The whole idea behind travel nursing is traveling to new and exciting places while gaining experience. Treating your off-time on a travel nurse assignment like a mini-vacation will allow you to explore the activities and attractions of your new travel nurse location. Whether it’s to a new city or a new state, adventure awaits no matter where you go!
If you are located in Washington, you’re in for nature galore! If you want to try skiing or snowboarding, go on challenging hikes, camp in a park or on a beach, or paddle down whitewater rapids, Washington state has it all. One day won’t be enough to discover all of the incredible sights. When you do have some free time, here are a few things to see in the Evergreen State.
Snoqualmie Falls
Less than an hour away from Seattle, the Snoqualmie Falls attracts more than 1.5 million visitors every year. Before its cinematic debut in Twin Peaks, the 270-foot waterfall was the meeting ground for native cultures. Today, visitors can appreciate the gravity of the falls with interpretive trails below the falls. They can lodge nearby at the Salish Lodge and Spa. The lodge has a fantastic view of the falls and provides a four-star stay with fine-dining and spa services. Snoqualmie has its largest flow during the spring and corresponding snowmelt.
Mount Baker
Beautiful year-round, Mount Baker is a sight to behold. This 10,781-foot active glacier-covered stratovolcano is excellent for skiing, snowboarding, and even snowshoeing in the winter. The Wake n’ Bakery is a great place to stop and get a caffeine fix before starting your day. In the summer, you can drive through Artist Point, where you’ll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks like Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and Mount Herman. For a great day hike, try the eight-mile Chain Lakes Loop Trail at 1700 feet if you’re up for the challenge.
San Juan Islands
This cluster of islands sits near the Canadian border, and the four largest are readily accessible by ferry. Each has a mix of galleries, seafood restaurants, and parks, including the San Juan Island National Historical Park, where British and American troops became embroiled in the Pig War. Oh, and don’t forget to book a whale watching tour to see orca whales up close.
Hoh Rain Forest
The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the four rainforests in the Olympia Peninsula. Now the most carefully preserved rain forest in the northern hemisphere, its unique ecosystem has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Try the 5-Mile Island hike, a deeper trail that follows the Hoh River and is lined with giant 100-year-old cedars, spruce, and fir trees. Two shorter nature trails are available as well. The best time to visit is when it is damp and raining, which is when the moss is the most lush and green.
Mountain Loop Highway
This scenic highway loops through the western section of the Cascade Mountains and exposes you to stunning mountain views, rushing rivers, and ponderosa pines the whole way. A 2–3 hour drive straight through, you can also spend a few days exploring as a way to escape the city. This highway leads to hiking trails that range from 5.4 to 10.4 miles. Depending on the time of year, visit the multiple ice caves along the road. There are also various campgrounds around the highway to extend your stay. If you prefer something a little luxurious, spend the night at an alpaca farm in a beautiful onsite yurt. Washington is a conglomerate of unforgettable destinations. If you want to experience the Evergreen State, look at our job board for available travel nurse jobs or reach out to our travel nurse agency for a helping hand!
