Washington adventure

The Call Of The Washington Mountains

June 5, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Washington Mountains Are Alive With Magical Beauty

Washington State is home to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the Continental United States. In this Evergreen State you have everything from snow-capped volcano peaks, to Olympic rain forests. On the slopes of Washington’s mountain ranges you will find sure footed mountain goats that seem to cling to the steep sides of the mountain cliffs. The mountain valleys provide the perfect home to herds of elk quietly grazing their day away. Some mountains are snow covered all year long, while others are beautiful and grassy. Welcome to Washington, where the mountains are as diverse as the people.

What A Magnificent Creature

The splendor of Wild Elk grazing is just one of the many magnificent surprises waiting for you as you roam this magnificent state. Explore the mountain passes, the valleys, and discover the back roads where few take time to go. Washington is a state of surprises, and you never know what you are going to see next.

Let’s Climb To The Top

The slopes of these many diverse mountains provide places to climb. Nestled among the tress are remote camping areas where you just get away for a few days. Here, in the Evergreen State, you will find activities for every skill level. Everyone, from the serious climber to the novice hiker will enjoy the many secluded and remote places to get away from the hecticness of everyday life.

Refreshing Mountain Streams

Refreshing Rivers flow down the many mountains to the Puget Sound below. The streams and rivers of the Evergreen State are crystal clear, sparkling, and delicious to drink. The many miles of fabulous rivers provide hours of white water rafting, canoeing, and kayaking for those desiring adventure. Whatever you desire to do, you can do it in Washington.

A Journey Into The Past

Explore the past. Discover the future. History is living as you take to the slopes of this active volcano. Mount St. Helen’s is abundant with nature more than 30 years after she blew in 1981. It is a major climbing and hiking destination for the the beginner, as well as the experienced climber. The volcano is climbed all year, but mostly between late spring and late fall.

Mount Saint Helen’s is the star of many stories from all the many native tribes that live in her foothills. After the 1981 volcanic explosion there were many interesting versions of different stories. If you want to relive the experience, visit the Mount Saint Helen’s Volcanic Monument. Here you will find the stories and the living history of the mountain.

Mount St. Helen’s Is Active And Recharging

Mount St. Helen’s is a very active volcano. She has been busy building a new dome. When the pressures build up within, she stops to blow off steam as needed.

Majestic Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is yet another one of the magnificent volcanoes that call Washington home. There are three major tour companies that offer a climb to the top. Most people who attempt to climb her, fail to reach the summit. Glazier climbing skills are needed to conquer this mountain. Many enjoy skiing and other winter sports at her resorts.

Take Time To Discover….Take Time To Explore

No matter what you enjoy, Washington’s mountains are calling your name. Explore the back roads. Discover the hidden gems. Fish the remote streams. Ski the hills. Kayak down the rivers. Conquer the mountains. The choices are endless. The decision is yours. Can you hear the call? The mountains of Washington, are calling your name.

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Published on steemit.com@exploretraveler June 6, 2017 at:

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Exploring More Of The Backroads Of Washington

September 16, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Backroads Of Washington Are Amazing

The backroads of Washington are amazing. Take any one of them and discover a mountain, a stream, or a lake. Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range. It is just one of many stars in the Pacific Northwest. It is however, the shinning star of Washington State. Here it is seen towering above the hills and can be seen from every side. This stately mountain is always snow-covered at the top, and one of the most widely enjoyed playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Come along, as we take to the backroads surrounding this and other amazing treasures of the Northern Cascades.

Mount Rainier National Park offers a complete smorgasbord of opportunities for the adventure traveler. Take a scenic drive through the countryside on one of the many backroads. Most of the rural roads open in late May and remain open through September. Each of the many backroads offer many hiking adventures with a profound number of trails. In Washington, you can discover trails for the beginner hiker all the way to the most advanced. There are even opportunities to climb the many mountains. No matter where you go in Mount Rainier National Park, you will be provided with a wide array of stunning views. So gather the family and head to the backroads…..adventure is waiting.

Mount Rainier National Park

Bicycling through Mount Rainier National Park is scenic and challenging. At Mount Rainier, cyclists are able to enjoy the breathtaking views that the mountain provides. You will find a bicycling adventure that is fun and challenging. There are no designated Bike trails in the park, but Bicycles are allowed to travel all of the park roads. They may not, however, go on any of the hiking trails within the park.

One of the major adventures on Mount Rainier is to climb this beautiful active volcano. It is a heavily glaciated peak that requires advanced preparation. What a challenge it offers to those who are prepared to climb her slopes. Mountaineers, the world over, come by the thousands each year to climb to her summit. Thousands are successful at climbing this 14,410 foot active volcano.

The climber must be prepared for a vertical climb that reaches over 9,000 feet. This is done over a climbing distance of over eight miles. You must be in excellent shape, well prepared, and experienced in mountain climbing. All climbers who want to climb any mountain over 10,000 feet or access any glacier in Washington must have a climbing pass. The pass is $46.00 dollars a year for climbers 25 years or older. It is $32.00 for those under 25. All passes are good for one year. You also must register for the hike either the day before or the day of the climb. You may purchase your pass at that time. With a yearly pass, there is no limit to the number of climbs you may make during the year, but you must register for each climb at the park ranger station. You will need valid ID to register or purchase your pass. For those who are planning on camping, a wilderness permit is required. For further information, contact any ranger station within the park, or write to:

Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
(360) 569-2211…Phone is answered during normal business hours only.

There are many trails throughout the park. Many are short hikes of two or three miles and others are major hikes of over 20 miles. If you go on the Mount Rainier Website, you will find a full list of all the trails within the park and the difficulty and length of each. Hiking within the park is a beautiful and fun experience. Do your homework and enjoy your hike.

If you want to get into a real Mount Rainier adventure, consider a Ranger Quest. There are Ranger Quests for adults and there is a Junior Ranger Quest for those 12 and under. You will find a complete list of the rules and all the available quests within the park or on the website.

Rainy Pass In The Northern Cascades

Camping on Rainy Pass is a monumental experience while in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Beginning at Rainy Pass, you can hike to three clear and beautiful alpine lakes. You will climb two mountain passes through the North Cascades and you will experience breathtaking views. Lake Ann trailhead parking is available at Rainy Pass. Please note that leaving your vehicle at Rainy Pass Trailhead requires a Northwest or Federal Lands pass. Camping is not permitted in all areas. There is camping allowed at Lewis Lake in the next valley over. Just before you reach Heather Pass after about 2 1/2 miles, there is a spur trail that leads to Lewis Lake. You can get complete information on all the day use areas and camping areas at the ranger station.

A charming Bavarian Village

Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian Village in the heart of the Washington Cascades. Leavenworth is a quaint Bavarian Village known the world over for amazing specialty shops. Here you can shop till you drop amidst a selection of Bavarian style goods. To help you delight in the many memories of your trip, be sure to take home a few reminders. In Leavenworth you will enjoy some of the most spectacular specialty shops in the State of Washington. You will also find numerous accommodations to choose from. They are clean , cosy and nestled in this charming town on the edge of the woods. Check out the calendar to see what is going on during the time you will be there. You will find festivals, musicals, and live theater. One of the most attended festivals are the events leading up to Christmas. The christmas lighting and Ice Fest are perhaps the most popular of the events on the calendar. This spectacular and quaint town is breathtaking. A Bavarian theme in the midst of the Cascade Mountains is remarkable.

In the 1960’s Leavenworth was almost dead. The railroad was gone and the timber industry was dying a painful death. In the midst of all the chaos was born an amazing village. The mountains and the valleys resembled Bavaria, Germany. What an astonishing German Bavarian Village. Leavenworth was remodeled and the people are coming. Spend a few days and enjoy the amazing qualities of this little piece of Germany.

Where ever you travel in Washington State you will find fun and amazing places. Gather the family together and continue to explore the backroads of Washington.

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Western Washington Adventures

May 30, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Seattle-Tacoma Airport

Washington adventures begin as you land at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Seattle is the gateway to The Evergreen State. It is rightly called The Evergreen State, as it is one of the greenest places on earth. Of course, with all that green, comes rain. Always carry an umbrella in Western Washington.You just don’t know when it can hit. But all that rain has made one of the prettiest places to visit in the United States of America. The flowers are just spectacular, and the Rhododendrons are some of the worlds largest. They are several colors and are magnificent!

The Bloedel Reserve

There is so much to discover in the Northwest part of the state. From Seattle catch the Ferry to Bainbridge Island’s most popular garden.The Bloedel Reserve is on Bainbridge Island, Washington. It is an internationally known garden. This public garden and forest preserve is one of the world’s best. It has always provided tranquility and extreme natural beauty. The State Reserve has 150 acres with natural woodlands and second-growth trees. There are many gorgeous gardens including a Japanese Garden, a unique Moss Garden and the reflection pool is spectacular. The former estate’s home is still on the grounds and is amazing. We encourage you to visit this Pacific Northwest treasure.

At the Bloedel Reserve there are tours, guided walks, lectures, workshops, and much more. There is an amazing collection of artwork shown during art shows, and outstanding musical events. The events are endless and it is best to call ahead to see what is going on during the time you will be in the Seattle area.

The Bloedel Reserve

7571 NE Dolphin Drive,
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Phone 206-842-7631 Fax 206-842-3295

Please do not bring pets, as they can not enter the reserve or be left in cars.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday year around. Extended hours until 6 p.m. (Thursday – Sunday) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They are also open on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.

Bloedel Reserve

Highline Seatac Botanical Garden

This gorgeous urban garden is an amazing accomplishment of the city of Seatac. Included in it’s 10.5 acres are many different display gardens, beautiful green woodlands, and extensive walking trails for your relaxation. This garden was reclaimed from a neglected urban field and now is a garden showplace that is still growing and expanding yearly. Highline Seatac Botanical Garden is a special treasure you will not want to miss.

One of my favorite small gardens in this Highline Seatac Botanical Garden is the Sensory Garden. This mini garden features a spacious central plaza, a unique rain garden, and numerous raised beds especially for seniors. One of my favorite areas are the collections of blue and purple flowers. What an amazing display! These are all native flowers that grows especial well in Washington and the varieties seem endless. There are several paths with tunnels of beautiful native vines.

One of the newer mini gardens in this spacious garden is the Puget Sound Fuchsia Society Garden. This is a beautiful demonstration garden by the fuchsia enthusiasts of the Puget Sound area. This Fuchsia Display Garden was established show all the many fuchsia plants that you can grow in the Pacific Northwest. There are many displays of both different upright varieties and many trailing varieties. This garden is extremely spectacular and unusual. This is one of the most complete fuchsia gardens in the country.

The Seattle Rose Society Garden has been a part of the Highline Seatac Botanical Garden almost from the beginning. Here you will find one of the most complete garden of roses in the Northwest. This is a demonstration garden and there are many workshops and demonstrations. What a fragrant and beautiful public gathering place. There are many areas where you can seat and just enjoy the garden as well as paths through the garden. This garden is especially suitable for celebrations and can be reserved for that special occasion when available.

The next garden is a wonderful heritage bed of day lilies. The Puget Sound Day Lily Club is especially focused on the older and heritage varieties of the day lilies. Their focus is those that grow the best in the unique climate of Puget Sound. This is perhaps one of the largest collections anywhere of this beautiful garden favorite.

The King County Iris Society was the very first garden in this astonishing collection of gardens. The iris is another flower that is extremely well suited to the climate and the varieties are almost endless. In this garden you will find the newer varieties as well as the older heritage favorites. The original garden included a wide selection of all classes of bearded iris. There were mini dwarfs, dwarfs, intermediates, miniature tall, tall, those that are for borders, and those that are historic. The garden has since been expanded to include many of the beardless varieties as well. If you are a lover of the iris, this is one of the best iris gardens in the Pacific Northwest.

The Seike Japanese Garden is another one of the Pacific Northwest’s treasures. This priceless and unique Japanese Garden can be found just down the hill. The Seike Japanese Garden was previously located in the Des Moines Way Nursery. Due to its nearness to the airport, it was in danger of being sold and lost to the community. This amazing garden was saved by four different local city governments together with the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation. This project to save the garden is believed to be the largest outside of Japan. It is the largest project to be moved in the United States. This garden has all the many unique varieties of plants common in a Japanese garden. There are beautiful walking paths and it is adorned with many Japanese garden ornaments.

The last of the completed gardens is the Elda Behm’s Paradise Garden. This is a beautiful symbolic re-creation of Elda Behm’s original Paradise Garden which was condemned to allow for the construction of the Port of Seattle’s third runway at the Seatac Airport. This traditional garden is located at the entrance to the Highline Seatac Botanical Garden. It is one of the garden jewels of Western Washington.

Currently, the Highline Seatac Botanical Garden is using less than half of the land that was acquired. Many other gardens will be added as time goes on. This is a delightful garden adventure in the making. Certainly it is one you will not want to miss.

Street Address
13735 24th Ave S
SeaTac, WA 98168

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 69384
SeaTac, WA 98168

Telephone (206) 391 4003

The Highline Seatac Botanical Garden is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. There is no fee to view the garden. Groups can request special tours for a minimum fee of 70.00 or $5.00 per person, whichever is greater.

Clam Chowder With Sourdough Bread

Another must do event is to try all the different chowder that the Northwest is famous for. The Pacific Northwest must be the chowder capital of the world. So many varieties and recipes to choose from. And of course it is not complete without Sourdough Bread. The smell of the sourdough baking, drifts through the market.

Etta’s Seafood is one of the outstanding seafood restaurants in the greater Seattle area. Located in the heart of the Pike’s Place Market, Etta’s is the perfect place for lunch or dinner. Perhaps their best known item on the menu is their famous clam chowder. Etta’s has some of the best clam chowder, complete with fresh sourdough bread. It is a must have!

Clam chowder, of course, is not the only famous item on the menu. Be sure to explore the unique and tasty crab cakes. These crab cakes will melt in your mouth. They are delicious! They are fresh!

Another speciality item is the fresh salmon. Their salmon is some of the best on the West Coast. The rub that is used before baking is unique and delicious. It is Etta’s special blend. Etta’s is one of Seattle’s greatest treasures.

Not too hungry? Among the many appetizers you will find Crab Eggs Benny. They are just the perfect snack. They are light and tasty! Combine them with the Vegetarian Home Fries for the ultimate treat.

Be sure to leave a little extra room for desert. They have some of the best pie at the market! For those who love coconut, check out the Triple Coconut Pie. What an amazing treat! You won’t want to miss it!

Etta’s Seafood
2020 Western Ave (between Lenora and Virginia)
Seattle, Washington 98121
United States
(206) 443-6000 (Phone)

Pike Place Chowder is another one of the spectacular diners at the Pike Place Market. Enjoy the amazing water views and experience chowder to die for. Their clam chowder is paired with their apple bacon for a unique flavor. They are also famous for their salmon chowder. If you are wanting a variety of quality chowder, then Pike Place Chowder is the perfect place for your chowder adventure.

Want a little something on the side? Pike Place Chowder has Crab and Lobster rolls. They are some of the finest in Seattle. Their location in the midst of the Pike Place Market guarantees some of the freshest fish and produce in town. Delicious chowder is waiting. Come on, and discover one of Seattle’s best!

Pike Place Chowder
600 Pine St (between 6th and 7th)
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 838-5680 (Phone)

Pike Place Market

A highlight of any Seattle adventure is the Pike Place Market. The produce is fresh and abundant. The fish is the catch of the day. It is unloaded each morning at this spectacular fish market. Beyond the Fish Market and Farmer’s Market sections are hundreds of local shops. Here at Pike Place Market, there is no middle man. Meet the farmers who grow your produce. Enjoy the families of the hard-working fisherman. And of course, meet all the amazing craftsman who make all the many hand-crafted items. This is one of the best markets on the West Coast. Savor the market experience!

Seattle Space Needle

An icon of Seattle from the 1962 World’s fair is the majestic space needle. This spectacular observation tower is a landmark of the Pacific Northwest. Built in the Seattle Center, it is the gateway to Seattle. The view is fantastic! The technology is some of the best. During the World’s fair alone, over 2.3 million visitors came to see this fabulous accomplishment.

The view from the observation deck is astounding! There is nothing in the Puget Sound area that you can not see. It is the perfect beginning to any Washington adventure. Discover the Seattle downtown skyline with all its skyscrapers. Most of these buildings are shorter than the Space Needle. There was a time, when it was the tallest building West of the Mississippi! Take in vistas of Washington’s Olympic Range and Cascade Mountains. Mount Rainier and Mount Baker tower in the distance. Elliott Bay is a near by treasure. You can see it all from the observation deck.

Seattle Space Needle
400 Broad St
Seattle, WA 98109

The Space Needle is open daily from 8 am till Midnight. Holiday hours can differ.

SkyCity Restaurant At The Needle

SkyCity Restaurant is a famous revolving restaurant with panoramic vistas and a menu with all the favorites of the Pacific Northwest. Discover all that SkyCity has to share. Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner is served daily. Every meal includes a visit to the Observation Deck! Discover Puget Sound! Savor the view! There is nothing like it!

SkyCity Restaurant At The Needle
400 Broad St
Seattle, WA 98109
206-905-2100 (Phone)

Reservations are recommended. Groups up to 10 people can be handled. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.

Seattle’s Best Kept Secret

One of the best kept secrets of the city is the Seattle City Pass. With the pass you can get into places like the Space Needle, take a harbor cruise, visit museums, gardens, Z00 and other culture events of the city. By using the City Pass you can save as much as 45% of the cost of admission. You will find all the information you need by going to their website.

This is a perfect year to visit greater Seattle. Discover the one of the countries best Zoos! Seek out the Gardens! Cruise the waterways. Visit the Space Needle. There is nothing like a Washington adventure! If you live in the Pacific Northwest, then this amazing city is in your own back yard! See you in Seattle!

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