Washington's Puget Sound fjords north of Seatle are long, deep, narrow waters that jut into the mainland as U- shaped valleys. Tall rock walls tower over deep waters where Orca's and Humpback whales swim its frigid waters. Fjords like these don't occur in any other of the lower 48 states and are one of the natural features that make Washington uniquely magnificent.
Olympic National Park on Washingtons coasts is made up of 3 different eco-systems and provides adventure and beauty to outdoorsmen in each of them. Hike along the Pacific Coast environment through Hoh Rainforest, one of the biggest temperate rainforests in the west. As you approach the seashore you can hear the powerful pacific tides thundering in and bringing another round of life to its tidal pools. Whales, sea lions, seals, and shorebirds can be seen from the beach. A backcountry campsite allows you to witness a misty sunset over the world’s greatest body of water. The park’s mountain ecosystem is popular with climbers striving to reach the 8,000 ft. summit of Mount Olympus, and backpackers enjoy the park’s old-growth and pine forests of the "Evergreen State."
Mount Rainier is in Washington’s largest range, the Cascade Mountains. The peak can be seen from Seatle, Tacoma, and all around the great state. To truly enjoy all it has to offer you need to see it up close. Mount Rainier National Park displays multitudes of vibrant wildflowers at differing altitudes throughout the year. Hike the Skyline or the Tolmie Peak trails to see avalanche lilies, paintbrush, daisies, fireweed, asters, and more. A quilt of every color covers it’s valleys, and meadows.
Hunting in Washington’s North Cascades region brings you to high altitudes, rugged forests, boulder fields, glacial lakes, and streams. There are more glaciers in Washington State than in all the other lower 48 states combined. A "high hunt" occurs in specific locations at the tops of these mountains. Hunters set up base camps carried in on horseback and in some places ATV's. If a mule deer, elk, black bear, or even a moose are part of your harvest you can carry your kill down the mountain to lower elevations on by horse as well.
Washingtons mountains flatten into the Columbian Plain in the eastern portion of the state. Here farms are seen along the countryside and orchards peek out around every corner. Apples are Washingtons top crop, the state produces more apples than any other. Granny Smiths, Honeycrips, and Cripps Pink are a few varietys of tart and sweet apples used for baking or crunching on along the trail. Whitetail, waterfowl, and pheasant hunting are popular along lakes and streams in the Columbian Plain and there are gorgeous views surrounding you wherever you go.
Washington State is a land of high mountains, decorated valleys, and lush forests. Enjoy its coasts, in its high places and its plains.
