City guides
United States of America
Washington
Things to do in Cascade Mountain Range
A visit to the Cascades Mountain Range is a great way to enjoy Washington at its most rustic and scenic. The range is divided roughly into three regions of forested mountains, and those visiting will discover that each region caters to a variety of interests. It's beloved by outdoors enthusiasts as well as those just looking for a relaxing space to unwind.
The Cascades offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, and climbing. While the adventurous can enjoy the many campsites, those more fond of luxury cabins and fireside relaxation will find high-class accommodation in the many ski resorts in the mountains, with Snoqualmie Falls being one of the best.
The Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular attractions and also happens to be one of the oldest national parks in the United States. Here visitors will find some of the most scenic and accessible wilderness areas, containing glaciers, dense forests, lush alpine meadows and over 240 miles (380km) of maintained trails. The Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument is also a favourite among visitors.
Snoqualmie Falls
About an hour's drive into the Cascades Mountains east of Seattle is the resort of Snoqualmie Falls, where the Salish Lodge and Spa is famous for having been the setting for many s…
Snoqualmie Falls
About an hour's drive into the Cascades Mountains east of Seattle is the resort of Snoqualmie Falls, where the Salish Lodge and Spa is famous for having been the setting for many scenes from the hugely popular television series, Twin Peaks. The dramatic falls plunge 270 feet (82m) down a precipice into a pool of deep blue water. There are several hiking trails in the area and picnic sites with a view of the waterfall. Snoqualmie also contains four ski slopes: Alpental, Snoqualmie Summit, Ski Acres and Hyak. In the town of Snoqualmie is the Northwest Railway Museum and the historic Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, which runs steam train trips to North Bend between May and October.
Website www.snoqualmiefalls.com
Mount Rainier National Park
One of the oldest national parks in the United States, Mount Rainier National Park was founded to preserve the lofty volcano. Known to Native Americans as Tahoma, its snow-capped p…
Mount Rainier National Park
One of the oldest national parks in the United States, Mount Rainier National Park was founded to preserve the lofty volcano. Known to Native Americans as Tahoma, its snow-capped peak draws thousands of climbers every year and can be seen from Seattle, some 90 miles (145km) away. The rest of the park is home to beautiful wilderness and gorgeous natural wonders, with plentiful spring wildflowers. There are five areas in the park for visitors to stay, each with a different level of development, some with basic campsites and others with extensive living centres. There are also several ranger-led activities throughout the year, such as guided snowshoe walks in the winter.
Website www.nps.gov/mora
Mount St Helens
One Sunday morning in May 1980, Mount St Helens erupted, causing a massive landslide, devastating a vast area of forest and killing 57 people. The volcano continued erupting interm…
Mount St Helens
One Sunday morning in May 1980, Mount St Helens erupted, causing a massive landslide, devastating a vast area of forest and killing 57 people. The volcano continued erupting intermittently for six years but has not erupted again since. The area lies about 168 miles (271km) south of Seattle, preserved as the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument. Visitors are plentiful during the summer months, enjoying activities such as walks and amphitheatre presentations, while in winter the mountain slopes provide cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Climbers take on the journey to the crater rim and visitor centres operate on State Road 504 on the west side of the mountain, providing information about the volcano and the environment.
Website www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm
The Gorge Amphitheater
High on the cliffs above the Columbia River, the Gorge is one of the best music venues in the country. A 25,000 seater stage sits along a natural ravine and crowds are privy to bot…
The Gorge Amphitheater
High on the cliffs above the Columbia River, the Gorge is one of the best music venues in the country. A 25,000 seater stage sits along a natural ravine and crowds are privy to both stunning views and the biggest acts. Visitors usually spend the night at Gorge campground in front of the venue so it's best to pack food and gear. Here, all manners of cars, campers and simple tents are scattered around for an often rowdy night of celebration. It also hosts the annual Sasquatch Festival each May.
Website www.georgeamphitheatre.com/