by Sheri Fresonke Harper

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: December 05, 2008

Although visitors could spend an entire week visiting Seattle tourist attractions, golf courses, casinos, parks and culture, leaving the environs of the city is well worth doing. A day trip allows a tourist to experience the Cascade Mountains including the very prominent volcanoes, forests, offshore islands and other native habitat. Although there are many day trips a person can take out of Seattle, these are best primarily because they offer year-round interest.

Mt. St. Helen's National Volcano Park

Tourists should check the conditions in the park before setting off because in winter snow closes parts of the park. Many visitors to Seattle receive their first sighting of the state's major volcanoes Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker and Mt. Adams from the airplane flying into town. Often our weather covers up the peaks to viewing but on crisp clear days their beauty is well worth seeing close up. Tourists should plan for an early start and head south on I-5 until reaching signs for the park at. Once there, enjoy all of the museums covering the events of the 1980 eruption and its impact, viewpoints and trails. Visitors should plan to bring a picnic lunch or dine along the way.

Whale Watching and other trips to the San Juan Islands

Ferries leave from Seattle daily and take tourists to the San Juan Islands. It's an all day journey heading to Friday Harbor where boats leave on three hour whale watching cruises. Plan to spend an extra day or bring a picnic lunch. Be sure to bring your sea sickness pills, but often the Puget Sound is calm enough to not need them. Expect to see close ups of many whales especially Orcas as well as dolphin and seals.

Snoqaulmie Falls, Denny Creek and Snoqualmie Pass

A favorite day trip leaves Seattle by Interstate 90 and heads East to the Mountains. First stop is at Snoqualmie Falls. Here, visitors can see the largest waterfall in Washington State, snack or dine at one of the finest restaurants, hike to the bottom of the falls, and notice the huge power generation facilities. Heading east from Snoqualmie Falls, the hiking trails at Denny Creek are Seattle's most accessible trails in the Cascade Mountains. Continuing up the pass, one can find snow skiing in winter and beautiful views.

Commencement Bay and Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma

Tacoma is Seattle's closest big city and Commencement Bay provides for beautiful scenes of Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and Mt. Rainer. To reach Tacoma, head south on Interstate 5 then follow the signs

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>