Washington State boasts some of the most intriguing and distinctive rock formations in the Pacific Northwest. From the soaring basalt cliffs to bizarre volcanic leftovers, these geological gems await discovery. Here are 12 rock wonders to see in Washington, and how best to see them:
1. Beacon Rock
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Features: A colossal basalt monolith with spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Hike: 1.8-mile round-trip trail with switchbacks to the top.
2. Dry Falls
Location: Central Washington, Coulee City
Features: Previously the largest waterfall in the world, now a colossal basalt canyon etched out by ancient floods.
Hike: Walk through the area on the Dry Falls Interpretive Trail, a 1.5-mile easy walk with stunning vistas.
3. The Feathers
Location: Frenchman Coulee, near Quincy
Features: Towering basalt spires that are a favorite spot for climbers and photographers alike.
Hike: A short walk from the parking area leads to the base of these iconic rock formations.
4. Ginkgo Petrified Forest
Location: Near Vantage
Features: Ancient petrified wood and unique basalt landscapes tell the story of Washington’s prehistoric past.
Hike: Follow the Ginkgo Interpretive Trails, ranging from 1 to 3 miles, to see the petrified wonders.
5. Mount Erie
Location: Fidalgo Island
Features: A rugged granite mountain with broad vistas of the San Juan Islands and beyond.
Hike: Several trails of varying difficulty converge at the summit; the Summit Trail is a moderate 3-mile trail.
6. Palouse Falls
Location: Southeast Washington
Features: An impressive basalt waterfall dropping 200 feet into a rough canyon.
Hike: The Palouse Falls Loop is a 2-mile trail with views of the falls and surrounding basalt formations.
7. Lava Flows of Mount St. Helens
Location: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Features: Scenic volcanic terrain and dreamlike rock formations created by the 1980 eruption.
Hike: Visit the Lava Canyon Trail, a moderately difficult 3.5-mile walk.
8. Steamboat Rock
Location: Steamboat Rock State Park, Electric City
Features: Towering basalt butte rising steeply above Banks Lake.
Hike: The Steamboat Rock Trail is a 5-mile round-trip with great views from the summit.
9. Twin Sisters Rock
Location: Wenas Wildlife Area, southeast of Yakima
Features: Two huge pillars of basalt that rise starkly out of the open ground.
Hike: A 2-mile out-and-back from the trailhead reaches the bottom of these unique formations.
10. Rialto Beach Sea Stacks
Location: Olympic National Park
Features: Dramatic stacks rising from the Pacific Ocean out of a craggy beach.
Hike: The 4-mile round-trip hike from Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall boasts sensational coastal vistas.
11. Columnar Basalt at Franklin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Features: Dramatic columnar basalt formations encircle this scenic waterfall.
Hike: The 2-mile round-trip Franklin Falls Trail is a family-friendly hike.
12. Mima Mounds
Location: Near Olympia
Features: An enigmatic field of naturally, evenly spaced mounds that has mystified geologists for centuries.
Hike: The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve offers a 1.5-mile interpretive loop trail through the formations.
These rock marvels highlight the state’s varied and stunning geology. Are you a serious hiker, a budding photographer, or just wanting to witness nature’s craft? There is something for everybody among these attractions. Which will you visit first?
