For the outdoor enthusiast, there is no better place than Washington State to explore, adventure, and make memories. With mossy rainforests, crystal clear lakes, and towering pines, you could live in the state for your entire life and still be surprised by the natural beauty. As people travel from all over the country and world to catch a glimpse of the iconic landscapes, one prominent feature seems to pull the most visitors and inspire the most photographs: the mountain ranges. In this blog, we’re going to break down Washington’s two most iconic mountain ranges and the best ways to fully enjoy their majestic peaks. Who knows—it may just inspire you to pack up and move closer to one of these beautiful ranges.
North Cascade Range
Located in the northern corner of the state, the North Cascade Range, or simply Cascades, boasts alpine glaciers, challenging summits, and views that will leave you breathless. Referred to as the “American Alps,” these mountains are home to meadows, snowy peaks, and a variety of flora and fauna to catalog in your wilderness journal. As with much of Washington’s diverse climate, the weather is dependent not just on season but also on which side of the mountains you’re on—with rainy conditions on the western part.
Just three hours from Seattle, this can serve as the perfect day trip or camping trip—just be sure to make your reservations far ahead as spots can fill up months in advance. For those looking to be stunned by towering mountains but don’t want to face the massive crowds that some of the more popular national parks draw, like Mount Rainier National Park (which is now on a reservation system in an effort to control the daily summer crowds), North Cascades National Park is the perfect choice. You’re probably going into nature for a little peace and quiet, so not being surrounded by hundreds of other people will help you unplug and connect with the calm surroundings.
Olympic Mountain Range
If you like your mountain ranges with a side of ocean (33 miles to the west, to be exact) then the Olympic Mountains are your spot. You can view beautiful vistas with varying levels of difficulty—making these mountains the perfect getaway for those who appreciate a challenge as well as those who would prefer a relaxing day in nature. If you’re looking to get the most views for the least amount of effort, then Hurricane Ridge is a great destination within the Olympic National Park. And although you won’t see an amazing view from high up on the top of a mountain, any mention of Olympic National Park should also be accompanied by a suggestion to stop by the Hoh Rain Forest. With thick moss and a lush canopy of trees, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into another world.
Mount Storm King is a favorite with those who like to sweat for their views. As with most mountain trails, you’ll want to check the weather report, particularly during autumn, winter, and early spring, to ensure that you won’t run into snowy conditions unprepared. The tallest mountain in this range, Mount Olympus, should only be climbed by experienced mountaineers. It is certainly a less popular spot for mountaineers than places like Mount Rainier or Mount St. Helens, meaning you’ll have fewer people to contend with but also should be prepared to do more research.
Whether you’re interested in straying from the beaten path and finding less popular trails or you’re happy driving to a scenic picnic spot with lunch and your camera, there are countless opportunities to appreciate the state’s stunning mountains in your own way. The most important thing is to get outdoors and get inspired. We have so much to be thankful for in this beautiful place we call home.