The Puyallup Fair : Zorbing, Zip Lining, Target Shooting And More Fun

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 ) ?

Cross Country Skiing : Hyak Sno-Park At Snoqualmie Pass

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 😉 😜)

Another option ?

Buy your own gear ! 

👇👇👇