Day Trips from Seattle, WA

Known for its magnificent scenery and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, Bellingham is the northernmost city in the contiguous United States and has a population of more than 50,000. Popular summer activities include fishing, hiking, and golfing, while winter visitors can ski at Mt. Baker or check out the many museums and galleries that Bellingham has to offer.

The city also has a jam-packed events calendar; highlights include an annual seafood festival in April and a six-day fair in August. Anyone wishing for assistance in planning their visit can visit the Visitor Center at 904 Potter St.

Plan ahead for these Bellingham Events:
- Ski to Sea - May 25, 2025
- Bellingham SeaFeast - Saturday & Sunday October 5 & 6, 2024
- Fairhaven Winterfest - from late November to late December

Bainbridge Island is a small town located in the heart of Puget Sound. With backdrops of the Cascade Mountain Range, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier, Bainbridge offers picturesque views of the surrounding area in addition to its own natural beauty.

Alcohol connoisseurs will be pleased to learn that the island features a number of artisan wineries, an organic distillery, and a brewery. Visitors will also find acres of parks, several hiking trails, and some fascinating historical sites. Just a short walk from the ferry is the little village of Winslow, which is home to a variety of restaurants, unique shops, and a waterfront park.

Established in 1899, Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 236,381 acres, including Mount Rainier itself. At 14,410 feet above sea level, the active volcano is home to more glaciers than any other peak in the continuous United States and is one of the most famous landmarks in Washington.

There are a number of hiking trails and climbing spots available for visitors to enjoy. The park also contains a number of visitor centers, picnic areas, and dining options. Visitors to the park can choose from a number of different pass options, including an annual pass and nightly camping passes.

Snoqualmie Falls is a 270-foot waterfall listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its importance in the traditional beliefs of the Snoqualmie people. Admission to the two-acre park is free, and the park is home to a short hiking trail as well as a handicap-accessible observation deck and a picnic area with five tables.

The historic Salish Lodge & Spa overlooks the falls, and includes a restaurant renowned for its hearty pancakes. A gift shop, coffee stand, and public washrooms are also found on-site. Free parking is available, and it is open from dawn until dusk.

As Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company, the Boeing Factory Tour in Everett offers visitors a unique opportunity to step inside a commercial jet assembly plant. Tours include fascinating facts about the history of Boeing, and guests will be able to watch as 747, 777, and 787 jets are assembled on the factory line. Public tours of the factory are offered seven days a week, and guests are advised to purchase tickets ahead of time to ensure a spot. Tours are approximately 90 minutes long, and they begin and end at the Future of Flight Aviation Center.

Address: Boeing Factory Tour, 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275, Phone: 800-464-1476

Lakewold Gardens is a 10-acre non-profit garden designed with assistance from the well-known landscape architect Thomas Church. Highlights of the gardens include a rhododendron collection, an alpine stream with three waterfalls, and a garden of boxwoods that have been shaped into ground-level geometric patterns.

Classes on various gardening topics are offered throughout the year, and members of the garden pay a reduced price. A gift shop is found on-site, and the grounds can be rented for weddings, conferences, and other special events. A variety of tours are offered, and group tours can be arranged if reserved in advance.

Address: Lakewold Gardens, 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, Phone: 253-584-4106

For anyone interested in volcanoes, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a must-see. The 110,000-acre area was set aside for research, recreation, and education after the volcano erupted in 1980. A wide variety of hiking trails are in the area, and there are several excellent viewpoints accessible by car.

The closest viewpoint available to the public is known as Windy Ridge, and it overlooks the beautiful Spirit Lake as well as the areas destroyed when the volcano erupted. Visitors can climb the volcano itself, but a permit is required, as there is a limit on the number of people allowed per day.

Address: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, 3029 Spirit Lake Hwy, Castle Rock, WA 98611, Phone: 360-449-7800

Lake Cle Elum is located along the course of the Cle Elum River, seven miles north of the town of Cle Elum. Despite being used as a storage reservoir for an irrigation project run by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, the lake is a popular fishing destination.

Fishing season is open year-round, but annual depletion of the reservoir means that there are no boat launch facilities after mid-summer. The lake is home to a number of different trout species, including kokanee, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Fishing regulations are subject to change, so visitors are advised to check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Created in 1897, Olympic National Forest encompasses 628,115 acres of land that nearly surrounds Olympic National Park and the Olympic Mountain range. The forest covers a number of different landscapes, including the rain forest, a salt-water fjord, and the peaks of Mt. Washington.

Activities are available for people of all ages and interests; popular choices include fishing, horse riding, and driving along one of the many scenic routes the park has to offer. The forest is also home to a campground, and overnight guests looking for a little more comfort can rent one of three historic cabins.

Located on Bainbridge Island, the Bloedel Reserve is a 150-acre forest garden originally created by the colorblind vice-chairman of a lumber company and his wife. The design of the Reserve was inspired by Japanese gardens, and the property on which it's situated was donated to the University of Washington in 1970.

Highlights of the grounds include a bird marsh, a moss garden, a flower-filled glen, and a more traditional Japanese garden. Everyone over the age of four must pay for admission, but guided tours of the grounds are available at no additional charge. A gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 , Phone: 206-842-7631