Yakima Rim Skyline Trail

One of Washington's most spectacular displays of wildflowers can be seen as early as mid-March high along the grassy slopes above the Yakima Canyon in the L.T. Murray Wildlife Recreation Area. This region is distinguished by a series of great basalt-capped ridges and deep troughs collectively referred to as the Yakima Folds; ridges uplifted and folded millions of years ago probably in connection to the geotectonic events that led to formation of the Cascade Range. A nine-mile round-trip day hike will not only reward you with a colorful array of desert flowers, but affords an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and bird-watching. Enjoy vistas of Mount Adams to the southwest, Mount Rainier and the Cascades to the west, and the Yakima River to the east. Overnighters can continue on the 18-mile trail, but will need to either double back or use a car shuttle. Water is scarce, so be sure to carry an adequate supply. Remember to respect the land and pack out all that you carry in. From I-82, just north of Yakima, take the Firing Center exit (#26), proceed west on Canyon Road for .7 miles to Harrison Road, and turn left; after 2 miles turn right onto North Wenas Road; after 2.8 miles it will curve sharply to the left - continue straight onto a dirt road (Gibson Rd.); within a quarter of a mile turn right (east) onto Buffalo Road; continue 2.75 miles past farms and through grasslands to a parking area above the trailhead.

Hell's Canyon

The deepest gorge in North America plunging 7800 feet (2800 meters) at its lowest point. Located along the Snake River between Idaho on the east and Washington and Oregon on the west this National Recreation Area has some of the country's most spectacular wildlands and scenic vistas. Explore the canyon by jet boat departing out of Clarkston.

5 — Mount St. Helens - On May 18, 1980 this sleeping giant awoke with a force great enough to blow away 1300 feet of its snowcapped peak. The best views of its crater are from Windy Ridge, near Spirit Lake, on the northeast side. The mountain and its surrounding landscape is now designated as a National Volcanic Monument. Travelers should stop at the Visitor's Center near Castle Rock and see the crater by telescope; also view dramatic films and exhibits on the eruption. Then get up close by taking S.R. 504 along the Toutle River basin to the new Visitor's Centers at Hoffstadt Bluffs (27 mi.) and Coldwater Ridge (47.5 mi.). With fifteen years of self-healing and reforestation efforts, Mount St. Helens has taken on a new look of youthful splendor. Learn more about the devastating eruption and man's on-going endeavors towards forest and wildlife recovery at Weyerhaeuser's Forest Learning Center (33.5 mi.).







6 — Grand Coulee Dam - Make time to visit this impressive monument to both man's ingenuity and nature's force. Built during the Great Depression, it is not only one of the largest concrete structures in the world, but is also its third largest producer of hydro-electric power. There are both guided and self-guided tours offered, including a ride down the face of the dam in an glass-enclosed elevator and a special look inside its powerhouses. Every evening, from Memorial Day through September, the world's largest laser light show is projected on the dam's spillway.







7 — Lake Chelan - A spectacular setting for one of Washington's leading recreation destinations. Fjord-like, this pristine glacier-fed lake, is nestled in a gorge considered to be one of the deepest in North America. Chelan is 55 miles long, varies in width from 1 to 2 miles, and is the third deepest lake in the U.S., at 1,486 feet. Chelan Valley, at its lower end, is distinguished by apple orchards, rolling hills, wide sandy beaches, and lakefront resorts. The remote upper lake, accessible only by boat or floatplane is marked by towering granite cliffs, deep evergreen forests, and jagged snowcapped peaks. In Stehekin, at the lake's furthest reaches, there are only about 75 year-round residents, all committed to preserving its unspoiled natural beauty; it lies within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.







8 — Columbia River Gorge - From high on Beacon Rock, near Skamania, where dramatic views of the Gorge can be seen, to White Salmon, where a popular white water river of the same name spills into the Lower Columbia, this National Scenic Area shared by both Washington and Oregon offers some of the most distinctive scenery in the country. A unique combination of currents and wind conditions along this stretch of the Columbia attracts world-class windsurfers for recreation and competition. Visitors to Washington should to plan for a road trip or cruise along this historic waterway.







9 — Snoqualmie Falls - Throughout the year the three forks of the Snoqualmie River deliver winter runoff from a melting snowpack high in the Cascade Mountains to the Puget Basin miles below. Along the way they cut through steep canyons and tumble over huge granite boulders until they join forces near the tiny hamlet of Snoqualmie; then as one mighty river it plunges 268 feet to continue on its course. This is a most spectacular sight.







10 — Ferry ride on the Puget Sound - A visit to Washington wouldn't be complete without a scenic ride on a State Ferry across the waters of the Puget Sound. Experience the special magic that the fresh salt air, lapping waves, friendly faces, and unsurpassed vistas bring to every traveler. Any ride, any time, will bestow a unique and rewarding adventure. See spectacular snowcapped mountain views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, the Olympics and the Cascades, all in one trip. Travel by night and discover the romance of the sparkling city lights of Seattle. Quaint villages greet the ferries at their landings and offer up a special sampling of Northwest life.

3 — Seattle - Plan to spend a few days in the Emerald City - there's lots to see and do. Set on the waterfront and framed by snowcapped mountains, this sophisticated, yet "small-town" city, offers visitors a real sampling of Northwest life. Taste the local flavors prepared by some of the country's top chefs. Seattle is a mecca for the discriminating shopper. This enchanting city is recognized as a leading cultural center on the West Coast. Attend world-renowned performances of the opera, theater, ballet, and symphony. Take in a museum, music concert, or professional ball game. Be sure to visit the Pike Place Market and the International District. Stroll through the grounds at the Seattle Center and check out the spectacular view from the Space Needle. Pioneer Square, the city's historic district, is teeming with one-of-a-kind shops, music clubs, and galleries. A visit to this friendly metropolis wouldn't be complete without venturing out into it many unique and colorful neighborhoods.







4 — San Juan Islands - Nestled between the protected waters of America's northwest corner and Canada's Vancouver Island lie the San Juans; a virtual paradise distinguished for its unspoiled beauty and peaceful lifestyle. Each individual island also has its own unique setting and allure. Plan to explore as many as time will allow. The four major islands, San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw, can be reached by a scenic cruise on the State Ferry. Others are accessible by private boat or plane. The possibilities for recreation are limitless, from whale watching to gallery hopping. Don't miss out on discovering the special romance of the San Juan Islands.

Depart Seattle waterfront. Transit Hiram Chittendon locks into fresh water Lake Union and Lake Washington. Captain's Welcome Aboard dinner party.Seattle

Cruise South Puget Sound near Olympia and Tacoma. Port call at Blake Island for Native American presentation and salmon bake. Evening cruising through Rich Passage.Puget Sound / Tillicum Village

In Port Angeles board a high speed excursion boat to Victoria, British Columbia. Explore Butchart Gardens, have lunch at the historic Empress Hotel then have time for shopping and exploring. Return to the Empress in Port Angeles to enjoy San Juan cruising and whale watching. (Proof of citizenship is required.)
Victoria / Butchart Gardens
San Juan Islands Cruising
Port call in Anacortes, Washington on Guemes Channel. Motorcoach to historic La Conner with it's quaint shops and galleries. Return to the Empress of the North for lunch and cruise through the San Juans.La Conner / San Juan Islands
Disembark in Seattle. Airport transfer is included.

For 2003, the total value of Washington's agricultural products was $5.79 billion, the 11th highest in the country. The total value of its crops was $3.8 billion, the 7th highest. The total value of its livestock and specialty products was $1.5 billion, the 26th highest.

Washington is a leading agricultural state.

Snowcapped peaks are a backdrop to many Puget Sound scenes; here Mount Rainier is seen from Gig Harbor.

Stevens, who also served as superintendent of Indian affairs, set about persuading the Native Americans to sell much of their lands and settle on reservations. Treaties with the coast tribes were quickly concluded, but the inland tribes revolted, and hostilities with the Cayuse, the Yakima, and the Nez Percé tribes continued for many years. Over the years, Native Americans remained a small but significant presence in the state; in the early 1990s their population was over 81,000.

Washington State Map

Shaded Relief Map with Land Cover