Besides attending a concert at The Gorge Amphitheater
The Gorge Amphitheater is far and away, the most iconic outdoor concert venue in the country. (Yes Red Rocks is amazing, but we are definitely biased toward the Gorge.) The views are stunning, the sunsets breathtaking, and Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and Brandi Carlile all call The Gorge their home venue. The Gorge is 150 miles from Seattle and 137 miles from Spokane, so you are definitely going to be making a long drive to see a show. If you're driving that far, why not stay a few days in the area and explore the other fun things there are to do in Central Washington!
We LOVE attending shows at The Gorge.
Hike to Wild Horses Monument
The Wild Horses Monument is an unfinished sculpture named Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies designed and created by Chewelah sculptor David Govedare. It was to be a gift to the state for the 1989 Centennial Celebration, but alas, was never completed due to lack of funding. The 15 horse sculptures are still a stunning sight to behold. Pull off I90 and enjoy the entire sculpture from below, then make the 0.2 mile scramble up 150 feet to the top of the hill to see the horses up close. The trail is steep and rocky so we recommend trekking poles. And if you are there in July or August, definitely make this hike a morning or evening activity because the sun is HOT in those months. Once you've made it to the top, enjoy the stunning views of the Columbia River and get many different angles and perspectives as you walk around each horse and take in the stunning scenery.
Free and open dawn to dusk
Views from the top of the trail to Wild Horses Monument
Explore Gingko State Park
We are self-admitted nerds, and not only do we love exploring state parks for the beautiful outdoor scenery, we love learning about the history of our region. Gingko State Park is a great place to do both! Take an early morning hike around the interpretive trail, a 3 mile hike if you walk the whole loop. There is also a quarter mile paved loop that is accessible for all and has plenty of petrified trees to enjoy. We loved enjoying the views from the ridge and being awestruck by geology and the remains of all the trees that were petrified during the Ice Age Mega Floods in our state. After you've hiked and gotten hot, enjoy the air conditioned interpretive center to learn even more about the history and geology of the region as well as see even more specimens of petrified wood. Gingko State Park is a great place to be active in both body and mind.
Washington Discover Pass needed to park at both the interpretive trails and visitors center. Trails open dawn to dusk. Visitor center open daily 10 AM to 5 PM
Petrified wood and views from Gingko State Park
Learn About Indigenous History and Culture at the Wanapum Heritage Center
The Wanapum people are one of the few Native American tribes who did not sign any treaties with the US Government, and are therefore not a federally recognized tribe. The heritage center tells history of the people and the story of how the Wanapum have worked to keep connected to their culture and history as white settlers moved in and changed the land via farming and the Hanford Nuclear site. One of the most beautiful collections to rival any you would see in a major city, this is a stop that we highly recommend. Plan to spend 1-2 hours browsing the permanent exhibit and enjoy the current rotating exhibit. A truly surprising and wonderful stop along Highway 243 in Mattawa.
Free Admission
HOURS: Mon/Thu/Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Tue/Wed: CLOSED Sat/Sun: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Wanapum Heritage Center
Visit the State Waterfall of Washington
Palouse Falls is one of the last active waterfalls in the area; a remanent of the Ice Age floods path that carved out this region of Washington state. The state park is remote and features a picnic area and short walking path, but the views of the 200 foot waterfall make the drive to this park worth it. Pack a picnic and plan to visit in the evening. The temperature will be cooler, you will see the gorgeous sunset colors on the canyon wall, and you might get to see the yellow bellied marmot who are native to the area.
Washington Discover pass needed to park. Open dawn to dusk.
Palouse Falls
Views of the falls and canyon from the upper and lower viewing areas, yellow bellied marmots
We hope this inspires you to spend a few extra days exploring Central Washington. And if you haven't yet attended a concert at the iconic Gorge Amphitheater, put that on your bucket list, stat! Do you have a favorite Central Washington adventure? Let us know in the comments!
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