This summer's been frying around here - we've even broken some records! Our weather can be unpredictable and differs depending on where you are, but we can all pretty much agree that it's really freaking hot right about now. Here are 10 ways you can beat the heat here in Washington:
1. Go swimming.
Always a solid choice when it's hot outside. We have numerous lakes & pools around the state for you to dive into!
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2. See a new movie.
Summer flicks are the BEST, and theaters are typically on the colder side.
3. Hit up a brewery tour.
We have several beer-making facilities all over the state for you to explore! Cheers!
4. Make a road trip out to Safeco Field in Seattle and enjoy America's favorite pastime at a Mariners game.
Get some peanuts or cracker jacks and you're good to go!
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5. Or take a trip to Federal Way and spend your day at Wild Waves!
Between the water & amusement park combo, you'll find the perfect balance of refreshment and excitement.
6. Throw a BBQ party.
Brisket, anyone?
7. Treat yourself to some local handmade ice cream, gelato, froyo, or any frozen sweetness.
Mmmmmm.
8. Go kayaking or canoeing...
It doesn't have to be extremely hot out to partake in this outdoor fun!
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9. And white water rafting or tubing!
You'll never have an adventure quite like it!
10. Take a hike and breathe in the fresh air.
You can find an exhilarating trail almost anywhere in Washington. Don't forget your sunscreen!
What else do you like to do on a hot summer day around our state? Share with us in the comments below!
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.