10 Beloved Outdoor Ideas In Washington And 4 That Should Catch Your Eye

Washington state offers some of the most stunning natural backdrops for outdoor living spaces in America.

From misty mountain views to lush evergreen forests, the unique Pacific Northwest climate creates perfect conditions for outdoor enjoyment nearly year-round.

I’ve gathered the top outdoor ideas that Washington residents love, plus a few emerging trends that deserve your attention for your next landscaping project.

1. Garden Swing

Nothing says relaxation quite like a garden swing gently swaying under a canopy of trees. In Washington’s mild summer evenings, these charming additions become the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or watch hummingbirds flit through your garden.

Many Washingtonians opt for cedar or teak models that withstand our occasional rain showers without much maintenance. The natural wood tones blend beautifully with our evergreen backdrop.

I’ve noticed more people installing their swings with views of Mount Rainier or Puget Sound when possible. Even in smaller yards, a swing creates that coveted outdoor sanctuary feeling that perfectly complements our state’s natural beauty.

2. Bird Bath

Bird baths transform Washington gardens into lively wildlife sanctuaries. Our state’s impressive variety of native birds from chickadees to varied thrushes will flock to your yard when fresh water is available, especially during our drier summer months.

Heated options have become increasingly popular among local gardeners, allowing birds access to water even during winter freezes. Stone versions with natural, mossy finishes complement our region’s aesthetic perfectly.

I’ve found placing a bird bath where you can view it from a favorite window brings daily entertainment. The gentle splashing sounds add a peaceful soundtrack to outdoor gatherings, while supporting our local ecosystem and bringing nature literally to your doorstep.

3. Outdoor Lanterns

Washington’s famous moody skies and early sunsets make outdoor lighting essential for extending evening enjoyment. Solar-powered lanterns have become a staple in local gardens, storing energy during our bright summer days and creating magical atmospheres as twilight falls.

Copper and bronze finishes develop beautiful patinas in our humid climate, adding character over time. Many homeowners string them along cedar fences or hang them from Douglas fir branches to create enchanting pathways through their properties.

I particularly love how these lights reflect off water features during our misty evenings. Weather-resistant varieties specifically designed for marine environments work best along our coastal areas, where salt spray can damage lesser materials.

4. Brick Patio

Brick patios have stood the test of time in Washington homes for good reason. Their earthy tones complement our abundant greenery, while the permeable surface helps manage our famous rainfall better than concrete alternatives.

Reclaimed brick from historic Seattle or Tacoma buildings has become a prized material, bringing a piece of local history right into your outdoor space. The natural texture provides excellent traction during our wet winters, making them safer than smoother surfaces.

Many of my neighbors incorporate heating elements beneath their brick patios to extend outdoor living into cooler months. Herringbone and basket weave patterns remain the most popular designs, with moss intentionally encouraged between bricks for that quintessential Northwest aged look.

5. Planter Boxes

Cedar planter boxes have practically become a state symbol in Washington gardens. Their natural resistance to our wet climate makes them ideal for growing everything from native salmonberries to colorful dahlias that thrive in our mild summers.

Raised designs have gained tremendous popularity, especially for vegetable gardens that benefit from our cooler growing season. The elevation helps soil warm faster in spring and provides better drainage during our notorious rainy periods.

I’ve seen incredible creativity with cascading designs on hillside properties, taking advantage of Washington’s varied topography. Modern versions often incorporate irrigation systems that collect rainwater, making them both sustainable and practical for our unique growing conditions that alternate between very wet and surprisingly dry.

6. Climbing Vines

Washington’s mild climate creates the perfect environment for spectacular climbing vines that transform ordinary structures into living architecture. Clematis varieties thrive here, producing stunning purple, pink, or white blooms against our often gray skies.

Kiwi vines have become increasingly popular for their dual function beautiful coverage and delicious fruit that ripens perfectly in our late summer weather. Many homeowners train them over pergolas to create natural shade during our increasingly warm summers.

I’ve noticed more native honeysuckle appearing in eco-conscious landscapes, attracting our local hummingbird populations. The key to success with climbing vines in Washington is providing proper support systems that can handle both the plant’s weight and our occasional wind storms that sweep in from the Pacific.

7. Decorative Fountain

Water features resonate deeply with Washington’s natural landscape, mimicking our abundant streams and waterfalls. Decorative fountains have become centerpieces in local gardens, with basalt column designs being particularly popular as they echo the columnar basalt formations found throughout Eastern Washington.

The gentle sound of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere that helps mask urban noise in Seattle and Tacoma neighborhoods. During our dry summer months, these fountains add welcome humidity to the garden microclimate.

I’ve found that copper and stone combinations age beautifully in our climate, developing rich patinas over time. Recirculating designs conserve water while still providing the sensory benefits, making them environmentally friendly choices for our increasingly water-conscious region.

8. Rock Garden

Rock gardens capture the essence of Washington’s diverse geology, from the rugged Cascades to the smooth river stones of the Columbia. These low-maintenance landscapes have surged in popularity, especially in eastern parts of the state where water conservation is increasingly important.

Alpine plants like sedums and small conifers thrive between carefully placed boulders, creating miniature mountain scenes in suburban yards. Many gardeners incorporate stones collected during family hikes (where permitted), adding personal meaning to their landscapes.

I particularly love how these gardens change with the seasons catching raindrops in winter, showcasing tiny blooms in spring, and providing textural interest even during our occasional summer dry spells. Japanese-inspired arrangements have strong influence here, reflecting our Pacific Rim connections and similar climate to parts of Japan.

9. Pergola

Pergolas have revolutionized outdoor living in Washington by creating usable space despite our unpredictable weather. Cedar and Douglas fir versions reign supreme, naturally resisting our famous rainfall while developing gorgeous silver patinas over time.

Retractable canvas covers have become standard additions, allowing flexibility during our rapidly changing conditions. Many homeowners install clear polycarbonate panels on portions of the roof letting in precious sunlight while keeping rain at bay.

I’ve seen incredible creativity with lighting installations that transform these structures into magical evening retreats during our long winter nights. The vertical space provides perfect support for our vigorous climbing plants like clematis and jasmine, effectively creating living rooms outdoors that can be enjoyed from early spring through late fall.

10. Shade Umbrella

While Washington might be famous for rain, our summer sun can be surprisingly intense, making shade umbrellas essential for comfortable outdoor living. Marine-grade fabrics have become the gold standard here, standing up to both our occasional summer downpours and salt air along our coastal areas.

Cantilever designs that can be adjusted throughout the day have proven most practical for tracking our northern sun patterns. Many local homeowners choose deep blues and greens that complement our natural landscape while providing UV protection during increasingly warm summers.

I’ve noticed weighted bases are particularly important given our sudden wind gusts off the water. The newest models incorporate solar-powered LED lighting along the ribs, extending outdoor entertaining into our beautiful summer evenings when the light lingers until nearly 10 PM.

11. Classic Wooden Bench

Wooden benches crafted from locally-sourced cedar have recently caught Washington gardeners’ attention for their perfect blend of rustic charm and practicality. These simple yet elegant seating options develop silvery patinas that harmonize beautifully with our misty landscapes.

Artisans throughout the Olympic Peninsula have begun creating signature designs featuring carved elements inspired by native salmon, orcas, or Douglas fir motifs. The natural oils in cedar help these benches withstand our famous rainfall without excessive maintenance.

I’ve been particularly impressed by models incorporating subtle heating elements powered by small solar panels making outdoor sitting comfortable even during our cooler months. Strategic placement facing Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, or the Cascade range transforms these benches into meditation spots that celebrate Washington’s breathtaking natural beauty.

12. Wrought Iron Table

Wrought iron tables with Pacific Northwest-inspired designs have emerged as statement pieces in Washington outdoor spaces. Local artisans are creating stunning pieces featuring salmon, eagle, and mountain motifs that celebrate our regional identity while providing durable functionality.

The material’s natural resistance to our wet climate makes it practical as well as beautiful. Many feature tempered glass tops that reflect our dramatic skies and surrounding evergreens.

What’s truly catching attention are the new powder-coating techniques using colors inspired by our landscape deep evergreen, misty blue, and volcanic stone gray. These tables become natural gathering points during our precious sunny days, while standing up to winter weather when covered. Their substantial weight prevents them from becoming projectiles during our occasional windstorms.

13. Hanging Flower Baskets

Hanging flower baskets have reached new heights of creativity in Washington gardens, inspired by the famous displays in Victoria, BC just across the water. Innovative self-watering designs address our region’s weather extremes from summer dry spells to spring downpours.

Trailing nasturtiums, native bleeding hearts, and colorful fuchsias that attract our abundant hummingbirds have become signature combinations. Many gardeners incorporate small-fruited strawberry varieties that cascade beautifully while providing sweet treats throughout summer.

I’m particularly impressed by the new lightweight cedar cradles that protect basket sides from wind damage a common issue in our breezy coastal areas. These living sculptures bring eye-level color to porches and garden pathways, creating visual interest where ground planting might be limited by our region’s abundant tree roots.

14. Stone Pathway

Stone pathways with distinctive Northwest character have captivated Washington homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. Locally-sourced slate from the Cascades and tumbled beach glass from Puget Sound shores create uniquely regional walking surfaces that connect different garden areas.

The irregular shapes and varied textures provide excellent drainage during our famous rainy season. Many homeowners incorporate small lighting elements along the edges, creating magical illuminated journeys through evening gardens.

I’ve been especially drawn to pathways that include fossil-embedded stones from eastern Washington, adding subtle educational elements to garden strolls. These paths often incorporate small herbs like creeping thyme between stones, releasing wonderful aromas when walked upon and standing up beautifully to our climate while requiring minimal maintenance.