Washington is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. It is a scenic place covered in evergreen forests with coastal settings made all the more dramatic by its majestic, famous peaks. Many of Washington’s most significant and appealing towns and cities are located in the perfect place to take advantage of the state’s unique outdoor environment. There are many beautiful towns across Washington State that provide residents with a dream place to live in some of the most jaw-dropping settings in the country.
Vancouver is one of the biggest cities in Washington, located right by the Oregon border. It is a thriving urban city just a short drive from Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. These rocky peaks are all visible from the city.
Bellingham, Mount Vernon and Anacortes are beautiful cities in the northwest region of Washington. Bellingham is a coastal community home to just under 100,000 residents. It is not only located along the water but is also just east of Mount Baker, a popular spot for skiing. Mount Vernon is a mid-sized city well-known for the beautiful tulips that blossom there. Mount Vernon is near Little Mountain and hosts more prominent peaks like Mount Buckner. Anacortes is a city surrounded by water on Fidalgo Island. Mount Erie is the most prominent mountain near Anacortes, and this tree-covered peak is the highest point on the island.
Port Townsend is another location surrounded by water south of Anacortes. It is a well-preserved historic city situated along Port Townsend Bay. Port Townsend is not far from some of the most gorgeous mountains in the state, including Mount Townsend and Olympus.
There are also a variety of towns convenient to Seattle that offer incredible hiking trails and scenery close by. Kent is a major city south of Seattle known for its strong local culture, with many art galleries, museums, and venues. Kent has hilly terrain but isn’t as mountainous as some Washington cities. However, the iconic Mount Rainier is only a short drive away. Puyallup, a Tacoma suburb, offers convenient access to Mount Rainier as well. Further north, Monroe is a mid-sized city of 20,000 found in the Cascade Range’s foothills. It is a quiet Seattle suburb with excellent natural scenery, views of the mountains, and many appealing parks.
The Issaquah Alps, located east of Seattle, are a popular location for hikers and bikers, and Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, in a similar area, are great for boating, paddleboarding and kayaking. There are many ideal cities that offer convenient access to these destinations. Renton sits on the shores of Lake Washington. It is situated near the smaller peaks of the Issaquah Alps, like Cougar Mountain. Bellevue is a suburb just across Lake Washington, and public parks and even some homes offer lake access. Further east of Lake Washington, Issaquah borders the Issaquah alps. It has mountains and waters, with easy access to Issaquah Creek and Lake Sammamish. Redmond is best known for its tech sector, as the home of Microsoft and Nintendo of America. It is a natural wonderland with evergreen forests and convenience to Lake Sammamish. Also, Snoqualmie Pass, a popular skiing destination, is located about an hour east of these cities.
East of Snoqualmie Pass, and convenient to the Cascade Range, Ellensburg is a city home to around 20,000 residents. It is known for its Wild West traditions, as host of the biggest rodeo in the state. Wenatchee is an agricultural hub near the Columbia River. This town is situated in the foothills of the Cascades and the Wenatchee Mountains, making it a must-see for hikers. Near Idaho, Spokane is a historic city that is one of the biggest in the state, home to more than 220,000. Spokane is surrounded by mountains, including the famed Mount Spokane outside the city.
