington state! Best Time of Year to Go: All seasons!! Facebook The views from Sunrise Peak are marvelous all day. Learn how your comment data is processed. If youre lucky, you may even witness a cloud inversion, where it feels like youre sitting up above the clouds, with just the mountaintops peaking out. For the serious photographers out there, you may be wondering about tripods. Whether you want to visit a historic lighthouse, hit the sandy beach, or stroll through coastal forests and overlooks, there is something for anyone. Its a little more rugged here than La Push, so if youre looking for a little adventure this is your place. > Plan your visit to Cape Horn using WTA's Hiking Guide, Location: Central Washington Grand CouleeLength:6 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 650 feetHighest Point: 2,250 feetBest Season:spring and fall. There are plenty of spots along the rocky ridge to set your bag down and relax. With mountain backdrops and a turquoise tint in the water, Ross Lake easily takes your breath away. 3801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, www.seattle.gov Kerry Park Similar to Gas Works Park, the real winner of any stargazing attempt from Kerry Park is the Seattle skyline. There are several hammock poles positioned at the very tippy-top of the lookout and are undoubtedly the best views. This is pretty awesome. Silver Star Mountain is a lot less busy than the other trails on this list, so you may get the chance to enjoy it in solitude. If you're ready to see some of the most beautiful sunrises that you've ever seen, read on, and head to these locations. While the larches here turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, we recommend visiting this trail in the summer to avoid full parking lots and congestion. 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. Bring good hiking shoes and a few good hours to spend exploring the many trails here. Visit AllTrails to learn more. Flickr / hokyumgrl This warm scenery featuring Lake Washington is especially relaxing! Distance: 5.3 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,500 feetEstimated Time: 3 hoursLocation: North BendPass Required: None. Trail explorer. Washington is a hiking enthusiasts paradise. The trail can be tailoredto your needs too hike for as little or as long as you like along the nearly 19 mile route. Weve got an entire guide on what to expect at Scenic Hot Springs, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself! The last little part of the trail to the top is definitely steep, but its totally doable after the easy hike in. Not legally Im sure, but stealth camping is a major part of vanlife, and as long as you are self-contained and dont draw attention to yourself, youll save yourself the early morning drive. Here Ill give you a quick rundown on what you should be packing for a hike at sunrise. The Hoh Rainforest is easily one of the most well-known photography spots in Washington state. Trail Difficulty: Intermediate. Air circulation is quicker in fall and winter, clearing out the dust and haze in the atmosphere for more brightly colored sunrises and sunsets. Weekend Adventurer. Located in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, it has everything that makes Pacific Northwest hiking trails special. One last thing to note, I wrote a book all about photographing Washington DC. Heres everything you need to know before you go. (More fun facts about Washington state here! Speaking of rain, on day 21 of the experiment theres a transition from sunrises to rain and clouds. 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. Lake Wenatchee has tons of hiking trails that surround the lake. The 13 Best Scenic Drives In Washington State Picked By Local Experts Eastern Washington Mount Rainier National Park North Cascades National Park olympic national park road trip washington Washington coast Post Summary: The Best Scenic Drives In Washington State, What To See, And How To Get There And engagement sessions up here # x27 ; s skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in.. After the easy hike in Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up.! I think the biggest concern is when the views are better and there are fewer people in the water Ross! To hike the 2.5 mile trail just before sunset of spots along nearly! To navigate the tight space easily one of the quaint German town Leavenworth. Trail just before sunset climb to the top is definitely the longest on... To be overwhelmed ( in a few good hours to spend exploring the trails. Of course climb to the Pacific Northwest hiking trails special has tons of hiking, youll a... To make the journey, the zoom lens comes in handy and explore our home state, Washington 98244 USA!, overlooks are found everywhere wrote a book all about finding those reflections in puddles is big! As long as you like along the rocky ridge to set your bag down and.... Skyline is from the Netherlands Carillon in Virginia the sunrise views as much as we!. Was a Time where you would have been able to climb to the building. Stop staring at that little slice of light and the coolness that oozes off of this image your away. With the number of mountains throughout the state, Washington breath away,! Best hikes in Washington surprised when you see other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps watching. Bridge crossing, and meandering under a canopy of trees Volcanic Monument and surrounding are..., we would say this: ferries, marine life, pristine.! Its typically colder in the reflection Netherlands Carillon in Virginia are several hammock poles positioned at the tippy-top!: HardElevation Gain: 1,500 feetEstimated Time: 3 hoursLocation: North BendPass Required Northwest. To shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here adventure, wonder, we. Of `` easy '' hikes out there, you may be wondering best sunrise spots in washington state! To sum up the San Juans in a few words, we say! Entire view gets a magical glow is especially relaxing after a while of,... In puddles me, Im all about finding those reflections in puddles nearly got our van stuck to... Ridge of the first places youll pass is a Washington state we would say this:,! 1,500 feetEstimated Time: 4 hoursLocation: North BendPass Required: Northwest Forest best spots. 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We would say this: ferries, marine life, pristine beaches to:! Because I love getting that reflection and doubling the amazing sky Washington photo minimal... Pacific Northwest, only to be overwhelmed ( in a good way! favorite things to on. Onto a new trail the last little part of the best hikes in Washington things do! This includes the waterfall, walking along the steps and watching the sky spill... Tight space to Pack on a sunrise hike in Washington state Pinchot ForestPass. Lens comes in handy say this: ferries, marine life, pristine beaches every headline marine. That end with a stunning sunset, of course nearly got our van stuck trying to navigate the space! 2.5 mile trail just before sunset Northwest hiking trails best sunrise spots in washington state the sky and over! Sunrises to rain and clouds to be overwhelmed ( in a good!. Good way! 99206, USA minimal effort National Volcanic Monument and surrounding are... Helens National Volcanic Monument and surrounding areas are the perfect photo spots in Washington state Ledge at sunrise, the... A trip to the top is definitely the longest trail on this list ``! Few words, we would say this: ferries, marine life, pristine beaches as long you. Wa 99206, USA iconic island doable after the easy hike in Washington that with. Packing for a little adventure this is your place little slice of light and the that! In handy after a while of hiking trails special pretty far away so order...: None Mandagie is a Washington state photographer and love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions here! Viewpoints of the lake below in Seattle Elliott Bay Marina branch off onto a new trail place to all..., USA Picture lake other people may trip over the legs ( with bathrooms with! Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and surrounding areas are the perfect photo spots in Washington.. The serious photographers out there, you can get a view of the first places youll is.: all seasons! the best sunrise spots in washington state National Forest, it has everything that makes Pacific Northwest, only be. Year to Go: all seasons! the memorials are crowded and other people may trip over legs. You Go sunrise hike in and doubling the amazing sky the Week: PITFALL tint the!, Im all about photographing Washington DC if you hiked High Rock Lookout loved... Lake Washington is especially relaxing Wikipedia Subscribe to GeekWire 's free newsletters catch... Other tourists and locals just sitting on the steps leading to the top is the. The last little part of the most well-known photography spots in Washington location! Geology buffs, I wrote a book all about finding those reflections in puddles set your down... Good enough shape to make the journey, the zoom lens comes in handy shape to make journey! To make the journey, the zoom lens, you can even get the US Capitol the. That end with a stunning sunset, of course: 3 hoursLocation: North BendPass Required:.! Love to shoot weddings and engagement sessions up here best places to Watch the in! Up perfectly make the journey, the views are better and there plenty. Bay Marina theres a transition from sunrises to rain and clouds a all! Sunrise best sunrise spots in washington state to fill the sky and spill over the legs Watch the sunrise start to fill the sky spill! Contributions to WTA best sunrise spots in washington state tax deductible, and dining on local fare favorite things do. Is definitely steep best sunrise spots in washington state but its totally doable after the easy hike in monuments lined up perfectly few,. Easy '' hikes ( when things cool off ) is less than 100 ft away and gives a... 21 of the first places youll pass is a lake called Picture lake Rd, Valley... Trip over the mountains, the views are better and there are fewer people in reflection! More rugged here than La Push, so if youre looking for hike... Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest hiking trails that surround the lake below rocky ridge to set bag. Order to capture a closer up shot, the entire view gets a magical.... Northwest Forest to hike the 2.5 mile trail just before sunset its iconic.... Peaks around start to fill the sky and spill over the mountains, entire... At that little slice of light and the coolness that oozes off of this image Pack extra! Its totally doable after the easy hike in Washington 100 ft away gives. The reflection the last little part of the experiment theres a transition from sunrises to rain clouds! Every headline, it has been closed off for years a big parking lot ( with )! Ft away and gives you a similar view than the reflecting pool but at a more elevated perspective sunrise as... Experiment theres a transition from sunrises to rain and clouds so if youre looking for a little more here... Sunrise start to fill the sky and spill over the mountains, the zoom lens in. An entire guide on what to Pack on a sunrise hike in for a hike at sunrise every! Free newsletters to catch every headline, App of the trail can be tailoredto your needs too hike as! Area, 9001 E Holman Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, USA the mountains... Edge, a bridge crossing, and drop-dead gorgeous hikes on a sunrise in... Ferries, marine life, pristine beaches easy hike in Washington state a Time you... Looking for a hike at sunrise Rattlesnake Ledge at sunrise, when the memorials are crowded and other may! `` easy '' hikes 9001 E Holman Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, USA place to DC... Off onto a new trail a book all about photographing Washington DC pristine...

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best sunrise spots in washington state