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Mount Rainier National Park
Tahoma Woods, Star Rte
Ashford, WA 98304
Phone: 360-569-2211
Overview. Known to Indians as Tahoma, Tacoma, or Tacobets, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington's Cascade Range. Its snow-capped summit, the result of thousands of years of glacial movement and volcanic activity, dominates the horizon from as far away as 100 miles.
Rainier itself is an "episodically active" volcano; its last reported eruption was over a century ago. Glaciers flow downward from Columbia Crest, spilling over rocks and cliffs. Old-growth forests cover the valley below with western hemlock, Douglas fir, and western red cedar. Lowland forest flowers bloom in late spring and early summer as temperatures rise and snow melts. In late July and August, subalpine meadows are carpeted with a colorful array of wildflowers.
What to see and do. The best place to start your tour is at any one of four visitor centers where rangers are available to answer questions. Slide presentations and exhibits can give you an overview of Mount Rainier, or you can join ranger-guided hikes or gatherings around a campfire.
The park offers about 260 miles of trails that lead into the wilderness. A permit is required for overnight trips. You can pick up your permit at any ranger station or at the Wilkeson, Longmire or White River Wilderness Information Centers. You can't miss the views of glaciers from trailside lookout points. Two of the most impressive glaciers are Nisqually and Emmons. Serious trekkers look forward to the 93-mile Wonderland Trail. It circles the mountain, passing through every major life-zone in the park. A shorter, 18-mile section of the Wonderland Trail between Stevens Canyon Road and the White River entrance appeals to those who want to experience the same variety of terrain without spending two weeks on the trail. However, this section of trail often has a greater density of hikers as well.
Only the most experienced climbers should attempt to scale Rainier's treacherous peak. Registration is required, as well an annual fee. Contact the Park Service for information and the latest weather conditions.
Additional activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and winter sports.
North Cascades National Park
Address: 2105 State Rte 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-9394
Phone: 360-856-5700
Fax: 360-856-1934
Overview. The Cascade Mountains are considered to be the "American Alps" by some, with jagged peaks that tower above pristine subalpine meadows and conifer forests. Numerous cascading waterfalls, which gave this mountain range its name, tumble over high cliffs or spill into mountain lakes and rivers.
The eastern part of the park is situated in the Cascades' "rain shadow." It receives less precipitation and has milder conditions, which allows arid-region plants such as ponderosa pine and sagebrush to thrive. The western slopes are buffeted by storms blowing in from Puget Sound. With up to 110 inches of precipitation each year, it is an ideal environment for Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock.
What to see and do. The national park complex is made up of three parts: the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
Ross Lake National Recreation Area encompasses 118,000 acres and provides a scenic route for the North Cascades Highway and a variety of outdoor activities.
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is not accessible by car, but you can get there by boat, floatplane, or on foot. The glacial lake is one of the deepest in the U.S., with its lowest point 400 feet below sea level. The wilderness area that surrounds it is located 55 miles north of Chelan, WA. Rainbow Falls and other natural beauty provide a haven for nature lovers, while the rustic architecture of Stehekin, at the head of the lake, adds distinct charm to the area.
Hikers, backpackers, and climbing experts will find adventure and challenge in these mountains. Nearly 400 miles of hiking trails provide access to over 600,000 acres of wilderness. Below 3,000 feet, trails are ready for hiking between April and May. The higher trails reach as high as 5,000 feet, giving visitors a spectacular, panoramic view of the North Cascades range, but may not be open until summer because of snow-cover.
If you'd rather take a driving tour of the park, take the North Cascades Highway, which provides access to Gorge and Diablo lakes off State Route 20. Ross Lake is accessible by trail only. The Diablo Lake Overlook gives you a spectacular view of several major Cascades peaks. Stop and stretch your legs for a moment on a brief stroll through the Happy Creek Forest Walk. This short trail leads through an old growth forest and is wheelchair accessible.
Along the North Cascades Highway, you can also cross over Goodell Creek Bridge for an excellent view of the Picket Range, and head into the town of Newhalem. Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center for exhibits, educational programs, and information about the area. There is an excellent view of the surrounding forest and the rugged Picket Range from the short boardwalk trail behind the visitor center.
Climbing opportunities abound in the Cascades, but only for experienced climbers. Because of rugged conditions and occasional severe weather, climbing can be hazardous. Be sure you have the best equipment and stay abreast of the current weather forecast and conditions. Guidebooks can be purchased at visitor centers and ranger stations, and permits are required for all overnight trips in the park's backcountry (hiking, climbing, and boating).
Most campgrounds in the national park complex are accessible by the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20). Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas provide several campgrounds, but services differ, so phone ahead for details and up-to-date information. Primitive campgrounds without water or services are free and open year-round. Most campsites are first-come, first-served.
Pets: Leashed pets are permitted in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Pets are not permitted on trails or in cross-country areas within the national park (except on the Pacific Crest Trail where leashed pets are permitted).
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Address: 1008 Crest Dr
Coulee Dam, WA 99116-1259
Phone: 509-633-9441
Fax: 509-633-9332
Overview. The Columbia River was named by Captain Robert Gray after he sailed his ship, Columbia, across the bar at the mouth of the river in 1792. Thirteen years later, Lewis and Clark came down the Snake River to the Columbia on their exploration. When Lewis and Clark first explored the western territories in 1804 and 1805, they made their difficult way through present-day Washington's mountains, soon realizing that one main river drained the area. This mighty river turned out to be the Columbia; Lewis and Clark touched off almost two centuries of exploration, settlement, and use of the Columbia. In the early 20th-century, a burgeoning west coast population demanded ever more electricity. A new use for the Columbia was found, and in 1941 the enormous Grand Coulee Dam was completed. This 24-million-ton, 5,223-foot-long concrete and steel behemoth generates 6.5 million kilowatts of power and helps irrigate over a half million acres of basin farmland. It also creates Lake Roosevelt, a long, winding lake stretching almost 150 miles upstream from the dam. With mountain ranges towering over the valley, thick coniferous forests lining the banks, and placid, cool waters, the lake has become a prime marine recreation area notable for its scenery and temperate weather.What to see and do. The park's headquarters are located in the town of Coulee Dam, while the Bureau of Reclamation runs the main visitor center at the dam and conducts the dam tours. A self-guided tour of the dam is an awe-inspiring experience because it's one of the largest concrete structures ever built. While at the center, open daily except for major holidays, pick up schedules of ranger-guided tours, programs, and talks. You'll also want a detailed map of the area's 23 boat ramps and 38 campgrounds, and list of marine facilities. Primitive and developed campgrounds pepper the shoreline, providing plenty of opportunity to camp or picnic. Any camping within the Spokane or Colville Confederated Tribe's Reservations, which border parts of the lake, requires a tribal permit. Consider taking a guided walk with a ranger to familiarize yourself with the terrain on shore, or perhaps a guided canoe tour to introduce yourself to the waterways. At Fort Spokane, you can tour the old fort structures. Between 1880 and 1898, soldiers occupied this fort located at the strategic confluence of the Spokane and Columbia rivers. The visitor center is open intermittently in the summer. Call ahead, or check at the dam center for hours. If you'd rather not boat or swim, scenic drives offer another way to appreciate the rich scenery. One such route starts at Fort Spokane, winding north along the eastern shore of Lake Roosevelt and through the Huckleberry and Kettle River Mountains. Another starts about 15 miles from the dam at Keller Ferry, whence it heads north into the Colville Indian Reservation and Okanogan National Forest along the Sanpoil River, eventually heading east through the Sherman Pass until it end at the lake again, close to Kettle Falls. Whether driving, sailing, or canoeing, you're sure to see wildlife. Deer quietly step close to the shoreline for a sip of cool water, while black bears may be in the underbrush, and an occasional eagle or osprey casts a quick shadow as it glides overhead. Some hunting is permitted in the area; check for regulations. Fishing is excellent. Anglers await a walleye, salmon, or rainbow strike, and white sturgeon grow to enormous proportions. Food and supplies are readily available at several marinas.
Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Address: 2105 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-9394
Phone: 360-856-5700
Fax: 360-856-1934
Overview. Ross Lake National Recreation Area is part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which also includes North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This complex, set amid the Cascade Mountains, is often referred to as America's Alps. The area is named for Alexander Ross, an explorer who crossed the region in 1814 and paved the way for others to discover what has since become one of America's most treasured regions.Ross Lake National Recreation Area's 118,000 acres stretch from British Columbia southward and cut the North Cascades National Park in half. Its backward "L" shape has an east-west land corridor that holds some of the area's unique features: three dams, the powerful Skagit River, winding creeks, and North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), one of the most scenic stretches of road in America. The Recreation Area's north-south corridor centers on Ross Lake, a 24-mile long expanse of water which stretches nearly half-a-mile beyond the U.S.-Canadian border. What to see and do. North Cascades Highway is the only paved road access into Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It passes through the towns of Marblemount, west of the area, and Winthrop and Twisp, on the area's east side, and will take you straight through the east-west corridor. The drive affords a tremendous introduction to the area's splendor. Winter weather shuts the highway down, usually from mid-November to mid-April, so you might want to call for information about seasonal road access. Trailheads, picnic sites and scenic overlooks dot the highway's route the whole way. Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center, nine miles into the west side of the area, and 19 miles into the east side, for information about trails and campsites, and to get permits for overnight backcountry camping. Three national park campgrounds are located along State Route 20: Goodell Creek, Newhalem Creek, and Colonial Creek. All are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hikers can take advantage of the East Bank Trail, which winds along the eastern edge of 24-mile long Ross Lake, and Big Beaver Trail, which extends northwesterly into the North Cascades National Park North Unit. Other trails twist and turn around the mountainous territory making for some of the best (and most challenging) hiking in the national park system. The climbing is also great, and wildlife and bird watching are some of the most rewarding activities the area affords. In mid-winter bald eagles feed on Skagit River salmon. Seattle City Light constructed three dams along the Skagit River between 1924 and 1961. Tours of two of these dams, Diablo and Ross, are scheduled regularly from mid-June through September. The longer guided tour includes a boat-tour of Diablo Lake, a slide presentation, a 560-foot ride up an old incline railway on the side of Sourdough Mountain, and an all-you-can-eat chicken dinner. Call Skagit Tour desk at 206-684-3030 for tour information. Each dam has a conjoining lake: Gorge Lake is 210 acres, Diablo Lake is 910 acres, and Ross Lake is a massive, but narrow 12,000 acres. Only Gorge and Diablo Lakes are accessible by vehicle from the North Cascades Highway. Go to Gorge Creek Falls Viewpoint for a view of towering waterfalls plunging below you. Diablo Lake Overlook allows you to look over the lake's green waters, a trick of light created by glacial sediments in the water. Happy Creek Forest Walk lets you take a .3-mile accessible walk into the forest. Also of note is the Ross Lake Overlook, located further east, which affords a view of Ross Lake north, all the way to the Canadian border. The waters in the Cascade Mountain region may be a little too cold for some swimmers, but you can enjoy canoeing, motorboating, and fishing (with state license) in the three lakes. A boat launch can be found at Colonial Creek campground on Diablo Lake. The only boat launch facility on Ross Lake is at its northernmost point, accessible via a 39-mile gravel road on its Canadian end. Near this boat launch is Hozomeen campground, the only campground accessible by car. On the southwest shore of Ross Lake, just north of the Ross Dam, Ross Lake Resort offers more civilized lodging. The resort is accessible by a two-mile hiking trail, or by a three-part journey comprised of ferryboat, open truck, and speedboat. Resort staff will drop you off at a cluster of floating wood cabins dating from the 1930s. These rustic and cozy cabins are equipped with kitchens, running water and electricity. The resort has no restaurants or food stores so bring whatever you plan to eat. For information call 206-386-4437. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted.
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
PO Box 774
Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone: 360-678-6084 or 360-678-4519
Overview. The Donation Land Claim Act of 1850, which guaranteed land to those who would homestead on it for at least four years, lured a wave of settlers west to the Oregon Territory. Some, like Colonel Isaac Ebey, found the fertile prairies of central Whidbey Island, in Washington's Puget Sound, to be the perfect farmland on which to stake a claim. Others, like sea captain Thomas Coupe, saw the protected harbor of Penn Cove and the ready timber of the island's forests to be reason enough to establish a seaport and shipbuilding industry. Early homesteaders didn't find the island uninhabited, however, and fear of native reprisal for the land grab prompted the settlers to build blockhouses around the island to protect themselves from attack. Hostilities were seldom open, though after Isaac Ebey persuaded the bulk of his family to move to Whidbey Island and establish homesteads, he lost his life in a skirmish with the Haida. Today, the prairies, forests, and coastal bluffs of central Whidbey Island, together with the Victorian cove-side community of Coupeville and a number of privately owned farms, some of which are still in the hands of the original homesteading families, are protected and preserved by Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The first national park of its kind, Ebey's Landing was established in the late 1970s in cooperation with state and private landowners, and is administered under the National Park Service by a local trust. Its wealth of historic and outdoor attractions is enhanced by breathtaking skyline views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges. What to see and do. The Island County Historical Museum in Coupeville provides a wealth of exhibits and information on the reserve. Here, you can pick up brochures detailing a walking tour of the Victorian mansions and false-front commercial buildings of the town. Be sure to visit the quaint, eclectic shops along Front Street and the historic wharf and waterfront. The museum also provides a brochure and map of the reserve's self-guided auto and bike tour. Wayside markers along the route explain the historic and natural history of the area and its farmsteads, forts, cemeteries, and blockhouses. Be sure to stop at Fort Casey State Park to see the beautifully preserved Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Ebey's Landing offers a wide variety of outdoor activities as well. Fort Casey's underwater reserve provides scuba divers a close-up view of Puget Sound's aquatic wildlife. Hikers can tramp the rugged west coast of the reserve from Fort Casey to Fort Ebey. There are forests, glacial lakes, rolling hills, precipitous headlands, and sandy beaches to explore. You can fish or swim in the reserve's lake or along the shoreline, or launch your boat from ramps at Coupeville or Fort Casey State Park. Bald eagles, otters, seals, deer, and, on occasion, gray and killer whales can be observed in and around the island. If you visit in August, time your trip to coincide with Coupeville's annual Arts and Crafts Festival. There's plenty of music and barbecued salmon for everyone. In May, on the second or third Saturday depending on tides, Coupeville celebrates the Penn Cove Water Festivals. You can experience a revival of Indian war canoe races from the 20's and 30's, salmon barbecues, kids activities, and boat tours. Accommodations in Coupeville include historic bed-and-breakfast inns, or, for a more rustic experience, try camping at Fort Ebey or Fort Casey State Parks. Other Whidbey Island communities provide more camping and lodging options. Handicapped-accessible sites are available. Reservations are strongly recommended for all sites. The reserve is open year-round, and is accessible from the north by bridge and from the south by ferry. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Address: 1501 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98861
Phone: 360-696-7655
Fax: 360-696-7657
Overview. The state's oldest non-Indian settlement, Fort Vancouver was the western headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company. The site was developed by the British trading company in 1825 along the banks of the Columbia River, and was overseen by Dr. John McLoughlin. The British hoped to establish a strong presence in the northwest territory and eventually claim it as their own. Hudson's Bay became a successful center of commerce and was a flagship for other British industries, including logging, farming, and manufacturing, that opened for business in the region. Over the next several years, an influx of Americans began to dominate the northwest territory. McLoughlin generously gave them farming implements, seeds, and other necessities on credit, contrary to his company's policy. As American presence grew toward the middle of the 19th century, British influence began to decline. By 1860, the fort had to shut its doors, and over the next several years its buildings either rotted and fell or burned to the ground.
Today the site contains several reconstructed buildings, including McLoughlin's House, a fur warehouse, the bakehouse, and an Indian trade shop that are surrounded by a 20-foot-high palisade. The project was begun in 1966, and all of the buildings have been furnished with period pieces and arranged to look as they did in the mid-1800s.
What to see and do. Be sure to visit the O.O. Howard Visitor Center. Here you can take in exhibits and programs about the U.S. Army presence in this area from 1849 to the present, or view a selection from the 1.5 million artifacts excavated at the site that are on display. You can also join hourly guided tours led by park staff. Groups of 15 or more should call ahead to reserve space.
Special events honoring the fort's British origins are held throughout the year in May, July, August, September, and December. To commemorate Queen Victoria's birthday in May, volunteers and staff dress in period costume and pay homage to the royal family. They fly the Union Jack over the fort and dance and play music.
The site is open from 9 AM to 4 PM in winter, and 9 AM to 5 PM in summer (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). No pets are permitted inside the fort. The site is handicapped-accessible. It is located off I-5 at the East Mill Plain Boulevard interchange.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Rte 2 PO Box 247
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-522-6360
Fax: 509-522-6355
Overview. In 1836, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman settled here to start a mission among the Cayuse Indians. Historical accounts say that the Whitmans were welcomed at first by the northwestern tribe, but the relationship ended in tragedy.
The Cayuse were a somewhat nomadic people who traveled within the region to follow the salmon and ripening of the berries and roots. For this reason, Marcus Whitman had a difficult time converting tribal members to Protestantism. Even after initial attempts failed, he continued to spread his preachings and tried to introduce farming to the tribe; however, this only strained relations with the Native Americans.
During this time, the region was experiencing an influx of emigrants from other parts of the country. Before the Whitmans had arrived, few settlers wanted to venture into this remote, northwest territory. When word came back of the Whitmans' success, others were willing to make the journey, and the mission became a popular stop along the Oregon Trail.
Eleven years after the Whitmans' arrival, tragedy struck. In 1847, a wagonload of settlers brought the measles virus, which wiped out half of the Cayuse tribe. When tribal members observed that Whitman's medicine was curing the white emigrants but not them, they began to suspect that Whitman was poisoning them. In November of that year, a band of Cayuse killed Marcus, Narcissa, and 11 others. The killings ended any further prospects of religious missions in the area.
What to see and do. The adobe mission and other buildings no longer exist, but their locations are indicated by outlines and plaques. Self-guided trails take you to the mission site, the Whitmans' grave site, and an obelisk that indicates where Narcissa would watch for her husband's return from long journeys. The visitor center offers exhibits of early 19th-century artifacts, clothing made of buckskin, blacksmiths' tools, and dishes that were used at the mission. A short slide presentation about the site is also offered every half-hour. The center is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer, and until 4:30 p.m. in winter. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. During the summer months, costumed volunteers reenact life during pioneer days. Leashed pets are permitted and handicapped-accessible facilities are available. The site is located seven miles west of Walla Walla on US 12.
Olympic National Park
Address: 600 E Park Ave
Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798
Phone: 360-565-3130
Fax: 360-565-3147
Overview. Three separate ecosystems make up this 1,427-square-mile park, located on the Olympic Peninsula. The rugged Pacific shore stands in contrast to pristine subalpine forests and meadows, and prime Pacific Northwest rain forest possessing a mild climate and lush vegetation. Many rivers meander through a glacier-carved mountain range that is described by local residents as a "gift from the sea."
Glaciers isolated the peninsula from the continent during the Ice Age. As a result, over 20 kinds of animals and wildflowers are unique to the area and don't appear anywhere else on earth. The indigenous flora and fauna includes Olympic marmot, painted cup, and Beardslee trout. The Ice Age also kept certain animals, common to other regions in the state, off the peninsula. You won't see grizzly bears or porcupines, although mountain goats were introduced during the early part of the 20th century.
What to see and do. You might want to start by visiting the Hoh Rain Forest, which is a two-hour drive from Port Angeles. US 101 is the park's main approach and connects to several spur roads. Hoh Road leads you to the visitor center, which offers two spectacular nature trails.
The Hall of Mosses Trail is almost a mile in length. Along the way, you'll see conifer and maple trees covered in licorice ferns and club moss, as well as towering spruce, hemlock, and western red cedar.
You can also stroll along the Hoh River on the Spruce Nature Trail, which is just over a mile long. Red alder, willow, and Douglas fir reach above the rain forest while hemlock and spruce grow luxuriantly in their shadow.
Hurricane Ridge, named for its sometimes severe winter weather, is a popular spot in the park's subalpine forest and meadowlands. Here, you'll get an incredible view of distant peaks and glaciers; on a clear day you might even see Vancouver Island to the north. Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting out on your 17-mile drive from the visitor center in Port Angeles to the ridge. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offers an exhibit about major glaciers and peaks.
Along the Pacific Coast, over 60 miles of wilderness have been set aside as a preserve. You can drive along US 101 and stop at scenic overlooks or take any one of a number of short trails down to the beach. The terrain varies from north to south; beaches to the south tend to be sandy while the northern beaches are rocky. Along the way, you may get a glimpse of harbor seals and gray whales. Local vegetation varies from spruce to cedar.
The park offers 16 campgrounds, some of which are open year-round and have a two-week limit. All sites, except Kalaloch are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kalaloch sites can be reserved June through September at 800-365-2267 or online at http://reservations.nps.gov Maps of the park are available online. Other sites are accessible from backpacking in.
The park itself is open all year, although winter weather may close some roads.
The park's beaches are rated among the best in the state. Take the Ozette Loop Hike, beginning at the Ozette Ranger Station. It is about a three-mile walk to the beach; by car, it is a 10-mile drive to the beach. Also, Hwy 105 follows the Olympic coast line.
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Address: 2105 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone: 360-856-5700
Fax: 360-856-9394
Overview. Set amid one of the world's most scenic mountain ranges, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is comprised of woodlands, lake, and mountain territory. The recreation area is part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, established by an act of Congress in 1968. Other parts of the complex include North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The complex is set amid the majestic Cascade Mountains. Okanogan National Forest and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest border the area to the east and west respectively.What to see and do. Lake Chelan National Recreation Area can only be reached by boat, foot, or floatplane. No roads lead to Stehekin, the small town of around 100 full-time residents nestled in the middle of the area. The best way to get there is by ferry, and that is an exceptional adventure in itself. Three ferries travel the 55-mile route up Lake Chelan from the town of Chelan (on Highway 97) to Stehekin on a daily, or every-other-day basis depending on the season. From March 15 to October 31, ferries make the route daily. Ferries travel on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from November 1 to March 14. You can choose between the Lady of the Lake ferry, which makes the trip in four hours each way, or you can take the Lady Express, which takes over two hours. The high-speed catamaran Lady Cat has also been added to the route. The four-hour voyage might be the best bet if you're interested in enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Tour operators give natural history presentations during the trips to introduce you to the area. If you plan to camp you can disembark at any point along the voyage to set out on your own in the outlying forest, but only the last four miles of lakeshore lie within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. For information about ferry schedules and prices, call the Lake Chelan Boat Company at 509-682-2224. If weather permits, you can also charter a floatplane year round through Chelan Airways. Call 509-682-5555 for information. Once you reach the recreation area you'll want to orient yourself. The area covers 62,000 acres of steep mountains and valleys and because of the variety of terrain the hiking trails and climbing conditions range widely in difficulty. Go to the Golden West Visitor Center, open daily, from mid-March through September. Hours vary according to the season; call for information. At the center, you'll also find information about hiking trails, climbing sites and conditions, and campsites. You'll need permits if you plan to do any backcountry camping. All campsites are first-come, first-served. When you're ready to set out for trails or campsites take the NPS Stehekin Shuttle which runs from the ferry landing to the head of Stehekin Valley Road. The shuttle makes numerous stops at trail starting points and campgrounds, and shuttle drivers give a running commentary of area features. Private cabins located throughout the area can be reserved and rented. In Lake Chelan and on the Stehekin River you can enjoy boating, fishing, and river rafting. In Stehekin you'll find places to rent bicycles and set up for horseback rides along scenic trails. A three-and-a-half mile hike will take you to the 312-foot high Rainbow Falls. There are several overnight accommodations in the area; call 360-856-5700 for a listing. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted.
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Address: 125 Spring Street PO Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250-0429
Phone: 360-378-2240
Fax: 360-378-2615
Overview. San Juan Island was the site of a little-known standoff in 1859 between British and U.S. forces that ended peacefully in 1872. With the water boundary between the United States and Canada in dispute, tempers boiled over when an American farmer, Lyman Cutlar, killed a British resident's pig that had been rooting in his garden. Great Britain amassed over 2,000 troops and the U.S. faced them with fewer than 500 soldiers and a dozen cannons. Cool heads defused the crisis and both countries jointly occupied the island. Along 12 years passes before Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany was asked to mediate the dispute. He decided in favor of the United States.
Today, the two former military installations, English Camp and American Camp, make up San Juan Island National Historical Park. American Camp consists of 1,220 acres of windswept prairie and five miles of beach, while English Camp is located on a sheltered bay and comprises 530 acres and two miles of shoreline. Wooden barracks have been restored in English Camp, and other buildings include the old hospital, blockhouse, and commissary.
This site also sports a formal garden, which was reconstructed. In American Camp two of the original buildings still stand, the officers' and laundresses' quarters. The remains of Bellevue Farm and the Redoubt have not been reconstructed. A seat atop Mt. Finlayson (actually a 290-foot hill) offers the dramatic views of Mt. Baker, the Olympic Mountains, British Columbia, and Mt. Rainier.
What to see and do. You can take advantage of miles of hiking trails that wind around through both sites, and visit the lookout post on Mt. Young. Picnic areas are available. Be sure to visit South Beach, the island's largest beach, where you can watch shore birds and other sea life. The cold water has a strong undertow in spots, so swimming is not recommended. Other activities include interpretive walks and exhibits, and the island is a good place for nature-watching.
During the summer, volunteers offer costumed demonstrations of life during the time of the "Pig War." Call ahead for details. The park is a day-use-only area; no overnight camping is allowed. Visitor centers at Friday Harbor, American Camp, and English Camp are open daily in the summer, with shortened hours the rest of the year. The English Camp Center is only open in summer. You can reach the island via Washington State ferries from Anacortes, WA, or Sidney, British Columbia.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Address: 117 S Main Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-553-7220
Fax: 206-553-0614
Overview. When news of a gold strike in the Yukon Territory reached Seattle in 1897, the city became the jumping off point for the stampeders of the great Klondike Gold Rush. The Seattle visitor center provides an overview of the history and the hardships of those who chased the gold.
What to see and do. Located in historic Pioneer Square, the visitor center displays miners' gear and other artifacts, and presents regularly scheduled films, talks, and slide shows in season. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Visitor center personnel will also present films, slide shows, and talks on request in the winter months. Books are on sale at the visitor center.
The Skagway, Alaska, unit of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park features a visitor center housed in one of its many historic buildings, historic gold rush hiking trails, and other interpretive displays.
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