9 Scenic Mountain Overlooks In Washington

Washington state is a paradise for mountain lovers like me, with stunning peaks that offer breathtaking panoramic views. From the majestic Mount Rainier to the rugged North Cascades, these overlooks showcase some of the most magnificent scenery in the Pacific Northwest.

I’ve spent years exploring these viewpoints and want to share my favorite spots where you can experience Washington’s mountain majesty in all its glory.

1. Hurricane Ridge

Standing at Hurricane Ridge feels like floating above the world. Located in Olympic National Park, this overlook sits at 5,242 feet elevation and offers a 360-degree spectacle that made my jaw drop the first time I visited. The snow-capped Olympic Mountains stretch before you like nature’s own cathedral.

On clear days, you can see all the way to Vancouver Island across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The wildflower meadows that carpet the ridge in summer create a colorful foreground against the dramatic mountain backdrop. Blacktail deer often graze nearby, seemingly unimpressed by the view that leaves human visitors speechless.

Winter transforms this Washington gem into a snow-covered wonderland, with opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. The visitor center provides helpful information about the geology and wildlife of the area. I recommend arriving early in the morning when the light casts a golden glow across the peaks and the crowds are thinner.

2. Artist Point At Mount Baker

The first time I rounded that final bend in the road and Artist Point came into view, I literally gasped out loud. Perched at 5,100 feet, this aptly named viewpoint showcases Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan in a composition so perfect it seems designed specifically for photographers and painters.

Mount Shuksan reflects beautifully in Picture Lake along the way, creating one of Washington’s most photographed scenes. During late summer, the meadows burst with vibrant wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the already dramatic landscape. The short hiking trails from the parking area lead to even more spectacular vantage points.

Snow typically covers this area until July, making the viewing season relatively short but incredibly rewarding. I’ve watched sunset here as alpenglow painted Mount Baker’s glaciers in shades of pink and orange that seemed almost unreal. The Heather Meadows area below offers additional perspectives and is accessible earlier in the season when Artist Point remains snowbound.

3. Sunrise Viewpoint At Mount Rainier

Waking up before dawn to reach Sunrise Viewpoint is absolutely worth every minute of lost sleep. At 6,400 feet, this is the highest point accessible by car in Mount Rainier National Park and offers what I consider the most intimate face-to-face encounter with Washington’s iconic volcano.

The mountain seems close enough to touch from here, with its massive glaciers gleaming in the morning light. Trails radiate from the visitor center, including the popular Sourdough Ridge Trail that provides elevated perspectives of the surrounding Cascade Range. The subalpine meadows transform seasonally—from snow-covered expanses to wildflower gardens to autumn’s golden hues.

Wildlife sightings are common here. I’ve spotted marmots sunning on rocks and mountain goats navigating distant slopes. The Emmons Glacier, the largest in the contiguous United States, is clearly visible from this vantage point. When clouds roll in below the viewpoint, the experience becomes truly magical as mountain peaks appear to float on a sea of white.

4. Deception Pass Bridge Overlook

For a mountain view with a maritime twist, Deception Pass Bridge Overlook combines Washington’s diverse landscapes in one breathtaking scene. The twin bridges span 180 feet above the churning waters where Skagit Bay meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Olympic Mountains creating a stunning backdrop to the west.

Walking across the bridge provides an exhilarating perspective as you feel the structure vibrate slightly beneath your feet. The turquoise waters below swirl with powerful currents that create whirlpools during tide changes. From the overlook on Whidbey Island, you can see Fidalgo Island, the San Juan Islands in the distance, and the mountain ranges beyond.

Sunset transforms this location into a photographer’s dream as the mountains take on purple hues and the water reflects the changing colors of the sky. Deception Pass State Park surrounding the bridge offers numerous trails with additional viewpoints. I particularly enjoy watching boats navigate the narrow pass while eagles soar overhead, completing this quintessential Washington scene.

5. Johnston Ridge Observatory

Coming face-to-face with Mount St. Helens’ massive crater at Johnston Ridge Observatory is a humbling experience unlike any other in Washington. Named for volcanologist David Johnston who perished in the 1980 eruption, this observatory sits just 5.5 miles from the volcano’s crater, providing an unobstructed view of the mountain’s north face.

The landscape here tells a powerful story of destruction and rebirth. Steam still occasionally rises from the crater, reminding visitors of the mountain’s active status. The blast zone stretches before you, where thousands of trees were instantly flattened like matchsticks, now slowly recovering with new growth.

Interactive exhibits inside the observatory explain the eruption’s massive impact and the ongoing scientific monitoring. The 1-mile Eruption Trail offers additional perspectives and interpretive signs. I’ve visited multiple times over the years and am always struck by how much the landscape changes as nature reclaims this once-devastated area. The contrast between the barren slopes and the vibrant wildflowers that have returned creates a poignant reminder of nature’s resilience.

6. High Rock Lookout

The effort required to reach High Rock Lookout makes the reward that much sweeter. After a steep 1.6-mile hike, you’ll reach a historic fire lookout perched precariously on a cliff with a sheer 600-foot drop. The panoramic view encompasses Mount Rainier dominating the horizon, with Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood visible on clear days.

Built in the 1930s, the wooden lookout cabin itself adds character to the scene. While no longer actively used for fire spotting, it stands as a testament to the foresters who once lived here during summer months. The surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest stretches in every direction, creating a sea of green that contrasts beautifully with the snow-capped peaks.

Mountain goats sometimes appear on nearby slopes, adding wildlife spotting to the experience. I recommend bringing binoculars to fully appreciate the distant details. The hike is best attempted in summer when the trail is snow-free, though early morning starts help avoid afternoon thunderstorms that frequently develop over Washington’s mountains. The exposure at the top is not for those with a fear of heights!

7. Diablo Lake Overlook

The first time I saw Diablo Lake’s otherworldly turquoise waters from this overlook, I couldn’t believe I was still in Washington. Located along the North Cascades Highway, this easily accessible viewpoint showcases one of the most uniquely colored lakes in America, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks that seem to pierce the sky.

The lake’s distinctive color comes from glacier flour—rock particles so fine they remain suspended in the water, refracting sunlight to create that mesmerizing blue-green hue. Informational displays explain the geology and hydroelectric projects that created this reservoir. Colonial Peak, Pyramid Peak, and Davis Peak form a dramatic backdrop, their steep faces often holding snow well into summer.

Morning visits offer the best lighting and calmest water for perfect reflections. The overlook provides excellent opportunities for photography without requiring hiking. During my numerous visits to this special place, I’ve noticed how the lake’s color changes with the light and seasons, sometimes appearing emerald green and other times taking on a milky blue shade. The North Cascades, often called the American Alps, truly shine from this vantage point.

8. Slate Peak Lookout

Reaching Slate Peak Lookout requires navigating one of Washington’s highest drivable roads, climbing to nearly 7,500 feet through hairpin turns that had my knuckles white on the steering wheel. The reward is access to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the state without a long hike.

The historic fire lookout crowns the summit, which was actually shortened by 41 feet during the Cold War to build a radar station. From this lofty perch, the views stretch across the heart of the North Cascades, with layer upon layer of mountains extending to the horizon. The nearby Pasayten Wilderness, one of the largest in Washington, spreads below with its pristine forests and meadows.

Alpine wildflowers carpet the ground in vibrant displays during the brief summer season. Golden larches create a spectacular autumn show in late September. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby, and you might encounter through-hikers taking a detour to enjoy the view. I recommend bringing extra layers as the wind at this elevation can be fierce, even on sunny days when the temperature in the valleys below is scorching.

9. Steptoe Butte

For a completely different mountain experience in Washington, Steptoe Butte offers an island-in-the-sky perspective rising 1,000 feet above the rolling Palouse region. This quartzite butte stands in stark contrast to the undulating farmland that surrounds it, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in the state.

The paved road spirals to the summit, where a 360-degree view unfolds. In spring and early summer, the patchwork of wheat and canola fields creates a mesmerizing tapestry of greens and yellows that change with the light and shadow. Harvest season transforms the scene into shades of gold and brown that seem to flow like waves across the countryside.

I’ve visited at different times of day and found sunrise and sunset particularly magical as the low light accentuates the rolling contours of the Palouse. Photographers gather here year-round to capture the changing seasons. While not a traditional mountain viewpoint with snow-capped peaks, Steptoe Butte provides a uniquely Washington perspective on how our state’s diverse landscapes interact. The state park includes interpretive signs explaining the unusual geology that created this landmark.