Washington state can offer plenty of opportunities for romance. From visiting Tacoma to visiting Seattle, there is always something new and exciting to discover for everyone. You can explore beautiful mountains, enjoy the coolness of a rainforest, take a walk on the coastline, or visit an island. You may also partake in outdoor activities to round off your perfect romantic holiday.
Have you ever dreamed of living on the West Coast but could never pick a good city for it? Don’t worry. We can help you find the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest that most people overlook. Yes, there are small, charming cities and towns that you should look at besides the famous Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver.
Moving to a new state, especially if you have a family, can be pretty challenging. Even when you narrow down your choices and get to the final two, things don’t tend to get any easier. But you don’t have to go through this alone!
The drive between Spokane and Seattle is usually just a little over 4 hours, but the drive is packed with vastly different kinds of scenery, as well as numerous worthwhile stops that will help break up your drive.
With over 1.5 million tourists flocking to the area each year, Snoqualmie Falls has become one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions. The main attraction is the 270 foot tall waterfalls that are only a 10-minute detour from the I-90 freeway. Viewers can get great views of the majestic falls from two separate observation decks, check their website before you go to make sure the observation decks are open to tourists.
There are plenty of other attractions surrounding the falls, such as a gift shop, a 2-acre park, numerous trails, and even a candy factory & cafe. If you’re looking to try your luck you can go just down the road to the very popular Snoqualmie Casino where they have 54 game tables and over 1700 slot machines.
Leavenworth combines a fascinating history with entertainment and european flavor for a one of a kind experience in the inland northwest. An old logging town that ran into trouble in the 1930’s when the railway was rerouted out of town, town leaders of Leavenworth decided in 1960 that they needed to take action to save their beloved town from being deserted. They looked at the surrounding nature and came to the conclusion that it looked nearly identical to Bavaria, so they decided to makeover the town to fit it’s surroundings.
Since the makeover, this little town has become a top tourist destination and now attracts 1 million tourists every year. They host numerous festivals such as the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festivals. If you aren’t passing through during one of these festivals there is still nearly endless of unique dining, activities, and amenities that blend northwest and bavarian cultures like nowhere else in the world.
Soap Lake is an unassuming but fascinating lake that is a must stop if you are into mineral baths and the healing power of nature. The lake isn’t just another body of water with some minerals in it, Soap Lake is known to have the most diverse mineral content of any body of water on earth. The lake was originally carved out from ancient floods, and after thousands of years of ground water leaching through nearby basalt cliffs, the lake is saturated with minerals such as sulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride. The lake is known to have a pH level at or close to 10.0. Another fascinating tidbit is that the lakes water is stratified into layers that don’t mix, and have never mixed throughout its history. Locals and visitors alike have claimed for centuries that the lake leaves their skin feeling soft and smooth, as well as relieving various aches and pains throughout the body.
When it comes to live music in the northwest United States, The Gorge Amphitheatre is difficult to top. Tucked into the banks of the Columbia River, this venue offers visitors a place to soak in some rays while listening to various genres of music. The real treat is watching the sun slowly drop down behind the stage and behind the Columbia River for one of the better sunsets you will ever see.
It’s hard not to be blown away by the Cascade Mountains, especially if you’re traveling west from Spokane where the landscape is relatively barren and flat. Seeing them is one thing, but hiking into the mountains is a whole nother experience. Whether you want to stop for a quick hike to stretch the legs or go on a full-day hike, there is something for everyone. You can find an extensive list of trails here, but some of our top recommendations include, Annette Lake Trail, Talapus Lake Trail, and Margaret Lake Trail.
Looking for more exciting things to do on your trip to Washington, check out our website for other great suggestions!
Saurabh Chatterjee, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The West Coast’s largest Celtic Music Festival kicks off in the middle of October at multiple venues across Washington State’s coastal playground, Ocean Shores. 2018 marks the 15th year of the festival. This year it is being held from Monday October 15 until Sunday October 21st.
READ: 8 Great Hotels in Ocean Shores.
Galway Bay’s Celtic Music Feis, as it’s called, features a varied selection of Irish music, dance and more. Artists hail from Ireland, the United States and Canada. Headlining the even this year are The Young Dubliners and Celtica Pipes.
WATCH: The Seattle Irish Dance Company
The Festival kicks off at The 8th Street Ale House for a special Monday Night performance (Limited seating buy your tickets now).
Tuesday through Sunday is filled with performances by more than 25 different acts at 3 different venues across Ocean Shores: The Ocean Shores Convention Center, Galway Bay Irish Pub and The 8th Street Ale House.
CLICK: To see a list of performers.
Galway Bay Irish Pub has long played host to this celebrated event. This amazing little jewel of Grays Harbor features live music throughout the year, along with amazing food, a separate whiskey bar and walk in humidor. Out back, through a man-sized Guinness glass, is a covered beer garden and gaming rooms. It’s really a wonderful venue allowing plenty of options to enjoy your time at the festival.
If you are looking to pick up some authentic Irish garb, there is a gift shop conveniently located through the whiskey lounge (all age access is available through the main entrance in the parking lot).
Make sure to check the festival’s list of partner hotels, who offer shuttle service to and from the venues.
Take a tour of Galway Bay before the bands arrive!
Marmot Pass is a beautiful portal into the inner Olympic Mountain Range, for the seasoned backpacker. If you like mountain views, wildflowers, wildlife, alpine lakes and/or summits then this hike needs to be added to your Pacific Northwest backpacking bucket list.
With a consistent climb up to 6,000 feet, you are brought to the top of Marmot Pass where you find yourself surrounded by stunning views.
The hike itself is 11.5 miles round trip with a 3,489 feet of elevation gain on the way to the pass (6.25 miles from the trailhead). But don’t let this intimidate you!
The hike feels pretty consistent throughout, with one three-quarter-mile noteworthy steep section shortly after you hit the half way mark on your way up. After that, it’s smooth sailing to the pass, where several trails meet.
The hike starts out in the forest along the quiet Quilcene River, a crystal clear stream that meanders through the deep, old growth forest. After a couple miles of consistent elevation gain, you leave the river and forest behind. Next is a leisurely stroll through a wildflower-filled meadow before heading up into the alpine.
After the meadow, trees become sparse. The next section is a rugged, alpine canyon exposure as you head up the ridge a few more miles towards the pass.
There are plenty of places to stop and rest and/or eat a snack. Once atop the pass at the junction of trails, you have options on options for further exploration. Or you can set up camp and take a nap…
Camping options abound around Marmot pass. You may, however, have to hike a few more minutes once reaching the pass.
If the weather is bad, and you’re looking to limit the wind exposure, there are a few meadow campsites to the hikers’ left, right before the lip of the ridge.
If the weather is nice, take a left at the junction and head up the ridge. For smaller parties there are a smattering of sites within a 100 yards left from the junction on the thin ridge.
For larger groups, you can continue your hike up the same ridge and camp in an exposed meadow. Regardless of where you are camping for the night, make sure you make it to ridge at sunset with a warm jacket and your camping drink du jour for an awe-inspiring view of the sun tucking in for the night behind rugged Olympics.
Once you’ve made it to the junction there are a few choices. You may continue your journey to Tubal Cain Trail, Buckhorn Lake Camp, Boulder Camp, or Dungeness Trail.
Or for shorter options, if you’d rather set up camp and settle in, you could either explore Marmot Ridge (to the left once you arrive at the junction) or casually bag a quick peak (to the right once you reach the junction).
Buckhorn Mountain looms above Marmot Pass ridge. It is just one mile and 900 vertical feet of hiking away. Marmot Pass is such a fun destination for hikers, trail runners and backpackers because the options seem limitless.
If you have more than one night to explore Marmot Pass, Tubal Cain Trail is a excellent addition to your backpacking trip. Passing Buckhorn Lake you will be led to the old Tubal Cain mine site as well as the B-17 plane ruins. Check out the story of the crash here.
Buckhorn Mountain is a steep and rewarding climb. With breathtaking views of both the Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains it is hard not to feel on top of the world. On a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. St Helens and Glacier Peak.
If Marmot Pass is your final destination and you can muster enough energy, this summit is the perfect way to end a gorgeous day of alpine hiking.
Once you’ve made it to Quilcene you will drive on HWY 101 south for a mile and a half, at which point you turn right onto Penny Creek Road. Continue onto Penny Creek Road for a mile and a half. Follow it left onto Big Quilcene River Road, also known as Forest Road 27. Drive on Forest Road 27 for 9.25 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 2750. The trailhead will be at the end of 4.75 miles.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking and there is a pit toilet right by the trailhead.
Click for tips from REI on “How to Survive a Pit Toilet”
At the top of Marmot Pass there will be no water source nearby. Keep this in mind while packing and planning. If you don’t plan on bringing enough for your whole trip, you will need some way to purify water.
On the way to the pass there are some opportunities along the Quilcene River to refill an empty bottle. If you’re only doing a one night trip, it may be easier to just pack a liter or two more than usual.
It is important to be wary of wildlife as Marmot Pass will have mountain goats, bears and other critters. Keep your food a safe distance from your campsite if you do not plan on hiking in a bear canister.
There is a good chance however that your chance for a Mountain Goat sighting will be very limited, as they are being moved to the Cascade Mountain Range.
Unless you are very experienced hiking with a heavy pack in trail runners, supportive hiking boots are best for your trip to the pass and beyond. If you are just planning on a day hike or trail run, the trail is well enough maintained that trail runners or lighter hiking shoes would work just fine. There are several very rocky portions of trail once you leave the old growth.
CLICK FOR: A Guide to Shoes For an Athletic Lifestyle.
When packing for Marmot Pass don’t forget to pack warm clothes. If camping on the ridge you will be exposed to wind chill so keeping warm will be an important detail you won’t want to miss. Think Long Johns and a beanie.
CLICK FOR: A Three Layer Approach to Style This Season
Marmot Pass is a unique experience. Once you have reached your destination the journey and possibilities for adventure feel endless.
It’s an area worth exploring inside and out. Being able to look out on the Puget Sound, the Cascades, and deep into the Olympic Mountain range is a wonderful representation of what the PNW backpacking is all about.
Is your family planning a trip to the Ocean? Ocean Shores is known for its scenic views, family-friendly environment and opportunities to walk or drive along the coastal sands of the Pacific Ocean. Finding the right Ocean Shores lodging may seem difficult at first but it doesn’t have to be.
There are a number of lodging options available in Ocean Shores for all kinds of families. From camping at a State Park to enjoying the accommodations of a Bed & Breakfast or hotel. We hope these tips help you in your search!
Read: 8 Great Hotels in Ocean Shores
Many customers believe pricing to be the main factor in choosing their accommodations for a trip. However, finding the amenities that best suit your family’s needs should be at the top of the list.
I many cases, the extra cost of the room may save you in the overall cost of the trip. Lodging that includes complimentary breakfast is a big one along with pools, outdoor activities or game rooms to entertain the kids for “free.”
Lodging that offers shuttle service, or is close to public transportation may be convenient if you’re planning trips to popular locations in the area. Not having to drive is one less headache for you and your family.
Look for the amenities that best accommodate your reason for visiting Ocean Shores.
There are a variety of options in Ocean shores, from sleeping in a tent near the sandy dunes, to enjoying breakfast in bed with a view of the ocean.
One of the best aspects of camping in Ocean Shores is your close proximity to the amenities of the city. Shopping and restaurants are just a short drive, walk or bike ride away.
Often overlooked, are vacation rentals. Some families book the same rental home year after year. This allows your family the consistency of owning a beach house, without the year round costs.
Hotels are a great option if you are focused more on the activities than the stay. Let the staff take care of your needs. Many hotels offer extra perks like free breakfast, access to a pool or workout area as well as specialty concierge service. Make sure to ask about any added perks!
Most bed and breakfast properties are viewed as cozy and comfortable, perfect for quick and fun family adventures. However make sure to check ahead if they allow children or pets.
B&Bs, can offer the comfort of a down home atmosphere, with the convenience of big hotel service. Again the breakfast aspect is a huge selling point. Rather than eating granola bars and hotel coffee, you are often treated to an amazing home cooked meal.
A lot of your needs taken care of by the owners. They can help you make reservations for local events, and can offer first hand knowledge of the area.
Travel Tip: Curious about where to dine? Ask your host if they have any recommendations, or menus for restaurants in the area.
Bed and Breakfasts are often overlooked, meaning you could find great value on a weekend that seems to be booked solid.
Customer reviews have a major impact on the perception of a lodging property. A string of good or bad reviews can determine the growth or decline of the property’s reputation.
This being said, it’s important to use good judgement in determining if a review is truthful or not.
Things you want to look for when going on review websites are a variety of comments about the cleanliness of the hotel, the staff’s helpfulness when dealing with a problem (whether they were helpful or not) and guest pictures of the property.
Most review sites allow guests to post their own pictures online. This can help you get a first hand account of the accommodations beyond the professional, management approved pictures.
If the hotel has pictures online of bugs, maintenance problems, etc. you may want to look at a different property altogether. Not everyone’s review can be taken with 100% truth but a picture can confirm the claims in a negative review.
If you see glowing reviews and constant praise for the staff and the quality of the amenities you have a property that could be a sure-fire home run.
Do your research and come up with a small list of properties your family would not mind staying at.
You may see television commercials or online ads urging you to use third party booking sites. They often claim to have the best last minute deals when booking a room. While this can be true, it’s not always the case.
It’s advisable not to show up on a busy weekend looking for a room. Make sure to call ahead of time. There’s a good chance the property has a handful of rooms left to sell you may be able to bargain a better rate.
If you don’t want to wait until the last minute, book your room in advance directly on the property’s website. Often this can result in better deals than you’d expect.
Can you imagine saving $200 per night because you booked a room for a busy summer weekend ten months in advance? It can happen and it does happen all of the time.
Find the best pricing option on your trip and save yourself a chunk of money in the process.
Having membership in groups like AAA or AARP can be a great way to get discounts. Make sure to ask if the Hotel offers any such discounts. Also check with any organizations that you are a part of, to see if they have any special partnerships with hotel chains.
Most major chains such as Hilton or Marriott have taken an aggressive approach for guests booking directly with them. The extra incentive of a discount for loyalty members helps guests find the best deals.
Location is always a key component when traveling. It has the potential to make or break a trip. Maybe you want to be close to the action, or perhaps you want to be as isolated as possible!
Some of the more popular things to do in Ocean Shores include Horseback riding, walking along the beaches, shopping the shops, going to the family fun centers and boating in the area lakes and canals.
While the peninsula is only six miles long, the speed limit is restricted. Keep this in mind when booking a location. You may not want to book a spot near the North Jetty if your kids plan to be on go-carts and bumper boats for the whole trip. However if enjoying the peace and quiet of nature is high on your list, the North end of the Peninsula may be perfect for you and your family.
There is such a variety of things to do in the Ocean Shores area. Staying at a location close to the things you want to do is important.
So those are some of the best ways to choose an ocean shores lodging property for your next family trip.
Do you have any suggestions to offer for when you visit Ocean Shores? If so let us know in the comments below!
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