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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
