NUMBER 95 - MUST SEE IN WASHINGTON STATE!
I count myself lucky growing up in such a gorgeous state, I cannot rave about it enough. So, when a friend asked me for some itinerary ideas for her upcoming trip I was more than happy to oblige! This is just a small sampling of the places you must see on your trip to Washington State.
1. Whidbey Island:
Okay....I am a little bias, but I think the most beautiful place on the earth is a little island off Seattle called Whidbey Island. You take a 15 minute ferry from Mukilteo over to the south side of the island. Make sure while you are waiting for the ferry that you pick up some Ivar's Clam Chowder from the little stand next to the dock. You can also drive over to the north side of the island through Deception Pass.
The best hotels are The Inn at Langley and The Captain Whidbey. We always rent out a house right on the beach called the Seebreeze. It is not the fanciest place but it is right by where my Grandparents' marina used to be so it has a special place in my heart and mostly it is literally on the beach!
There is a ton of things to do on the island including:
- Hiking, fishing, crabbing, canoeing, shopping (great historic little downtown in Langley), gorgeous beaches, cycling, boating, kayaking, etc.
- Deception Pass has an amazing park and make sure to see Deception Pass Falls.
- The Island County Fair, which is great quaint fun, is August 19-22 this year.
- For your flower fix check out the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens.
2. Hoh Rain Forest:
Gorgeous trails and camping in the heart of Washington's rain forest.
3. Stehekin:
Stehekin is not accessible by car so you arrive after a 2 1/2 hour ferry ride up Lake Chelan. While you are there, spending time biking, hiking, and horseback riding. There are many great places to stay:
- Stehekin Valley Ranch
- Silver Bay Inn
- Boulder Cabin at Rainbow Falls Lodge
- Stehekin Landing Resort.
4. Columbia River Gorge:
The Gorge runs along the Washington/Oregon border which is basically separated by the river. If you love kite surfing or have any interest in it, this is the place to be. Be sure to check out Columbia Hills State Park and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
5. Snoqualmie Falls:
Just outside of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a spectacular site to see. During the Summer months there is a 2 acre park along with hiking trails, an observation deck for the falls, biking, rafting and rock climbing. If it is Winter, hit the slopes! There is no doubt about where you should stay - Salish Lodge.
6. Waterfalls:
There are waterfalls pretty pretty much everywhere you look on the eastern side of the state. One of the most beautiful is Bridal Veil, but not to be outdone by Deschutes Falls or Palouse Falls.
7. The Oregon Trail:
My Dad is somewhat obsessed with Lewis and Clark and their expedition. There are many places throughout the state where you can trace the wagon train ruts.
8. Seattle:
We never spent too much time in Seattle proper, but if you are going to go you can't miss the Space Needle. Have a sunset drink at the restaurant on the top, but skip dinner there as it is very pricey! You cannot go to Seattle without watching them throw a fish at Pike Place Market. While you are there, also check out The Tasting Room which is a wine bar/shop with 6 seperate tasting rooms.
Other must sees:
- Ballard Locks & Botanical Garden
- Mount Ranier National Park
- Seward Park
- Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Seattle Aquarium
- Waterfall Gardens
- Kubota Gardens
8. Leavenworth:
This is an adorable Bavarian village at the base of the Cascade Mountains, perfect for strolling and shopping.
9. Walla Walla:
The new Napa Valley! I of course have to plug my home town. It was all wheat and pea fields when I grew up, but now it is premier grape growing land. The best hotel is The Marcus Whitman which has undergone a complete renovation. There are also a ton of bed and breakfasts. Be sure to check out the rich Native American history.
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