Washington State in the Northwest United States on the Pacific Ocean has some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. Cape Flattery located in the Makah Indian Reservation is the furthest point north in the lower 48 United States. Visitors from all over the United States and the world travel to Washington State to take a 30 minute walk along the cedar planked walking trails. There are 5 observations sites where visitors are treated to a fabulous view of the Cape and the otters, sea lions, whales and seals that live in or near the Cape. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the former Makah Indian fishing and whaling camp, Tatoosh Island. The drive along Cape Flattery Tribal scenic byway offers visitors fantastic views of the beaches and wildlife. There are views of the ocean crashing against the shores and puffins are often seen on the beaches.
Mount Rainier National Park provides scenic drives, mountain climbing, and hiking for the adventurous traveler. The mountain roads provide spectacular views and access to hiking trails and resting areas. Popular stopping points include the Longmire Historic District and beautiful Christine Falls and Narada Falls. During the summer months (June through September) the tourist center in Sunrise provides the traveler with an opportunity to experience the glory of Mount Rainier and its ancient mountain glaciers. There are walking trails through the sub-alpine meadows and the Carbon River rain forest to Mowich Lake.
If skiing or snowboarding is your sport, the Crystal Mountain Ski Area is a new site that opened in 2009 and provides a chairlift to 1,000 acres of terrain and a vertical lift of more than 1,800 feet at an elevation of over 6,700 feet. The Crystal Mountain lodge in Campbell Basin is a world class resort that was rating number 7 in North America by Skiing Magazine. White Pass Ski Area is perfectly suited for family ski vacations and is just 12 miles from Mount Rainier National Park. There are more than 30 miles of ski trails and 5 lifts. The summit is 6,000 feet with a vertical drop of about 1,500 feet. There is plenty of skiing excitement for skiers at every skill level. White Pass Ski lodge is located at 4,500 feet and provides everything necessary for fun and comfort. There are also mountain cabins and motel accommodations nearby.
If you are looking for even more daring adventure, there are many back country areas that are accessible from mountain. Camp Muir, the Tatoosh, Mazama Ridge and Chinook Pass are excellent options. The interglacier on the Sunrise side of the mountain offers an unforgettable skiing or snowboarding experience.
Rainier Mountain Lodge is hand built cedar with one of the very best views of the fabulous Mount Rainier. This lodge is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range and is convenient to the Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Saint Helens National Monument and the wonderful Mineral Lake. Rates at the lodges are reasonable ranging from about $160 per night with all the amenities one would expect.