Washington State Travel Planner is provided as a service by State of Washington Tourism. Every effort is made to make this guide as accurate as possible. State of Washington Tourism assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions.
Washington State Travel Planner © 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. P.O. Box 16612 Seattle, WA 98116 800-544-1800 stateofwatourism.com
With glacier-capped mountains, temperate rain forests, sweeping beaches, scenic vineyards, and welcoming communities, a visit to Washington State is a feast for the senses.
In each of the state’s regions, you’ll find cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, stellar dining, and exciting events. Sports fans can catch a soccer match or a baseball game, while foodies will appreciate the state’s many offerings, from fresh seafood to Washington wine. Discover road trips, three national parks, abundant islands, dynamic cities and towns, and so much more. Whether you’re looking to hit the trail or immerse yourself in unique local art and culture, there’s something for every interest. We look forward to welcoming you to Washington State.
Help leave a lighter footprint and a positive impact when you visit Washington’s outdoor spaces and local communities by planning ahead, recreating responsibly, and supporting local businesses.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your trip.
From permits to proper gear, plan ahead and come prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Stay safe and protect the outdoors by leaving no trace and following safety recommendations.
Be respectful of local communities and diverse cultures and visit local businesses and a ractions.
Consider flexible travel plans to take advantage of quieter visitation times.
Find information on wildfires, road closures, and other important travel advisories.
For more tips, scan the QR code.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
BY CAR
One of the easiest ways to experience Washington’s diverse landscapes and attractions is by car. Car rental services are widely available, including at major airports.
Note: Average winter temperatures vary significantly by region. Western Washington is relatively mild year-round, while central and eastern Washington can experience colder and warmer temperatures in winter and summer, respectively. Wear layers and be prepared for diverse weather.
Scan the QR code to learn more about touring Washington State.
Most travelers arriving by plane will land at SeattleTacoma International Airport (SEA) in western Washington, Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in northwestern Washington, or Spokane International Airport (GEG) in eastern Washington.
BY TRAIN
Nineteen Amtrak stations and three scenic routes—Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and Amtrak Cascades— provide rail service throughout the state and beyond.
BY FERRY
Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the US, operates a fleet of vessels across Puget Sound and the greater Salish Sea. Victoria Clipper and Black Ball ferries travel to and from Canada (passport required).
Seattle hosts
In 2026, FIFA will bring 48 teams to the United States, Canada, and Mexico to play a series of soccer matches from June 11 through July 19 in 16 host cities, including Seattle, Washington.
Nine cities within Washington State will serve as official Fan Zones for the matches: Bellingham, Bremerton, Evere , Olympia/Lacey, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Yakima. When visiting Fan Zones, visitors can get in on World Cup action with communityled events and daily festivities, such as watch parties and interactive games.
Sea le’s six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches will be held on June 15, June 19 (USA match), June 24, June 26, July 1, and July 6 at Lumen Field, home to the Sea le Seahawks (American football), Sea le Sounders FC, and Sea le Reign FC. Check FIFA.com and sea lefwc26.org for schedules, team matchups, hospitality packages, and tickets.
BY ALEENAH ANSARI
From the latest trends at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to the Seattle Art Museum’s collections from around the world, the city is full of amazing learning centers.
Sports Galore
Catch a WNBA Storm or NHL Kraken game at Climate Pledge Arena, watch a Sounders FC soccer match at Lumen Field, or venture to T-Mobile Park for a Mariners MLB game.
Whether you’re in Seattle to visit a museum, get a view of Puget Sound, sample the local coffee scene, or learn about grunge music history, the Emerald City hums with all sorts of culture. Explore the outdoors at a city park or market, admire art by one of the best-known glass sculptors, or attend a professional sports event. In June and July 2026, Seattle’s Lumen Field will host six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches, including a USA match on June 19.
From Beans to Brews
When it comes to local coffee, you’re spoiled for choice—from the original Starbucks store to hometown favorites. Join a coffee crawl tour for a full experience.
Get a bird’s-eye view of Seattle from Washington’s tallest building, the Columbia Tower (933 ft.), or the iconic Space Needle (605 ft.), built for the 1965 World’s Fair.
By the Water
Explore the recently expanded Overlook Walk to visit the Seattle Aquarium, get a great view of Puget Sound, or board the Seattle Great Wheel to see the water and the city from a unique vantage point.
Pike Place Market is the spot to catch flying fish, sample local dishes, browse for souvenirs and flowers, and explore pop-up shops and eateries.
BY ALEENAH ANSARI
Everett
The city’s waterfront offers astounding views of the Olympic Mountains from its many observation points. You can also explore the Imagine Children’s Museum or catch a show at the performing arts center.
Bellevue
Bellevue’s downtown park draws people to enjoy libations and treats from nearby local shops and cafes. Immerse yourself in flora and fauna at the Bellevue
Metro Puget Sound is Washington’s urban core, featuring diverse cities, towns, and experiences. If you’re looking for museums, green spaces, unique shopping finds, and local flavor, consider this your guide for spots to visit in the area surrounding Seattle.
Botanical Garden and Issaquah Salmon Hatchery—a 20-minute drive east—both of which are free and open every day.
Seattle Southside
Pay a visit to Maeve Chocolate for a tour, Museum of Flight for interactive experiences, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden for serenity in nature, and a casino for blackjack, slots, and more.
Tacoma
Check out exhibits at the Tacoma Art Museum and local
shops featuring art, antiques, and home décor. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers fun for the whole family; nearby Point Defiance Park’s roses and dahlias bloom in full force come summer.
Olympia
Shop at the weekly farmers market, 5th Avenue Flea Market for local finds and collectibles, or local galleries and craft booths during the semiannual arts walk.
Learn about Washington State’s 29 federally recognized Native American tribes at special events, historic sites, cultural centers, and museums.
Here is a sample of ways to experience the cultures and histories of Washington’s Native communities. Please be mindful and visit respectfully to preserve important natural resources, ancestral lands, and cultural heritages.
MAKAH CULTURAL AND RESEARCH CENTER
Located on the northwestern tip of Washington State, this Native museum houses 500-year-old artifacts from the Ozette Archaeological Site and other historical pieces from the Makah Tribe.
SQUAXIN ISLAND MUSEUM, LIBRARY, AND RESEARCH CENTER
Outside of Olympia, the Squaxin Island Tribe aims to preserve its culture, identity, and traditions through educational programs, textileweaving demonstrations, and exhibits such as the Hall of the Seven Inlets.
THE BURKE MUSEUM
Various tribal artists collaborated with Seattle’s University of Washington museum curators to highlight natural and cultural collections, including fossils, totem poles, and more.
DAYBREAK STAR
INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Also within Seattle, this United Indians museum hosts a permanent collection of Native art as well as rotating exhibits at the Sacred Circle Gallery.
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE AND CULTURAL CENTER
South of Seattle, a Salish cedar post-and-beam longhouse showcases the complex relationship between the Duwamish (“People of the Inside”) and the settlers who arrived here in the 1850s.
HIBULB CULTURAL CENTER AND NATURAL HISTORY PRESERVE
North of Seattle, 50 acres of Tulalip tribal land include a
traditional longhouse, an exhibit of preserved watercraft, and multilingual, interactive displays about the tribe’s legacy.
SUQUAMISH MUSEUM
Learn about the Suquamish (“People of Clear Salt Water”) on the Kitsap Peninsula through exhibits of baskets, ceremonial masks, and more.
YAKAMA NATION MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER
Archaeological and ethnographic collections—from traditional clothing to life-sized dioramas— are part of this large campus consisting of a theater, a research library, and more.
NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE
This Smithsonian affiliate in Spokane preserves and cultivates the heritage of the Inland Northwest people; its collection of Plateau Indian art and artifacts is the largest in the world.
Looking for more?
For other places of interest and events, plus etiquette guidelines, scan the QR code.
JUNE
Lummi Nation Stommish Water Festival
This celebration in Bellingham includes war canoe races, a parade, and Native food vendors.
JULY
Seafair Indian Days Powwow
Tribes from all over the United States and Canada gather in Sea le to partake in traditional cooking, jewelry-making, music, and dancing.
AUGUST
Omak Stampede
This western-themed weekend in north central Washington consists of a rodeo, the World Famous Suicide Race, the Indian Encampment & Pow Wow, a carnival, dances, and an art show.
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
United Indians Native Art Market
Held at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, this event features Native American jewelry, cra s, food, artwork, baskets, and more.
BY ANDREW COLLINS
Bellingham
Hugging the Salish Sea and offering easy access to Mount Baker, this friendly university city with a sustainably focused food and drink scene offers a vibrant mix of outdoor activities, indie retail and art, and walkable historic neighborhoods.
Skagit Valley
Visit quaint coastal towns and attend the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on the laid-back
Encompassing the serene grandeur of the Salish Sea and its misty evergreen-shrouded islands, Washington’s upper northwest corner is also home to bustling maritime communities such as Bellingham and Anacortes. Whatcom and Skagit counties stretch inland across the glacial summits of the northern Cascades, which include the state’s third-highest peak, Mount Baker.
western side of this verdant county. On the eastern side, behold the magnificent glacial peaks and turquoise lakes of North Cascades National Park.
Whidbey & Camano Islands
Easily reached by ferry or bridge, long and slender Whidbey Island contains family farms, quaint villages, and breezy beach parks. Smaller and more rural Camano Island boasts a pair of peaceful, picturesque state parks.
San Juan Islands
Visitors to these pristine jewels of the Salish Sea enjoy a blissfully relaxing pace. Gorgeous hiking and kayaking, abundant fishing, distinctive galleries and eateries, and uncrowded scenic roads await.
Wildlife
Watch for several kinds of whales from shore or on a naturalist-led wildlife cruise. Seals, otters, and myriad birdlife, including auklets and puffins, also thrive here.
BY ANDREW COLLINS
Ellensburg
You’ll discover thriving art spaces and upbeat bars and restaurants in this compact historic city that’s home to Central Washington University and the rollicking Ellensburg Rodeo over Labor Day weekend.
Leavenworth
With its ornate Bavarianinspired architecture and walkable downtown, this mountain hamlet abounds with spirited festivals and
Year-round recreational thrills await in this generally sunny region that stretches from the eastern slope of the Cascade Range across the upper Columbia River Basin and to the surrounding high desert. Colorful towns serve as handy bases for alpine hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and skiing and snowboarding.
enchanting boutiques, bistros, beer gardens, and unique attractions such as its renowned Nutcracker Museum.
Explore one of the state’s youngest and most exciting wine scenes while gazing out across the clear-blue waters of Lake Chelan, the third-deepest lake in the country, which extends for miles into the North Cascades wilderness and offers ample boating and sporting opportunities.
With year-round sunshine and a striking setting on a bend of the Columbia River, Wenatchee, the apple capital of the world, stands out for its vineyards and orchards and its proximity to whitewater rafting, high-desert hiking, and winter sports.
Watch a dazzling evening laser light show at this awesome feat of engineering—it’s one of the world’s largest dams.
Road Trip
BY ELLEE THALHEIMER
Drive this 440-mile loop to explore exquisite parts of Washington: snow-capped peaks, resplendent river valleys, coastlines of the Puget Sound and the Salish Sea, towering forests, orchard country, vineyards, and shrub-steppe desert.
In coastal Mukilteo, the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center is a premier aerospace experience, with tours and interactive exhibits. Head east to historic downtown Snohomish to peruse galleries and boutiques, grab lunch, or savor a glass of wine.
Linger in Osprey Park, 85 acres of forestland along the Sultan River, before topping 4,061-foot Stevens Pass and its mind-blowing vistas. In the summer, Stevens Pass Ski Resort transforms into a mountain bike park.
Weave through Tumwater Canyon, which blazes with fall color, on the way to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed mountain town. This epicenter of outdoor adventure also has a robust food scene and is illuminated with more than a half-million string lights in the winter.
Drive through panoramic river valleys, where orchards and vineyards thrive. Wenatchee’s Pybus Public Market is a favorite, with a farmers market, boutiques, and eateries. Nearby is the paved waterfront Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail.
This glacier-carved valley holds pristine Lake Chelan, which is a hot spot for fun on the water, from world-class fishing to jet skiing. Surrounding vineyards throughout the Lake Chelan
American Viticultural Area produce must-try libations.
Follow the Methow River Valley north, where rolling shrubsteppe gives way to evergreen mountain country, culminating in the expansive vista from Washington Pass Overlook. En route, stop at charming coffee shops and local breweries in the outdoorsy riverside towns of Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama.
Cruise the North Cascades Scenic Highway, which is dominated by dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, and glacier-fed lakes. Visit the displays and viewpoints at North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, then meander along the Skagit River.
Descend into bucolic farmland and flower fields, stopping at Sedro-Woolley, known for its life-sized wood carvings, before hitting the Salish Sea. On Fidalgo Bay, explore boutiques and eateries on the historic waterfront in Anacortes.
The historic bridge spanning spectacular Deception Pass is a state icon and the start of the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way, characterized by splendid beaches and parks. In Coupeville, try famous Penn Cove mussels then stroll through Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank for spectacular rhododendron blooms.
BY ANDREW COLLINS
Spokane
Eastern Washington’s cultural and culinary capital, this bustling metropolis is rife with a thriving wine-tasting district, art and science museums, and Riverfront Park, featuring walking trails, an aerial tram, and views of America’s largest urban waterfall.
Earthly Wonders
At Gardner Cave, a remarkable limestone cavern within Crawford State Park, rangers
Discover some of the state’s most secluded and undeveloped wilderness, including state parks and national forests laced with wooded trails and dotted with pristine lakes. Scenic country highways connect the region’s friendly little towns with dynamic Spokane and the upbeat college town of Pullman.
lead summer visitors below ground to view spectacular formations. Dig up 50-millionyear-old fossils at the Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site in Republic.
Kamiak Butte
Soak up sensational views of the undulating Palouse countryside from the 3,640-foot summit of this National Natural Landmark that offers five miles of wooded hiking trails and is also popular for birding.
Pullman
There’s always plenty to see and do in this spirited hometown of Washington State University, from attending sports events to checking out art, history, and zoological museums.
Outdoor Sports
Lovers of the outdoors head to eastern Washington to ski at 49° North Mountain Resort and Mt. Spokane, camp at state parks, bird-watch, golf, and join motorcycle tours.
Yakima Valley
This prolific valley that stretches from Yakima to Prosser abounds with not only acclaimed wineries but also fruit orchards and award-winning craft breweries (about 75% of the nation’s hops are grown here).
Tri-Cities
Made up of the balmy Columbia River communities of Richland (formerly part of WWII’s Manhattan Project), Kennewick, and Pasco, Tri-Cities stands
BY ANDREW COLLINS
Home to Yakima Valley—the oldest designated American Viticultural Area in the Pacific Northwest—this arid yet fertile region contains a string of regions that produces some of the nation’s most sought-after wines. The Columbia and Snake rivers meander through this area near the hills of the Palouse.
out for its vineyards, wealth of riverfront activities, and museums.
Walla Walla Valley
Home to more than 130 vintners, this alluring area with buzzy restaurants and retailers has repeatedly been named a top wine region by acclaimed media outlets.
Palouse Falls State Park
Created 13,000 years ago by Ice Age floods, Washington’s
official state waterfall tumbles over a 200-foot-high basalt cliff into a misty basin. Designated overlooks provide panoramic views.
Hells Canyon
The deepest river gorge in North America, this dramatic section of the Snake River can be explored on jet boat tours that depart from Clarkston or by driving south on Snake River Road to view petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy Heritage Site.
BY ELLEE THALHEIMER
Starting in the Yakima Valley, this horseshoe-shaped route highlights some of Washington’s most resplendent terroir, the source of world-renowned wine, and ends on the Vancouver waterfront, a tasting room hot spot. Washington is most famous for cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot, but the state’s creative vintners grow dozens of varietals—all nourished by soil wrought from volcanic eruptions, ice ages, and massive floods.
Between the Naches Heights American Viticultural Area (AVA) north of Yakima to Horse Heaven Hills AVA to the southeast, there are six distinct AVAs in Yakima Valley and more than 90 wineries that produce delicious wines nurtured by well-draining volcanic soil and high-desert slopes. Head afield to vineyard wineries or explore Yakima’s tasting rooms. Nearby Zillah is surrounded by the Rattlesnake Ridge AVA and is home base for many wineries. Farther south is Prosser, bordering the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, with a dedicated Vintners Village. Yakima Valley is also the country’s largest hop producer; follow the Hop Country Craft Beer Trail for a different beverage-sampling experience.
The area’s rocky slopes, hightemperature days with cool nights, and Columbia Gorge windblown silt create a terroir for delicious and oneof-a-kind wines. The surrounding eight AVAs include both Columbia Valley AVA, the source of 99% of Washington’s wine grapes, and Candy Mountain AVA, the smallest appellation. Near Benton City, find a robust cluster of wineries in the acclaimed Red Mountain AVA, or visit an array of urban tasting rooms in Richland and Kennewick.
Walla Walla is the beating heart of the valley’s viticulture. Its downtown is at the center of six dedicated wine districts, each celebrating the gorgeous wines from 3,000 acres of planted vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The basalt soil gives the region’s wine
a characteristic aromatic minerality—an almost savory quality. Choose to visit a vineyard winery far from town or opt for a car-free tasting journey through Walla Walla’s charming downtown. Consider touring the cozy hamlet of Waitsburg—about a 25-minute drive north—before cruising south through more wine country.
Follow the Columbia River westward to skirt the southern border of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA—a tranquil rolling, grass-covered ridge of hills— until you reenter the Columbia Valley AVA at Maryhill, the location of iconic Washington wineries with panoramic river vistas. Continuing west, check out the wineries of the Columbia Gorge AVA, known for flavors shaped by the dramatic river corridor and maritime proximity. Finally, relax on the postcard-worthy Vancouver waterfront, where a conclave of the state’s best wineries have tasting rooms.
BY ANDREW COLLINS
Long Beach Peninsula
Flanked by gorgeous beaches, the peninsula begins amid sheer ocean cliffs and the historic lighthouse of Cape Disappointment. It then extends north past unique attractions such as the World Kite Museum.
Fresh Seafood
The Pacific Coast offers incredibly succulent shellfish and finfish, including Dungeness crab, oysters, clams, black cod, and
This remarkably diverse and familyfriendly part of the state extends from the free-spirited beach towns of the Pacific Coast to the towering summits—including Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens—of the southern Cascades to the spectacular vistas and welcoming communities of the western Columbia River Gorge.
salmon. Outfitters offer fishing and harvesting expeditions.
Vancouver
In Washington’s largest city on the Columbia River, explore the region’s fascinating heritage at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and check out the public art installations and lively eateries and winery tasting rooms along the newly developed riverfront.
Mount St. Helens
Preserving the rugged landscape
that was completely transformed by the massive volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, the National Volcanic Monument is accessed via a scenic highway and hiking trails.
Columbia River Gorge
Home to iconic hiking trails, quaint villages, and a burgeoning winemaking scene, this 80-mile long stretch of soaring cliffs and ridges—some rising as high as 4,000 feet—is traversed by one of the state’s most scenic byways.
BY ANDREW COLLINS
Olympic National Park
This spectacular 1,442-squaremile wonder preserves the quintessential landscapes of the Pacific Northwest: temperate rain forests, soaring snowcapped mountain peaks, pure alpine lakes, tranquil oldgrowth forests, and sweeping driftwood-strewn beaches.
Port Townsend
Stroll among the stately Victorian buildings of this hilly maritime community known for
With its historic lodges and iconic natural features, verdant Olympic National Park spreads across much of the wild and wondrous Olympic Peninsula, which is also dotted with endearing towns such as Forks, Port Angeles, and Port Townsend. The adjacent Kitsap Peninsula offers nearly 300 miles of shoreline, coastal towns, serene green spaces, and maritime history. Take a scenic drive or ferry ride from Seattle to access the region.
its eclectic festivals, cozy cafes and boutiques, and engaging historic sites. Find inspiration at such creative spaces as the Jefferson Museum of Art & History and monthly Art Walks.
Fort Worden Historical
State Park & Point No Point Lighthouse
These and other well-preserved lighthouses and former military outposts present hands-on opportunities to discover the rich maritime heritage of the area.
Bainbridge Island
A short and scenic ferry ride from downtown Seattle, this emerald oasis teems with public parks, uncrowded beaches, and boutique wineries and is home to a quaint and walkable downtown.
Poulsbo
Steeped in Norwegian history, this bustling little town overlooking Liberty Bay is a delightful stop for whimsical gifts, old-world pastries, and romantic dinners.
BY ALEENAH ANSARI
Explore the natural beauty and scenic nature of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, which have many local businesses, state parks, and opportunities to relax or go on an adventure. It’s a popular route for hiking and kayaking and offers many places to shop, visit, and dine.
Downtown Winslow has a number of locally owned shops and restaurants, plus an art walk during the first Friday of every month. Stop by Eagle Harbor Marina for boating, kayaking, and strolling, or venture into an art gallery or the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art to see work by Puget Sound creatives. Farm-to-table fare, sandwiches, coffee, wine, and more—there’s plenty of options here for every palate.
As a coastal city, Port Angeles is the perfect place to explore Olympic National Park— whether hiking and biking or beachcombing. Head to the waterfront for paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, and panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, or check out the interactive
at the Feiro Marine Life Center. You can also shop along the waterfront, check out the art galleries, and visit the weekly farmers market.
Lake Quinault is surrounded by mountains and the forest of the Olympic Peninsula, making it a prime spot for forest bathing. Follow a short trail to the world’s largest Sitka spruce, or take the Maple Glade, Kestner Homestead, or Pony Bridge routes for less-crowded treks. Overnighting at Lake Quinault Lodge gives you easy access to eight miles of interconnected trails and scenic drives.
This laid-back coastal community has an abundance
of activities for families: sandy beaches, go-kart and horseback rides, the hands-on Coastal Interpretive Center, and more. Griffiths-Priday State Park offers picnicking, bird-watching, boating, and fishing.
Bremerton, a short ferry ride from Seattle, is known for its rich naval history. Learn about the town’s maritime past and present at the USS Turner Joy Naval Destroyer Museum Ship and Puget Sound Navy Museum. Stop by Harborside Fountain Park near the ferry terminal to admire unique water sculptures.
Washington State boasts three national parks—plus more than 140 state parks—with beautiful landscapes to explore. Each one is a place where you can hike or bike, take a dip in the water, plan a multiday adventure, or simply experience the flora and fauna of the area.
BY ALEENAH ANSARI
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
A trio of parks
Olympic National Park, designated as a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is known as a spot for day hiking, backpacking, camping, and stargazing; and it’s equally great for on-thewater activities, such as boating and fishing. Explore the various ecosystems within the park, from rugged coastlines to old-growth forests; you may even see views of glacierclad Mount Olympus on a clear day.
NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK
This seasonal park with few roads and abundant wilderness boasts many popular trails of varying length and terrain, with access to lakes, creeks, waterfalls, and more. Kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, fishing, and motorboating are all popular activities here. Reserve a spot at one of the campgrounds, or overnight at idyllic Ross Lake Resort or North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin.
MOUNT
Whether you visit for a day or stay longer, Mount Rainier National Park is a wondrous place for scenic drives, stunning vistas, and outdoor recreation. There are miles of trails through bloom-filled alpine meadows, forests, and ridges, plus routes for experienced climbers up the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Rainier. Please note that most of the park’s roads are closed during the winter and vehicles are required to carry tire chains November 1–May 1 for safety reasons.
From rain forests and calm bays to snow-capped mountains and highdesert river valleys, Washington State offers a range of terrain for mild-to-wild adventure seekers.
BY ELLEE THALHEIMER
Find top-notch ski resorts in the Cascade Range, or hit the slopes at 49° North Mountain Resort in Colville National Forest. Access miles of crosscountry ski and fat-tire biking trails throughout Methow Valley. For astounding mountain views, snowshoe to Skyline Lake near Leavenworth.
Pacific Northwest surfers love Westport, while kite surfers catch wind at the Columbia River Gorge. The San Juan
Islands boast some of the best sea kayaking, and Lake Roosevelt is a beacon for fishing and leisurely boating.
On Bellingham’s Galbraith Mountain, more than 70 miles of singletrack winds through 3,000 acres overlooking the city and the bay. Plains of Abraham is a premier trail through Mount St. Helens’ blast zone.
Thanks to vast tracts of wilderness and desert devoid of light pollution, stargazing
4 Seasons of Fun
Scan the QR code for more outdoor adventures.
spots in Washington are plentiful. Spot the northern lights in Methow Valley, or gaze through telescopes at the Goldendale Observatory and Theodor Jacobsen Observatory.
From the lake country of Indian Heaven Wilderness to the jagged peaks of North Cascades National Park and beyond, the state of Washington is a hiker’s paradise, including areas around Mount Rainier and coastal wilderness trails in Olympic National Park.
