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Here are some great recommendations from Poulsbo RV and Poulsbo RV customers!
Favorite outdoor adventures
Hiking
Hiking provides great exercise, fresh air, and an adventure almost anyone can experience. Washington has many hiking trails along beaches, rivers, forests, and mountains. Visit Washington Hiking Advisor for more information great hikes.
Contact/ Web site Info:
www.washington-hiking-advisor.com
Camping
Many of Washington’s 120 State Parks provide a variety of camping opportunities, from remote ocean beaches, to mountain old-growth forests, to lakeside getaways in Eastern Washington. Visit Washington State Parks for more info.
Web site Info:
www.parks.wa.gov
Fishing
Fishing is a sport that can be both relaxing and adventurous. From freshwater fishing to sport fishing, Western Washington has it all. For guides, tips, resources and regulations, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Web site:
Contact/ Web site Info:
www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/
Washington Department of Fishing Hotline:
(360) 902-2500
Best places to ride mountain bikes
Tiger Mountain
As far as Northwest mountains go, it's not much to speak of, but it makes up for that in proximity to Seattle and variety of trails. A 15-mile round trip ride on an intermediate-level gravel road features second growth forests, some moderate climbing and descending and a punishingly steep climb to Poo Poo Point where riders are rewarded with a stunning view of Mount Rainier, the Eastside, Seattle and Puget Sound.
Contact/ Directions/ Web site Info:
Drive I-90 out to Hwy 18 (about 8 miles east of Issaquah). Head south on Hwy 18 for 4.2 miles and turn right into a parking lot (at the summit of the pass).
www.trails.com
Rainier
At Mount Rainier, cyclists can enjoy bicycling that is both challenging and scenic. Bicycles are allowed only on park roads - that means no riding on hiking trails and there are no designated bike trails. The Mowich Lake Road is also in the northwest corner of the park at the end of Highway 165. This 5-mile dirt road leads to a beautiful sub-alpine lake. The Carbon River Road, in the northwest corner of the park, is approximately 5 miles long and offers a ride through a rain forest alongside the Carbon River to Ipsut Creek Campground. Another option is the White River basin due east of Mount Rainier where there are some "epic" off-road routes.
Contact/ Web site Info:
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Ave. East
Ashford, WA 98304
(360) 569-2211
www.visitrainier.com
Whistler
Whistler offers hundreds of trails with views of the beautiful mountains and forest terrain. Whether you are a beginner or advanced mountain biker, there is a trail for you at this major mountain biking destination. Trails are available to everyone and they are free!
Web site Info:
www.tourismwhistler.com
Favorite places to go four wheeling
Moses Lake
The Moses Lake off-road vehicle area has rolling sand dunes a waterfront view and lots of space. Four wheeling tours are also available.
Contact/ Web site Info:
www.tourgrantcounty.com/off_road.html
Ocean Shores
Most of the off-road activity here is based on the beach.
Favorite places for whitewater rafting
Wenatchee River
If you want amazing scenery and mostly hot and sunny conditions, the Wenatchee River is for you. Besides that, with names like "Satan's Eyeball," "Drunkard's Drop" and "Suffocator," the rapids have got to be pretty good too. The Wenatchee River is Washington's most popular whitewater rafting river.
Some Wenatchee River rafting outfitters:
Action Rafting Co.
Alpine River Runners
Blue Sky Outfitters
Osprey Rafting
River Recreation
River Rider Inc.
Wildwater River Tours
Snake River
The Snake River, which meanders through Idaho and along Oregon, offers many rafting opportunities, including the famous Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.
Yakima River
This one's the beginner's ride of rafting rivers, with mostly class I and class II rapids. This one's more of a lazy float down a cool river on a hot summer's day. There's nothing wrong with that, not every adventure has to be an adrenaline-pumping white knuckle ride.
Favorite small towns
Leavenworth
For years the city of Leavenworth, Washington, struggled. That all changed in 1962 when the city was transformed into a mock Bavarian village to revitalize the economy. Today, Leavenworth's Oktoberfest is claimed to be one of the most attended in the world outside of Munich, Germany.
www.leavenworth.org
La Conner
La Conner is a friendly little town located in Skagit County. Each spring, La Conner attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the annual Tulip Festival. It also hosts the Arts Alive! show during the first weekend of November.
www.laconnerchamber.com
Winthrop
Winthrop is known for the Old West themed architecture prevalent in all of the buildings in town. It is also a popular destination for cross-country skiing, river rafting, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Winthrop is also home to the oldest legal saloon in Washington State.
Favorite campgrounds
Deception Pass
You'll chose Deception Pass State park as your favorite campground. The Washington State Parks site describes it well: "Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. The park is outstanding for breath-taking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife."
The park is located at the north end of Whidbey Island. It has 167 tent sites, 143 utility sites for RVs and trailers, and three primitive group camps.
www.parks.wa.gov
For a step up from camping, check out Ben Ure Island at Deception Pass. For only the second year, the public can rent a cabin on the island for overnight stays. Because the island is virtually unpopulated, it's sort of like renting the entire island.
www.parks.wa.gov
Lake Chelan
At only 127 acres, Lake Chelan State Park is a much smaller park than Deception Pass, but most people come there to play on 50.5-mile long lake after which the park is named. The park has 109 tent spaces and 35 utility spaces for RVs and trailers no longer than 30 feet. It's an extremely popular campground and early reservations are a must.
www.parks.wa.gov
Ocean City
Located near Ocean Shores, Ocean City State Park offers year-round access to sand dunes and beachcombing. For those missing a taste of civilization, downtown Ocean Shores is only 1.5 miles to the south. The park has 149 tent spaces and 29 utility spaces for RVs and trailers. There are also two group camping sites.
www.parks.wa.gov
Favorite Resorts
Lake Chelan/Campbell’s Resort
Lake Chelan is a 50.5 mile glacier-fed lake in the central Washington's North Cascades National Forest that's been compared to the fjords of Norway in beauty and grandeur. It's a popular vacation destination, especially in the summer, when activities focus on the lake and a growing network of wineries.
Campbell’s calls itself Lake Chelan’s premier destination shoreline resort. The resort has 170 waterfront rooms, a spa, an award-winning restaurant with outdoor seating and a sandy beach good for a family getaway.
Contact/ Web site Info:
www.campbellsresort.com
San Juan Islands / Rosario Resort
Once a private mansion of a shipbuilding magnate, Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island features a great restaurant paired with stunning water and mountain views in a quiet setting that makes it a great place to get away and relax.
Contact/ Web site Info:
Rosario Resort and Spa
1400 Rosario Road
Eastsound, WA 98245
(800) 562-8820
www.rosarioresort.com
Sun Mountain Lodge
Perched high on a ridge overlooking Winthrop, Washington, Sun Mountain Lodge offers a dramatic 360 degree view of Central Washington. The high-end lodge has 96 rooms (56 with fireplaces), two restaurants, a spa, two outdoor pools and a long list of activities to keep you and your family busy.
Contact/ Web site Info:
P.O. Box 1000
Winthrop, WA 98862
(800) 572-0493
(509) 996-2211
www.sunmountainlodge.com
Favorite seaside destinations
Ocean Shores
Head to Ocean Shores for sand and surf. Enjoy everything from clam digging, beachcombing and bird watching to fishing and kite flying.
Long Beach
The Long Beach Peninsula is located on Washington's south coast. Visitors can take in the Doggie Olympic Games in June, the SandSations Sandcastle Competition in July, and the International Kite Festival in August.
Cannon Beach, Ore.
Stroll along 9 miles of sandy beach at Cannon Beach, Ore. Browse the shops, enjoy an elegant seafood meal, and watch the sunset at Haystack Rock
Favorite scenic drives
Chuckanut Drive
For a beautiful and slow-paced alternative to I-5 that connects Bellingham to Skagit Valley, take the relaxing and scenic Chuckanut Drive (Route 11). The route bobs and weaves through farmlands, along the shoulder of the Chuckanut Mountains with scenic overlooks the San Juan Islands. When you need a break from driving, check out the area's best restaurants, antique and art galleries or rest up in a quaint bed and breakfast.
www.chuckanutdrive.com
Highway 101 along the Washington, Oregon and California coast
This scenic highway stretches from Port Angeles to Los Angeles. Its various names include the "Oregon Coast Highway," the "Pacific Highway," "The 101," "The Ventura Freeway," the "Redwood Highway" or simply "101." No matter what you call it, the sweeping views of the Pacific Coastline can't be beat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Us_highway_101
North Cascades Loop
The North Cascades Loop takes travelers between mountain peaks, past glacial lakes, through sun-soaked farmlands and near coastal islands. This 400-mile loop runs the gamut of charming towns, natural beauty, plentiful orchards and spectacular waterways.
Favorite food tours
Bite of Seattle
The annual food festival is all about the food! The Bite is held annually at the Seattle Center and this summer they’re bringing back venues from the past and new events. It's a great way to sample local restaurants' featured dishes, without taking a big bite out of your pocketbook. The 2008 event takes place July 18, 19 and 20.
Contact/ Web site Info:
www.biteofseattle.com
Food tours at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is world-renowned for its gourmet restaurants, shopping, eateries, nightlife, amazing art - all on the Puget Sound waterfront. Tours last two to two-and-a-half hours and feature plenty of tastes of the Market, along with buying tips for your next meal.
Contact/ Web site Info:
Seattle Food Tours
(800) 979-3370
www.seattlefoodtours.com
Savour Seattle Food Tours
(800) 838-3006
www.savorseattletours.com
Taste of Tacoma
With 28 restaurant booths, the Taste of Tacoma is a great opportunity to check out local restaurants while listening to great music and perusing local crafts. The "ultimate family picnic" takes places at the Point Defiance Zoo June 27-29, 2008.
Contact/ Web site Info:
www.tasteoftacoma.com |