By now everyone knows that there are more things to do in Seattle than ride the elevator up to the top of the Space Needle. If you do find yourself at the top, look out over the city in all directions and enjoy the view. Then, take the elevator down again, because you need to quit looking and start experiencing the fun things to do in Seattle. Things to do in Seattle Washington vary greatly, for it is one of America’s most unique and interesting cities. You can spend a lot of money on amazing Seattle luxury hotels or ultra-hip restaurants, spend a little on great beer from local breweries, or even find some free things to do in Seattle. No matter what your budget will allow, there is an endless amount of fun things to do in Seattle. Here you’ll find the best things to do in the Emerald City as part of your Washington vacation.
Pike Place Market
One of the most famous things to do in Seattle Washington, Pike Place Market is your chance to buy local produce, fish, flowers, art, and much more. For a quintessential Seattle experience that is also one of the best free things to do in Seattle, a walk around the market seeing the workers throw fish and listening to street musicians play is definitely worth an afternoon.
Smith Tower
Those interested in historic architecture should visit Smith Tower in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of downtown Seattle. The Chinese Room is an unforgettable place to set up a corporate meeting or celebration of any kind, and the observation deck is worth the few dollars to ride to the top of Seattle’s first skyscraper. For some, a visit to Smith Tower will be one of the more memorable and fun things to do in Seattle.
Breweries
Seattle prides itself in its microbreweries, where some of the most unique and tasty beers are brewed and served. Names like Red Hook, Elysian, Pyramid, and Maritime Pacific make up a tradition worth tasting in Ballard, Fremont, or Woodinville. Every bar or restaurant worth visiting in Seattle will have at least one of these on tap, but a trip to where the beer is made is one of the great rainy day things to do in Seattle Washington.
Experience Music Project
Any list of things to do in Seattle for the music lover must include a trip to Experience Music Project, a groundbreaking place to truly take in the past, present, and future of music. With architecture that is daring to say the least, and music from the past and present taking center stage, Jimi Hendrix would be proud of the EMP, himself a native Seattleite.
Seattle Art Museum
While on the topic of museums, the Seattle Art Museum must be mentioned as an excellent place to visit, or rather, places. The SAM, as it is known, includes the main downtown location, as well as the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and the SAM gallery. A visit to any or all of these will inspire creativity within you, and is one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Seattle.
Seattle Parks and Woodland Park Zoo
Yes, it rains a lot here. But take it from a local: there is a peaceful quality to the Seattle rain, and when the sun shines in Seattle, it is the greenest place you can find (thanks to all that rain). No matter the weather, take a chance to enjoy some naturally-focused things to do in Seattle Washington. Discovery Park is one of the most loved urban parks in the nation. Enjoy views of Puget Sound, a picnic on the hillside, or the miles of walking trails that make this one of the great free things to do in Seattle. Next, experience wildlife at Woodland Park Zoo, a major zoo located in the heart of Seattle. Woodland Park Zoo gives you an up close encounter with wildlife, and with interactive options for kids, families will find this one of the most fun things to do in Seattle.
Safeco Field and Qwest Field
Seattle has, in recent years, become quite a sports town, with fans of the Mariners (MLB) and Seahawks (NFL) being ranked among the most raucous in the nation. As far as concert and sports venues, both teams boast great places to watch games and experience events. The Mariners’ Safeco Field is one of the most beautiful places to see a baseball game in the country on a pleasant evening from April through September. The Seahawks have the loudest stadium in the NFL, so bring your earplugs and cheer along, but bring your credit card… a Hawks game is far from being among the free things to do in Seattle.
Kirkland
Kirkland is a thriving city on the “East Side” (of Lake Washington), and is home to excellent places to eat, drink, and enjoy live music. Get off the beaten path of Seattle attractions and visit Kirkland, an up-and-coming town that will not disappoint as one of the most fun things to do in Seattle.
Neighborhoods
Like many major cities, Seattle has distinct neighborhoods that each has a flavor of their own. If you want to enjoy one of the most authentic things to do in Seattle Washington, just spend a day taking a tour of the different neighborhoods, enjoying the attractions that make each of them famous Pacific Northwest destinations
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Things to do in Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington is behind only Seattle and Spokane among the largest cities in the state. According to many, the fun things to do in Tacoma and the efforts recently made to improve the city make it second to none in the Evergreen State. Discover, or rediscover, a Tacoma you weren’t expecting. In the past, the smell of nearby pulp mills, the “aroma of Tacoma,” was the most memorable thing about a visit. Today, many of the pulp mills have relocated, and Tacoma seems to emit only the smell of successful urban renewal—and great coffee. After enjoying a cup at a local coffee shop and bakery, let your day in Tacoma begin.
Discover Downtown
Things to do in Tacoma start with this beautiful urban center, where a view of the gorgeous Puget Sound is never more than a few steps away. Get on the LINK, Tacoma’s free light rail system, at the Tacoma Dome Station and take a tour of downtown, discovering the things to do in Tacoma that have everyone talking.
Excellent Public Architecture
If you have an afternoon to spend, one of the more fun things to do in Tacoma Wash is to explore buildings that are open to the public. Union Station is an exquisite public space to visit. For a newer architecture experience downtown, climb the great staircase on the University of Washington Tacoma Campus. To take a walk back in time and experience church architecture, walk through First Presbyterian Church.
The Museum of Glass
See the reflections and refractions that make the International Museum of Glass the renowned museum that it is. A visit to this landmark is a must among things to do in Tacoma. Specific to works of glass, both large and small, this is a truly unique encounter with art.
The Washington State Historical Museum
Here is a great educational opportunity that will enhance your Washington vacation. Get a real taste of the incredible heritage that makes this Pacific Northwest state so unique.
Tacoma Art Museum
The Tacoma Art Museum is a quite well-presented museum of art, which includes some do-it-yourself options for the whole family to enjoy. Instead of just viewing art, space and supplies are reserved for guests to take part in the creative process, making this one of the more fun things to do in Tacoma Wash. Parks
Perhaps more than any other city in Washington, things to do in Tacoma will inevitably lead you to an experience in nature. Still in the city, visit Point Defiance Park, which offers a vast 700 acres for your enjoyment. Pack a picnic and bring the kids, because they won’t want to miss the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. This is a dual attraction that will showcase animals of both land and sea in a natural setting, making it one of the most fun things to do in Tacoma Wash.
Mt. Rainier
Leave the city for a quick trip to the mountains, particularly most dominant white cap on the Pacific Northwest horizon. Mt. Rainier National Park allows you to visit this enormous dormant volcano and all the natural beauty that surrounds it. Home to breathtaking views, Mt. Rainier National Park offers backpacking and hiking, climbing, fishing, camping, biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and much more, and all available only about 70 miles from the great city of Tacoma.
Concert & Sports Venues: Tacoma Dome
Tacoma is home to one of the major concert and sports venues in Washington, the Tacoma Dome. You’ll recognize the unmistakable structure from 1-5, and you’ll enjoy the music, sports, festivals, and even sales events that take place here. Check what’s happening at the Dome during your stay in Tacoma.
Washington Coast
For a great day trip from Tacoma, it’s just a couple hours to the beaches of the Washington Coast. Enjoy Ocean Shores, Westport, and all the surfing, seafood and fishing available in the area—all just a short drive from Tacoma.
Olympic Peninsula
Since Tacoma is located south of Seattle, it is literally right around the corner from the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. Tacoma is a great central city to stay in if you want to visit both Seattle and the rain forests and coastal communities of the Olympic Peninsula.
Discover Downtown
Things to do in Tacoma start with this beautiful urban center, where a view of the gorgeous Puget Sound is never more than a few steps away. Get on the LINK, Tacoma’s free light rail system, at the Tacoma Dome Station and take a tour of downtown, discovering the things to do in Tacoma that have everyone talking.
Excellent Public Architecture
If you have an afternoon to spend, one of the more fun things to do in Tacoma Wash is to explore buildings that are open to the public. Union Station is an exquisite public space to visit. For a newer architecture experience downtown, climb the great staircase on the University of Washington Tacoma Campus. To take a walk back in time and experience church architecture, walk through First Presbyterian Church.
The Museum of Glass
See the reflections and refractions that make the International Museum of Glass the renowned museum that it is. A visit to this landmark is a must among things to do in Tacoma. Specific to works of glass, both large and small, this is a truly unique encounter with art.
The Washington State Historical Museum
Here is a great educational opportunity that will enhance your Washington vacation. Get a real taste of the incredible heritage that makes this Pacific Northwest state so unique.
Tacoma Art Museum
The Tacoma Art Museum is a quite well-presented museum of art, which includes some do-it-yourself options for the whole family to enjoy. Instead of just viewing art, space and supplies are reserved for guests to take part in the creative process, making this one of the more fun things to do in Tacoma Wash. Parks
Perhaps more than any other city in Washington, things to do in Tacoma will inevitably lead you to an experience in nature. Still in the city, visit Point Defiance Park, which offers a vast 700 acres for your enjoyment. Pack a picnic and bring the kids, because they won’t want to miss the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. This is a dual attraction that will showcase animals of both land and sea in a natural setting, making it one of the most fun things to do in Tacoma Wash.
Mt. Rainier
Leave the city for a quick trip to the mountains, particularly most dominant white cap on the Pacific Northwest horizon. Mt. Rainier National Park allows you to visit this enormous dormant volcano and all the natural beauty that surrounds it. Home to breathtaking views, Mt. Rainier National Park offers backpacking and hiking, climbing, fishing, camping, biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and much more, and all available only about 70 miles from the great city of Tacoma.
Concert & Sports Venues: Tacoma Dome
Tacoma is home to one of the major concert and sports venues in Washington, the Tacoma Dome. You’ll recognize the unmistakable structure from 1-5, and you’ll enjoy the music, sports, festivals, and even sales events that take place here. Check what’s happening at the Dome during your stay in Tacoma.
Washington Coast
For a great day trip from Tacoma, it’s just a couple hours to the beaches of the Washington Coast. Enjoy Ocean Shores, Westport, and all the surfing, seafood and fishing available in the area—all just a short drive from Tacoma.
Olympic Peninsula
Since Tacoma is located south of Seattle, it is literally right around the corner from the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. Tacoma is a great central city to stay in if you want to visit both Seattle and the rain forests and coastal communities of the Olympic Peninsula.
Things to Do in Spokane
Spokane, Washington is a well-kept secret of the Pacific Northwest, but the secret is starting to slip. The Lilac City, as Spokane is also called, is fast becoming one of the Western United States’ most enjoyable cities to live or play in. Due to the excellent weather, a quickly reviving downtown, and the outdoor activities to engage in, there are many fun things to do in Spokane. Spokane attractions include excellent public parks and golf courses, in addition to the dining, shopping, and entertainment options that are flooding the area. There are plenty of things to do in Spokane, so if you’re looking for Spokane, WA attractions to be a part of your Washington vacation, here is a guide to the best.
Parks & Camping
Spokane, in 1974, was the smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair, and Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane stands today due to Expo ’74. Complete with a gorgeous river, thundering falls, acres of grass and trails, an old-time carousel, IMAX theater, ice skating rink (in winter), and much more, Riverfront Park offers an experience that is one of the most fun things to do in Spokane. Enjoying the outdoors is the best of Spokane attractions, because the weather here has four distinct and beautiful seasons, avoiding the rains of Seattle and Tacoma and the desert-like conditions of much of Eastern Washington. Other notable Spokane parks are Manito Park in the South Hill neighborhood (designed by the Olmsted Firm of Central Park fame), Audubon Park in North Spokane—a nice little family park with towering pines, and Comstock Park, also on the South Hill. On a nice day, these parks are the quintessential Spokane, WA attractions for you to enjoy.
As for camping, Riverside State Park is a great camping spot in West Spokane, located on the Spokane River. Area lakes offer campgrounds, in addition to excellent camping available at Mt. Spokane State Park.
Spokane Golf
In addition to enjoying the parks in full bloom, Spokane’s famed private and public golf courses are excellent Spokane attractions. Check out Indian Canyon, just minutes from downtown, or Downriver Golf Course. These are two public courses that Spokane prides itself in maintaining, offering affordable, excellent golf to the general public.
Events
Spokane is home to some very famous (and active) events, so plan your Washington vacation at the right time in order to join in. Bloomsday, the world’s largest timed road race, is a seven mile tour of Spokane on the first Sunday in May. Get your running shoes on, because being a part of this race is one of the most fun things to do in Spokane. The last weekend in June brings Hoopfest, the largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world, and among the most competitive things to do in Spokane. Sign up your four person team online in April, and join in the fun!
Enjoy the Water
It gets fairly hot in the summer, so a visit to one of the many rivers or lakes is the coolest of things to do in Spokane. Enjoy Lake Coeur d’ Alene, just a half hour from downtown Spokane across the Idaho border. There is a great public beach here, and the Coeur d’ Alene Resort is a top notch lodging in the area.
Reap the Harvest
Visit the Greenbluff area, a farming community near Mt. Spokane, to pick apples, choose your pumpkin, and enjoy harvest festivals. Though not the largest orchard at Greenbluff, Smith’s Hilltop Orchard is a nice family orchard experience for cherries and peaches in the summer, apples in the fall, and much more. But picking fruit is just half the fun: if owner Darrell Smith is around, you’re sure to enjoy a friendly conversation as well.
Cheer on the Teams
In a city known as a “big small town”, high school sports are enjoyable hometown Spokane attractions. Spokane always boasts some of the nation’s top cross country teams, so if you like to watch top-conditioned athletes, cheer on the kids at Manito Park, Audubon Park, or Finch Arboretum.
Ski Resorts
In the winter months, skiing takes over as the region’s recreation option, both downhill and cross-country. Visit Mt. Spokane or 49 Degrees North, or drive a little further from Spokane into North Idaho to enjoy Silver Mountain or Schweitzer, the premier ski resort in the area. Due to colder temperatures, many prefer the powder in Eastern Washington to the taller, wetter slopes in the Cascade Mountains.
Eastern Washington Performing Arts
The entertainment scene is coming alive with more and more Spokane attractions available all the time. Major headlining acts play the Spokane Arena, plays and music stop at the Spokane Opera House, and smaller bands perform in bars, coffee shops, and other venues downtown. Auntie’s Bookstore always has literature readings and other excellent events that make fun things to do in Spokane.
If you’re looking for “Spokane, WA attractions” there are plenty to enjoy for every budget and at all times of the year.
Parks & Camping
Spokane, in 1974, was the smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair, and Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane stands today due to Expo ’74. Complete with a gorgeous river, thundering falls, acres of grass and trails, an old-time carousel, IMAX theater, ice skating rink (in winter), and much more, Riverfront Park offers an experience that is one of the most fun things to do in Spokane. Enjoying the outdoors is the best of Spokane attractions, because the weather here has four distinct and beautiful seasons, avoiding the rains of Seattle and Tacoma and the desert-like conditions of much of Eastern Washington. Other notable Spokane parks are Manito Park in the South Hill neighborhood (designed by the Olmsted Firm of Central Park fame), Audubon Park in North Spokane—a nice little family park with towering pines, and Comstock Park, also on the South Hill. On a nice day, these parks are the quintessential Spokane, WA attractions for you to enjoy.
As for camping, Riverside State Park is a great camping spot in West Spokane, located on the Spokane River. Area lakes offer campgrounds, in addition to excellent camping available at Mt. Spokane State Park.
Spokane Golf
In addition to enjoying the parks in full bloom, Spokane’s famed private and public golf courses are excellent Spokane attractions. Check out Indian Canyon, just minutes from downtown, or Downriver Golf Course. These are two public courses that Spokane prides itself in maintaining, offering affordable, excellent golf to the general public.
Events
Spokane is home to some very famous (and active) events, so plan your Washington vacation at the right time in order to join in. Bloomsday, the world’s largest timed road race, is a seven mile tour of Spokane on the first Sunday in May. Get your running shoes on, because being a part of this race is one of the most fun things to do in Spokane. The last weekend in June brings Hoopfest, the largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world, and among the most competitive things to do in Spokane. Sign up your four person team online in April, and join in the fun!
Enjoy the Water
It gets fairly hot in the summer, so a visit to one of the many rivers or lakes is the coolest of things to do in Spokane. Enjoy Lake Coeur d’ Alene, just a half hour from downtown Spokane across the Idaho border. There is a great public beach here, and the Coeur d’ Alene Resort is a top notch lodging in the area.
Reap the Harvest
Visit the Greenbluff area, a farming community near Mt. Spokane, to pick apples, choose your pumpkin, and enjoy harvest festivals. Though not the largest orchard at Greenbluff, Smith’s Hilltop Orchard is a nice family orchard experience for cherries and peaches in the summer, apples in the fall, and much more. But picking fruit is just half the fun: if owner Darrell Smith is around, you’re sure to enjoy a friendly conversation as well.
Cheer on the Teams
In a city known as a “big small town”, high school sports are enjoyable hometown Spokane attractions. Spokane always boasts some of the nation’s top cross country teams, so if you like to watch top-conditioned athletes, cheer on the kids at Manito Park, Audubon Park, or Finch Arboretum.
Ski Resorts
In the winter months, skiing takes over as the region’s recreation option, both downhill and cross-country. Visit Mt. Spokane or 49 Degrees North, or drive a little further from Spokane into North Idaho to enjoy Silver Mountain or Schweitzer, the premier ski resort in the area. Due to colder temperatures, many prefer the powder in Eastern Washington to the taller, wetter slopes in the Cascade Mountains.
Eastern Washington Performing Arts
The entertainment scene is coming alive with more and more Spokane attractions available all the time. Major headlining acts play the Spokane Arena, plays and music stop at the Spokane Opera House, and smaller bands perform in bars, coffee shops, and other venues downtown. Auntie’s Bookstore always has literature readings and other excellent events that make fun things to do in Spokane.
If you’re looking for “Spokane, WA attractions” there are plenty to enjoy for every budget and at all times of the year.
Things To Do In Washington State
From the pristine tribal lands of the Native Americans who lived on the Washington coast to the alpine valleys of Mount Rainier, the wonders you can explore on a Washington state vacation are as varied as the geography. Here are the top ten things to do that should be done on a trip to Washington.
Mount Rainier
On a clear day, this spectacular peak looms prominently on the horizon. Easily visible from most parts of Seattle, you can get closer, and the scenery only becomes more dramatic. Tree-covered valleys bisected by glacier-fed streams, colorful fields of wild flowers, and desolate snowfields typify the scenes at the Mount Rainier National Park. This landscape is the setting for some of the best Washington hiking.
Olympic National Park Washington
Pristine, rugged coastlines dotted with sea stacks and miles of beaches littered with fallen old growth, and evergreen forests that come right up to the water are what you can expect on the Pacific reaches of the Washington coast. The Olympic National Park Washington is also home to the lush Hoh Rainforest, with its signature giant slugs, which come in a number of vivid hues. Explore miles of trails in and around Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the park, or sit in one of the natural hot springs after a day experiencing some of the best Washington hiking. Everywhere you turn, you are beset with beauty and wonder, from the Puget Sound region and the Cascades to the east, the migrating whales of the Straight of San Juan de Fuca to the North, and the stone cliffs and water filled caves of the Washington Coast.
Seattle
Every visitor on a Washington state vacation spends at least a day or more in the Emerald City. With views of the mountains to the east and west, and Mount Rainier to the south, Seattle has all the best Washington has to offer. Explore the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood before taking a ferry ride across the Puget Sound. Also be sure to stop by the historic Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
San Juan Islands
Four major islands sit protected far from the giant waves of the Washington coast in the north part of Puget Sound. Easily reached by the Washington State ferries, the San Juan Islands move at a slower pace and possess a distinctive charm. Give yourself enough time during your Washington State vacation to explore these peaceful islands and islets, where you might see a majestic orca whale surface from the glittering blue surface of the water.
Grand Coulee Dam
On par with the Hoover Dam, this monument, incredibly, was built during the depression. The hydroelectric power generated here makes this the third largest producer of this type of energy. In the summer, you can see the biggest laser show in the world projected onto the dam. Take a guided or self-guided tour for a view in the powerhouses or ride in the glass elevator for a thrilling experience.
Mount St Helens
Everyone across the country knows about or has seen pictures of the destruction caused when this peak erupted, blasting 1300 feet of its summit across the landscape, flattening trees for miles around. This is now a National Volcanic Monument, so there is a visitor center, where you can learn about this incredible event that occurred on May 18, 1980.
Lake Chelan
A popular vacation for folks on a summer Washington state vacation, this is the deepest gorge in North America. This 55 mile-long lake is filled with glacier waters. To the south, Chelan Valley has clean sandy beaches, apple orchards, and lakeside lodges. The upper lake can only be reached by boat or seaplanes, but is distinguished by its towering granite cliffs, emerald forests, and snow covered summits.
Columbia River Gorge
This river is part of the historic journey of Lewis and Clark. Both Washington and Oregon shares this dramatic setting. A simple road trip or a river cruise are both great ways to enjoy the incredible views of the Columbia River. Be sure to go to Beacon Rock for a birds" eye view of the Gorge.
Snoqualmie Falls
Winter runoff from the Cascade Mountain fills the three tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. Enormous boulders and dizzyingly deep canyons don't stop the flow of this body of water. Near the town of Snoqualmie the river makes a dramatic 268 dive to create the falls.
Puget Sound Ferry Ride
The best views can be seen from the water. Whether you're headed east or west, the clean air and blue waves invigorate you as you look out to the Olympic National Park, Washington and Mount Rainier. Visit the quiet towns across the Puget Sound for a unique experience on your Washington state vacation.
Ocean Shores, Washington is worth mentioning as well. On the Pacific coast near the Oregon border, Ocean Shores, Washington has an amusement park, and is where many visitors go to spend a fun-filled or relaxing day by the boardwalk.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Completed in January 2007, the Olympic Sculpture Park adds a stroke of beauty and wonder to the Seattle waterfront. Featuring striking and provocative sculpture work by both nationally-acclaimed and local artists, this nine-acre park (part of the Seattle Art Museum) is one of the largest public art spaces in the entire country. Better yet, the entire park is free to the public, allowing much appreciated mass access to beautiful art in a majestic setting.
Mount Rainier
On a clear day, this spectacular peak looms prominently on the horizon. Easily visible from most parts of Seattle, you can get closer, and the scenery only becomes more dramatic. Tree-covered valleys bisected by glacier-fed streams, colorful fields of wild flowers, and desolate snowfields typify the scenes at the Mount Rainier National Park. This landscape is the setting for some of the best Washington hiking.
Olympic National Park Washington
Pristine, rugged coastlines dotted with sea stacks and miles of beaches littered with fallen old growth, and evergreen forests that come right up to the water are what you can expect on the Pacific reaches of the Washington coast. The Olympic National Park Washington is also home to the lush Hoh Rainforest, with its signature giant slugs, which come in a number of vivid hues. Explore miles of trails in and around Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the park, or sit in one of the natural hot springs after a day experiencing some of the best Washington hiking. Everywhere you turn, you are beset with beauty and wonder, from the Puget Sound region and the Cascades to the east, the migrating whales of the Straight of San Juan de Fuca to the North, and the stone cliffs and water filled caves of the Washington Coast.
Seattle
Every visitor on a Washington state vacation spends at least a day or more in the Emerald City. With views of the mountains to the east and west, and Mount Rainier to the south, Seattle has all the best Washington has to offer. Explore the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood before taking a ferry ride across the Puget Sound. Also be sure to stop by the historic Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
San Juan Islands
Four major islands sit protected far from the giant waves of the Washington coast in the north part of Puget Sound. Easily reached by the Washington State ferries, the San Juan Islands move at a slower pace and possess a distinctive charm. Give yourself enough time during your Washington State vacation to explore these peaceful islands and islets, where you might see a majestic orca whale surface from the glittering blue surface of the water.
Grand Coulee Dam
On par with the Hoover Dam, this monument, incredibly, was built during the depression. The hydroelectric power generated here makes this the third largest producer of this type of energy. In the summer, you can see the biggest laser show in the world projected onto the dam. Take a guided or self-guided tour for a view in the powerhouses or ride in the glass elevator for a thrilling experience.
Mount St Helens
Everyone across the country knows about or has seen pictures of the destruction caused when this peak erupted, blasting 1300 feet of its summit across the landscape, flattening trees for miles around. This is now a National Volcanic Monument, so there is a visitor center, where you can learn about this incredible event that occurred on May 18, 1980.
Lake Chelan
A popular vacation for folks on a summer Washington state vacation, this is the deepest gorge in North America. This 55 mile-long lake is filled with glacier waters. To the south, Chelan Valley has clean sandy beaches, apple orchards, and lakeside lodges. The upper lake can only be reached by boat or seaplanes, but is distinguished by its towering granite cliffs, emerald forests, and snow covered summits.
Columbia River Gorge
This river is part of the historic journey of Lewis and Clark. Both Washington and Oregon shares this dramatic setting. A simple road trip or a river cruise are both great ways to enjoy the incredible views of the Columbia River. Be sure to go to Beacon Rock for a birds" eye view of the Gorge.
Snoqualmie Falls
Winter runoff from the Cascade Mountain fills the three tributaries of the Snoqualmie River. Enormous boulders and dizzyingly deep canyons don't stop the flow of this body of water. Near the town of Snoqualmie the river makes a dramatic 268 dive to create the falls.
Puget Sound Ferry Ride
The best views can be seen from the water. Whether you're headed east or west, the clean air and blue waves invigorate you as you look out to the Olympic National Park, Washington and Mount Rainier. Visit the quiet towns across the Puget Sound for a unique experience on your Washington state vacation.
Ocean Shores, Washington is worth mentioning as well. On the Pacific coast near the Oregon border, Ocean Shores, Washington has an amusement park, and is where many visitors go to spend a fun-filled or relaxing day by the boardwalk.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Completed in January 2007, the Olympic Sculpture Park adds a stroke of beauty and wonder to the Seattle waterfront. Featuring striking and provocative sculpture work by both nationally-acclaimed and local artists, this nine-acre park (part of the Seattle Art Museum) is one of the largest public art spaces in the entire country. Better yet, the entire park is free to the public, allowing much appreciated mass access to beautiful art in a majestic setting.
Washington State Tourism
With all the natural wonders you will discover with a Washington state vacation, recreational activity and tourism is affected by the climate and weather conditions. Washington hiking can turn into a nightmare with a sudden storm whether you're in the Cascades, approaching the summit of Mount Rainier, or in the Olympic National Park.
The best time to commence a Washington state vacation is largely dependent on the sort of activities you are planning to do when you get here. Skiing and the resort season begins on November and continues until sometime in spring. In the mountains of Washington State Parks, the season to have the optimal conditions for the best Washington hiking can last as late as early fall.
Hunters head to the mountains and usually hunt elk and deer in the fall, while bird hunters will go to the lower elevations to find their game. Visitors from hot desert areas such as the southwest will enjoy the cool climate of the Cascades and the Olympic National Park Washington.
Ride the Washington State Ferry west to cross the Puget Sound, where the weather is strongly influenced by the waterways and proximity to the coast, maintaining a consistently mild climate that is comfortable to be outside in all year round. Compared to other place at this northern latitude, this climate is very agreeable and suitable for Washington state travel. The seasonal changes are less dramatic due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, but the varied terrain in the state make it so there are dramatic changes in climate over short distances, adding to this area"s reputation for great Washington State hiking.
You can access the Olympic National Park Washington and other Washington State parks by taking a ride on the Washington State Ferry, most of which originate in Seattle. Other factors such as the time of year are taken into account if you are here for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, hunting wild game, or enjoying Washington state hiking. If you are in Washington for the annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show, you will want to arrive in the first week of February. The 90,000 attendees of this popular event don't have to worry about the weather, since it is held inside the convention center downtown.
As you can see, any time of year is a good time for a Washington state vacation. Depending on the sort of activity you enjoy and what you"re hoping to see, knowing about the seasons and the climate can help make the most of Washington state parks and enable the best experience during your visit here.
The best time to commence a Washington state vacation is largely dependent on the sort of activities you are planning to do when you get here. Skiing and the resort season begins on November and continues until sometime in spring. In the mountains of Washington State Parks, the season to have the optimal conditions for the best Washington hiking can last as late as early fall.
Hunters head to the mountains and usually hunt elk and deer in the fall, while bird hunters will go to the lower elevations to find their game. Visitors from hot desert areas such as the southwest will enjoy the cool climate of the Cascades and the Olympic National Park Washington.
Ride the Washington State Ferry west to cross the Puget Sound, where the weather is strongly influenced by the waterways and proximity to the coast, maintaining a consistently mild climate that is comfortable to be outside in all year round. Compared to other place at this northern latitude, this climate is very agreeable and suitable for Washington state travel. The seasonal changes are less dramatic due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, but the varied terrain in the state make it so there are dramatic changes in climate over short distances, adding to this area"s reputation for great Washington State hiking.
You can access the Olympic National Park Washington and other Washington State parks by taking a ride on the Washington State Ferry, most of which originate in Seattle. Other factors such as the time of year are taken into account if you are here for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, hunting wild game, or enjoying Washington state hiking. If you are in Washington for the annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show, you will want to arrive in the first week of February. The 90,000 attendees of this popular event don't have to worry about the weather, since it is held inside the convention center downtown.
As you can see, any time of year is a good time for a Washington state vacation. Depending on the sort of activity you enjoy and what you"re hoping to see, knowing about the seasons and the climate can help make the most of Washington state parks and enable the best experience during your visit here.
Washington State
Washington state is one of the most visually captivating and ecologically diverse states in the entire country. From the snow capped summit of Mount Rainier to the rugged Pacific coastline, Washington State travel will present you with a diverse array of scenic possibilities.
Travelers on a Washington state vacation will inevitably find themselves in Seattle, also known as the Emerald City. While this city has enough to keep a visitor occupied for days on end, just a short ferry ride will take you to the Olympic National Park. Here, you can hop on the interstate and be prepared for some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Pacific Northwest.
North of the Olympics is the Straight of San Juan de Fuca, which turns into Puget Sound further east. Drive on 112 west to Neah Bay. Here you can trek across wooden bridges and the lush wetlands of Cape Flattery and stand on the most northwesterly point in the lower 48. On a cedar platform, you can gaze out upon the same vistas that the Makah Indians did when they first spotted ships on the horizon beyond Tatoosh Island, which carried explorers that would change the nature of Washington State forever.
This tribe is the only Indian tribe that is allowed to hunt whales, and if you learn about their culture you will understand why it is so important for this historic tradition to be maintained. There are still Indian reservations, so if you are not a resident of Neah Bay or of the reservation you will need to get a permit to hike the .75 miles to this incredibly beautiful lookout point. Watch the waves crash into the rocky cliffs and feel a moment of calm as the water thunders around you, flowing back out to see from the dark caves in the cliff, and experience the most quintessential moment in Washington state travel.
Out here and back east in the cascades, a stay at a Washington State hotel is a totally different one than in the major cities. Bed and breakfasts, rustic lodges and miniature cabins on llama ranches are some interesting alternatives to the more sterile version of a Washington State hotel such as Travellodge. They are the best places to meet locals, get directions, or just extend the invigorating, outdoorsy feel of Washington state travel to your accommodations.
Washington State is also home to the Columbia River, upon which Lewis and Clark journeyed on their historic journey west. The Columbia River has its beginnings in the Canadian Rockies and meanders hundreds of miles through seven states, making it the largest river to flow into the Pacific Ocean. Views of the Columbia River gorge in Washington State are simply unforgettable.
Far from the bustle of Seattle and beyond the sleepy charm of Spokane, the greatest rewards of Washington state travel is in the crisp clean air, the icy visage of the snow capped summits, and the brilliant emerald majesty of the Hoh rainforest. Washington State, more than any other place in the US, is pure and brilliant, like an emerald, and it will take your breath away.
Travelers on a Washington state vacation will inevitably find themselves in Seattle, also known as the Emerald City. While this city has enough to keep a visitor occupied for days on end, just a short ferry ride will take you to the Olympic National Park. Here, you can hop on the interstate and be prepared for some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Pacific Northwest.
North of the Olympics is the Straight of San Juan de Fuca, which turns into Puget Sound further east. Drive on 112 west to Neah Bay. Here you can trek across wooden bridges and the lush wetlands of Cape Flattery and stand on the most northwesterly point in the lower 48. On a cedar platform, you can gaze out upon the same vistas that the Makah Indians did when they first spotted ships on the horizon beyond Tatoosh Island, which carried explorers that would change the nature of Washington State forever.
This tribe is the only Indian tribe that is allowed to hunt whales, and if you learn about their culture you will understand why it is so important for this historic tradition to be maintained. There are still Indian reservations, so if you are not a resident of Neah Bay or of the reservation you will need to get a permit to hike the .75 miles to this incredibly beautiful lookout point. Watch the waves crash into the rocky cliffs and feel a moment of calm as the water thunders around you, flowing back out to see from the dark caves in the cliff, and experience the most quintessential moment in Washington state travel.
Out here and back east in the cascades, a stay at a Washington State hotel is a totally different one than in the major cities. Bed and breakfasts, rustic lodges and miniature cabins on llama ranches are some interesting alternatives to the more sterile version of a Washington State hotel such as Travellodge. They are the best places to meet locals, get directions, or just extend the invigorating, outdoorsy feel of Washington state travel to your accommodations.
Washington State is also home to the Columbia River, upon which Lewis and Clark journeyed on their historic journey west. The Columbia River has its beginnings in the Canadian Rockies and meanders hundreds of miles through seven states, making it the largest river to flow into the Pacific Ocean. Views of the Columbia River gorge in Washington State are simply unforgettable.
Far from the bustle of Seattle and beyond the sleepy charm of Spokane, the greatest rewards of Washington state travel is in the crisp clean air, the icy visage of the snow capped summits, and the brilliant emerald majesty of the Hoh rainforest. Washington State, more than any other place in the US, is pure and brilliant, like an emerald, and it will take your breath away.
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