Mount Rainier National Park:
Mount Rainier National Park was established over 100 years ago and encompasses 235,625 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610' to 14,410' above sea level. The "mountain" is actually an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and stunning wildflower meadows. The park is also rich in cultural resources and is designated a National Historic Landmark District as an outstanding example of early park planning and NPS rustic architecture.

Whether you are looking for scenic drives or challenging hikes, or to enjoy historic architecture or mountain climbing, Mount Rainier has something for you. Source: Mount Rainier National Park

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In a few moments this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a ridge 1,300 feet high, and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River.

The avalanche rapidly released pressurized gases within the volcano. A tremendous lateral explosion ripped through the avalanche and developed into a turbulent, stone-filled wind that swept over ridges and toppled trees. Nearly 150 square miles of forest was blown over or left dead and standing.

There are many volcanic summits in the Cascade Mountain Range, but most are quiet (at least for now!). Mount St. Helens offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the awesome power of mother nature.

Olympic National Park
Often referred to as "three parks in one", Olympic National Park encompasses three distinctly different ecosystems -- rugged glacier capped mountains, over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth and temperate rain forest. These diverse ecosystems are still largely pristine in character (about 95% of the park is designated wilderness) and are Olympic's gift to you.

Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and five kinds of animals are found on the peninsula and live nowhere else in the world. Source: Olympic National Park.

Olympic National Park offers much diversity of natural beauty. While this round trip can be made in a single day, you may want to schedule a night in Port Angeles to allow for more time to explore the area, particularly if you wish to continue on to the Pacific Ocean beaches.

Point Defiance Park & Zoo
Point Defiance Park surely ranks as one of the most beautiful and diverse city parks in the world. Natural forests, saltwater beaches and spectacular views motivated settlers to preserve the Point Defiance area in 1888. Over the years Metro Parks Tacoma has developed the site into the present 698-acre Point Defiance Park.

Now among the 20 largest urban parks in the United States, Point Defiance is a popular destination for about two million people each year.

Point Defiance Park is in Tacoma, and offers a zoo, logging museum, historic Fort Nisqually and other amenities.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Northwest Trek is a unique wildlife park that is home to native northwest wildlife.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is the result of Dr. David and Connie Hellyers' vision. They began buying the land in 1937 when it was beginning to recover from a fire and extensive logging. Over time the land flourished as did the Hellyers' dream of a wildlife park exhibiting native northwest wildlife as a source of education and recreation. Its unique approach to exhibitry and the free roaming area concept have been embraced not only by visitors but by the professional zoological community which has adopted many of Northwest Trek's ground breaking philosophies.

In the 24 years since the park opened it has developed into an internationally recognized wildlife sanctuary and resource for valuable conservation education. The Northwest Trek educational experience is strengthened by exhibits and programs added through the help of park supporters.

All of the exhibits, combined with the native flora and fauna, create a rare interactive atmosphere for learning and appreciating nature. Source: Northwest Trek.

Tillicum Village
Tillicum Village is a place where family and friends can come and explore, while enjoying an exquisite meal of freshly prepared salmon, and view Native American dances. Come for the excellent dinner and show, and stay afterwards to examine authentic carving exhibits or explore Blake Island itself. A passenger ferry will take visitors to Blake Island.

Federal Way's central location provides opportunities for easy access to the magnificent beauty and attractions throughout the Puget Sound region. We have listed a few ideas below for your consideration. Directions are provided for those that are driving.

Mount Rainier National Park:
Mount Rainier National Park was established over 100 years ago and encompasses 235,625 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610' to 14,410' above sea level. The "mountain" is actually an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and stunning wildflower meadows. The park is also rich in cultural resources and is designated a National Historic Landmark District as an outstanding example of early park planning and NPS rustic architecture.

Whether you are looking for scenic drives or challenging hikes, or to enjoy historic architecture or mountain climbing, Mount Rainier has something for you. Source: Mount Rainier National Park

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In a few moments this slab of rock and ice slammed into Spirit Lake, crossed a ridge 1,300 feet high, and roared 14 miles down the Toutle River.

The avalanche rapidly released pressurized gases within the volcano. A tremendous lateral explosion ripped through the avalanche and developed into a turbulent, stone-filled wind that swept over ridges and toppled trees. Nearly 150 square miles of forest was blown over or left dead and standing. Source: Mt. St. Helens NVM

There are many volcanic summits in the Cascade Mountain Range, but most are quiet (at least for now!). Mount St. Helens offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the awesome power of mother nature.

Olympic National Park
Often referred to as "three parks in one", Olympic National Park encompasses three distinctly different ecosystems -- rugged glacier capped mountains, over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old-growth and temperate rain forest. These diverse ecosystems are still largely pristine in character (about 95% of the park is designated wilderness) and are Olympic's gift to you.

Olympic is also known for its biological diversity. Isolated for eons by glacial ice, the waters of Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula has developed its own distinct array of plants and animals. Eight kinds of plants and five kinds of animals are found on the peninsula and live nowhere else in the world. Source: Olympic National Park.

Olympic National Park offers much diversity of natural beauty. While this round trip can be made in a single day, you may want to schedule a night in Port Angeles to allow for more time to explore the area, particularly if you wish to continue on to the Pacific Ocean beaches.

Point Defiance Park & Zoo
Point Defiance Park surely ranks as one of the most beautiful and diverse city parks in the world. Natural forests, saltwater beaches and spectacular views motivated settlers to preserve the Point Defiance area in 1888. Over the years Metro Parks Tacoma has developed the site into the present 698-acre Point Defiance Park.

Now among the 20 largest urban parks in the United States, Point Defiance is a popular destination for about two million people each year. Source: Metro Parks Tacoma

Point Defiance Park is in Tacoma, and offers a zoo, logging museum, historic Fort Nisqually and other amenities.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Northwest Trek is a unique wildlife park that is home to native northwest wildlife.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is the result of Dr. David and Connie Hellyers' vision. They began buying the land in 1937 when it was beginning to recover from a fire and extensive logging. Over time the land flourished as did the Hellyers' dream of a wildlife park exhibiting native northwest wildlife as a source of education and recreation. Its unique approach to exhibitry and the free roaming area concept have been embraced not only by visitors but by the professional zoological community which has adopted many of Northwest Trek's ground breaking philosophies

In the 24 years since the park opened it has developed into an internationally recognized wildlife sanctuary and resource for valuable conservation education. The Northwest Trek educational experience is strengthened by exhibits and programs added through the help of park supporters.

All of the exhibits, combined with the native flora and fauna, create a rare interactive atmosphere for learning and appreciating nature. Source: Northwest Trek.

Tillicum Village
Tillicum Village is a place where family and friends can come and explore, while enjoying an exquisite meal of freshly prepared salmon, and view Native American dances. Come for the excellent dinner and show, and stay afterwards to examine authentic carving exhibits or explore Blake Island itself. A passenger ferry will take visitors to Blake Island.