I am definitely more of an avid hiker and backpacker, but there are days where I don’t feel hiking, feeling low energy, where I may not have the health to hike, or when I am around people who don’t want to be outdoors. With that said, that shouldn’t let anyone stop exploring the upper left USA, Washington! This list of accessible Washington viewpoints are for the people who want to adventure, beginner or advanced and for all ages!

This list is also primarily geared towards the people who live in Washington, as opposed to the people who are visiting for a weekend. If you are wanting a weekend itinerary, look here! Before completing each accessible Washington Viewpoint, keep in mind, I always keep picnicking in mind for these! With that said, most of these viewpoints deserve a great meal, so bring your portable grill and best meal!

Below are some accessible Washington viewpoints that I would suggest checking out for the view if you live in Seattle!

• Artist Point/Mount Baker Parking lot and Picture Lake
  Distance from Seattle: 2:30 minutes
  Have you ever wanted to go to Switzerland but haven’t had the time, money or resources? Look no further than Mt Baker! To get to this destination, you will find yourself on winding roads with 360 degree views by taking the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. For views of the cascades, you can choose one of the many hikes I have posted here. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the views from the parking lot at Artist Point! This part of the world Panoramic views of awe-inspiring scenery, rugged cliffs, glaciers and vast terrain. To get to Mt. Baker, you’ll take the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Shortly before the parking lot, you will see Picture Lake, a beautiful lake with the reflection of Mt. Shuksan in the background.

• Crystal Mountain
  Distance from Seattle: 1:45 minutes
  The BEST thing about this, is you don’t even need to hike to see the beauty of this place. During winter season, you will find people skiing and snowboarding. However, during other times of the year you will find a gondola open to the public. The best thing about the gondola is that it’s dog friendly, so bring your dog! Once you’re at the top, you may even be lucky enough to see a wedding as this is one of the top mountain wedding venues. If you are able to plan your trip ahead of time, make reservations at the Summit House restaurant, Washington’s highest restaurant.

• Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory
  Distance from Seattle: 2:45 minutes
  Mt. St Helens erupted in 1980, tearing 1,3000 feet from the top and taking many lives. In 1982, this mountain became a national monument to promote research, education and recreation. Many now summit Mt. St Helens, in which you can see the crater at the top! Get your permit here! Anywho, this blog is all about day trips involving little to no activity, so when planning your day trip, I would bringing your portable grill and cooler, as well as items you will need to make lunch/dinner, because one of my suggestions will be to picnic at one of the parking lots, as this will be the best meal of your life! On your way to Mt. St. Helens your last stop will be the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Along the way you will pass SO many trees and high bridges, so you will find yourself stopping many times along the way to take some photos. If you are able to hike, hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Mt St Helens so your options will be endless. Some of the most popular hikes are the Boundary Trail, Ape Caves, Harry’s Ridge Trail and the trails along Coldwater lake. You can spend as much or as little time hiking here as you like. I would however end the night at one of the parking lots. Take your pick as there are many on the way to the visitor center in/near the park. Then, make the most amazing meal of your life as you look at this amazing stratovolcano and see what history has created!

• Mount Rainier
  Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
  At 2 hours driving distance from Seattle, Mount Rainier is NOT to miss! Mount Rainier attracts numerous climbers from around the world, in hopes of them summiting. However, it also attracts many families from around the world! My recommendations would be to navigate to the Sunrise parking lot or the Paradise Region and picnic. If you are able to hike, I would recommend the Skyline to Myrtle Falls Trail as this is a short and flat hike for all ages. A friendly reminder that dogs are not allowed in national parks! If you are looking for more aggressive or diverse hikes, look at my blog here!

• Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent
  Distance from Seattle: 4 hours
  One of the best accessible washington viewpoints! I suggest these two be paired together as they are less than an hour from one another and within the same part of Washington. Both of these areas are accessible via car and little to no walking is needed. You can sit in the parking lot at Hurricane Ridge and enjoy a panoramic view of trees, mountains, cliffs, and pure jaw-dropping beauty. After soaking in some glorious views, I would then drive to Lake Crescent, one of the clearest and bluest waters in the world. Lake Crescent is known for its brilliant blue waters and clarity, caused by low levels of nitrogen in the water which inhibits the growth of algae and phytoplankton. As a result, you will find trout and certain fish species that you will not find anywhere else in the world! If you have the energy, you can then rent a canoe or kayak from the lodge. Once rented, soak in the natural beauty of its pristine waters! If you are looking to make an active weekend trip of the Olympic National Park, look at my blog here!

• Kerry Park
  Distance from Seattle: 10 minutes
  Kerry Park is going to give you that “wow” view that you see in postcards. It has the perfect view of getting the entire skyline. It is in the middle of a neighborhood so expect some tight street parking and lots of people! In my opinion, this is one of the nicest views of Seattle and should be a must on everyone’s list!

• Greenlake
  Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes
  Though Greenlake does not necessarily offer a city view, it is a beautiful spot! It is roughly a 3-mile cement loop around the lake. You will often see people on crew running or practicing out on the water, kids swimming or diving, or families renting a pedal boat or water bike at Greenlake Boathouse. There are lots of restaurant options and bars across the street to make this an all-day outing. If you wanted to add on to this day, you can add in Woodland Park Zoo!

• Gasworks Park
  Add in: Ballard Locks
  Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes
  Gas Works Park is definitely worth mentioning as it is a local park with a great view! To get here, you can either bike or jog the Burke-Gilman Trail, or just park in the parking lot! Once arrived, you will see a large play barn, a big hill popular for flying kites, an old gas company tower, and city views paired with lake union. This park used to be a former Seattle Gas Light Company which is why you will still see the large tank when you first enter the park. This park is also a popular sight for 4th of July fireworks and group picnicking. Many times, at the park, you may see a hot tub boat or a pirate ship, which may also spike your curiosity! After beautiful day suntanning any city touring, I would recommend adding in Ballard Locks. Here, you see a water passage allowing boats to pass back and forth between Lake Union and the Puget Sound. This passage keeps the saltwater of Puget Sound out of the freshwater lakes of Seattle.

• University of Washington
  Add in: Washington Park Arboretum and Seward Park
  Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes
  You may be thinking, what the heck? Come to Seattle to see a University? Well yep, you read it correctly! I attended University of Washington so it is very near and dear to my heart, and not to mention it has been named one of the prettiest Universities in the country! I mean, the architecture of the university is pretty freaking rad! Additionally, if you go during Spring your heart will be won over by a numerous amount of cherry blossom trees! I would suggest walking around the entire University of Washington campus, making sure to check out the Suzzallo library (you will feel like you are right in Harry Potter!). Once you have explored the courtyard, make your way down towards the water. If you are up for an adventure, a short walk from the campus will take you to Agua Verde Cafe, where you can rent a kayak, paddle board and stand-up paddle board March through October. After exploring the university and waterfront area, take public transport or your vehicle down to the Washington Park Arboretum, and then even further to the south end of Lake Washington, Seward Park.

• Seattle to Leavenworth drive and Leavenworth
  Add in: Stevens Pass
  Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
  As you depart from Seattle, this is a drive you won’t forget. About halfway into Leavenworth, you will reach Stevens Pass. This pass is open year round and worthy of visiting any season! Some seasons you can hike, others you can mountain bike and ski! If you are not able to be physically active, no problem! After soaking in the summit views and rugged mountain views and peak, you will continue on your journey, likely stopping multiple times along the way to take photos of various river beds and bridges. Finally, you will reach your final destination: Leavenworth. A day is hardly enough time to spend here, however a day is better than nothing and IS possible! Once in Leavenworth, the world is your oyster! You can spend the day getting lost in this Bavarian village, go wine and whiskey tasting, or mountain bike. Finally, being active is not essential in Leavenworth, but if you are up for adventure than this is the place to explore!

• Pike Place Market
  Distance from Seattle: 5-10 minutes
  No wonder people from all over the world come to Pike Place Market. Attracting over 9 million visitors a year, this place will make you feel like home. First, this place has the cheapest and best flowers you will ever find! Second, the food and fruit stands you find here are phenomenal. You will often see the workers at the fish market handling fish and putting on a show. Behind them, you will find cured and halal meat. From the Daily Dozen Doughnut Company to Piroshky Piroshky, you can’t go wrong with delectable eats! Make sure to get yourself a bag of Chukar Cherries, you won’t be sorry! Your day will be filled looking at artisan handcrafted shops, tasting fine crafted beer, and exploring the views of Seattle. Finally, walk towards the water and end your day with the Seattle Ferris Wheel for more epic views!

• Diablo Lake
  Distance from Seattle: 2:30 minutes
  This is definitely a worthy place to visit! Depending on the timing, you may see crystal light blue water with little effort. You can choose to take the hike or better yet, just visit this beautiful space from the parking lot! The unique, intense turquoise color of the lake is due to its surrounding glaciers. These glacier covered rocks, or glacial flour, are then fed into the lake, giving Diablo lake a bright turquoise color during most parts of the year.

• Snoqualmie Mountain
  Add in: Gold Creek Pond and Lake Kachess
  Distance from Seattle: 50 minutes
  Snoqualmie Pass is a special place dear to my heart as I grew up snowboarding here. The unique landscape, sharp ridgelines, summit views, and cascades all around you make you want to explore this wonderful and beautiful region. In the Summer they have scenic chairlift rides, snowtubing/skiing in the winter, and some cool bars nearby. At Snoqualmie mountain, you do not need to be fit and active, or feel the need to hike, you can go up the ski lift and see the amazing snow lake. After a day of exploring, you can go a little further down the road to explore Gold Creek Pond and Lake Kachess. Better yet, if you are able to reserve before hand, camping at Lake Kachess will make for a night you won’t forget!

• Deception Pass
  Add in: Ebey’s Landing and Mt. Erie summit drive
  Distance from Seattle: 1:30 minutes
  Deception Pass may sound familiar to you as it is Washington’s most-visited state park! Surrounding the park you will see rugged cliffs and coves, high bridge overlooking an amazing sunset, fisherman and hikers. This park is wonderful because you can choose to hike, camp, go on a boat tour, or just make hang out and picnic with your family at the park. Explore miles of Puget Sound beachfront just a few hours drive from Seattle! If you’re able to make a whole day excursion of it, I would additionally suggest taking the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry from and checking out Ebey’s Landing and then drive up to see the summit of Mt. Erie in Anacortes!

• Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island
  Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
  Traveling by ferry to Bainbridge Island will be your fastest and best route! There is a way to go via car, however this will add almost 1.5 hours to your commute. Besides, the ferry has amazing scenic views, so why not! When traveling via ferry, you can bring your car, bike, or just walk on! If you live in Seattle, it may be worth it to just walk on to avoid the larger car fee. Bainbridge Island is on my list of placed to visit as you will instantly feel the homey vibe of this charming, cute town. For a short, I recommend going no further than the main Winslow street. Here, you will find wineries, restaurants, cafes, and more! If you have a car and choose to stay the weekend, there are camping, picnic, and trail spots throughout the city!

• Alki Beach
  Distance from Seattle: 20 minutes
  This is a cute area across downtown Seattle filled with fun! You will find a sand filled beach, events in the park, restaurants and bars, and a great view of Seattle. Prior to COVID, they use to have outdoor salsa dancing on the beach! If you wanted to make a day of Alki Beach, you could add in the Water Taxi, which goes from Downtown Seattle to Salty’s, right on the water! Once arriving on Alki Beach and having an amazing view during lunch, you can walk it off by walking a mile along the boardwalk into town. If you wanted to drive, you could drive into town, and explore the night walking in the Junction in West Seattle, where there are endless bars and restaurants.

• Kirkland Beach
  Distance from Seattle: 30 minutes
  Such a cute little town to visit! There are multiple beaches between downtown Kirkland and Carillon Point, each with different vibes. You may find outdoor volleyball in one section, family playground in another section, open green area in one section, and a dock in multiple areas to jump in! In downtown Kirkland you will find shops, cultural restaurants, nighttime Summer farmers markets, and bars! This area has grown significantly over the last 20 years and has continued to impress me. The night time scene is not really “popping” but you are able to find a few bars open late night. A lot of restaurants seem to come and go that are near the water, but regardless you will typically find some pretty good food. The best views can be found at Carillon Point or the Slip.

• Palouse Falls State Park
  Distance from Seattle: 4 hours
  This is a beautiful state park with easy access to a gushing waterfall, what more could you ask for?! I did this as a day trip from Seattle, and though it was a long drive, there were lots of worthy views along the way. First, start your GPS leading you to Palouse Falls. Expect a long drive, with many stopping points to photo the snake river and it’s canyon. Depending on where you are coming from, or where you are going next, Steptoe Butte is also photo worthy for its rolling hills!

• Snoqualmie Falls
  Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
  A 270 foot plunging waterfall with free parking and easy access? Sign me up! At the entrance, you will see visitor center where you can stop and buy local honey, jam, chocolate cherries and souvenirs! If you are able to walk, you could additionally walk down the mile path, which is fairly moderate, and this will give you a closer look of the falls. When I was a kid, we were able to get up close and personal with the falls and walk along the rocks. However, now they have placed a wall in which you are not allowed to get super close to the falls. If you have trouble walking, you can use the viewpoint at the top and still get a fabulous view of the falls. Finally, to make it a better day, eat or drink at the dining room in Salish Lodge, overlooking the falls.

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