“Day-Tripping” listings
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DECEPTION PASS
The view of the San Juan Islands from the top of the bridge that spans this pass is worth the trip alone. To get the full experience, plan to spend a day hiking or biking the miles of trails that loop around the nearby lakes. (05/2010)
93 miles north of Seattle • Whidbey Island, WA
parks.wa.gov/parks -
SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL
The fields in the Skagit Valley will be alive with color when the tulips begin to bloom this month. The city of Mount Vernon fêtes its spring flowering with a variety of events all month long. April 1-30. (04/2010)
76 miles north of Seattle Mount Vernon, WA
360-428-5959
tulipfestival.org -
PORT TOWNSEND, WA
One of the most charming and scenic Victorian seaports in the Northwest, Port Townsend offers everything from a historic beachside state park (Ft. Worden) to fi ne dining restaurants and shopping at local boutiques and galleries. (03/2010)
100 miles northwest of Seattle
enjoypt.com -
FUTURE OF FLIGHT AVIATION CENTER & BOEING TOUR
The world’s largest building by volume (at 472-million cubic feet) is where Boeing builds its massive 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets. Public tours are offered seven days a week. (01/2010)
8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo
800-464-1476
boeing.com/...rcial/tours -
SNOQUALMIE FALLS
These falls are most dramatic in the winter when the Snoqualmie River is engorged with rainwater. The two-acre park offers a hiking trail and views from both above and below. (12/2009)
30 miles east of Seattle Snoqualmie
425-985-6906
www.snoqualmiefalls.com -
VASHON ISLAND, WA
Seattle's best day-trips usually involve a ferry ride, and sunny September is a great month to hop on over to Vashon Island. Visit a winery, shop in the quaint village, or just explore the beautiful farms and orchards along winding rural roads. (09/2008)
20 miles southwest of Seattle
www.vashonchamber.com -
MOUNT ST. HELENS
Mount St. Helens blew its top nearly 30 years ago, totally altering the surrounding ecosystem. A visit to the crater is aweinspiring. (08/2008)
90 miles south of Seattle
360-274-2140
www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm -
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE WINERY
Woodinville has become the center of western Washington's wine country, and this grand winery, which offers tours and a fantastic outdoor summer concert series, should be the starting point for any visit. (07/2008)
19 miles northeast of Seattle • 14111 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA
425-425-3300
www.ste-michelle.com -
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Though you'll get a great view of the Olympic Mountains from Seattle, this venerable park is even better up close. A ferry ride from downtown gets you to the Olympic Peninsula, where you can access several entrances along Highway 101. (06/2008)
85 miles west of Seattle
360-565-3130
www.nps.gov/olym -
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Mount Rainier looms over the city on sunny days, but the 14,410-foot peak is even more impressive up close. Start at the visitor center in Paradise and plan a scenic ramble or mountain-climbing excursion. (05/2008)
76 miles south of Seattle
360-569-2211
www.nps.gov/mora
