2 Best Sights in Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys, Washington

The visitor center closest to the summit is named for scientist David Johnston, who died in the mountain's immense lateral blast. Inside are fascinating exhibits on the mountain's geology, instruments measuring volcanic and seismic activity, and a theater that shows a riveting film recounting the 1980 eruption. Several short trails afford spectacular views of the summit.

Winter through early summer, rain and snowmelt turn the Snoqualmie River into a thundering torrent at Snoqualmie Falls, although the view is pretty astounding even during dry periods. These sweeping cascades, which the region's indigenous residents consider sacred, provided the backdrop for the Twin Peaks opening montage. The water pours over a 268-foot rock ledge (100 feet higher than Niagara Falls) to a 65-foot-deep pool. A privately owned 2-acre park with a gift shop and observation platform affords some of the best views of the falls and the mountains beyond, as does the elegant Salish Lodge hotel. The 3-mile round-trip River Trail winds through trees and over open slopes to the base of the cascades.