Do gas prices have you cringing when you think about where to spend your last vacation of the summer? Well, you can relax. We've put together a list of fun activities and trips that require minimal travel. You'll be amazed at what's right in your own backyard. No matter your interest, the Pacific Northwest is home to fun for the whole family.
Mount Rainier
On a clear day, it's seen by every commuter in the city. A massive beauty, Mount Rainier National Park includes five developed areas, ranging from little more than a campground and picnic area to extensive, and each can serve as a base for exploring the rest of the park. Hike among the wildflowers at Sunrise, the highest point reached by vehicle, or spend the weekend surrounded by Douglas firs and western red cedars in Ohanapecosh's Grove of the Patriarchs. From certain spots, you can view Mount St. Helens and Mount Baker, and on a clear day, you can even see the tip of Mount Hood in Oregon. Summers provide the least chance for showers, however raingear is always suggested. To start planning your trip, visit www.mt-rainier.com.
Olympic National Park
Located just three hours west of the Puget Sound via ferry, the Olympic National Forest consists of Pacific Ocean beaches, rain forest valleys, and glacier-capped peaks. A weekend trip can easily allow for visits to each of Olympic's major ecosystems. Begin with a nature trail hike up Hurricane Ridge, head west to the Hoh Rain Forest for a mid-day picnic, and catch the sunset over Rialto Beach on the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of lodges in the Park, but campsites are also an option, on a first come, first served basis. Visiting for longer than a weekend? Start in Port Angeles at the Visitor Center, and drive the loop counterclockwise, ending at Lake Quinault. Visit nps.gov/olym to plan your stay.
The San Juan Islands
Providing visitors a mix of scenery, rural charm, and outdoor adventure, the San Juan Islands are an inviting spot accessible by ferry or air. Leave the car at home and rent a scooter or bicycle to explore one or more of the islands; their natural beauty is just waiting to be discovered. Lopez Island offers a relaxing experience, with vast public beaches and wooded trails. More adventurous visitors can take a sea kayaking tour off Orcas Island. And, wildlife seekers can watch for whales at Whale Watch Park on San Juan Island. Each island offers a number of lodging options, from upscale bed and breakfast, to campgrounds. Visit Guide to San Juans for more information and to plan your adventure.
Downtown Seattle
Most of us forget we live a stone's throw from a waterfront and a year-round market. Take a weekend this summer, and become a tourist in your own town. Park the car, and walk through historic Pioneer Square, head along the waterfront and stop in at the Seattle Aquarium. Climb the hill for a stroll through the Pike Place Market - be a part of the "Flying Fish" hype. Be sure to explore the Olympic Sculpture Garden, which provides 180° views of the Olympics, Alki, and Mount Rainier. If you're feeling really adventurous, take the Elliott Bay Water Taxi over for a beachfront walk along Alki. If Downtown seems too daunting, head to Lake Washington to rent kayaks for the day, or spend the day watching sailboats or playing volleyball at the Kirkland waterfront.