This scenic WA spot belongs on your summer ‘bucket list.’ Where is it?
Summer is a popular time for travel.
With many amazing places around the world, how can you decide on just a few to visit?
Fortunately, Trusted House Sitters has put together the “ultimate bucket list” for summer travel.
This list features stops that “every American should tick off, featuring must-visit destinations alongside hidden gems, perfect for a summer escape,” the global house sitting platform said in a May 12 news release.
Washington state was home to one of the top spots for travelers in 2026, according to Trusted House Sitters.
Here’s what to know:
Where is top ‘bucket list destination’ in Washington state?
Trusted House Sitters named Mount Rainier National Park as “America’s No. 2 bucket list destination” this summer.
“The park is known for its stunning sunsets, centered around glacier-covered mountains and wildflower meadows,” the house sitting platform said.
It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to drive from Olympia to the national park. Traveling from Tacoma takes about an hour and a half by car.
What makes Mount Rainier National Park popular?
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Washington state, McClatchy Media previously reported.
The national park recorded more than 1.63 million visitors in 2025, according to National Park Service data.
Established in 1899, Mount Rainier National Park gets its name from its signature peak — an active volcano that stands 14,410 feet above sea level.
“Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes,” the National Park Service said on the park’s website. “Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems.”
Popular hiking trails include Dewey Lake Trail, Mount Fremont Lookout Trail and Skyline Loop Trail, according to hiking blog Trails of a Traveling PT.
What are best places to visit in the US?
According to Trusted House Sitters, the United States offers plenty of opportunities for memorable summer trips.
“There’s a growing opportunity for U.S. residents to rediscover what the country has to offer,” the house sitting platform said.
Trusted House Sitters identified these top 10 bucket list destinations:
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California
- Mount Rainier National Park
- White Rock Lake in Texas
- Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan
- White Sands National Park in New Mexico
- Cades Cove in Tennessee
- Torch Lake in Michigan
- Cannon Beach in Oregon
- Arches National Park in Utah
Popular destinations including California’s Big Bear Lake and Arizona’s Havasu Falls ranked lower on the list.
How did Trusted House Sitters rank top travel spots?
Trusted House Sitters said it determined the 15 most mentioned “hidden gems” and “bucket list destinations” by analyzing U.S. Google search volumes and trends over the past 12 months.
The site also looked at the Yelp rating of each destination.
This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "This scenic WA spot belongs on your summer ‘bucket list.’ Where is it?."