Visit Washington
Known as the “Evergreen State”, Washington is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes that are just waiting to be explored. It is the only state named after a president. For nature lovers, the state of Washington offers 3 national parks and 124 state parks, and many beautiful rivers, islands, and forests to explore.
The state of Washington has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes have inhabited the region for millennia, and their cultures and traditions continue to influence the state today. Washington became a state in 1889 and has since been home to a variety of industries, including logging, fishing, and technology.
The climate can be diverse, ranging from temperate rainforests on the Olympic Peninsula to hot, dry deserts in the southeast. The western part of the state experiences mild and rainy winters and dry, cool summers, while the eastern part of the state experiences cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers.
Washington National Parks
Mount Rainier National Park: Home to the tallest peak in Washington, Mount Rainier offers stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflowers. The national park surrounding this active volcano is one of the most beautiful parks in the region. Stretching over 350 square miles, the park offers 260 miles of hiking trails. The park offers 6 different hiking regions, but visitors can also enjoy cycling, camping, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Olympic National Park: Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this beautiful national park is known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged coastlines, glacier-capped mountains, and old-growth rainforests. Spreading across nearly a million acres of wilderness, the park offers a diverse range of ecosystems to explore. Visitors can enjoy fishing and boating in rivers and lakes or hike the many trails that lead to mountain peaks. Rialto and Ruby Beach are perfect for those who seek some much needed rest.
North Cascades National Park: Known as the “American Alps,” this national park features jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes, covering over two million acres of land. Within the park’s boundaries lie some of the most dramatic mountain sceneries you’ll ever see. The vast and secluded nature of North Cascades offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, backcountry camping, mountaineering, and boating.
San Juan Island National Historical Park: Located on San Juan Island, this national park covers over 2,100 acres and features several sites of historical significance, as well as natural areas for visitors to explore. One of the park’s most popular sites is English Camp, established by the British in 1860. Another site in the park is American Camp, which was established by the United States military in 1859 as a response to the border dispute with Great Britain. The park also includes several miles of hiking trails, beaches, and picnic areas.
Washington State Parks
Deception Pass State Park: Located on Whidbey Island, Deception Pass State Park is the most popular state park in Washington, with over 2 million visits a year. The park features stunning views of the Deception Pass Bridge, miles of hiking trails, and two beaches, Bowman Bay and Rosario Beach. The park offers visitors a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and beachcombing.
Lake Wenatchee State Park: Located in the Cascade Mountains, only 12 miles away from Leavenworth, the park is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Wenatchee, a beautiful alpine lake that is a popular destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports. Hiking is a popular activity at Lake Wenatchee State Park, with several trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The park also has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach and a roped-off swim area, making it a great place to cool off on a hot day. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other watercraft.
Palouse Falls State Park: Located in eastern Washington, near the town of Washtucna, Palouse Falls State Park is centered around the stunning Palouse Falls, a 200-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep canyon. In addition to its natural beauty, Palouse Falls State Park has a rich cultural history. The park is located within the traditional lands of the Palouse people, and the falls are an important cultural and spiritual site for the tribe. This is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, but also stargazing or camping.
Lime Kiln Point State Park: Located on the west side of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point State Park is known for its beautiful shoreline, historic lighthouse, and world-class whale watching opportunities. It’s regarded as one of the best places to spot whales in the world. The best chance to see these massive mammals is from May to September. The lighthouse offers visitors stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is a popular spot for photos. The park also has several hiking trails, including one that follows the shoreline and offers views of the lighthouse and surrounding islands. The park’s rocky shoreline is a great place to explore tide pools and spot marine life such as crabs, sea stars, and anemones.
Washington Campgrounds
Mt. Linton RV & Trailer Park: Located in the town of Toppenish, the RV park has 40 RV sites with full hookups and pull-through access. The park is situated in a peaceful rural setting and offers amenities such as laundry facilities, showers, and a small convenience store.
Winchester RV Park: Located in the town of Republic, the RV Park has 20 RV sites with full hookups and pull-through access. The park is situated near the Kettle River and offers amenities such as a recreation hall, playground, and laundry facilities.
Riverbend RV Park: Located in the town of Twisp, the RV park has 28 RV sites with full hookups and pull-through access. The park is situated near the Methow River and offers amenities such as a clubhouse, laundry facilities, and a pet area.
Wind Mountain RV Resort & Lodge: Located in the town of Carson, the park has 44 RV sites with full hookups and pull-through access. The park is situated near the Columbia River Gorge and offers amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, and clubhouse with a game room.
Things to do while you’re in your RV Rental in Washington
Washington offers many great experiences and attractions for RV travelers. During your RV vacation, don’t forget to visit some of them.
Popular destinations in Washington
Seattle: The largest city in Washington, Seattle is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. It’s also a hub for technology and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues.
San Juan Islands: Located north of Puget Sound, San Juan Islands are known for their natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and whale watching. Visitors can explore the islands by kayak, bike, or boat, and can also enjoy local seafood, wineries, and art galleries.
Leavenworth: This charming Bavarian-style town located in the Cascade Mountains is known for its festivals, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique shops and restaurants. The town is popular for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as its famous Oktoberfest celebration.
Spokane: Located in the eastern part of the state, near the border with Idaho, Spokane is the second largest city in Washington. Spokane is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Spokane River and nearby mountain ranges, as well as its vibrant downtown area. The city is home to a number of parks, including Riverfront Park, which offers walking and biking paths, a large fountain, and a carousel, among other attractions.
Top Attractions and Activities in Washington
Space Needle: The Space Needle is an iconic landmark located in Seattle that was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
Snoqualmie Falls: Located in the Snoqualmie Valley in the western part of the state, this stunning waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions, with more than 1.5 million visitors every year. The waterfall is approximately 270 feet tall and drops into a pool at the base of the falls, which is surrounded by lush greenery and forests. The site is also culturally significant to the Snoqualmie people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years and consider the waterfall a sacred site.
Orcas Island: The largest of the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is known for its rugged natural beauty, quaint towns, and outdoor recreation opportunities. One of the top attractions on Orcas Island is Moran State Park, which covers over 5,000 acres and features a variety of hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic viewpoints. Another popular attraction on Orcas Island is the charming village of Eastsound, which features a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as a weekly farmers market.
Port Angeles: Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this charming waterfront city is a popular gateway to Olympic National Park, which is just a short drive away and offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The top attractions in Port Angeles are the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, which offers miles of hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
RV Dump Stations in Washington
Lakeside RV Park: The dump station is free for registered guests, it’s open all year and provides potable water and rinse water. It is also big rig friendly.
Lake Pleasant RV Park: The dump station is free for registered guests, it’s open all year and provides rinse water and potable water.
Chevron at Legacy Landing: The dump station costs $5, it’s open all year and provides potable water and rinse water. It is also big rig friendly.
Millersylvania State Park: The dump station is free for registered guests, it costs $5 for visitors to use. The dump station is open all year and does have water.
Storage RV Rentals Washington
Seattle Outside Storage: The facility offers outside RV storage for vehicles of all sizes. They offer short-term and long-term storage options. The site is fully fenced, with electronic gates, surveillance cameras, and ample lighting.
Superior Self Storage: The facility offers outside RV storage and they can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet long. The site is secured with a fence, electronic gate, and video surveillance, but also has an alarm system.
Storage Direct Francis: The facility is very clean, with an on-site manager and 24-hour video surveillance.
Deer Park Self Storage: This family-owned facility offers personalized service and clean RV storage. The facility is also fenced with barbed wire and lit for good security.
Conclusion
Washington State offers an incredible variety of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a perfect destination for those exploring in an RV.
From the rugged beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands to the vibrant cities of Seattle and Spokane, there is something for everyone in Washington State. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, indulge in local cuisine and wine, or immerse yourself in history and culture, Washington State has something for everyone.
Traveling in an RV allows you to experience things at your own pace, with the freedom and flexibility to explore the state’s many hidden gems.
