A vital part of the Pacific Northwest, Washington is known for its cloudy weather, delicious coffee, and techie world. But with some of the nation’s most beautiful national parks to the hunting grounds of vampires, it packs a punch of experiences.
With a Best Western to call home base, here are several must-sees in Washington to add to your itinerary:
The most popular city in the state and largest metropolis of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle draws visitors worldwide every year. It fosters several major scenes, from coffee to food to bars. Visit Pike Place Market in downtown for the classic scenes of fish being thrown, mouth-watering aromas from the market bakeries to the original location of the first Starbucks. The city has a walkable downtown that consists of various neighborhoods – Belltown, Downtown, Pioneer Square – that each foster its own unique experiences and character. And if downtown isn’t your scene, cross Lake Union to the other side of the city for more fun with Green Lake Park, Wallingford, and Ballard – each with local coffee shops, enjoyable restaurants, and relaxing spots to sit and relax.
Just 30-minutes from the U.S./Canada border, Bellingham is a growing city with much to offer, from outdoor adventures, farm-to-table restaurants to craft brews. Explore the local agricultural and eats by visiting one of the local farmer’s markets, such as the Bellingham Farmers Market and Lynden Farmers Market, or enjoy an afternoon picking fresh berries at one of the local farms. And for those that crave the outdoors, Mount Baker is the pride and joy of the area, with plenty of hikes and scenic drives to feed your adventure soul.
Port Angeles is a ferry ride from Seattle and is the last major town you hit before reaching the coast. In town, you’ll find plenty of local shops and dining, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn about the land and native tribes. Just a short distance to Olympic National Park, where hikes and viewpoints can be found at every turn, visitors have hundreds of trails to choose from and enjoy. Head to Hurricane Ridge for incredible views of the Olympic Mountains and catch a glimpse of Canada. Or, if you seek something with more adrenaline, hike up Mount Storm King and take in a beautiful view of Lake Crescent, but note that the short hike is uphill and requires some rope climbing at the very top.
With jagged peaks, forested valleys, rushing rivers, and flowing waterfalls, the North Cascades National Park is a hiker’s playground. A straight shot from Seattle, visitors can drive 30-45 mins and come across several hikes that are fit for any hiking level. Try Wallace Falls State Park for an easy-going hike that leads you to a three-tiered waterfall. Or head to Rattlesnake Ledge for a moderate hike that leads to epic views at any time of the day.
An iconic symbol of Washington, Mount Rainier – an active volcano – stands tall at over 14,000 feet and is the most glaciated peak in the U.S. But there is more to Mount Rainier National Park than Mount Rainier. The Park has meadows and valleys, forests, wildlife, and endless waterfalls and rivers. Skyline Trail Loop, Naches Peak Loop, and Burroughs Mountain Trail are some of the most popular hikes in the Park, and rightfully so as they bring you up close and personal with Mount Rainier and its stunning ecosystem.
Head to the corner of the Pacific Northwest, where vampires and werewolves run wild. Though it’s been several years since the last Twilight movie and book were released, the small town of Forks still keeps the fantasy alive. Visit the “homes” of the characters or the places mentioned in the book, like Second Beach, the treaty line, La Push Beach, and Forks High School. And when you are done getting your Twilight fix, enjoy the town and surrounding area outside of the vampire world with visits to local shops along First Street, a hike through the Hoh Rainforest, and swim in Lake Crescent.
A visit to Leavenworth will transport you to a Bavarian village full of brats, beers, and schnitzel. Oh my! Want to experience everything Bavarian the town has to offer? Knock off them one by one with this master list, which includes German beer and restaurants, a 96-foot handcrafted traditional Maypole, and a morning Alp horn serenade. And like all things in Washington, Leavenworth is just a short drive away from hikes and raging rivers where many do white water rafting. Plus, enjoy nearing fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and climbing.
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