Wavelength converters for solid state lighting devices, and associated systems and methods. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a solid state radiative semiconductor structure having a first region and a second region. The first region is positioned to receive radiation at a first wavelength and has a first composition and an associated first bandgap energy. The second region is positioned adjacent to the first region to receive energy from the first region and emit radiation at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. The second region has a second composition different than the first composition, and an associated second bandgap energy that is less than the first bandgap energy.