This article discusses three popular day trips from the Seattle area.
"The mountain is out today." That's what natives say when they look to the south on a sunny day in Seattle (yes, they do have sunshine) and see the ice-and-snow-covered peak of Mount Rainier, against the blue sky. At 14,410 feet, the peak is often shrouded in clouds, but is a spectacular sight when it is a clear day. Sunset is even more wonderful. The setting sun flashes against the snowy peak, turning the mountain the colors of orange and raspberry sherbet.
Mount Rainier is roughly a two-hour drive from Seattle, depending on the traffic. The area is a National Park, and is famous for its old-growth forests, abundant wildlife and in the spring and fall, spectacular wildflower meadows. There are several visitors centers on the mountain, including the Jackson Visitors Center at Paradise "" about 6,600 feet up. Paradise has a lodge open in the spring and summer, and there are also trails up the mountain from there.
A traveler can go to Rainier to hike, bicycle, camp, ski "" you name it. Passes for these activities are available at the visitor's centers, and anyone wanting to engage in these activities should certainly read up on the mountain. The Native Americans call it a "weather maker" in that the weather can change very quickly and without much notice on the mountain. But the scenery is gorgeous and travelers should bring a camera with plenty of film, or a couple of memory cards for a digital. The National Park Service and the state of Washington both feature Web sites on Mount Rainier.
In September or April, a traveler might see the Puyallup Fair is going on. This is another day trip for the whole family. Owing to Washington's geographic features, namely the Cascade Mountains, it is not practical for the state to have just one site for a state fair. So, the eastern portion of the state has its fair in the Spokane area, while the Puyallup Fair (essentially the western Washington state fair) is just a bit south of Tacoma.
Puyallup is a real state fair, in the old-time tradition. There are the usual carnival rides, booths and games, but there are also numerous exhibits of other sorts. There is always an inventor's or appliance exhibit, with hawkers touting the latest available gadgets for everything. Farm animal exhibits include dairy and beef cows, chickens, pigs and even geese. The traditional 4-H farm exhibits are still much in evidence here. I am from the southeastern U.S. and can see cows any time. My friends, who grew up in urban Seattle, were very impressed with the bovines. The animal exhibits are impressive, however. There are also concerts with famous names performing. Country singer Vince Gill was onstage the day I visited.
My friends were also thrilled with the prospect of getting some of the fair's famous scones. I tried them with raspberry jam. They were good, but were essentially biscuits with sugar added. However, the best corn dog I have ever eaten, I got at Puyallup. It was called a Crusty Pup and I've never had another one that was as good. In all, the Puyallup Fair is a fun day for everyone.
For international flavor, a traveler can visit Canada easily from Seattle. Vancouver, B.C. is about 120 miles north of the city and the picturesque town of Chillawack is just across the border, as well. U.S. citizens will need proof of identity and citizenship, such as a passport, or a driver's license and certified birth certificate.
Nanaimo and Victoria, B.C., are also within day trip range. A ferry from Anacortes, WA leaves and travels up the sound to Sydney, B.C., about 20 miles from Victoria. Ferry fares range from $37-$46 for vehicles and $11-$14 for passengers only. There is a web site for Washington State Ferries that contains a schedule, reservation and all fare information for the ferry trip, which takes about three hours.
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, and is a charming town that mixes Old and New World architectural styles. It is a city that lends itself well to walking and travelers can leave their cars and poke around the city in relative safety and comfort.
Seattle is served by the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about 13 miles south of town. The airport is spacious, well-organized and easily navigated.
There are numerous web sites and travel guides that list all sorts of attractions in and around the city. A traveler should never run out of something to do or see or somewhere to go in Seattle.
