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Outdooor Activities

FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Washington State is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From rugged Pacific Coast beaches and snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked arid deserts and glimmering lakes, the state’s diverse landscapes make it easy to get outside in every season.

Summer invites hiking, biking, paddling, and windsurfing, while winter transforms Washington into a hub for Nordic and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and storm watching. Wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, stargazing, and so much more are also on offer throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking high-energy adventure or quiet connection with nature, you can find it in Washington. Learn more about how you can recreate responsibly.

Person skiing at sunset near Winthrop

Explore Winter Adventures

From skiing through snow-covered valleys to storm watching along the coast, experience all there is to do during winter in Washington State.

Discover Trip Inspiration

Hiking Guide: 15+ Spectacular Hikes in Washington State

Hit the trail for breathtaking views across the state.
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Dark Skies: Where to go Stargazing in Washington

Come for the splendor of the Milky Way paired with scenic landscapes.
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Top Destinations for Cross-Country Skiing

Glide along snowy tracks past scenic vistas.
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Hit the Water: Washington Watersports & Activities

Make a splash and discover Washington’s waterways.
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Washington’s Top Rock Climbing Destinations

From desert crags to coastal bouldering, Washington is pitch perfect.
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10+ Scenic Washington Golf Courses

Test your skills and take in scenic views at these acclaimed public golf courses around the state.
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Hiking Guide: 15+ Spectacular Hikes in Washington State

Hit the trail for breathtaking views across the state.
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Taps + Trails: Washington Hike and Brewery Pairings

Cheers to the epic combination of gorgeous Washington hikes and craft breweries.
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Colorful Trails: Explore These Scenic Wildflower Hikes

Discover stunning wildflower hikes with fewer crowds.
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Less-Visited Olympic National Park Hikes: Explore Underrated Gems

Explore quieter trails in Olympic National Park and discover diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to beaches.
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Explore the Beauty and Adventure of Okanogan’s Fire Lookout Towers

Experience stunning views and a rich history in Okanogan Country’s captivating landscape.
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8 Family Friendly Winter Hikes in Washington

Get outdoors and explore with the whole family this winter.
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Where to Find Fall Colors in Washington State

From hikes and bike rides to scenic drives, these are the best places to spot fall color in Washington.
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10+ Gorgeous Waterfalls in Washington State

The Evergreen State has no shortage of waterfalls to explore.
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Best Spots for Year-Round and Winter Camping

When the snow falls and the rain comes, head to one of these campgrounds.
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Rainy Camping in Washington State Parks: Tips and Where to Go

Don’t let a little wet weather dampen your camping experience.
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Camping in Washington State: Explore Campsites by Region

Find the perfect spot to pitch a tent or park an RV.
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Scenic Campgrounds in Washington State for Every Interest

Camp along lakes, near beaches, and in Washington’s many parks.
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Methow Trails: Explore North America’s Largest Cross-Country Ski Area

Discover a skier’s paradise in the Methow Valley.
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Top Destinations for Cross-Country Skiing

Glide along snowy tracks past scenic vistas.
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Discover Snowmobiling Tours & Independent Adventures

Explore vast swaths of snowy backcountry by snowmobile.
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Best Spots for Year-Round and Winter Camping

When the snow falls and the rain comes, head to one of these campgrounds.
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Winter in Washington: Your Guide to Adventure

From the mountains to the coast, winter is an open invitation in Washington.
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8 Family Friendly Winter Hikes in Washington

Get outdoors and explore with the whole family this winter.
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The Best of Winter Birding in Skagit Valley & Beyond

Spot eagles, snow geese, and more during a winter birding trip to the Skagit Valley and surrounding area.
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Guide to Scenic Snowshoe Trails in Washington

Explore scenic snowshoe trails, from the Cascade Mountains to Mount Spokane.
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Where to Ski and Snowboard in Washington

Hit the slopes at one of these winter ski areas.
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Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence: Guided Adventures

After the sun sets, paddle through an ethereal display of gleaming underwater algae.
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Discover Washington’s Water Trails

From estuaries teeming with wildlife to cliff-bound rivers, explore the state’s official water trails.
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Best Places for Kayaking in Washington State

From saltwater bays to mountain lakes, Washington’s kayaking opportunities are boundless.
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14 Refreshing Swimming Holes in Washington State

Cool off with an invigorating dip in one of Washington’s deep-blue lakes or meandering rivers.
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Washington’s Best Fishing Spots

Abundant waterways and diverse species make for world-class fishing in Washington
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Going Deep: Scuba Diving in Washington State

Embrace underwater adventure with these scuba diving sites in Washington.
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Hit the Water: Washington Watersports & Activities

Make a splash and discover Washington’s waterways.
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10 Washington State Wildlife Refuges for Nature Lovers

Spot animals amid dramatic landscapes at these memorable national wildlife refuges.
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Guide to Whale Watching in Washington

From the Olympic Coast to the Salish Sea, here are some of the best places to spot whales.
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The Best of Winter Birding in Skagit Valley & Beyond

Spot eagles, snow geese, and more during a winter birding trip to the Skagit Valley and surrounding area.
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Wildlife in Washington State

Get to know Washington State’s abundant wildlife populations.
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Explore the Great Washington State Birding Trail

Grab your binoculars and discover stellar birdwatching around the state.
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Discover Snowmobiling Tours & Independent Adventures

Explore vast swaths of snowy backcountry by snowmobile.
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Washington’s Top Rock Climbing Destinations

From desert crags to coastal bouldering, Washington is pitch perfect.
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Hit the Trail at These Mountain Biking Destinations

Zip through Washington’s diverse terrain on one of these epic trails.
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Where to Ski and Snowboard in Washington

Hit the slopes at one of these winter ski areas.
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Going Deep: Scuba Diving in Washington State

Embrace underwater adventure with these scuba diving sites in Washington.
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Tide to Table: Guide to Shellfish Harvesting in Washington State

Discover where to hunt for oysters, mussels, clams, and crabs.
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Embrace Farm Life at These Guest Ranches & Farm Stays

Meet animals, pick fresh produce, or head out on horseback.
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Mushroom Foraging in Washington: A Beginner’s Guide

Discover Washington’s abundance of edible wild mushrooms.
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Harvest Fresh Produce at These U-Pick Farms

From berries to apples, pick your own produce straight from the source.
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Dark Skies: Where to go Stargazing in Washington

Come for the splendor of the Milky Way paired with scenic landscapes.
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10+ Scenic Washington Golf Courses

Test your skills and take in scenic views at these acclaimed public golf courses around the state.
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The Complete Deception Pass State Park Guide

From exploring tide pools and hiking to camping, here’s how to experience this popular park.
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Guiding Lights: 10+ Washington Lighthouses to Explore

These historic beacons sit at the entrances to bays, sounds, and harbors and mark some of the most winsome sections…
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Mount St. Helens Guide: Things to do & More

Climb a volcano, take a hike, explore a cave system, and so much more.
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Discover Washington Ghost Towns

Explore the history behind some of Washington’s abandoned communities.
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Couple walking the beach at Dead Man's Cove in Cape Disappointment State Park, WA
Two people going hiking in Washington at Obstruction Point with mountains in the background

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