Mount Rainier National Park: Situated 90 miles from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is a must-see destination when visiting the Emerald City. With over 235,500 acres of natural beauty, this stunning wilderness of glaciers, snowfields, wildflower-filled meadows and towering 1000-year-old firs is a popular destination for hiking, biking, climbing, skiing and camping. At 14,410 feet tall, Mount Rainier is the most prominent peak of the Cascade Mountain Range — and this active volcano attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually. Other attractions that are within easy reach of the park include the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in the little town of Elbe.
Tacoma Museum of Glass: The Museum of Glass in Tacoma is a 75,000-square-foot shrine dedicated to the medium of glass. Founded in 2002, the museum has been committed to creating a space for the celebration of the Studio Glass movement through nurturing artists, implementing education and encouraging creativity. The building, approximately 35 miles from Seattle, is a work of art in itself — and features a glass bridge designed by the local and legendary Studio Glass artist Dale Chihuly, measuring 500 feet in length.
Leavenworth: Although visitors could be forgiven for thinking that they are thousands of miles from Seattle, the town Leavenworth is only around 120 miles away. Washington State’s very own Bavarian village, Leavenworth is the inspiring story of a town that reinvented itself after freefalling into decline. The brave and determined decision to invest in tourism and remodel the town as an Alpine village has certainly paid off, and today Leavenworth attracts nearly two million visitors each year. Besides the complete renovation of the downtown area, community members work tirelessly to host a series of festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.
