Awesome - Yellowstone

Everyone should see Yellowstone at least once in their lifetime. America's first national park was established in 1872. Home to an abundance of wildlife, from grizzly bears and wolves to bison and elk, Yellowstone covers areas of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park is truly incredible and their is something majestic around every corner. From the geyser fields Yellowstone River multiple waterfalls, extraordinary geysers(Old faithful), the majestic scenery and the abundance of wildlife. I have been once at the end of winter and was awesome. Snowmobiling was one of the activities, i would recommend. I would also recommend going when the park is not as busy so that you can truly enjoy the beauty and the peace and quiet. Too many people congest the park and that can be a big disappointment. I will go to Yellowstone again and again. Its a 12hr drive from seattle, so you need atleast a long weekend to visit.

Vancouver & Victoria, BC

Blessed with a spectacular Pacific Rim location, Vancouver is a study in contrasts and cohesion. Set between the mountains and the sea, the city blends cultures and landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy a modern, cosmopolitan city alongside the great outdoors. You could spend all weekend exploring Stanley Park, but you don't want to miss the panoramic vistas from the Capilano Bridge or the Sea to Sky Highway, or the opportunity to ski or explore a mountain trail. A temperate year-round climate makes Vancouver enjoyable in any season, though the winter months do bring a string of rainy days less. You can reach Vancouver by road (3 Hrs) drive or you can catch ferry from Anacortes. Also you might consider taking Quick Shuttle instead, which goes from the airport directly to Vancouver. Victoria is another destination that can be covered.  You will have to a ferry to reaching Victoria. Must watch in Victoria will be world-famous Butchart Gardens, Whale Watching and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Safeco field : For Baseball fans!!

If you are a baseball fan don't miss this tour. The tour will take you to places such as the visitor's locker room, presidential suite, press box, press conference room, dugout and the field itself. The tour cost only $8 USD and lasts about 90 minutes. The best time to go is during the off season when football is playing. No one is really interested in baseball at that time, so the groups are smaller and you get to ask all the questions you want.

Pike Market, Downtown Seattle

Pike Place is one of the most wonderful places I have ever been to. Truly a great achievement! It is able to accept throngs of tourists while maintaining a real vibrant authenticity. People here seem joyful and engaged. The street performers and affordable housing add so much to the quality of the market as well.

This market is one of the best I have ever visited in the country. Many locals as well as tourists use this great market. There are also flying fish and many great restaurants and bakeries in the district.

Among the other things we must see the Seattle pacific center which includes the Space Needle. The pacific center has lot of activities going on round the year. You can easily reach using a public transport or by mono rail. Space Needle is another interesting place you should visit which has fine rotating dining(Skycity) on the top, bit expensive but views will make you feel on the top of the world, giving a wonderful full 360 Degree view of Seattle   

Land of Awe: Mt. Rainier, WA

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the fifth highest mountain in the continental 48 states. Its a beautiful 2Hr drive from Seattle. Mount Rainier National Park is a gorgeous place. Any traveler can enjoy the mountain's grandeur without having to be an experienced mountain climber. The visitor's centers offer amazing views from the comfort of a heated building. On your way to Paradise Inn, be sure to stop by various waterfalls and have pictures. However, be prepared for snow and view-obstructing clouds to move in at any moment. The clouds moved in quickly while leaving the park, making for about 15-minutes worth of white-knuckle driving on the Chinook Scenic Byway. Be sure to check the weather before you go.

Oregon Scenic Views - 101

If you plan to travel through Oregon and have the time to take the scenic route through the state along Highway 101, you won't be disappointed. It takes around 4hrs drive to reach the ocean shore from Seattle. The views and interesting day trips are many and varied. 45 miles north of the border is the Rogue River. 3 miles south of Florence you'll come to a lot of sand dunes and Honeyman Park. It is the second largest state park campground in the state. There are two miles of sand dunes between the park and the ocean.You can take a dune buggy (holds about 20 people) ride through the dunes. You can rent smaller dune buggies, too.   This is a great place for playing in the sand and freshwater lake.

11 miles north of Florence are the Sea Lion Caves. This is a natural cavern where sea lions live. There are about 200 Steller sea lions that make the caves their home. It's also a great spot to get a great picture of Heceta Head lighthouse, considered by many to be the most photographed lighthouse on the west coast.

Wifey!!

Just north of Newport Bay is Yaquina Head lighthouse and state park. There is a day use fee here, too, but it includes alot. There's a lighthouse which you may be lucky enough to tour---it isn't open all the time. Finally, you'll come to Astoria.  A beautiful hilly town with victorian houses and fishing on the Columbia River.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and one of the most beautiful!  The lake was formed after the collapse of an ancient volcano named Mount Mazama. I drove from Salem to Roseburg and took the Mapquest âs directions to Crater Lake. It takes around 6hrs drive from Seattle. It was simply wonderful I loved seeing the points near Crater Lake in the distance, and the beautiful little purple flowers on the side of the road.We started noticing the snow right away, so we pulled over and played in it! When we got to the first lookout, I rounded the corner and nearly lost my breath, it was astounding to say the least.

Finally we were at Rim Village, The Gift shop had some very cute and pretty things, I picked up Christmas Ornaments that were on clearance, a photo box, a envelope of standard size postcards, and a beautiful turquoise necklace. 

Picture Perfect - Hurricane Ridge, WA

We spent one full day in Olympic Nation Park and hit all three elements (Hurricane Ridge-mountain, Hoh Rain Forest-rain forest, Rialto Beach-ocean). Hurricane Ridge was our first stop out of three.

Hurricane Ridge is about an hour and a half drive up the mountains from Port Angeles. I'd consider the drive to be mountain driving, it's slow but very beautiful. The visitor center at the end of the road had plenty of park rangers, a nice gift shop, but was also very crowded. We spent about two hours here wandering the trails, and the views were almost too beautiful to be true. We visited in August and even then the Olympic Mountains were snowcapped.

 I'd definitely return to Hurricane Ridge, and I'd recommend you visit for yourself. In fact, of all the places that we visited in the Olympic National Park , this was probably my favorite.