Washington State Vacations
Washington State vacations are another of the
thrilling Northwest US experiences. Somehow I'm awestruck just about
anywhere in Washington State.
It's true. You have to allow yourself to be
transfixed or spellbound on one of those vacations. Picture this... you
are about a mile on your approach to your hotel. The view is as if it were
painted on a mountain canvas.
What's the word? "Beautiful" is the pale form of
it.
In Washington, you'll notice that a snow-capped peak on the Cascade Mountain
range, a lake, a
canyon, or some other grandeur forms the backdrop of most scenes you can
capture with your digital camera. The sights are amazing.
On your Washing State vacation, visit Seattle - the largest city in Washington. The Seattle Aquarium, Zoo,
Museum and Waterfront are among the top attractions in this city.
Puget Sound, dubbed the Arm of the Pacific Ocean, is example of an area bustling
with activity. This intricate arrangement of waterways and islands, is a busy doorway to the Pacific.
What Does One do on a Washington State vacation?
You can capitalize on the diversity of the climate,
too. In general, the region west
of the Cascades has "a temperate marine type of climate that is
characterized by mild wet winters and cool summers."
Eastern Washington State is drier; summers are hot and winters are
cold, although somewhat sheltered from the Artic freeze by the Rockies.
In planning for your Washington State vacations,
consider the following:
-
Hike Mount St. Helens - There are several hiking trails depending on
level of difficulty. The easiest trails may be suitable for children or
older folk who want an easier climb. Also, see the Mount Saint Helens
National Volcanic Monument.
-
Grand Coulee Dam - Visit this eighth wonder of the world. It
is America's largest concrete structure. The area makes for great summer
barbeque picnics, swimming, and water sports. Plus, enjoy free laser
light shows, and tours across the bridge. More information at the
Grand Coulee
Dam Area Chamber of Commerce website.
-
Rocky Reach Dam on the Columbia River - where visitors; kids
and adults alike, are thrilled to watch salmon swimming upstream to
spawn.
-
Seattle Art Museum - A visit here gives an artistic and
cultural touch to your Washington state vacation. See this cultural
preserve, which has collections of African and Northwest Native American
art.
-
The San Juan Islands - Go by airplane or seaplane from
Seattle. Or, take a more leisurely journey by driving to Anacortes, then
take the Washington State Ferry to the islands. The Ferry stops at
Lopez island,
Orcas Island,
and
San Juan Island. You make your kind
of family adventure vacation experience.
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Mount Rainier is a dormant volcano and the highest peak of
the Cascade Range. |
The snow-capped mountains are just calling out to the adventurous vacationer.
The Washington
State Parks sponsors many winter activities for families.
Enjoy skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and tubing at
various locations statewide.
You can go across state via the mountain passes during winter and
experience the diverse Washington State weather.
Here are some more ideas for a
Washington State vacation.
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Destination Travel Guide