Top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA

North West USA has some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The states of Washington and Alaska, in the far North West of the USA, have so many places to explore. Here are my top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA.

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1. Go whale watching in Alaska

The first of my top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA is to go whale watching in Alaska. This part of the USA has some of the best whale watching opportunities in the country. Throughout the year, different types of whales can be seen in the Alaskan waters. I visited in spring, and I was lucky to see Humpback Whales and also Orcas. It was such a magical experience.

2. See the views from Seattle’s Space Needle

Seattle is one of the biggest cities in North West USA, with loads of things to do in the city. The Space Needle is one of my favourite attractions in Seattle. The views from the top are just amazing. Walk all the way around to see the views from different angles, and see if you’re brave enough to lean against the glass! If you visit on a clear day, you can also see Mount Rainer in the distance behind the city. Check out tickets and opening times here.

3. Take photos of the views at Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is my favourite place in the Olympic Mountains. The views are just incredible. It’s a winding road up the mountain, and when I was driving up it was foggy and cloudy for a lot of the drive. But when I got near the top, the clouds suddenly cleared and the most amazing view just opened up. The snowy mountains went on as far as you could see. The views across the snow were just incredible.

4. See Bald Eagles on top of buildings in Juneau

When I visited Juneau in Alaska, I was really hoping I’d be able to spot a Bald Eagle. They’re such a famous, iconic bird in the USA and I was desperate to see one. However, I wasn’t expecting them to just be sat on the top of buildings and the top of street lights! It was amazing to be able to get so close to these magnificent birds. When you’re in Juneau, make sure you keep looking up to see if you can spot one.

5. Drive up to Mount St Helens

Another great drive in Washington state is the drive up to Mount St Helens. This volcano famously erupted in 1980. When you drive up towards it, you can really see the edge of the crater, as well as where the lava tumbled down the side of the volcano in 1980. It’s a reminder of the power of nature.

6. Eat fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, Seattle

North West USA has some amazing fresh seafood. Pike Place Market in Seattle is one of the best places to get fresh seafood. There are stalls selling a huge variety of fish, which you can buy and take home to cook. Or there are also some restaurants as well, where you can eat while looking out over the Seattle bay.

7. Visit the original Starbucks in Seattle

Another famous sight in Seattle is the original Starbucks. It’s here that the giant coffee shop chain had its first small shop. And from here, it grew to become the global company it is today. Visiting the original Starbucks was definitely one of my top 20 must-do experiences in North West USA.

8. Look out for hummingbirds in Discovery Park

There’s just so much amazing wildlife in North West USA. Discovery Park, on the outskirts of Seattle, is another great place to spot wildlife. You can see lots of birds here, including American Robins. But my favourite bird was a hummingbird. These birds are so small and fast, with beautiful colours. Take a hike through Discovery Park and see what wildlife you can spot.

9. Find skeletons on the beach at West Point Lighthouse

The beach at West Point Lighthouse, on the edge of Discovery Park outside Seattle, can be a fascinating place to explore. As well as great views across the sea to the mountains, the beach itself can have some hidden treasures. Lots of skeletons of sea creatures get washed up on the beach here. Have a wander along the beach and see what you can find.

10. Walk around Silver Lake to see Mount St Helens

Another great view of Mount St Helens can be found from Silver Lake. The view of the volcano across the lake is just beautiful. There’s a lovely walk around Silver Lake as well, where you can see Mount St Helens but also enjoy the scenery and wildlife around the lake as well.