North Cascades National Park - Beautiful scenic views of mountains, lakes, dams, and forests.

We started out from Seattle on Highway 20, North Cascades Highway. The small towns leading up to the National Park are interesting. The views were beautiful. Viewpoints overlooking the Gorge Dam, Diablo Dam, and Ross Dam were not only breathtaking but also very informative. There is a viewpoint looking west down on Ross Lake and Ross Dam that is really worth seeing. I would recommend taking your time and stopping at every lookout, you won't be disappointed.

Gorgeous, especially in September! The North Cascades are the most astounding mountains in the Lower 48, and you can get a good look at them here and there along this highway, especially around Diablo Lake and Washington Pass. But the real treats here await just up the trails. This is a hikers and climbers National Park, with few roads.

For a peek at the real peaks, step out of your car and walk a couple of miles up the Heather Pass/Maple Pass trail (near Rainy Pass). Or stroll a more level two miles or so south past alpine lakes on the Pacific Crest Trail. Fantastic.

Clearly marked and almost impossible to miss, these falls are right along the highway about halfway between Newhalem and Diablo. You go over a large bridge that crosses the falls - on the western side of the bridge there is a pretty good sized parking lot. From here, you can hike to an overlook of Gorge Dam, or you can cross the highway for a closer look at the falls, which are just under 250 feet tall.

Ketchum Creek Falls descend about 200 feet (60 m) in a staggering rock hopping path. It is a very graceful waterfall but does not see much attention.Nearby Gorge Creek Falls steals most of the attention since it is labeled on park maps and also has many road signs directing visitors to take a look.Ketchum Creek Falls is actually the more visually appealing waterfall. It can be seen from the road and the most common picture taking location is actually from the road.

 There is a turnoff from Cascades Highway leading to Diablo Dam. The spur road is steep and winds a bit and then continues on this narrow two lane bridge. From this point, a gravel road leads to Diablo Dam.

Once we crossed the diablo dam, there was a beautiful scenic lookout view and a must see.  

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.