If you think about it, snow sports are pretty much the ultimate social distancing hobbies. It's just you and your equipment, sliding or gliding down a hill of shimmering white powder. Every winter, thousands of Washingtonians eagerly anticipate the opening of the Summit Tubing Park on Snoqualmie Pass. Easily the best snow tubing park in Washington, this place is a must-visit when during the coldest months of the year!
The Summit at Snoqualmie is a massive winter resort at the top of Snoqualmie Pass, and one of Washington's top skiing and snowboarding destinations.
The Summit has four unique areas and is well-known for its night skiing as well as its epic snow tubing hill.
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The Summit Tubing Park opens each winter when the snow reaches a certain level, which typically happens in early or mid-December.
Once the snow arrives, the park is open Friday - Sunday and for winter holidays.
This 500-foot hill has a 40-foot drop, so it's pretty exhilarating.
That being said, it's tame enough for the entire family to enjoy.
Snow tubing is a fun-filled way for non-skiers to enjoy the rush of gliding down a hill.
Of course, you'll find plenty of skiers and snowboarders at the tubing park as well -- it's pretty addicting.
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The Summit Tubing Park has over 20 lanes, making for shorter wait times.
There's also a lift that will take you right back to the top of the hill, so there's no need to worry about making the climb.
Is summer done, or is it late summer still, or am I coping? As much as I love the fleece blanket that is the Pacific Northwest winter, there's no denying the beauty that is a Washington State summer. Though we might bid our sunshine adieu, make no mistake .... there's still time to accomplish a few warm-weather activities!
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1. Get into the mountains.
In Washington, the prime time to visit alpine areas is mid-June to September. Though some routes may remain open longer, others may close early due to early snowfall or deteriorating trail conditions. As we edge away from summer, now's the time to tackle those strenuous but oh-so-rewarding hikes you've been pushing till tomorrow. Whether it's Ptarmigan Ridge (the route pictured here) or another one of our state's breathtaking trails, you'll be happy you made the effort to see our mountains before they're covered once more in snowfall.
2. Dig for some fossils.
Whether it's taking up karate or cannon-balling in the pool, I maintain that every adult has an activity or two they'd love to try if they weren't too embarrassed to commit. Mine is digging for fossils and it just so happens that Eastern Washington is home to several rich archeology beds. While the fair weather lasts, pop over to Republic, a button-sized town located alongside breathtaking State Route 20. Here, Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site lets regular folks like you and I play archeologist for a day. Best of all, on-site experts will identify whatever fossils you uncover and allow you to take a couple home!
3. Go foraging for mushrooms.
Nothing puts a positive spin on all the Pacific Northwest's rain like appreciating what it does for local mushrooms. With our verdant forests and proliferate damp, we have the perfect environment for an array of fungal species, delighting chefs and mycologists alike! Foraging for edible mushroom species can be risky solo, so book an outing with an expert-led group. You'll be spotting morels in no time!
4. Head to an apple orchard.
Did you know that Washington is the country's largest apple-producing state? In fact, Washington State University has developed some of the world's most popular varieties, including a recent favorite of mine, the Cosmic Crisp. With this in mind, few things are more quintessentially "Washington" than spending the day in a U-pick orchard. And, as it happens, these delicious fruits are perfectly in season.
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5. Learn how chocolate is made in Seattle.
Is this a personal bucket list item? Perhaps. Still, I maintain that chocolate is an effective medicine against the endless gray of Washington's winters. After all, if seasonal affective disorder is a thing, then so too is post-truffle bliss. Learn how one of Seattle's premiere chocolatiers, Spinnaker Chocolate, creates their confections and stock up like a squirrel for a rainy day.
6. Go glamping.
This close to the winter months, we're pushing our luck if we count on good weather. With the innovation of glamping, however, we don't need to rely on sunshine for a fantastic trip! Before winter arrives and makes a night al fresco truly untenable (or, at the very least, an entirely different enterprise), book your stay at a cozy glamping spot like this snug gem in Duvall.
We might be nearing the end of our good Washington weather, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still mark things off our summer bucket list. What are some activities you plan on doing before the rain sets in?
Fall is such a magical time of year in Washington. As we transition into sweater and scarf weather, the leaves start to change from green into those beautiful autumn hues we know so well. And if you’re lucky enough to take a ride on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad this season, you’ll see our fall foliage at its finest. Let's take a fall foliage train ride in Washington!
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The railroad in this area dates back to the late 1880s. By 1901, there were four work camps working on extending the rail line to Yacolt.
The railroad functioned for many decades, but over time severe winter weather and a lack of maintenance caused it to deteriorate. In 1998, a group of volunteers came together with the goal of restoring the line and rebuilding the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad as a functioning historical railroad.
Excursion service resumed in May of 2001. You can now book rides from Mother’s Day weekend through the mid-December winter finale.
Some of the most beautiful train rides happen every fall. They offer a Harvest Run at the end of September or early October and a Steam Fall Leaves Special journey in mid-October.
The Steam Fall Leaves Special Excursion is a two-hour ride through scenic fields and forests along the Lewis River, pausing at Moulton Falls for photos.
Passengers are treated to some of the state’s most beautiful scenery.
And of course, you’ll see some gorgeous fall foliage.
The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is a nonprofit organization that’s run entirely by volunteers who know how lucky we are to have a functioning historic railroad available to use.
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Check out a quick video of the steam engine from the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in this video from tubesmartine:
Have you had the chance to experience this beautiful fall foliage train ride in Washington? Share your favorite parts with a comment.
Why not make it a romantic weekend getaway by staying at this charming cottage on the Lewis River in Yacolt, WA near the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad?
The fun doesn't have to end with only one scenic railroad - here are some other great train rides you can take in Washington.