My first suggestion is to stand at the Capitol reflecting pool facing east, you can get some great reflections. If you have a bit more time, explore Sunrise Point near the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center on your way out of the parking lot. The project reminds me a bit of the Midnight Lights video at CenturyLink Field, though in this case the light show just happens to be performed by mother nature. Its the ultimate sunrise spot to see the big three landmarks (Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the US Capitol) all lined up. Explore the Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach! Although the shore is covered with sailboats, two of the famous attractions - Mount Rainier and Space Needle can be seen here. Youll follow a path that is fairly uphill for almost the entire hike up to the first ledge, which is typically the most popular to stop at. That way you will see all the great predawn colors in the sky. Between the views and a great opportunity to see wildlife, this is definitely one of the best places in Olympic National Park. Want to discover more Washington waterfalls? Read More: 9 incredible Washington hot springs to enjoy all year long. Ive spent years photographing the city and these are my favorite places that I would recommend to anyone who wants to get some killer early morning shots of the city. Here are three sunrise hikes from scenic vistas: Here are three sunset hikes with waterfront views: Seattles best-kept secret is the beauty of its natural surroundings. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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I would say to just sit at the ledge and try to bring your camera down as low as possible to the water. The trail is pretty well trafficked, so its a pretty easy trail to follow, even in the dark, as long as you have the proper gear. Artist Point at Mount Baker is best experienced during sunrise the sun peeks right out from behind Mt. If you manage to snag one, take time to hike the 2.5 mile trail just before sunset. The trail can be, Mount Rainier Area SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon, Mount Rainier Area NE - Sunrise/White River, South Cascades White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley, Southwest Washington Columbia River Gorge - WA, Eastern Washington -- Palouse and Blue Mountains. If youre curious about what to expect on this hike, weve created a guide to Rattlesnake Ledge, including the best times to visit and where to take photos! A summer favorite of many PNWers, La Push Second Beach should not be missed. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you can check out Gothic Basin Trailhead in Snohomish County, Washington. If youre interested in vanlife I recommend trying a short overnight in your car like this one to see if its something youre interested in. The San Juan Islands are the perfect place to capture that Washington State photo. 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Air circulation is quicker in fall and winter, clearing out the dust and haze in the atmosphere for more brightly colored sunrises and sunsets. There is no dearth of beautiful scenery to indulge in as you complete hikes around the state. Bring a windproof layer. Headlamp: To be able to see in the dark, of course! Spare Batteries: Just in case you need your flashlight for longer than you think. Flashlight: As an extra light source. When is the Best Time to Hike in Washington? Are you planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, only to be overwhelmed (in a good way!) As an added bonus I created a 1, 3, and 5 day sample photo itinerary for your trip to Washington DC, click here to download my ideal schedule. Spring the mountain will be carpeted in wildflowers, Summer brings the best weather and lush green trails, Fall is crisp & cool, & in Winter the snowy peak is more difficult to summitbut the views are an absolute winter wonderland. Its uphill almost the entire time with loose rocks covering the trail, except for a few spots that open up to views of rolling hills. If you are not looking for a challenge, you can check out Naches Peak Loop Trailhead in Naches, Washington. If anything bad should happen, help will not be far away. Its a fairly easy trail to the top, as its paved for the entire way and is just a slight incline until you reach the last portion. There is something incredibly magical about the Hoh. If you're yearning to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter, these trails are great for winter hikes. And if you know me, Im all about finding those reflections in puddles. The trail to Colchuck Lake is long and steep (8-miles out and back with 2,100 feet of elevation gain), but worth every step of the way. But dont let that make you miss out on this beautiful location. A small tarn along the trail. Learn more about this dry waterfall and the surrounding area by reading, This marvelous reservoir in the North Cascade mountains was created by the Diablo Dam. The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley extending up and downstream, all make this a hike that must be done at least once in a lifetime. Click Here! Washington has a variety of magical sunsets: beaches, mountains, lakes, etc. Some of our favorites include the Paradise Area, Nisqually Vista Loop, The Sunrise Area, and the beginning of the trail to summit Mount Rainier. One of my favorite parts about this memorial is that you are able to walk all around it. For even more detailed photography suggestions, anytime of the day, year or even how to get around Washington DC, check out my book, Snap DC: Your Guide to Taking Extraordinary Photos of the National Mall and Beyond It was created for any level of photographer from mobile to DSLR, who wants to cut down the research time and spend their time out doing what they love- shooting. This is a popular place for Berty to shoot engagementscheck out more posts on PNW Engagements in part 1 and 2 here! We all know how gorgeous The Evergreen State is. There are several places around the building that will get you that amazing sunrise image. This was also the maiden voyage for our converted camper van and helped us figure out some things we had done wrong during our van build. It has really motivated us to get out and explore our home state, Washington! A peaceful scene photographed near the summit of Mt. Lodging Nearby: Free breakfast and private hotel rooms are what youll find at Nisqually Lodge, just 30 minutes from High Rock. In this short window of time, hikers will rejoice by frolicking along the trail surrounded by fields of wildflowers and soaking in one of the classic views of The Mountain. For more information on Goat Rocks Wilderness, visit this, With the number of mountains throughout the state, overlooks are found everywhere. 1. The park has more than 700 glacial lakes, 131 of which are named. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. The one-man graphics company Digital.Meals created a video of 30 sunrises in Seattle and Tacoma over 30 days, picking iconic locations such as Gas Works and Kerry parks, as well as more ordinary streetscapes. The Space Needle. The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial is good starting location for the Tidal Basin to photograph the sunrise. 7) Beacon Rock State Park: The 848-foot high basalt volcanic plug was stopover point for Lewis & Clark in 1805. It's stunning! Lodging Nearby: Mountain Meadows Inn is a small, private home, just a few minutes drive from the National Park. Spirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. We never post anything without your permission. Of all the islands we vi, The Philippine Tarsier It gives off this amazing warm glow on the memorials thats hard to get at sunset. Twitter So heres my little wild card sunrise photo suggestion because technically this is not in Washington DC. We recommend going during sunrise or sunset its VERY hot in the middle of the day (no trees!). We like to visit during sunrise, for some pretty amazing colors and a beautiful reflection on the lake! This one is waterproof! Bear Spray: Because animals are most active as the sun is coming up. GPS System: All Trails and Cairn are great options for a phone GPS. Speaking of rain, on day 21 of the experiment theres a transition from sunrises to rain and clouds. Its just a spectacular show. Id recommend following your instincts and emotions while capturing images here. Its the center of 4 great landmarks all within a central area. Make sure to check the weather before coming here, many times Berty and I have visited only to have a huge blanket of fog covering the mountains! by the sheer amount of gorgeous places to see? You cant get more Pacific Northwest than Cape Flattery literally! Other breathtaking beaches to explore in the region include South Beach and Kalaloch Beach. The common spots to snap photos and enjoy the sights of Ross Lake are along the pull-offs provided by the North Cascade Scenic Byway, one of the prettiest drives in the state. Warm layers, a hat, and gloves will keep you warm while youre admiring the view, while a seat pad provides cushion against a cold picnic bench or rigid ground. Its easily one of the best photo spots in Washington state! The Kalaloch area of Olympic has several rugged beaches. The wall and the footpath provide great leading lines. Check out Falls Creek Falls trail, which takes you to another gorgeous waterfall in Washington! This includes the waterfall, walking along the rivers edge, a bridge crossing, and meandering under a canopy of trees. 19 Easy Hikes in Washington State27 Best Waterfall Hikes in Oregon21 Hikes Near Bend Oregon19 Best Spring Hikes in WashingtonSpirit Falls, Washington: An Epic Waterfall. If youre lucky enough, theres this amazing warm, orange glow that hits the white marble. There is no other place in or around Washington that you will be able to capture it in such alignment (the view from the bike path along the George Washington Parkway is a little more spread out than this and difficult to get a good view of the US Capitol). They make for great foreground elements . One of the biggest bangs for your buck hikes on this list of best sunset hikes in Washington is the Kelly Butte Fire Lookout. Youll get to admire them on your way back to the trailhead! With mountain backdrops and a turquoise tint in the water, Ross Lake easily takes your breath away. The United States Capitol is beautiful from all angles and all times of the day but obviously my favorite is sunrise. The Olympic National Park is one of the best places to take pictures in Washington State. That said, all who make it to the top will be rewarded with unmatched views. The skies are awash in pale pink and warm yellows with the imposing Mount Rainer sitting right in front of your face. For instance, if you are looking to enjoy the states hot springs, you can hike to the Scenic Hot Springs in Skykomish, Washington. Open Since 1906 Cle Elum Bakery Has Been Serving Bread And Pastries In Washington Longer Than Any Other Bakery, Countless Celebrities Have Loved This Iconic Washington Nightclub For Decades, Here Are The 8 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In Washington, According To Our Readers, The Afternoon Tea At This British-Themed Brunch Spot In Washington Will Transport Your Taste Buds Across The Pond, The Adults-Only Resort In Washington Where You Can Enjoy Some Much-Needed Peace And Quiet, The Southern Restaurant With Some Of The Best Home-Cooked Food In Washington, This Washington Flea Market Covers Huge Ground With Up To 600 Vendors On-Site, Few People Know About This Washington Valley Covered In Lavender. Summer (July-September) is the best time for these hikes, as the snow will be melting and trails will open up. Second Beach is the most iconic! Youll be blown away by the views in every direction of Mount Rainier, rolling hills, grazing mountain goats, and more. I'm here to help you avoid blowing your budget on overrated tourist attractions, find the most mouth-watering street food, & navigate your way through local markets. Distance: 5.3 milesDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,500 feetEstimated Time: 3 hoursLocation: North BendPass Required: None. In order to get here, drive around the loop and park behind the Iwo Jima memorial. (1.4 miles roundtrip, 310 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound Energy) Sometimes, extremely talented photographers will capture this incredible, overlooked phenomena and share their photos with us online! Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park. Lodging Nearby: Complete with a hot tub, kitchen, and views, the Moon River Suites are perfect for your stay in North Bend. Spend 30 minutes walking around the area its incredibly beautiful on a clear day! 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