San Juan Islands
Over 700 rural islands make up Washington’s San Juan Archipelago, but only four of those—San Juan, Lopez, Shaw, Orcas—are reachable in less than 90 minutes aboard a Washington State ferry. Each island has its own unique personality, but all boast of beautiful scenery, a large bald eagle population (Washington has more bald eagles than any of the other lower 48 states), and are ideal for camping, bicycling, boating, and fishing. While the topography can’t be beat, the islands’ main attraction is the killer whales! From May through September, about 80 orca whales known locally as the J, K and L pods, live in the waters of the San Juan Islands. It’s great fun to take a whale-watch boat excursion, but many times these awe-inspiring animals also can be seen right from the shore.
Dynamic San Juan is the most popular and populated of the four main islands. Ferries arrive on the east side at Friday Harbor—the name of the small town and full-service marina—that’s bustling with as many seaplane pilots, residents, and tourists as it is with mariners. Once beyond Friday Harbor's city limits, commerce and crowds fade into a rural setting of farmland, forests, gently rolling hills, and of course, miles of gorgeous waterfront. You’ll likely see more grazing alpacas and llamas than cows, but they’re cuter anyway! For an island that’s only 15 miles long, San Juan’s diversity is anything but small. Its national park has an odd history—it commemorates the 1859 Pig War—and is split into two camps, American and English. An organic lavender farm, a winery, and Roche Harbor Resort at the north end of the Island shouldn’t be missed. Charming Roche Harbor is a tiny, self-contained village dating back to 1886 when it was then a company town for the local lime and cement industry. Besides the picturesque harbor, huge marina, and historic hotel (President Theodore Roosevelt’s signature is displayed in the guest book), you’ll find a small but well-stock store, formal gardens, a gift shop, and restaurants. Surprisingly, there’s also a 19-acre outdoor art museum— Westcott Bay Reserve—filled with huge works of art in bronze, stone, wood, metal, glass and ceramic. Take a stroll and critique the sculptures.
Lopez is dubbed the "friendly island" because of its local custom of waving to all passing motorists. The commercial hub is Lopez Village, home to several art galleries, restaurants, shops, and a fully-stocked grocery store. Laid-back Lopez is the flattest island, so it is particularly popular with cyclists whizzing by a blended landscape of woods, water, and farmland.
Shaw Island is loaded with peace and quiet. And though it's true that there's not much to do on this least visited island, relaxing at a picturesque campsite is pretty nice. There’s only one commercial operation on the island—a general store run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist—but there’s plenty of peace, privacy, and good beachcombing.
Horseshoe-shaped Orcas (named for a Spanish viceroy, not the whale) is dotted with art galleries and charming hamlets, villages and resort areas. Eastsound is the pulse of the diverse island where you’ll find casual to fine dining, boutiques, a grocery store, and a movie theater. Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, is found inside Moran State Park. Drive within 100 steps of the top, and then walk the rest of the way up to the observation tower. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, the stone structure affords incredible views from 2,409 feet up in the air.
If first-rate scenery and outdoor recreation are high on your list, you're definitely headed in the right direction to have a San "Juan-derful" time!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Washington State Ferry www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedules
www.guidetosanjuans.com
Dynamic San Juan is the most popular and populated of the four main islands. Ferries arrive on the east side at Friday Harbor—the name of the small town and full-service marina—that’s bustling with as many seaplane pilots, residents, and tourists as it is with mariners. Once beyond Friday Harbor's city limits, commerce and crowds fade into a rural setting of farmland, forests, gently rolling hills, and of course, miles of gorgeous waterfront. You’ll likely see more grazing alpacas and llamas than cows, but they’re cuter anyway! For an island that’s only 15 miles long, San Juan’s diversity is anything but small. Its national park has an odd history—it commemorates the 1859 Pig War—and is split into two camps, American and English. An organic lavender farm, a winery, and Roche Harbor Resort at the north end of the Island shouldn’t be missed. Charming Roche Harbor is a tiny, self-contained village dating back to 1886 when it was then a company town for the local lime and cement industry. Besides the picturesque harbor, huge marina, and historic hotel (President Theodore Roosevelt’s signature is displayed in the guest book), you’ll find a small but well-stock store, formal gardens, a gift shop, and restaurants. Surprisingly, there’s also a 19-acre outdoor art museum— Westcott Bay Reserve—filled with huge works of art in bronze, stone, wood, metal, glass and ceramic. Take a stroll and critique the sculptures.
Lopez is dubbed the "friendly island" because of its local custom of waving to all passing motorists. The commercial hub is Lopez Village, home to several art galleries, restaurants, shops, and a fully-stocked grocery store. Laid-back Lopez is the flattest island, so it is particularly popular with cyclists whizzing by a blended landscape of woods, water, and farmland.
Shaw Island is loaded with peace and quiet. And though it's true that there's not much to do on this least visited island, relaxing at a picturesque campsite is pretty nice. There’s only one commercial operation on the island—a general store run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist—but there’s plenty of peace, privacy, and good beachcombing.
Horseshoe-shaped Orcas (named for a Spanish viceroy, not the whale) is dotted with art galleries and charming hamlets, villages and resort areas. Eastsound is the pulse of the diverse island where you’ll find casual to fine dining, boutiques, a grocery store, and a movie theater. Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, is found inside Moran State Park. Drive within 100 steps of the top, and then walk the rest of the way up to the observation tower. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, the stone structure affords incredible views from 2,409 feet up in the air.
If first-rate scenery and outdoor recreation are high on your list, you're definitely headed in the right direction to have a San "Juan-derful" time!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Washington State Ferry www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedules
www.guidetosanjuans.com
Seattle
: Everything about Seattle seems tall—from the 607-foot Space Needle and snow-capped Olympic mountains filling the skyline, to the size of the lattés and mochas found on every street corner. Being the corporate home of Starbucks, the Emerald City is indeed a sparkling Pacific Northwest jewel powered by caffeine, and is also big on things to see and do. Begin your visit in Historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest neighborhood, with a fun trek beneath Seattle's sidewalks. The tongue-in-cheek Underground Tour leads through subterranean passages that were once the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle before the Great Fire of 1889. The highly entertaining tour guides share some of the city's lesser-known and more humorous history not often found in guidebooks.
Back up on street level, wander around Pioneer Square and admire the red brick and stone block buildings, turn-of-the-century street lamps, Tlingit totem poles, the Seattle Fallen Firefighters' Memorial sculpture and sip espresso on a bench under the restored iron Pergola dating back to 1909.
Eclectic best describes Seattle's waterfront. Huge ferries, freighters, cruise ships, and narrated harbor tours keep Elliott Bay as busy as any paved freeway. After a look at the sea creatures found in the Seattle Aquarium, try Ivar's for lunch or dinner. The eatery is famous for its "Keep Clam" slogan as well as its fresh seafood served indoors or out (screaming gulls add to the open-air ambience). For unusual souvenirs, shop at the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54. Sylvester the mummy, a two-headed calf, shrunken heads (all real), and many other oddities will make you think twice about the usual postcards and t-shirts.
Vivacious Pike Place Market is at the corner of First and Pike Streets. Everything imaginable is found at America's longest running farmer's market, and all of it very fresh—flowers, fruit, fish, vegetables, donuts, crafts, artwork, and much more. In fact, the fish is so fresh that it flies! Choose your dinner directly from the iced counters at the front of Pike Place Fish Company, and your catch will be sailed through the air to the packers in the back. It's a fun show but tricky to catch on film! For a jolt of energy, buzz into nearby Starbuck's flagship store for an appropriately drinkable souvenir.
Since opening for the 1962 World's Fair, Seattle Center has provided entertainment. Located on the grounds is the Experience Music Project, a rock-n-roll museum and do-it-yourself sound studio, a Children's Museum, the Pacific Science Center with two IMAX theaters, as well as outdoor carnival rides, games, and performers. For a 360-degree view of the vicinity, elevate to the top of the Space Needle and watch seaplanes landing on Lake Union.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Washington State Tourism
www.tourism.wa.gov
1-800-544-1800
www.seattle.net or Seattle/King County Convention and Visitors Bureau (206) 461-5840
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour in Seattle's Pioneer Square
608 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 682-4646
www.undergroundtour.com
www.pikeplacemarket.org
Space Needle
219 4th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
206-628-0888
www.spaceneedle.com
Back up on street level, wander around Pioneer Square and admire the red brick and stone block buildings, turn-of-the-century street lamps, Tlingit totem poles, the Seattle Fallen Firefighters' Memorial sculpture and sip espresso on a bench under the restored iron Pergola dating back to 1909.
Eclectic best describes Seattle's waterfront. Huge ferries, freighters, cruise ships, and narrated harbor tours keep Elliott Bay as busy as any paved freeway. After a look at the sea creatures found in the Seattle Aquarium, try Ivar's for lunch or dinner. The eatery is famous for its "Keep Clam" slogan as well as its fresh seafood served indoors or out (screaming gulls add to the open-air ambience). For unusual souvenirs, shop at the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54. Sylvester the mummy, a two-headed calf, shrunken heads (all real), and many other oddities will make you think twice about the usual postcards and t-shirts.
Vivacious Pike Place Market is at the corner of First and Pike Streets. Everything imaginable is found at America's longest running farmer's market, and all of it very fresh—flowers, fruit, fish, vegetables, donuts, crafts, artwork, and much more. In fact, the fish is so fresh that it flies! Choose your dinner directly from the iced counters at the front of Pike Place Fish Company, and your catch will be sailed through the air to the packers in the back. It's a fun show but tricky to catch on film! For a jolt of energy, buzz into nearby Starbuck's flagship store for an appropriately drinkable souvenir.
Since opening for the 1962 World's Fair, Seattle Center has provided entertainment. Located on the grounds is the Experience Music Project, a rock-n-roll museum and do-it-yourself sound studio, a Children's Museum, the Pacific Science Center with two IMAX theaters, as well as outdoor carnival rides, games, and performers. For a 360-degree view of the vicinity, elevate to the top of the Space Needle and watch seaplanes landing on Lake Union.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Washington State Tourism
www.tourism.wa.gov
1-800-544-1800
www.seattle.net or Seattle/King County Convention and Visitors Bureau (206) 461-5840
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour in Seattle's Pioneer Square
608 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 682-4646
www.undergroundtour.com
www.pikeplacemarket.org
Space Needle
219 4th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
206-628-0888
www.spaceneedle.com
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Since October 2004, Mount St. Helens has been intermittently reminding us that she’s far from dormant. Although the present volcanic action isn’t as dramatic as the last major eruption 27 years ago, the new lava dome inside the crater continues to slowly grow, emitting low levels of steam, gas, and ash. Of course the seismic activity could intensify with little or no warning, but it’s not expected to be anything like May 18, 1980 when an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale provoked a cataclysmic eruption. That episode lasted 9 hours and drastically changed Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape forever.
For a good look at how Mother Nature repairs herself over time, stop at the many roadside viewpoints within the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Still barren yet surprisingly filled with life, the natural environment inside the Monument is healing. Trees, wildflowers, and even elk have returned. Four visitor centers help interpret the volcano’s story, and each provides a different visual perspective of the blast zone and surrounding devastation. Johnston Ridge Observatory, at an elevation of 4,500 feet, is just 5.5 miles from Mount St. Helens. From here, look directly into the throat of the crater and watch wisps of escaping steam. A must-see film shown inside the 280-seat theater details the dramatic eruption from over a quarter century ago.
photo caption: Mt. St. Helen's from Lahar viewpoint.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Washington State Tourism
www.tourism.wa.gov
1-800-544-1800.
The USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Mount St. Helens closely and issues updates and changes in alert levels as warranted. For updates, call (360) 891-5202.
For a good look at how Mother Nature repairs herself over time, stop at the many roadside viewpoints within the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Still barren yet surprisingly filled with life, the natural environment inside the Monument is healing. Trees, wildflowers, and even elk have returned. Four visitor centers help interpret the volcano’s story, and each provides a different visual perspective of the blast zone and surrounding devastation. Johnston Ridge Observatory, at an elevation of 4,500 feet, is just 5.5 miles from Mount St. Helens. From here, look directly into the throat of the crater and watch wisps of escaping steam. A must-see film shown inside the 280-seat theater details the dramatic eruption from over a quarter century ago.
photo caption: Mt. St. Helen's from Lahar viewpoint.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Washington State Tourism
www.tourism.wa.gov
1-800-544-1800.
The USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Mount St. Helens closely and issues updates and changes in alert levels as warranted. For updates, call (360) 891-5202.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is another active Cascade volcanic peak, but thankfully there’s no indication it will erupt any time soon. The nation’s fifth oldest national park experienced a little too much action late last year without the lava—storms caused disastrous flooding, landslides, and closed the roads. Although some of the campgrounds will be short a few sites this summer because of the washouts, your experience shouldn’t be dampened—nothing can tarnish those stunning views of the 14,410-foot mountain. Encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice and originally known as “Tahoma” to the Klickitat Indians, Mount Rainier is the most beautiful backdrop any national park could hope for. “The mountain is out” takes on special meaning with your very first glimpse of the highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range. A glimpse of the summit can prove elusive sometimes, though, since magnificent Mount Rainier makes its own unpredictable weather.
More than 140 miles of road loop through the park, so there’s always a waterfall, lake, or mountain vista ahead. Take advantage of the many roadside-parking areas and hiking trails to admire the views, snap photos, and watch deer and marmots nibbling their dinner. Even if you stay at one of the park's campgrounds (reservations strongly suggested) and won't need a hotel room, stop at the National Park Inn for the view. The wide covered front porch is a good place to admire the evening alpenglow on the south face of Mount Rainier. The porch’s rustic, yet comfy chairs are made for lingering as long as you’d like. Located in the Longmire Historic District, there’s also a museum, an information center, and a well-stocked store and gift shop next to the Inn.
Paradise is not only a state of mind at Mount Rainier National Park, it’s a real destination perched at the 5,400-foot elevation. The panoramas from Paradise are incredible on a clear day—the snowy summit seems close enough to touch! Although historic Paradise Inn will be closed until May 2008 for repairs caused by years of heavy snowfall, it’ll be worth the wait. Originally built in 1917, the rustic interior and furnishings are simplistically beautiful and huge stone fireplaces at either end of the spacious lobby make warming up on chilly day a real pleasure. The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open during the Inn’s renovation and is a great place to learn about the geology, glaciers, flora, and fauna—everything you need to know about Mount Rainier and the surrounding Tatoosh Mountain Range. To get a little closer to Nisqually Glacier or the lovely wildflower meadows surrounding Paradise, pick up a trail map or a park ranger can point the way to excellent hiking. Serious mountain climbers attempting the 8+ mile trek with 9,000 feet of elevation gain to Mount Rainier’s summit team up in Paradise, so you’ll likely see gear-laden mountaineers on their descent.
If first-rate scenery and outdoor recreation are high on your list, you’ll definitely be headed in the right direction if you visit Mount Rainier National Park. And when you do, you'll easily see why Washington is known as the Evergreen State.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford, Washington
Visitor Information: 360-569-2211 x. 3314
www.nps.gov/mora
Camping reservations strongly suggested: 1-800-365-CAMP
Washington State Tourism
www.tourism.wa.gov
1-800-544-1800
More than 140 miles of road loop through the park, so there’s always a waterfall, lake, or mountain vista ahead. Take advantage of the many roadside-parking areas and hiking trails to admire the views, snap photos, and watch deer and marmots nibbling their dinner. Even if you stay at one of the park's campgrounds (reservations strongly suggested) and won't need a hotel room, stop at the National Park Inn for the view. The wide covered front porch is a good place to admire the evening alpenglow on the south face of Mount Rainier. The porch’s rustic, yet comfy chairs are made for lingering as long as you’d like. Located in the Longmire Historic District, there’s also a museum, an information center, and a well-stocked store and gift shop next to the Inn.
Paradise is not only a state of mind at Mount Rainier National Park, it’s a real destination perched at the 5,400-foot elevation. The panoramas from Paradise are incredible on a clear day—the snowy summit seems close enough to touch! Although historic Paradise Inn will be closed until May 2008 for repairs caused by years of heavy snowfall, it’ll be worth the wait. Originally built in 1917, the rustic interior and furnishings are simplistically beautiful and huge stone fireplaces at either end of the spacious lobby make warming up on chilly day a real pleasure. The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open during the Inn’s renovation and is a great place to learn about the geology, glaciers, flora, and fauna—everything you need to know about Mount Rainier and the surrounding Tatoosh Mountain Range. To get a little closer to Nisqually Glacier or the lovely wildflower meadows surrounding Paradise, pick up a trail map or a park ranger can point the way to excellent hiking. Serious mountain climbers attempting the 8+ mile trek with 9,000 feet of elevation gain to Mount Rainier’s summit team up in Paradise, so you’ll likely see gear-laden mountaineers on their descent.
If first-rate scenery and outdoor recreation are high on your list, you’ll definitely be headed in the right direction if you visit Mount Rainier National Park. And when you do, you'll easily see why Washington is known as the Evergreen State.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford, Washington
Visitor Information: 360-569-2211 x. 3314
www.nps.gov/mora
Camping reservations strongly suggested: 1-800-365-CAMP
Washington State Tourism
www.tourism.wa.gov
1-800-544-1800
