Things to do / Travel Guide
Scenic Overlooks from the Seattle Space Needle
By far, the most well-known place in the region to get the best scenic overlook is the top of the Seattle Space Needle. From the observation deck and restaurant in the “flying saucer” on top, you can see greater Seattle area, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, the Puget Sound, the Seattle Waterfront and, on a clear day, possibly all the way out to Canada and the Pacific Coastline.
Scenic Overlooks from the Hamilton Viewpoint
The Hamilton Viewpoint, in west Seattle, is a favorite with both locals and tourists. Located at 1531 California Way, the overlook offers a panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Elliot Bay, and the Seattle skyline.
Scenic Overlooks from the Deception Pass Bridge
Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island is home to hundreds of birds, including herons, hummingbirds, bald eagles, crows, ravens, quail, wild turkeys, doves, gulls, hawks, pheasants, pigeons, owls, jays, ducks, woodpeckers, ospreys, and wrens. The birds typically huddle around the Deception Pass Bridge, suspended about 180 feet off the waterway connecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Saratoga Passage. The bridge is considered among of the most scenic places in the region, both because of the amazing variety of birds you can see, as well as because of the stunning views of the waterways it spans and land masses it connects.
Scenic Overlooks from Mt. Rainier
Although the best view of the area is probably available to serious climbers who have made the technical ascent of Mt. Rainier's 14,410 foot summit, most people can enjoy similar views further down the mountain as well. Among the sights you can see from a couple thousand feet up are Seattle and Lake Washington. At the 10,000-foot high Camp Muir, the view also includes distant Cascades peaks, some of which are several hours away by car from Mt. Rainier.
Scenic Overlooks from Mt. St. Helens
From the top of Mt. St. Helens, on a clear day you can see over to Mt. Adams, which is located in the eastern part of the Cascade Range, as well as all the way across to Mt. Hood in Oregon. If the weather is really cooperative, you might be able to see Mt. Rainier, located about 50 miles north, and possibly the Seattle skyline as well. Unique views on Mt. St. Helens that are accessible to hikers, and even drivers, are of the crater and the devastation area, particularly Spirit Lake.
Scenic Overlooks from Mt. Baker
From the top of Mt. Baker, the city of Bellingham, in the northwest section of the region, can be seen. On a clear day, you can even see all the way over to Victoria Island and Vancouver, Canada. Other sites that can be seen from the top of Mt. Baker include the Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline, and the city of Everett.
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