Outdoor Activities in Washington State

Washington state is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Picking from a menu that includes hiking volcanoes to windsurfing by waterfalls to rafting through a canyon, you truly can escape to the wonders of the Pacific Northwest in Washington state – a mecca for outdoorsy adventures. Sit back, relax, and let us do the planning. Here’s our itinerary for a Washington road trip for outdoorsy adventures.  

Start your Washington road trip with the infamous active volcano, Mount Saint Helens 

If you’ve always had an adventurous spirit, summiting the volcanic crater of Mount Saint Helens is a must-do. Access the climb via the Monitor Ridge Route, which carries you towards the crater rim at more than 8,000 feet in elevation. Though no technical training is needed, it is recommended to be in good physical condition as it does take 8-12 hours to complete the trek, round trip. Don’t forget to obtain a permit before you go.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Suites. 

Go windsurfing and find waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge 

Next stop on your Washington road trip for outdoorsy adventure in Washington state is the Columbia River Gorge. Choose to bike or hike the area, or even windsurf! The Gorge is infamous for being one of the best windsurfing spots in the country because of its wind tunnels. The Hatchery or “Hatch” is considered an ideal spot for windsurfing. While in the area, make a stop at Waterfall Alley, and take a tour of the gorgeous waterfalls – which includes Multnomah Falls, on the Oregon side, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the West.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Vintage Valley Inn. 

Explore the deepest canyon in North America  

Did you know that there’s a canyon that rivals the Grand Canyon in magnificence and depth? Yes, this canyon is not found in Arizona, but in Washington state. Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America, sinking at nearly 8,000 feet and created by the winding Snake River. Take a boat ride on the river, hike Hells Canyon, or explore the petroglyphs while enjoying the beautiful scenery all around you.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus The Inn at Hells Canyon. 

Visit the state waterfall from the Ice Age and go see 360 views at a national landmark 

Palouse Falls is one of the remaining waterfalls from the Ice Age, at over 13,000 years old. It was officially made Washington’s state waterfall ten years ago, and this natural wonder is a sight to behold. Go make a day trip to Palouse Falls State Park to see the beautiful waterfalls. If you’re short on time, nearby is also Steptoe Butte, a 3,612-foot-tall national landmark with 360-degree panoramic views of over 200 miles of the surrounding farmlands and Blue Mountains. 

Book your stay at Best Western Wheatland Inn. 

Beachcomb the scenic Pacific Northwest shores 

As the final stop on the trip, exploring the beaches of Washington state is a necessity from Oak Harbor. The location gives you access to Deception Pass State Park, which is alleged to be one of the most, if not the most, popular state parks in Washington state. The park has 4,134 acres of unbridled beauty between the Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island and boasts almost 15 miles of saltwater shoreland and over 30 miles of trails. Also, pay a notable visit to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, home to three other Washington state parks: Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, and Ebey’s Landing. Visit the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, hike the Bluff Loop Trail, or enjoy flying a kite on the beach.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center.