One Hour Away: Day Trips Around Seattle pt.2

Opportunities to get out of Seattle are all around us. It doesn't take much effort to find a great day trip to refresh you mind and spirit. Get an up close look at the looming Mt. Rainier or head across the Cascades to the Gorge Amphitheater on the picturesque Columbia River. What ever you do, just make sure you come back.

Cougar Mountain Zoological Park
Time: 28 min
Directions
Founded in 1972, Cougar Mountain Zoological Park is located in Issaquah on the north side of Cougar Mountain. The zoo is divided into ten “worlds” featuring different animals like cranes, wallabies, and of course, cougars. It also boasts one of the country’s top lemur exhibits and the largest herd of Siberian Reindeer, which are featured in the Issaquah Reindeer Festival each December. Through these exhibits and outreach programs, the zoo works to educate visitors and the community about wildlife issues in the Puget Sound area. More info.

Snoqualmie Falls and Lodge
Time: 37 min.
Directions
Located just 30 miles east of Seattle, the breathtaking beauty of Snoqualmie Falls draws 1.5 million visitors each year. Whether you view the 268-foot waterfall from the park at the top or hike down the steep half-mile trail to the Snoqualmie River, you will be overwhelmed by its power and beauty. The waterfall’s name comes from the Salish word for “moon” and has long been sacred to the Snoqualmie people. The award-winning Salish Lodge & Spa, the 1988 renovation of the original Snoqualmie Falls Lodge built in 1919, is a peaceful, luxurious spot for weddings or weekend getaways. More Info.

Stevens Pass
Time: 1 hour 39 min.
Directions
Stevens Pass is situated between Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to the west and Wenatchee National Forest to the east. The pass itself is open year round but the ski season typically runs from November through April, weather permitting. The 1,125-acre ski area features 10 lifts, 37 runs of varying difficulty, and 1,800 vertical feet on both Big Chief Mountain and Cowboy Mountain. Best for day trips (the three lodges are daytime only) but be sure to check the schedule as they offer night skiing on a few popular runs. More info.

Mount St. Helens
Time: 3 hr. 21 min.
Directions
Established in 1982, two years after the volcano’s devastating eruption, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument encompasses 110,300 acres of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Visitor Center at Silver Lake, just 2 hours down I-5 from Seattle and open year round, has displays about the volcano’s history and geology, a one-mile hiking trail, and a view of the west side. Also accessible from the west (via SR 504) is the Johnston Ridge Observatory, open May-October featuring the half-mile Eruption Trail and spectacular view of the crater. On the south side (via Forest Road 83) explore the Ape Cave lava tube and the Trail of Two Forests. Experience the blast area from the northeast, but be sure to check for road closures; the 11-mile section of Forest Road 99 that leads to the Windy Ridge viewpoint is currently closed because of winter damage.
More info

The Gorge Amphitheatre
Time: 2 hrs 27 min.
Directions
 Three hours east of Seattle on I-90, the Gorge Amphitheatre overlooks the Columbia River gorge in George, Washington. The venue has a capacity of 22,000 including reserved seats and a terraced lawn facing spectacular sunsets over the river. Their summer concert season features notable musicians and festivals including amongst others the annual Sasquatch! Music Festival. There is plenty of camping available within walking distance, so enjoy the show without worrying about post-concert traffic and the long trip home.
More Info
Concert Series

Mount Rainier
Time: 2 hrs 21 min.
Directions
If you think Mount Rainier dominates the Seattle skies on a clear day, try experiencing this 14,410-foot mountain up close. Mount Rainier National Park, the fifth oldest national park established in 1899, covers 368 square miles and has 246 miles of trails throughout the park. There are access points at each corner of the park – southwest (SR 706), northwest (SR 165), northeast (SR 410 /SR 123), and southeast (Hwy 12/SR 123) – but only the southwest is accessible year round. During the summer see the old-growth forest at Ohanapecosh (southeast), the colorful abundance of wildflowers at Sunrise (northeast), or a temperate rainforest at Carbon (northeast). Open year round at the southwest end are the Longmire Museum, housed in the original park headquarters, and the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise. All of these areas are great for day hikes of varying length and difficulty. For serious hikers, try the 93-mile Wonderland Trail or even attempt a climb. More Info

Bainbridge Island
Time: 54 min.
Directions
A 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle will get you to Bainbridge Island’s Eagle Harbor. The island’s 28 square miles are filled with parks offering excellent views of both the Cascades and the Olympics, and enjoy beach and water activities along the shore. Every February they host the Chilly Hilly bike ride, a 33-mile loop through the island’s hills. If the weather’s bad or you just prefer to be indoors, wander through the arts and crafts galleries or catch a show at the Performing Arts Center, which houses the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra and BPA Theatre among other groups. More Info.

Vashon Island
Time: 48 min.
Directions
Located in the south Puget Sound, Vashon Island is accessible only by ferry at Vashon Heights on the north end (from downtown Seattle, Fauntleroy, or Southworth) and Talehquah on the south end (from Point Defiance). At 37 square miles it is the largest island in the southern part of Puget Sound. The island has a rich arts community with contemporary art galleries and theaters. For cutting edge work by local artists, check out the New Works Series at Vashon Allied Arts. Each July the island holds a strawberry festival in honor of the orchards and strawberry farms that used to cover its land. More info.