Discover 29 Stunning Hidden Gems in Washington State

Washington, often mistaken for Washington D.C. (the capital of the United States), is situated in the Pacific Northwest and named after the nation’s first president, George Washington. Referred to as “The Evergreen State,” Washington is the 42nd state of the United States.

This state is renowned for its varied scenic beauty, featuring mountains, forests, arid regions, coastlines, volcanoes, canyons, charming beach towns, and the iconic Cascade Mountains.

Mount Rainier stands as the state’s tallest peak, an active volcano with an elevation of approximately 14,411 feet.

Washington presents an extensive array of activities for adventurers—scuba diving, fishing, cycling, kayaking, orca whale watching, rock climbing, and skiing in Mount Baker. However, there are experiential opportunities that only a fortunate few have encountered.

Let’s delve into some of Washington’s best-hidden gems.

1. The Ape Cave, Skamania

Formed over 2,000 years ago, the Ape Cave resulted from lava streaming from the volcanic Mt. St. Helens, which cooled to create an outer crust while allowing molten lava to continue flowing, thus forming a tunnel.

This distinctive formation in the Cascade Volcanic Range was named after a team of foresters, the Mt. St. Helens Apes, who were among the first to explore the caves upon their discovery in the 1950s.

With approximately two and a half miles of lava tube, the Ape Cave presents an intriguing destination for cavers and geologists who are drawn to traverse the narrow passages, rocky accumulations, and the eight-foot-high lava fall culminating in a cathedral-like glass opening.

Interestingly, reports of “Bigfoot” sightings in the cave have emerged, but no evidence has substantiated these claims.

2. Seattle Metaphysical Library, Seattle

Formally recognized as the “As-You-Like-It” Library, the Seattle Metaphysical Library has been catering to the community’s esoteric interests since 1961.

Housing over 13,000 books, DVDs, newspaper clippings, and CDs on uncommon topics such as shamanism, extraterrestrial life, magical studies, and parapsychology, the Library offers free access for all to explore and engage with materials that pique their curiosity.

Located in the basement of Kress Building in Seattle, it can be identified by an unmarked glass door alongside a sandwich board. Though property owners do not permit external signage, locating the Library is manageable, and entering it promises a unique experience.

3. Olympic Hot Springs, Port Angeles

Are you weary from your travels and longing for a soothing soak to ease sore muscles? Look no further.

Located along Boulder Creek in Port Angeles, WA, the Olympic Hot Springs encompasses 21 sources of alkaline mineral water nestled within lush, deciduous rainforest.

The majority of the pools are approximately one foot deep, presenting a series of soaking areas crafted from rock and sand, established and maintained by volunteers and visitors.

Easily accessible from the old bridge’s parking area via a “mostly-paved” trail, the uppermost pool is noted for being the cleanest and often considered as “clothing-optional.”

4. Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co., Seattle

As the largest city in Washington, Seattle is abundant with hidden gems and intriguing spots. Among them, the Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co., run by The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas (previously known as 826 Seattle), is an imaginative, space-themed store offering a variety of cosmic merchandise.

Targeting children and young adults aged 6 to 18, the store is a remarkable fantasy realm that ignites the imagination of those curious individuals who aspire to explore the cosmos.

Star maps, enchanting toys, astronomy literature, and a retro-futuristic spaceship suspended from the ceiling—Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. truly offers an out-of-this-world experience.

Do you wish to transport yourself or younger companions into the realm of cosmic writing? Enter the “Atomic Teleporter.”

5. Afterglow Vista, Friday Harbor

Originally dubbed the McMillin Mausoleum after its architect, John S. McMillin, “Afterglow Vista,” as noted on the sign leading to the site, was intended to serve as the final resting place for McMillin and his family. However, it represents much more than merely a burial and memorial site.

McMillin, who was a mineral magnate and dedicated Methodist, infused his spiritual values and family principles into the mausoleum’s construction. The design resembles an open-air chamber, featuring a large limestone table at its center surrounded by several stone chairs.

The chairs serve as tombstones and burial sites for McMillin and his family members, holding their ashes. Uniquely, the only empty seat at the “family table” belongs to his son, who diverged from the Methodist faith.

This remarkable and emblematic site is accessible to the public and can be reached by boat from Roche Harbor.

6. Wallaby Ranch, Fall City

Managed by USDA-approved breeders Rex and Tawny Paperd, the Fall City Wallaby Ranch presents an enchanting environment where a substantial population of lively, endearing Bennett’s wallabies (also known as red-necked wallabies), red kangaroos, and wallaroos thrive together, creating an enchanting utopia.

Nestled in Snoqualmie Valley (often referred to as The Valley of the Moon), Wallaby Ranch serves multiple purposes. Alongside providing a perfect habitat for these delightful animals, the owners conduct educational tours for local youth and adults, offering group tours to observe the animals’ natural behaviors, as well as training young wallabies to serve as emotional support animals for individuals with mental or physical challenges.

Visitors may have the opportunity to interact, hold, and feed these charming creatures, with the possibility of cuddling them and experiencing the joy that it inspires.

7. Vashon Island Bike Tree, Vashon

An inspiration for author and artist Berkeley Breathed’s children’s book, “Red Ranger Came Calling,” the Bike Tree is a genuine Vashon Island legend that has persisted through time.

The old, weathered bicycle, believed to date back to the 1920s, remains suspended seven feet above the ground in the trunk of a tree!

Numerous stories in circulation surrounding the cycle-entwined tree have emerged, one being that it belonged to a boy who tied it to the tree before departing for war and never returned.

Another widely told narrative recounts a child fastening the cycle to the tree and subsequently forgetting about it, leading the tree to embrace the neglected bicycle, providing it with a sense of belonging.

8. Hobbit House, Port Orchard

What is it about the United States and these enchanting gnome-like structures?

In 1996, Marilyn Davis and Cheryl Pelkey acquired a 50-year-old plant nursery, and it was not until 2015 that they constructed the Hobbit House behind the nursery. After six months of effort and a large frame formed from 14-gage culvert steel pipe, infused with love, creativity, and dedication, they fashioned a replica of a section of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire.

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a cozy, functioning fireplace. Further along, a beautifully carved wooden chair and a lamp-adorned shelf sit beside a round window—a perfect locale for reflecting or capturing memories. Adjacent is a stone wall.

The Hobbit House’s exteriors are crafted to resemble structures built into the hillside. Various flower species adorn the whimsical houses, while a majestic magnolia tree dominates the landscape, blooming beautifully in the summer.

Every plant surrounding the Port Orchard Hobbit House is available for purchase at the adjacent nursery.

9. Thornewood Castle, Tacoma

What significance does a name hold? With Thornewood Castle’s storied reputation, it appears to mean more than words can express.

Constructed in 1911 by Chester Thorne, the original owner and resident, this enchanting structure was fashioned from the remains of a demolished 15th-century English home. The opulent mansion boasts 32 rooms, 22 bathrooms, and 35 acres of ornate English gardens, along with a concealed “Sunken” orchard, earning it the designation of a true “castle.”

Thorne resided within the castle until his passing, after which it was bequeathed to his daughter, Anna, who had strict instructions to maintain it. Despite her wishes, it was soon sold to a developer who transitioned it into a bed-and-breakfast.

Rumors circulated that following the filming of Stephen King’s horror stories, “Rose Red” and “The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer,” the castle became a hub of paranormal activity. The ambiguous tales intrigued visitors, providing marketing opportunities for the owners.

Eventually, Thornewood Castle was sold again, and the new proprietors transformed its narrative, portraying the castle as a testament of love, built by Thorne for his cherished wife, Anna, dubbing it “The House That Love Built.”

10. Snoqualmie Tunnel, North Bend

Part of the expansive 1,612-acre Iron Horse State Park, the Snoqualmie Tunnel is a 2.3-mile long passageway that once belonged to the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad.

Traversing directly through a mountain, the tunnel’s temperature decreases as you venture deeper. A popular hiking spot, navigating the inner darkness requires that you carry a flashlight and wear warm clothing. Within the tunnel’s midpoint, the illumination at both exits becomes nearly imperceptible, enveloping you in a somber ambiance.

The Snoqualmie Tunnel’s surface offers a flat and easy walking path, accompanied by picnic benches located at its exits.

During winter, access to the tunnel is restricted due to hazardous, icy conditions.

11. Port Angeles Underground, Port Angeles

Envision a street existing beneath another street.

In 1914, residents of Port Angeles undertook significant renovations to combat sewage flooding and persistent unpleasant odors infiltrating the original street. Consequently, the city council raised the street approximately ten to fifteen feet above the existing surface.

As the new streets were constructed and old buildings demolished, certain businesses decided to retain their establishments by adding a second level to their existing structures.

Currently, the town’s deputy mayor, Don Perry, provides walking tours that unravel the town’s history while escorting visitors through parts of the original street that remained buried since 1914.

During these excursions, remnants from the bygone era—including store fronts, a boxing gym, and an old bowling alley—may be explored.

12. Northern State Hospital Farm, Sedro – Woolley

Established in 1909, the Northern State Hospital for the Mentally Ill operated a farm on a 700-acre property, rendering the institution self-sufficient and prosperous. Additionally, the hospital’s farm, alongside its lumber mill and quarries, supplied provisions to other hospitals throughout Washington.

The farm was home to nearly all domesticated animals, such as cows and chickens, while also supplying food and crops for the facility, thereby providing patients with opportunities for work and social interaction.

Once regarded as one of the largest of its kind in the region, the farmland and its facilities were transferred to the county when the hospital closed in 1973.

Today, the remaining area (excluding the original hospital building) has been transformed into a public park, preserving some of the original barns and milking structures.

Pack a lunch and make it a picnic outing!

13. Camlann Village, Carnation

Ever dream of time traveling to the past and experiencing life as a monarch from Medieval England? Now, that dream can come true.

Situated in Carnation, WA, Camlann Village echoes the 14th century, seemingly disinterested in moving forward into the future.

This fictitious village strives to deliver the ideal ambiance of medieval times, even offering costume rentals for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in a recreation of that era. Moreover, actors, adorned in period attire, roam the village, narrating stories of their existence in this contrived English town, even organizing annual events such as St. James Fair, the Harvest Festival, and Michaelmas.

Visitors can witness demonstrations in 14th-century archery, artistic techniques, candle-making, and blacksmithing.

Are you ready to embrace this unique experience?

To enhance your experience, the Bors Hede, Camlann’s own eatery, offers delicacies like Fenberry Pye, Blamanger, and Burbelier de Sangle throughout the year.

14. Neukom Vivarium at the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle

The term “Vivarium,” derived from Latin, translates to “a space of life.” Ironically, at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, the name encompasses a decaying tree. However, this is not merely a neglected remnant; it is an extraordinary art piece showcased alongside sculptures by contemporary artists like Richard Serra and Claes Oldenburg.

Part sculpture, part ecological installation, the Neukom Vivarium features a Western Hemlock that artist and arborist Mark Dion transported from the Green River Watershed in 2006.

Open to visitors with oversight from volunteer staff, the exhibit includes a chalkboard for educational opportunities regarding trees and provides magnifying glasses for examining the tree’s roots.

15. Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village, Leavenworth

Resembling Bavaria, Germany, Leavenworth’s Bavarian-themed Village serves as a tourist-oriented community encircled by mountains, purposefully designed to encompass buildings and shops that reflect traditional German architecture. With intricately adorned facades and wooden balconies, Leavenworth has been carefully curated to emulate German aesthetics.

Once a conventional mountain town in the Pacific Northwest, supported by timber and railroads for economic sustenance, the current Bavarian Village is a communal initiative by its residents who chose to preserve their cultural heritage when local businesses began to decline.

Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village is renowned for hosting its own Maifest and Oktoberfest!

16. Mima Mounds, Olympia

Captain Charles Wilkes, the leader of the U.S. Exploring Expedition (also known as Wilkes Expedition), stumbled upon the mounds in the mid-1800s. Initially, Wilkes presumed that the mounds were burial sites of Native Americans, but no human remains were found.

Various hypotheses regarding the formation of the Mima Mounds have emerged, including erosion, seismic activity, glacial cycles, and even volcanic explosions. Nevertheless, the prevailing theory attributes the creation of these hummocks to generations of gophers digging dens.

Although the reasoning may seem elusive, the Mima Mounds remain an enigma, recognized as a National Natural Landmark.

17. The Junk Castle, Pullman

The 1960s were a period marked by creative experimentation and unconventional thinking. Victor Moore, a former art instructor, dedicated this period to constructing his masterpiece—the Junk Castle.

Victor and Bobbie Moore moved into their distinct residence soon after their marriage and dedicated their lives to the enhancement of this ambiguous structure they proudly called home.

Perched atop a hill, The Junk Castle is constructed exclusively from scrap materials of all varieties!

The exterior combines reclaimed sheet metal, discarded automotive components, and obsolete household appliances, while the windows are crafted from car windows and washing machine doors.

Recently, the couple sold the “Junk Castle,” and advocates of the structure are actively pursuing its recognition as a historical landmark.

18. Edith Macefield’s House, Seattle

Commonly referred to as the “Up” house post the release of the 2009 animated film, Edith Macefield’s Whitewood Cottage exemplifies a profound attachment to beloved possessions.

As urbanization took over Ballard, Edith embodied strong values and an unyielding spirit. Despite offers surpassing one million dollars to sell her home, she resolutely stayed put while the town was dismantled and redeveloped.

Shrouded in mystery, Edith lived in the home from 1952 until her passing in 2008. Upon her death from pancreatic cancer, she willed the house to Barry Martin, a construction worker and her caretaker, which led to its eventual sale to a real estate agency.

This house, regarded as an inspiration for the famed Hollywood film, remains enigmatic, particularly since little is known about Edith Macefield’s life and the frequent visits she received from prominent figures throughout history.

19. One Square Inch of Silence, Forks

Situated on the American map, One Square Inch of Silence encompasses a small red pebble that occupies merely one square inch of a moss-covered log, which is regarded as the “quietest outdoor place in the United States.”

Established by Emmy Award-winning acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, an acclaimed author, One Square Inch of Silence serves as an independent project aimed at preserving this small area from noise pollution.

This secluded location, although not widely known, can be accessed by hiking three miles through the rainforest via the Hoh River Trail.

Hempton designed this space to differentiate between man-made noise and “the sounds of nature,” aspiring to create a central point that aims to mitigate the damage inflicted by noise pollution.

This site is one of only 12 quiet zones in the country, with its tranquility occasionally disrupted, primarily by the U.S. Navy, which has conducted training missions through the airspace since 2012, in violation of regulations.

20. Gravity Hill, Prosser

Located on a secluded road north of Prosser, there exists a segment of roadway known for its peculiar gravitational phenomenon. Often referred to as “Gravity Hill,” or occasionally a “magnetic hill,” this stretch seemingly pulls vehicles uphill whilst in neutral.

Frequently attributed to supernatural activity, ghosts, or extraterrestrial forces, in reality, such roads are optical illusions. The apparent uphill incline is part of a larger downward slope, creating the illusion due to a lack of distinct horizontal lines.

Some enthusiasts have marked the beginning of this unusual stretch as the “START” so that visitors can easily locate it, considering the road can be somewhat challenging to find.

21. Ape Canyon, Cougar

Ape Canyon is renowned for being the site of various purported “Bigfoot” encounters in the folklore of the country, and perhaps even the world. The name emerged following an alleged attack on a group of five miners by a group of apes during a summer evening in July 1924.

According to the story, as reported in various newspapers spanning Washington and Oregon, while the miners were resting in their cabin, large stones began to rain down on them. One miner, Fred Beck, claimed to have glimpsed and even fired at one of the creatures, which supposedly fell into the gorge below.

Despite rumors suggesting the events were simply the work of mischievous youth, the narrowed gauge northeast of Mt. St. Helens retains its legacy as the legendary Ape Canyon.

22. “1000 steps” of Greenwood Cemetery, Spokane

Dubbed “1000 steps” due to the multitude of climbers who never succeeded in reaching the top of the stairway, the staircase at Greenwood Cemetery is not merely another reputed haunted spot. According to local lore, anyone attempting to ascend the stairs in darkness may experience apparitions of numerous deceased individuals, both men and women, alongside their tormented cries and spine-chilling shrieks.

The stairs and the surrounding area are rumored to have been associated with malevolent satanic rituals.

Renovations around the cemetery have diminished the “1000 steps” to a neglected remnant of a structure, now decaying and ignored (except by its many unseen residents).

As the land is privately owned, acquiring permission before entry is advised.

23. Ladder Creek Falls and Gardens, Marblemount

Nestled in the stunning backdrop of North Cascades National Park, Ladder Creek Falls and Gardens in Marblemount, WA is a frequently overlooked treasure.

In 1920, the then Seattle City Light Superintendent, J. D. Ross, initiated a luminescent display showcasing the Falls, which were enhanced with an array of colored lights synchronized with music that permeated the garden atmosphere.

This beloved attraction underwent renovation from 2008 to 2011, during which City Light installed a modern lighting system featuring LED bulbs in diverse hues—red, blue, green, and white.

24. Nutty Narrows Bridge, Longview

In a bid to facilitate the safe crossing of squirrels across the busy Olympia Way in Longview, local builder Amos Peters created a “squirrel-only” bridge.

Known as the Nutty Narrows Bridge, the concept arose when Peters and his associates discussed the safety of squirrels navigating the road to partake in manual offerings—nuts dropped by workers during their lunchtime breaks—and recognized the need to protect these charming little creatures.

After presenting the idea to the City Council, Peters received approval for the project, leading to the construction of the Nutty Narrows Bridge, establishing a safe passage for squirrels through the area.

25. Blue Lake Rhino Cave, Coulee City

In contrast to most landmarks named for individuals or entities, the Blue Lake Rhino Cave derives its name from a creature—it is the final resting place of an adult Diceratherium (considered a distant ancestor of the modern rhinoceros).

The belief is that a fully grown Diceratherium bull was foraging in the area when a swift eruption of highly fluid basalt occurred. The unfortunate rhino became trapped in the landscape, unable to escape due to an obstructing lake. As a result, the lava enveloped its body, solidifying around the remains.

In the late 1940s, a cast of the cave’s interior was sculpted by a team from Berkeley, which is now displayed at the University of Washington Burke Museum.

26. Piece of the Berlin Wall at Cafe Turko, Seattle

While Café Turko is widely regarded for its popular exotic Turkish cuisine, this establishment’s appeal extends beyond its menu.

Although the café has garnered a devoted following among Seattle residents and visitors alike, have you noticed the seemingly inconspicuous segment of concrete standing in front of the restaurant?

This rare remnant of the iconic Berlin Wall, also known as the Iron Curtain, stands six feet by twelve feet, possibly one of the smallest preserved sections among its counterparts. Nevertheless, it embodies the harrowing history of the Cold War.

27. Twin Sisters, Touchet

The Twin Sisters, located atop a plateau near Wallula Gap, Washington, represent not merely another intriguing natural phenomenon, but are believed to be as ancient as 15,000 years.

In Native American folklore, these two spires were described as two of three wives of the trickster god Coyote. Legends narrate that three women sought to catch fish, but their efforts were thwarted as Coyote repeatedly destroyed their fishing traps. Ultimately, faced with starvation, they faced Coyote in a deal for a fishing trap in exchange for marriage.

Regrettably for the women, the arrangement ended in heartbreak as Coyote, driven by frustration or jealousy, turned one woman into a cave and the other two into the Twin Sisters.

Scientific explanations attribute the formation of the Twin Sisters to natural erosion in the region.

Whether you are drawn to the myths or the enchanting natural scenery, a hike to the Twin Sisters is sure to enrich your experience in this corner of Washington.

28. Wellington Avalanche Site, Leavenworth

Upon initial observation, the rusting metal remains scattered across the Tye River Valley may resemble mere remnants; however, this debris is a testament to the Wellington Avalanche of 1910, which holds the record as the deadliest avalanche in U.S. history.

Initially a small rail station during the period known as Wellington, this area endured two weeks of severe blizzards, culminating in a catastrophic lighting strike. During this ordeal, two trains were stranded—a mail carrier and a passenger train, recognized as the Spokane Express. Tragically, while some managed to escape, 96 lives were ultimately claimed by the “White Death.”

Today, remnants of the trains that plunged 150 feet into the valley wait, concealed as nature slowly reclaims the landscape surrounding them.

29. Winlock Egg, Winlock

Initially erected in the 1920s to celebrate the flourishing egg industry in Winlock, the Winlock Egg presents itself from an elevated podium with the proud proclamation, “World’s Largest Egg.”

The original version was crafted from a wooden frame covered in canvas, later encased in plaster for display. Unfortunately, this structure proved unsustainable, leading to its replacement by a plastic replica in the 1940s.

A further iteration was made, although this one resembled a football more than an egg due to its fiberglass composition.

In 1991, the present-day Winlock Egg was constructed from cement and has remained part of the landscape ever since.

In 1989, Ripley’s Believe It or Not recognized it as the “World’s Largest Egg.”