30 Must-Do Adventures in Washington

The upper left corner of the continental United States is a verdant, mountainous, ecological marvel. From the highest peaks of the Northern Cascades to the wild wilderness of the Gifford Pinchot; from the great eastern plains to the thundering ruckus of the coast, Washington delivers adventure. And as a major bonus, Sea-Tac is one of the easiest airports to fly to in the west.

Though it's hard to be exact, it's estimated that there are over 70,000 miles of rivers that wind through and tumble over this wet, wet state. Coupling that with over 8,000 lakes makes for a fisherman's, kayaker's, and lounger's delight. That's not to mention that 157 miles of Washington's rugged coastline kisses the Pacific Ocean, delighting surfers and beachcombers. So it's no secret why water-centric adventures weigh heavy on this list.

Ever-present, though, be it seaside, lakeside, or smack in the center of downtown Seattle, is a jagged mountain range in the distance. There are over 63 named mountain ranges within the state, and each is shockingly different from the next. One only needs to juxtapose a jaunt through the Enchantments to Colchuck Lake with a trip to Mount Margaret via Norway Pass to understand.

Even the most determined explorer could spend a lifetime seeking thrilling adventure and jaw-dropping beauty within the state of Washington and feel as though she hasn't scratched the surface. Whether the best experiences come to you by way of mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, or even by car, find below a less-than-comprehensive starter pack for Washington experiences. Please bear in mind that there are a number of adventures on this list that require a specific skill set or professional guides. Always assess your own abilities before embarking beyond the trailhead or the put-in.