Washington

Mount Hood with Rhododendrons in foreground

Washington is usually referred to as Washington State to avoid confusion with Washington, D. C.   This is the northwestern most state except for Alaska.  North of Oregon and west of Idaho, Western Washington has a mild climate.  Moisture is plentiful and often takes the form of fog or mist.  This almost constant gentle Pacific moisture results in an abundance of plant life.  Much of the Olympic peninsula is rainforest.  Cascade Mountains split the state and the eastern side is much drier with some almost desert like land.  Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are the most well known of the volcanic mountains in the Cascade Range.

Seattle view of Mt. Rainier and the Space Needle 

Seattle is the largest city and a delightful place to find all kinds of tourist destinations.  At one time the city was flooded and when it was rebuilt the streets were raised to prevent future flooding.  Portions of this older underground city with abandoned stores may be seen on a tour.    Pike Place is a market near the docks and provides a fun stroll to find just the right produce or fish for your next meal.  A trip to the top of the Space Needle is required for a complete tour.  There are many other interesting places to explore in Seattle whether you are looking for art, theater, children’s activities or night life after dark.

Antique card of Wind River Falls

We took the ferry from Seattle across to Victoria, British Columbia to visit my husband’s sister who was in a Poor Clare Monastery nearby.  The boat ride was delightful and gives you a view of Puget Sound and The Islands.  Other boat tours are available for sightseeing or whale watching.

Washington apples are some of the best.  The Hood River Valley is where cousins of my Dad lived.  When they came to visit us they would bring at least one bushel of apples from their orchards.  This valley area is primarily farmland for fruits, vegetables and vineyards.
  

Antique card on Columbia River

The Columbia River is the border between Oregon and Washington.  Where the river reaches the Pacific Ocean was the final destination for the Lewis and Clark expedition after their long trek from St. Louis, Missouri.  The river produces a large amount of electricity from the dams along its path.  The Columbia River Gorge runs for 80 miles along the southern border of Washington, cutting across the Cascade Mountain Range, and is up to 4,000 feet deep.

Olympia Brewing Company in Turnwater, Washington

Both State and National Parks provide an abundance of outdoor enjoyment.  Beaches, rain forest, mountains, volcanoes, desert, gardens, valleys, wine country, cities and towns, Washington offers many different types of vacation ideas.  Their website is at http://www.experiencewa.com. Find what speaks to you.