It's likely your everyday must-have's originated in Washington. Microsoft probably had a hand in the computer you're using and it's likely you tested your “Starbucks language” (half-caf triple venti, no foam caramel machiatto) once today. But there's more to the Northwest state of Washington than computers and coffee beans.
Washington is a leading lumber producer and many of its native trees grace our homes every December: the Douglas fir, white pine, spruce, larch, and cedar. Grab some award-winning apples, pears and cherries for the Washington flight home, and pack away some of Washington’s finest wines for a special evening.
During the Washington vacation, visit one of the 1,000 dams in the area and explore the state’s source of water storage, flood control and power. Major Washington must-sees include Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks and Mount St. Helens, which erupted in 1980. Don’t forget a visit to the focal point of Seattle’s skyline. Many visitors booking flights to Washington inevitably find themselves waiting in line with a latte to get to the top of Seattle’s Space Needle.
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Washington has two main climates: west and east of the Cascades. The west is typically mild and wet, the east cool and dry. Seattle temperatures generally range from the 40s (F) in January to mid-60s in July; Spokane from the upper 20s in January to upper 60s in July.Most precipitation falls October through March. The western side of the Olympic Peninsula receives up to 160 inches of precipitation annually, and the western slopes of the Cascades over 200 inches of snow. Eastern Washington has only about 6 inches of precipitation, with more closer to the Rocky Mountains.
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Peak Season:
Summer is Washington’s high season, with July and August the busiest months. Seattle hosts outdoor festivals mid-May to Labor Day, the San Juan Islands are mobbed, and the parks are filled. Tourism peaks again in winter with snow-sport enthusiasts so book Washington flights and accommodations ahead of time.
Off Season:
October to April, is the rainy season. Hotel rates are lower and cheap flights to Washington are commonly found, but Seattle’s performing arts are in full season.
September weekdays are great times to visit: the weather is still pleasant and crowds are smaller. In fall and winter, the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula tends to be dry.
Spring is the favorite time for whitewater rafters catching the winter runoff. Savvy travelers will book Washington flights and accommodations in advance for springtime travel.
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With several regional airports, Washington flights are easy and discount fares are available. There is train service north and south of Seattle and bus service to Spokane and beyond. Washington has the most extensive ferry service in the country, and it includes transport to the San Juan Islands, Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, Vashon Island, and Kitsap Peninsula. A car or RV is a great way to see the state and the only way to get to some of the more remote locations. Make sure to fill the gas tank first—Washington is a large state, and gas stations are few and far between in some areas.
Seattle is fun to explore on foot and is well served by the Metro system. The Downtown Ride Free Area has free bus service from 6am to 7pm. To travel across the sound, choose from ferries, speedboats, water taxis, and jet catamarans. Seattle is a difficult city for driving, with bad traffic congestion, one-way streets, and scarce and expensive parking.
Hiking is the best mode of transport in Olympic National Park. A great state for hiking, Washington’s popular trails include the Pacific Crest Trail, Hoh River Trail, and Wonderland Trail.
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- The small town of Starbuck in Columbia County is not the home of Starbucks, the global coffee company. That’s Pike Place, a downtown Seattle market. Other “liquid” attractions are microbreweries Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville (there are tours) and Yakima Brewing and Malting Co.
- Leavenworth is a Bavarian village in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. In the 1960s, the town decided to go Bavarian to stave off economic meltdown. Stores were remodeled and festivals launched including the Autumn Leaf Festival, the Christmas Lighting and the Maifest. Enjoy the Germanic fare such as wiener schnitzel and sauerbraten or pick up a cuckoo clock.
- Tatoosh Island, about a half mile off Cape Flattery (the most north-westerly point in the continental U.S.) on the Olympic Peninsula is part of the Makah Indian Reservation. The island is home to lots and lots of birds, but no humans. Tatoosh lighthouse looks over the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Olympic National Park has glacier-capped mountains, almost 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and old-growth rain forest. The star of the park is Mount Olympus which stands at 7,962 feet. There are three national parks in Washington State: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park.
- The four main San Juan Islands – served by Washington State Ferries – are Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw, although hundreds of islands and islets make up the archipelago. San Juan boasts the Whale Museum and there are the ruins of the British and American forts in San Juan Island National Historic Park.
- Snoqualmie Falls is famous to fans of 1990s’ super series Twin Peaks. The falls rush down 270 feet. Near the top of the falls is the Salish Lodge, which also featured in the show.
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