Washington is not to be misunderstood with Washington D.C., is located in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. Washington is named for George Washington and is the 42nd state.
Washington offers everything – mountains, forests, deserts, beaches, volcanic craters, canyons and delightful coastal towns. It’s not just the Cascade Mountains. The Cascade Mountains are here, too. There are also some elusive treasures that are not widely known to the public. Let’s have a look at the 15 must-visit secret places in Washington State.
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The Ape Cave, Skamania
Ape Cave was formed over two thousand years ago. It was an underground lava cave that was created in the midst of hot lava that originated from Mount St. Helens, which cooled in the exterior but remained running within.
It’s an exceptional spot within the Cascade Volcanic Range, named in honour of the first inhabitants who explored it, Mt. St. Helens Apes, who explored the area during the 1950s. It’s 2.5 miles long and draws geologists as well as cavers who like the narrow passages that lead to rocks, as well as an eight-foot lava drop, which leads to a clear cave opening.
Many claim that they’ve been able to see “Bigfoot” in the cave; however, there’s no evidence to support that claim yet.
Olympic Hot Springs, Port Angeles
Do you want to relax in warm water, but not all the way? Olympic Hot Springs in Port Angeles, WA, is where you should be. It’s situated by Boulder Creek, surrounded by a beautiful forest.
There are 21 swimming pools filled with alkaline mineral water. Most of them are around one foot deep. They are all-natural and constructed and maintained by volunteers.
It is possible to reach the Hot Springs by walking along the mostly asphalted trail that starts from the bridge’s old parking area. The upper pool is the one with the most cleanliness and usually has clothes-optional. It is perfect for loosening up those tired muscles!
Afterglow Vista, Friday Harbor
Afterglow Vista, formerly known as the McMillin Mausoleum, was designed on the initiative of John S. McMillin to serve as a place of rest for his family; however, it’s much more than just that. McMillin was a prolific miner as well as a fervent Methodist. He put his faith in this location.
It’s like an open-air space with a large stone table with chairs. They’re not just used for sitting. They are also home to the remains of McMillin and the members of his family. One chair is empty because his son was not a follower of Methodism.
This special place is open to everyone and is able to be accessible via Roche Harbor by boat. This is a unique spot that has an extensive tradition.
Hobbit House, Port Orchard
Marilyn Davis and Cheryl Pelkey acquired an old plant nursery in 1996. It was only in 2015 that they constructed the Hobbit House in its place. The Hobbit House was built over six months by the couple using steel pipes and many hours of creativity and love. It’s like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire.
Inside, there’s a warm fireplace, a wood chair as well as a shelf that houses a lamp in circular windows, as well as an exterior wall of stone. Its exterior appears constructed into a hill similar to Tolkien’s Hobbit house. The garden is beautiful with flowers as well as the huge magnolia trees that blossom during the spring.
There is a chance to buy the trees around
the Port Orchard Hobbit House from the nursery nearby. This is a beautiful place to go!
Snoqualmie Tunnel, North Bend
The Snoqualmie Tunnel is part of the Iron Horse State Park, which covers 1612 acres. It’s a 2.3-mile-long dark tunnel, which was part of the railway.
In the evening, the temperature gets cooler and darker. So, make sure you wear a warm and light outfit. The middle of the room is so dark. The lights at both ends go out, and the atmosphere is strange.
Beyond the tunnel, the path is level and simple to stroll. There are benches for picnics at the bottom for rest.
In winter, the tunnels are closed due to the fact that they are prone to freezing and are dangerous.
Thornewood Castle, Tacoma
Thornewood Castle is famous not due to its name but because of its past. The castle was constructed for Chester Thorne in 1911, and the castle is a magnificent mansion that has 22 bathrooms, 32 rooms and 35 acres of garden, as well as a secret orchard.
Thorne resided there until the day he died. His daughter Anna took over the property. However, it was later transferred to a developer and was transformed into a bed and breakfast.
Following its appearance in scary films, there was a rumour of ghosts. This intrigued visitors. The owners later changed the tale into one of love, noting Thorne constructed it to honour his wife, Anna. The house was named “The House That Love Built.”
Port Angeles Underground, Port Angeles
Imagine this: an underground road!
In 1914, people living in Port Angeles were fed up with smells and sewage on their streets. The city council was able to decide to raise the street 10 to 15 feet above the previous levels.
They constructed new roads and tore up old buildings. Some businesses also built a second floor so that they could keep their doors in operation.
The Deputy Mayor Don Perry gives tours of the city’s past. It is possible to walk along the street that was buried in 1914.
The street is lined with storefronts and a boxing club, as well as an older bowling alley dating back to the days of old days.
Camlann Village, Carnation
In Carnation, WA, there’s the place known as Camlann Village, that’s like a traveller’s time machine that dates back to the fourteenth century.
Costumes are available to dress in medieval costumes and experience the feeling of being in the middle of it all. Actors walk around sharing tales from the past and celebrations like the St. James Fair, the Harvest Festival, and Michaelmas.
It is also possible to study cool techniques like archery, candle-making as well as blacksmithing.
The Junk Castle, Pullman
The 1960s were a time when people became creative and tried different things.
One example is Victor Moore, a former art teacher who designed an extraordinary structure during the 1960s – – his Junk Castle.
Victor, as well as Bobby Moore, bought this special house after getting married. The couple spent the rest of their lives enhancing and expanding the property.
The castle is situated on a hill, and it is built entirely of leftover materials. It’s made of all kinds of rubbish!
The exterior is adorned with bits made of sheet metal from the past, as well as car parts and appliances from the home. Windows are also made out of car windows as well as doors to washing machines.
The couple sold it recently to Junk Castle, and a few people want it to be acknowledged as a historical landmark.
Gravity Hill, Prosser
Near the northern end of Prosser north of Prosser, you’ll find a road called “Gravity Hill” or “magnetic hill.” It’s like pulling the car upwards when you place it in neutral.
It’s common for people to believe it’s something supernatural, such as ghosts or aliens; however, it’s really just the result of an optical illusion. It’s part of an overall downhill, which can confuse the eyes as there is no straight horizontal or vertical line.
A person marked the beginning of this shady portion of the road “START” to help you locate the road. Try it!
Wellington Avalanche Site, Leavenworth
In the Tye River Valley, you’ll discover rusty metal bits all over. It’s possible that they look like trash, but they’re part of the Wellington Avalanche of 1910, the deadliest avalanche that has occurred in U.S. history.
Wellington was originally the name of a tiny train station. It was subject to a two-week snowstorm as well as a lightning strike. Two trains, a mail truck as well as an express train called the Spokane Express passenger train, were stopped at the train station. A few were able to escape. However, more than 96 were killed in “the “White Death.” The remains of the trains lie 150 feet below within the valley. Nature is gradually reclaiming them.
Twin Sisters, Touchet
The Twin Sisters, perched near Wallula Gap, Washington, are thought to be between 15000 years old. Based on Native American stories, these spires used to be three women who struck an agreement with Coyote, the trickster god. The god transformed them into Twin Sisters out of boredom or jealousy.
Scientists have concluded that the spires were formed by erosion and are not through magic. No matter what you think of folklore or natural beauty, trekking up to the Twin Sisters is a worthwhile excursion.
Blue Lake Rhino Cave, Coulee City
The Blue Lake Rhino Cave isn’t named after a rhino. It’s actually a rhino! The cave is the ruins of a young Diceratherium, which was an old cousin of the rhinoceros we have today.
This is how it occurred: The rhino Diceratherium was out grazing in a field when an abrupt lava eruption engulfed it close to the lake. The lava encased the rhino, and, over time, it transformed into a rock.
The cave’s inner chambers were created during the 1940s and are on display in the University of Washington Burke Museum. It’s as if it’s a time capsule from the distant past!
Ape Canyon, Cougar
Ape Canyon is one of the best secret places in Washington State. Ape Canyon got its name after a crazy legend. It was in the summer of 1924 that five miners were in their lodge when huge stones suddenly struck the cabin. They believed they had been threatened by the apes!
Fred Beck even said he was able to see one and shot it in the face, leading it to tumble into the deep gorge. Many believe it could have been kids playing with mischief. However, Ape Canyon is still known for its bizarre story.
1000 steps” of Greenwood Cemetery, Spokane
The name is “1000 steps” because it’s extremely difficult to climb the top of these steps located at Greenwood Cemetery. It’s not only creepy, but it’s also spooky.
The local myth says that If you walk up these steps in darkness, there will be ghostly images of women, men, and children. Continue climbing, and you may even hear their screams and terrifying shouts.
The locals say that this area was used to perform scary ceremonies in the past.
The stairs, unfortunately, aren’t maintained anymore, and the surrounding area of the cemetery has been changed. The cemetery is privately owned, which means you’ll require permission to visit it.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Washington State is not just all about well-known tourist attractions. It’s also a treasure-trove of hidden treasures that just need to be discovered. From peaceful lakes to hidden caves to charming little cities and spectacular views, there’s something to suit every person who is looking for adventure. Pack your bags and explore these secret places in the Washington State that make Washington really special.