With the kids out of school, and lots of daylight, summertime fun means there are events galore in the Western Washington area. Wondering what’s available? We have plenty of activities that are fun for the entire family!
Whale Watching
The San Juan Islands are a favorite destination for many. Nestled in the north end of the Puget Sound, this time of year is ideal for whale watching!
You have a good chance of seeing orcas from land at Lime Kiln State Park on Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. But your chances of seeing whales, seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and other area wildlife are much higher if you take a guided whale-watching tour.
Explore Olympic National Park
The Olympic National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Washington state, with almost a million acres to explore.
See spectacular mountain views atop Hurricane Ridge, go camping in the Hoh Rainforest, or catch the majesty of Marymere Falls. Nearby Port Townsend and Port Angeles offer a variety of restaurants and shops after you’re done exploring.
North Cascades National Park
For those who like to explore, summertime fun means setting up camp in North Cascades National Park is a wonderful place to explore the wild and fascinating terrain. Located three hours north of Seattle, the North Cascades is one of the least visited national parks in the country.
See the blue waters of Lake Diablo or go hiking up passes, down valleys, and along lakes and rivers. Farther in the park you can find ancient glaciers.
Palouse State Park
Palouse Falls was named Washington state waterfall in 2014. Located in eastern Washington, near the small town of Washtucna, these falls were created as the result of glacial flooding during the last ice age.
Due to dangers, all trails to the base of the canyon have been permanently closed and there’s no overnight parking allowed, so plan accordingly.
The Washington Coast
The beaches along Washington’s coasts are always a wonderful experience. The roaring surf combined with the salty air and seeming endless ocean is something you’ll never forget!
Take your pick from the Long Beach peninsula to Cape Flattery to the ever-popular Ocean Shores.
Explore the beach, fly a kite, or even ride a horse in some areas. There are plenty of hotels to stay at if you make a weekend out of it.
Leavenworth
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains about a three-hour drive from Seattle in central Washington is the quaint Bavarian town of Leavenworth. There are plenty of outdoor adventures in the area for summertime fun. It is near Colchuk Lake, the gateway to the Enchantments and other hiking. There is mountain biking, golfing, and white-water rafting outings.
For those of you who enjoy roller coasters, there’s a new alpine ride that promises to provide thrills.
Snoqualmie Falls
Less than a 45-minute drive from Seattle is one of the most popular waterfalls in Washington. They are the most spectacular in the spring when the snow runoff causes them to really put on a show. Just make sure to go early to beat the crowds.
Ride a Ferry Boat
Washington state has the largest ferry system in the United States. Take a ride on a summer day, especially since some of the best views – and best photos – of the city skyline, mountaines, and the Puget Sound are from the boat.
it’s also the best way to get to the towns on the island across the water that are just waiting to be explored.
While the ferries take vehicles, you can also skip the car line and walk or bike aboard instead! You’ll save money on a ticket too.
Sequim Lavender Fields
Flower seekers have plenty of options, too.. The Pelindaba Lavender Farm on San Juan Island and the lavender fields in Sequim are worth your while during summer.
In addition, wildflowers bloom in the meadows around Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, just a day trip away.
Mount Rainier National Park
Speaking of mountains, this park is a magnificent experience that is amazing all summer long!
The town of Paradise, at the foot of the mountain, features the Paradise Inn, built in 1916, where you can stay and enjoy multiple days of sightseeing. It features a full-service dining room, a gift shop, and even a post office, but you’ll need to register in advance, since it has only 121 guest rooms.
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