Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days. Plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park. It's also a great time to discover a new favorite park around Washington State. Short History of Our National … [Read more...] about 2025 free park entrance days in Washington State
getaways & day trips
Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
If you are seeking Washington State fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives throughout the counties in the Puget Sound regions. The colorful fall foliage is often set against deep green evergreen trees, with lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains completing the vista. The primary viewing period for … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
National Alpaca Farm Days
Alpaca farms all across the country welcome visitors for National Alpaca Farm Days every September to see and learn about these tranquil and majestic animals. There are several participating farms in Western Washington State. About the Alpaca Owners Association Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days
Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions
While Washington State’s first wine grapes were planted in 1825, the first commercial plantings did not begin until the 1960’s and major production not until the 1970s. Forty years later, Washington is the second largest premium wine producer in the United States behind California. Wine growing regions around … [Read more...] about Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions
Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is an annual week-long kite celebration and competition in breezy Long Beach, WA. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, WSIKF is presented by the World Kite Museum and the City of Long Beach, Washington. Kitelife … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 mi. E)
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, held in late April, is one of oldest and best festivals in the Pacific Northwest. The Festival is centered in the town of Wenatchee, about 150 miles east of Seattle. The celebration showcases the importance of the Apple Industry to Washington State, along with Wenatchee’s … [Read more...] about Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 mi. E)
10 best free outdoor activities year-round
The following outdoor activities feature popular year-round sport and recreation pursuits around Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Our list focuses on activities that are relatively easy to learn and pursue. Newcomers to these recreational pursuits can quickly get introduced to the basics without a lot of time or … [Read more...] about 10 best free outdoor activities year-round
Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
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Leavenworth, Washington is a small town (pop. ~2,000) about 120 miles east of Seattle. Nestled in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is graced by mountains rising to 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The area is known for abundant sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. One … [Read more...] about Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. Most lighthouse grounds are open year-round, except where stated otherwise. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though will gladly accept donations for upkeep of the grounds and buildings. A couple sites have small fees. A few lighthouses … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
Skagit Valley trip planner
Skagit Valley is located about 60 miles north of Seattle, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or just a quick day trip. It’s an easy drive straight up Interstate 5 (I-5). But you can also get there (or return) via the following more leisurely routes. For a more scenic route, you can drive Washington … [Read more...] about Skagit Valley trip planner
RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow
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Advertiser article It's common to rent an RV or motor home for summer travel. But fall travel and winter vacations also offer many great reasons for renting an RV – weekend getaways, ski trips, holiday travel, or just some extra space at home. In many parts of the Pacific Northwest, fall is the perfect time … [Read more...] about RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow
Most amazing natural wonders in Washington State
The following destinations represent some of the most interesting natural wonders in around Washington State. We've grouped them by region. There is a Google map at the end of the article with pinpoints to the various locations. Some of these make fun day trips, while others require a weekend getaway or longer … [Read more...] about Most amazing natural wonders in Washington State
Plan your next getaway–rent an RV!
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Advertiser article It's been a long, rainy, and cold spring but summer has finally arrived—or so we can only hope! Whether you want to head to the coast for some beach time, be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of mountain wildflowers in bloom, make a long weekend of a concert at the Gorge or winetasting in Yakima Valley, … [Read more...] about Plan your next getaway–rent an RV!
Pilot Flying J travel centers in Washington State
Pilot Flying J (PFJ) is the largest operator of travel centers in North America with more than 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The travel centers are committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care, and a smile at every stop. Last time we checked, in Washington State there were nine Pilot … [Read more...] about Pilot Flying J travel centers in Washington State
Getaway: Grand Coulee Dam recreation area (230 mi. NE)
Grand Coulee Dam, located 230 miles northeast of Seattle on the Columbia River in north-central Washington State. The massive dam is part of The Columbia Basin Project, managed by U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. Grand Coulee Dam includes three major hydroelectric power generating plants and a pump … [Read more...] about Getaway: Grand Coulee Dam recreation area (230 mi. NE)
Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) owns or manages nearly a million acres of land divided into 33 designated Wildlife Areas across the state. Watching wildlife is an increasingly popular pursuit for residents and tourists. Wildlife viewing is a pastime that can be enjoyed in any season, in any … [Read more...] about Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)
