Quick getaways from Seattle to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is as easy as going north to the San Juan Islands, south to Mount Rainier National Park, or east to Snoqualmie Falls. Each site offers its own uniqueness to the Seattle experience.
San Juan Islands
An archipelago comprising of four main islands of the San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw islands, it is approximately an hour and a half drive to Anacortes, and an additional hour long ferry ride via the Washington State Ferries to the San Juan Islands. A faster route would be to take a seaplane via Kenmore Air.
Photo by Margret Maria Cordts |
One of my favorite activities is whale watching. My family went last summer on a whale watching tour from Orcas Island, and witnessed a "super pod" of whales, which is essentially a big block party of several residential pods of orca whales. It was the most exciting viewing of wildlife I have ever experienced. Not only did we see a lot of orca whales, but, we also saw seals and eagles. We went on a smaller boat on Outer Island Expedition, which allowed us to be nimble and get to the action faster.
Mount Rainier National Park
One of my favorite destinations is a two and a half hour drive from Seattle to Mt. Rainier. This permanent feature of Seattle is beautiful from downtown and its suburbs. But, up close, it is truly magnificent.
The ideal time to visit is during the summer months when the wild flowers are in bloom. One popular and fairly easy hike is Alta Vista Loop Trail where you can see a spectacular showcase of Nature's bouquet of flowers. If you prefer, a more challenging hike, I went on wonderful hike with family last summer on the Skyline Trail Loop Trail. We crossed creeks, played on the snow and saw beautiful waterfalls in shorts and t-shirts.
Snoqualmie Falls
There is a trail that takes you to the base of the falls. I've been to the Falls at all seasons, and it is a lovely sight for vacationers who want to see the greenery and for the fresh air.
Helpful Links:
Washington State Ferries System
http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/
Kenmore Air
http://www.kenmoreair.com/content.php?content_id=37
Whale Watching
http://www.outerislandx.com/WhaleWatching.php
Paradise Area Hiking
http://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=12908
Alta Vista Loop Trail
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGW333-065
Skyline Trail Loop Trail
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGW333-068
Snoqualmie Falls
http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/
great post I enjoy taking my family on day trips
ReplyDeleteIts great to take some time with the family and recharge
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting Thach and Stacia. I agree that a little R&R with family is the best!
ReplyDelete