Here are suggested Day Trips and Weekend Getaways near Seattle.
1) Mount Rainier:
Only two hours drive from Seattle is Mount Rainier. Multiple hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers and above all, clouds and fog surrounding you creates a paradise like environment.
Campsites are available through out the area. Cheap yet beautiful lodging options like Bed and Breakfast Inns are also available in near by areas.
2) Snoqualmie Falls:
In only half an hour drive from Seattle, you can reach this one of the most famous and beautiful scenic attraction of Washington. Snoqualmie Falls is about 280 feet tall falling off of granite cliffs and is surrounded by about 2 acre park area. Entry is free and parking is free as well. At the top of the waterfall beautiful picnic area and small hiking trails are also available.
Historic Salish Lodge & Spa overlooks Snoqualmie Falls and offers grand views and cozy lodging.
3) Bellingham:
In hour and half drive from Seattle you will see complete change of scenery in town of Bellingham. Its a charming town with magnificent natural beauty. Locally owned businesses and restaurants gives a refreshing feel. This town is perfect place for whale watching as well. Whale watching trip are also available. Keep your passport handy in case you are crossing border to Canada.
4) Browns Point Light House:
This light house was in use almost until 1960s. It is about half and hour drive from Seattle. Today area is maintained as a beach, public park and picnic area. Tours are also available during certain designated time.
Here are some Weekend Getaway ideas from Seattle.
1) San Juan Islands:
You can either fly to San Juan Islands in 30-45 minutes or take a ferry and get there in 3-4 hours including drive from Seattle to ferry stop. These are collections about 4 different islands, each one provides different kind of experience. From farmlands to forests, from rugged mountains to sandy beaches, whatever is your preference, you will be delighted.
2) Olympic Peninsula:
This is large collection of Temperate Rain Forests located in western Washington State. This region is very diverse blend of natural wonders and climate. Multiple small towns and cities surround this vast area. Depending on area you are visiting you have variety of activities to do.
3) Leavenworth and Ellenburg:
Leavenworth was a old timber and rail town. Now it is converted to alpine Bavarian village and provides year round activities. It is about two hours drive from Seattle. Apart from all sorts of activities like skiing, tubing,snow mobile,rock climbing, horse back riding, boating etc, there are year round festivals and events in this alpine village. It feels like you are Switzerland without spending so much.
Before getting to Leavenworth, you can take a small detour and visit town of Ellenburg. It provides with big city amenities with small town charm.
Drive from Ellenburg to Leavenworth is very beautiful as well including mountains, waterfalls , small villages etc.
