My first city in the US as a tourist, Seattle will always remain close to my heart. Being surrounded by forest, lake, river and hills, it is a perfect destination for nature-lovers. The city just captivates you with evergreen trees, pleasant weather and clear sky(not so much).Be aware of the rain in Seattle, definitely plan your trip keeping weather constraints in mind as the evergreen trees also cause light showers every now and then. Here are some fun outdoor activities to do when you are out and about in Seattle.
Hiking Mount Rainier National Park
The drive to Mount Rainer National park through the hills and forest is very adventurous and scenic at the same time. After driving through a couple of hundred feet above the ground level, its time to hike the mountain by foot to explore the hills, valleys, waterfalls and meadows surrounding the cascade of mountains. The lovely view of the snow covered peaks of mountain makes it worth the visit.
Trekking the Snoqualmie Falls
A few hours away from Seattle, Snoqualmie falls is a massive 268 feet waterfall on the Snoqualmie river. Trekking along the forest trail to reach the bottom to catch a sight of the colossal fall is such an enjoyable experience. The flora and fauna on the trail makes it even more delightful. Once you are all the way down at the lowest point of the fall, you can step into the rocks, woods and water to enjoy it even more closely.
Exploring the Bainbridge Island
The best way to get in the water in Seattle is to take a ferry ride across the Elliot Bay to the BainBridge Island. While you are on your way, keep your cameras ready for the perfect skyline view from the ferry. Explore the island by foot, bike or car depending on what you like. The island is huge with trails by forests and lakes so the best way to explore it in and out might be by car.
Day in Downtown
The trip to Seattle is incomplete without a day well spent exploring Downtown Seattle. Stroll by the Pike Place market and relish the fresh fruits in the farmer’s market. Hop into the Ferris wheel to get a complete view of the skyline and the city. Enjoy a rickshaw ride along the shore and wander around enjoy smoky delicious cart food in the hilly Downtown.
Journey to Leavenworth
Few miles away from Seattle, Leavenworth is a small hilly city in in the middle of mountains. The Bavarian village there is a small shopping district with little unique boutique, art and gift shops. It is lovely place to stroll by and there are cultural dance performances by different countries in the streets. We were able to watch the England dance and music festivities where the men dressed as soldiers and women danced around them. The architecture of the buildings resemble the European design with domes and castles. It is a lively place full of happiness and fun, definitely not worth missing if you are in Washington.
If you happen to have a few more days in Seattle,explore the zoo,aquarium,lakes and museums in the city.There are just endless destinations for tourists to explore in the state of Washington.
March 8, 2015 at 1:21 am
Great post. It makes me want to go back. Of the places you list, the only one I’ve visited is Seattle, but the month before, I bicycled from Vancouver BC to Astoria Oregon. It was great to see the Washington State that way.
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March 8, 2015 at 2:12 am
Thank you Christopher for reading my post.I am so glad it makes u feel like going back 🙂
Looks like you love biking 🙂 Very healthy hobby ,I love it too.
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March 9, 2015 at 8:32 am
Seattle is an amazing city, very laid back. We loved the sea lions and the orcas ! Mount Rainier National Park was fabulous, but we only stayed a day and we wish we had stayed longer. It looks like you had a lot of fun !
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March 9, 2015 at 2:25 pm
Thank you Darwin for your comment. Wow, where did you see the sea lions and orcas in Seattle?
I have actually had a chance to visit Seattle multiple times and that is why I could accommodate so many destinations 🙂
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March 9, 2015 at 2:27 pm
The sea lions are near the aquarium, on the locks. So many of them ! Impossible to miss. As for the orcas, we took a boat to San Juan Island (departing from Seattle), to spot some orcas and we saw plenty. It was not too expensive, but very cold on the boat !
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March 9, 2015 at 8:02 pm
Thanks Darwin for sharing your experience.I will definitely plan to visit San Juan islands during my next visit to Seattle.I have watched the ocra in the sea world but spotting them in the middle of ocean sounds like a fun experience.
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March 9, 2015 at 8:10 pm
It is always impressive to see them in their natural habitat 🙂
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March 9, 2015 at 2:33 pm
I have not been to Seattle which seems a shame since it really is not that far from Calgary. Great suggestions of things to do!
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March 9, 2015 at 8:04 pm
Thank you Sue,its never too late 🙂 Do plan your vacation there and I will look forward to read your experience too.
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March 9, 2015 at 9:24 pm
It won’t be this year but I will definitely have it in mind for the years ahead. 🙂
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March 11, 2015 at 3:01 pm
I agree with you, Seattle is one of the special cities of America, has quite a different feel to it
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March 11, 2015 at 3:07 pm
Thank you for reading my blog 🙂 Indeed it is.
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March 14, 2015 at 3:27 pm
I love Seattle! My family is in Tacoma so I visit as much as I can. I love Washington altogether. Love this article!
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March 14, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Thank you Ellie for your generous comment. I am so glad you like it. I love Seattle too 🙂
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