Washington’s wild landscapes are a treasure trove for geology lovers and adventurous hikers. Here are ten rock formations that reward every bumpy road and steep trail with jaw-dropping views and unforgettable experiences:
1. Ruby Beach Sea Stacks (Olympic National Park)
Famous for its dramatic sea stacks, Ruby Beach is a photographer’s dream. These towering rock spires, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, rise from the Pacific surf and are especially stunning at sunset. Abbey Island is the most iconic of these formations.
2. Shi Shi Beach & Point of Arches
Accessible via a rugged hike, Shi Shi Beach features the spectacular Point of Arches—a series of massive sea stacks and arches that jut from the sand and surf. The area is a bucket-list destination for coastal explorers.
3. Ape Cave Lava Tube (Mount St. Helens)
One of the longest lava tubes in North America, Ape Cave offers a subterranean adventure through pitch-black corridors formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. The upper cave route involves scrambling over rock piles and climbing an eight-foot wall—perfect for thrill-seekers.
4. Dry Falls (Grand Coulee)
Once the largest waterfall on Earth, Dry Falls is now a 400-foot-tall, 3.5-mile-wide cliff left behind by cataclysmic Ice Age floods. The scale is staggering, and the site’s columnar basalt cliffs and plunge pools are a testament to nature’s power.
5. Beacon Rock (Columbia River Gorge)
This 840-foot monolith towers above the Columbia River and is the core of an ancient volcano. A switchback trail leads to the summit, offering panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding forests.
6. Peshastin Pinnacles (Wenatchee Valley)
These sandstone spires rise dramatically from the valley floor and are a favorite for rock climbers and hikers. The unique formations and wildflower blooms in spring make this a must-visit spot.
7. Columbia Basin Basalt Columns (Othello & Frenchman Coulee)
Eastern Washington’s landscape is dotted with striking basalt columns—tall, hexagonal pillars formed by cooling lava. The Drumheller Channels and Frenchman Coulee are especially impressive for hiking and photography.
8. Twin Sisters Rock (Wallula Gap)
These twin basalt pillars stand sentinel above the Columbia River, shaped by the massive Missoula Floods. A short hike leads to sweeping views and a glimpse into the region’s dramatic geological past.
9. Mima Mounds (South of Olympia)
A mysterious landscape of thousands of rounded earth mounds, the Mima Mounds have puzzled scientists for generations. Walking among these grassy hummocks feels like stepping onto another planet.
10. Cape Flattery (Neah Bay)
At the northwestern tip of the contiguous U.S., Cape Flattery’s rugged cliffs and sea caves are carved by relentless ocean waves. The short hike to the viewpoint reveals breathtaking vistas and dramatic rock formations.
Bonus:
Umatilla Rock (Grand Coulee): A massive basalt monolith shaped by Ice Age floods, perfect for geology buffs and hikers alike.
Rialto Beach’s Hole-in-the-Wall: A natural arch carved by the sea, accessible at low tide for tidepooling and exploration.
These formations showcase the wild, untamed beauty of Washington and make every mile of rough road and every challenging hike absolutely worth it.
Sources:
- https://www.seabrookwa.com/things-to-do/fall-activities/ruby-beach/
- https://www.thekalalochlodge.com/explore/olympic-national-park/ruby-beach
- https://www.myolympicpark.com/things-to-do/natural-wonders/sea-stacks/