If you are planning a trip to America, the state of Washington offers a great place to enjoy an outdoors holiday with warm summers and mild winters. Here are a few highlights.
Mount Rainer National Park
Located to the southeast of the city of Seattle, Mount Rainier and its surrounding National Park is a natural wonder. The lofty peak of Mt Rainier, which is the tallest of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range, waterfalls, fabulous wild flowers and an array of wildlife make this, America’s fifth national park, a superb place for outdoors fans. Mt Rainier is actually an active volcano but it is not predicted to erupt in the near future. The park can be enjoyed on foot with more than 130 trails to discover or simply take a gondola ride for some amazing views.
Seattle itself
The city is great for a short break. It is small and compact, by American standards, and boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Seattle is home to all manner of internationally-renowned destinations. Take a stroll through Pike Place Market and sample some of the tasty delights of north-western US, or take the elevator to the summit of the Space Needle, for amazing views of the city and bay.
Chambers Bay Golf Course
Voted as the number one public golf course in the US by Links Magazine, Chambers Bay is a popular destination for golfers. It’s also where the 2015 US Open has just taken place. You can find out the results and winners at Coral and perhaps challenge yourself to overcome their handicaps on your visit.
Olympic National Park
Stretching across an area of almost one million acres, Olympic National Park is another natural highlight on a trip to Washington. Glaciers, peaks, forests, winding rivers and cascading shorelines are found in this unspoilt arena. Enjoy a few days at Olympic, sleeping under the stars and taking in the fresh air, amazing wildlife and all kinds of outdoor activities from walking to kayaking.
* This post was written in collaboration with Walter Allen.