The Wenatchee River in Leavenworth, WA is one of the best rivers in the Washington state to go whitewater rafting !
In this blog post I want to share my tips as a former river guide, a customer, and a parent on what make the Wenatchee River the best place to go rafting, what you need to know before going, how to pick the best rafting company, and how much it will cost you.
Spring Fling Pass From Summit at Snoqualmie allows skiers, and snowboarders "ski more, spend less" !
From their website :
Skip the ticket window and head straight to the lift. Summit passes are an unbeatable value, providing access all season long and the freedom to hit the slopes whenever you want. We're so close it's easy to get your money's worth!
Enchant Christmas at Safeco Field in Seattle is an even for the entire family !
Enjoy Holiday lights, the Christmas market and fun festive activities. The holiday light event, which runs through Dec. 30, covers the entire baseball field with a spectacular light maze and an ice skating rink.
As you enter the stadium for Enchant, expect a different kind of cheer than the rowdy crowds and booming loudspeakers of baseball season.
Infield, visitors can rent a pair of skates and sail through the illuminated archways and trees on the 350-foot-long ice-skating loop, while listening to local artists like Starlight Choir perform live on the mainstage. (Tickets will be staggered to prevent overcrowding the maze and ice trail).
Visitors can also warm their hands with a cup of hot chocolate from the Christmas market, shop for jewelry, homewares and gifts, or head over to Santa’s workshop for pictures and a story. More Seattle Holiday videos to watch :
Christmas times in Seattle Center, and downtown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAk3HdBlxOI Visiting Seattle, and looking for amazing adventures, outdoor activities, and things to do ?
Find more Washington Adventures here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BN0aJuLAlA&list=PL78koNgcc9OkR4uBM3pozDN-gOywTvtuv
Located within less than 45 min away from Seattle, Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point hike is a "must" for any outdoor adventurer visiting Seattle !
Even if you're short on time, this hike ( time to the trailhead from Seattle plus the hike itself ) will take you only half of the day !
The trail is snow free, and accessible year round, but is best enjoyed on a nice sunny day ! But even on an average Seattle rainy day, the tree coverage will provide protection from wind and rain.
Visiting Leavenworth, WA in summer is a must do adventure to add to your Bucket List !
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. It's only ~ 2.5 hour driving distance from Seattle.
It has so much to offer !
Lake Chelan Waterpark and Water Slides is a small, but full of fun waterpark for all ages located just 5 minutes away from Lake Chelan downtown.
Located on the banks above beautiful Lake Chelan, the park is an amazing place to have family fun while enjoying the breathtaking views of the majestic Lake Chelan in the background !
TIP: The place itself is not that big... so try to get there early in the morning to beat the heat, and the crowds. Parking can also become an issue on during crowded weekends, and holidays.
Land paddling in Seattle is not really a year round activity.
It rains a lot most of the year, and in fall/winter, when the temperatures drop, only the most dedicated spend time land paddling, and having fun.
And we at "Seattle Kite, Surf, Paddle" are among those crazy ones who enjoy land paddling in any weather !
There is something special about land paddling in the snow ! It's like combining longboarding, snowboarding, and paddleboarding in one.
And the surroundings are breathtaking ! Because there is nothing quite as serene as seeing your beloved city in a fresh sheet of snow. It's truly magical making your first tracks in the snow.
I've been going to the Puyallup Fair since 1999, when I was invited as part of my friend's family. Since then, the Puyallup Fair has become our own family tradition.
Last year we had a lot of fun watching MBS Mountainboard Big Air Show, trying out hydro-zorbing for the first time, and even competing in the famous Mutton Bustin' contest !
This year, besides the poular "must do" rides like Farris Wheel, Sky Ride, Extreme Scream, we tried something new...
Ziplining ( zip lining/ziptrekking ) was probably the lamest "outdoor activity" I ever got to try.
But I thought my son would have fun... The line was short, but exciting ( according to him ). The trip to the top of the tower looked a bit intimidating, but amazingly, this kid just doesn't know any fear !
I'm not a big gun nut, but just like any guy I like to shoot. So does my kid. Anything : NERF guns, slingshots, bows, airsoft, paintballs...
Personally, I think nothing can be compared to sledding down a snowy hill in winter. That's why till recently we avoided the popular Giant Slide, but this time, the line was short, and after spotting the giant bright yellow slide from the Ferris Wheel, my son really wanted to give it a try... I think the walk to the top took him longer than the slide :)
This year, instead of riding a "raged mutton", we opted for a pretty mellow camel ride... At least we saved a couple thousand dollars on an African safari :)
It's an interesting thing about traditions; some go away, some stay, some new ones created... What's your favorite thing about the Puyallup Fair ( or any other state fair ) ?
I went cross country skiing at Summit East ( former Hyak ) several times last year , and had no idea that there was a perfectly groomed, nearly level, 7 1/2 mile xc ( cross country ) trail right across the street !
Hyak Sno-Park is an old Milwaukee railroad stop within the Iron Horse State Park. In the winter it is a very popular Sno-Park with easy access, sledding hill, groomed ski trail (with marked snowshoe route) , and heated bathrooms !
The railroad grade provides an almost level tour with a double set of groomed ski tracks ( perfect for beginners ), while the open area between the tracks is mostly used by "serious fast-paced skaters ". Off the groomed trails , you will sometimes see snowshoers along the way. In the Snow Park's parking lot, there is a nice little sledding hill for the whole family to enjoy.
Though, the trail is flat , don't let it fool you. I went almost 13 miles ( round trip ) to the intersection with the Lost Lake trail ( if I am not mistaken ) and it felt like a great work out ! Make sure you know when to turn around, as the trail goes as far as Easton ( cause for a moment I was wondering how far I could push myself).
Dogs are not allowed on the "main" trail, but there is a section of the trail ( past "Lost Lake road") that allows dog sledding ( I actually saw a few dog owners "skijoring" . Looked like fun ! )
I wouldn't call this trail particularly scenic , but there are sections of the trail where you can catch the views of frozen Keechelus Lake.
Note: If you decide to use Hyak Sno-Park, you will need a permit !
Permit Requirements: Daily Sno-Park Permit and Daily or Annual Discover Pass; OR a Seasonal Sno Park Permit plus Special Groomed Trails Permit sticker, without Discover Pass.
Tip: If you want to save $$$, you can park at Hyak ski area ( FREE ), and walk to the trail...
But, personally, I pay the park fees to support the great job they're doing to provide us with this amazing opportunity to enjoy this beautiful surroundings !
Tip: Don't have your own gear ? You can rent full cross country setup at Hyak ski area ( BUT they only allow the use of their rentals on the ski area... BUT... nobody will know if you use them on Iron Horse trail 😉 😜)
