Snowqualmie Falls: Seattle's Niagara Falls :)

Snoqualmie Falls is known for how deep it plunges. I believe the information I read states it drops 100 feet lower than Niagara Falls. That said, I had to check it out.From Seattle, it's a short 30 minute drive. At 268 feet and pouring water from the Cascade Mountains, it is awe-inspiring.   This is a very popular spot, so there is no opportunity for solitude. My friends and I encountered people speaking many different languages, showing that Snoqualmie Falls is famous all over the world. 

Despite the crowds, the falls are an enjoyable daytrip. Visitors have the option of an easy walk to a viewing pagoda, or to continue down a trail to see the falls from its base. It is equally impressive from both views.The trail includes wooden steps at points and is easy to follow. Able-bodied people should be able to tackle the trail. 

No dogs are allowed in the park, but this rule isn't very well enforced. Getting There Snoqualmie Falls is located about 28 miles east of Seattle, just north of Interstate 90. There are many signs to point the way. Lodging There is a beautiful lodge here that overlooks the falls. I have been there many times round the year. Taken on December after several days of temperatures ranging from about 15F overnight warming to maybe 35F for the highs have frozen the spray to the usually shaded rocks. 

Multnomah Falls : Beautiful easy to see waterfalls!!

Multnomah Falls

If you ever wanted to see a very large waterfall up close but only have to walk a short distance from a parking lot, then Multnomah Falls is for you. It was a refreshing view and experience. There's hiking trails that lead up to the top of the hill, with a bridge area midway up that gives a better view of the waterfall.Located just off I-84 and exit 35


You can see the falls as soon as you walk up to the park. A short .2 mile walk gets you to the famous bridge, that crosses the two rocks, that frame the falls. If you like, you can walk the additional .8 mile steep trail up to to the top of the falls.
After you are done, you can eat the beautiful and historic lodge at the base of the falls and dry off from the mist in front of the fire.

If you have any extra time at all, take US 30 back to Portland/Troutdale instead of I-84. There are many other waterfalls and spectacular pull offs of views of the gorge along US 30.

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