Since there are millions of websites that exist on the web, domain names need to be unique and memorable in order to avoid confusion and to direct traffic to the right webpage. Usually, the websites that you would see are registered domain names, and the good ones are rarely available. To avoid this dilemma, doing a domain name ownership search, or the WHOIS search, will help you in creating your own name.

The World Wide Web has an organized protocol that enforces the need to register a domain name in order to keep the system organized. This requires owners to disclose some personal information that are related to the domain name they choose to register. All internet users have the right to find out who owns the site address or the domain name, and his contact details. Since domain names have to be registered, they also have to be renewed, depending on the registry conditions provided by the accredited domain name registrar. Owners have to renew their registration on or before the expiry period, or the registrar will have the right to resell the domain name to other interested parties.

In the domain name ownership search, a person can obtain the name of a domain name owner or registrant and contact information. This gives probable buyers a chance to negotiate with owners on the purchase of the domain name. It can be done through different websites of accredited domain name registrars. All you need to do is type in WHOIS search on the keyword field of a search engine to find the addresses for such websites.

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If you are new to this idea than the first thing you are going to want to research is just it is and what it can do for you. The bottom line is that web hosting is a service that lets you create a website of your own and then a company makes it available on the internet for everyone to see. Of course if you do not have a website than you are going to need to build one or have someone build it for you. This may be the first step that you want to take. If you need help contact us!

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Washington Landscaping and Excavation in Washington State

One cool thing about running a landscaping company near Spokane is the different kinds of terrain we get to work with. As you can see from our water features portfolio, we've landscaped sloped, rocky terrain, rolling Washington Palouse and everything in between. It's pretty much impossible to think of a location that couldn't be improved by a suitable water feature.

This is because water features have so much potential variation. The features below are basic elements a good landscaping company (i.e. us!) can combine and customize to fit the surrounding terrain.

Cascades: We like them so much, we named our whole company after them! Seriously, though, the main difference between a cascade and waterfall is that a cascade's job is to direct water more horizontally than vertically, without taking the smooth course of a stream. Water staircases are an example of a more artificial looking cascade. We find that a lot of jobs call for a more naturalistic "rapids" style.

Fountains: Fountains add dramatic punch to your landscape by providing a "tower" of flowing water and in most cases, a basin that reflects the light back to the feature. Fountains usually immediately turn into the dominant feature in your garden. We've found they provide a great counterbalance to major nearby natural features like steep slopes and large stands of trees. If you're using a mix of water features, the fountain can usually serve as the source of pump output.

Pools: Well, you've got to let all that water go somewhere. Pools can come in so many different shapes and sizes that they're probably the most flexible water feature. They can be the endpoint for a stream, the basin for a waterfall or just stand by themselves. They'll brighten a shady area or with the addition of some plants, add an accent to a clearing.

Streams:Streams add a dividing line or a border to your landscape, allowing you to give it the shape you want. A big enough stream also adds a great excuse for an ornamental bridge. They're an excellent way to make an open area look a little more intimate.

Waterfalls: Waterfalls are a favorite feature, and for good reason. They add some soothing noise to an area, cool down the air around them and easily complement terraces or other inclines. We've created some great natural-looking waterfalls, but you can make them as subtle or dramatic as you like. These days, waterfalls are easier to maintain than they used to be, because you can precisely control the water feed and pumping speed. You can even turn them off and let them sit as a dry feature when the mood strikes you.

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Washington State Parks

The state of Washington offers an extremely diverse landscape. From the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula and the moderate Pacific coast in the west to the high peaks of the Cascade Range and the dry deserts of the west, it is no wonder the beauty of Washington state parks attracts visitors from all around.

There are 120 Washington state parks and recreation areas with a wide variety of amenities, attractions, and activities. Windsurfing, rock climbing, skiing, and snowmobiling, Washington state parks offer plenty of activities to suit every outdoor lover. There are also plenty of historical sites, cultural exhibits, and interpretive centers for educational opportunities.

More than 30 of the state parks in Washington are on lakes or rivers, with over 70 public boat launches, so boating and water sports at the parks are quite abundant. One of the best Washington state parks for water recreation is Deception Pass. Here, visitors can enjoy their favorite saltwater and freshwater activities on more than 4100 beautiful acres along the quiet Puget Sound.

Enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming on one of the three Deception Pass lakes or try crabbing, clamming, mooring, or diving in the saltwater of the sound. This Washington state coastal park also offers boat rentals so everyone can enjoy the fun of being on the water. Deception Pass is also a great location for whitewater kayaking and sailboarding. Don't forget your Coleman inflatable boat when you visit this park.

In the winter months Washington is a haven for snow lovers, especially in the central mountainous regions. One of the best Washington state parks for winter recreation is Lake Easton state park in the Cascade Mountain foothills. The 45 RV site and 95 tent site campground is open year round so guests can enjoy a weekend of cold weather camping, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and family snow activities including tubing and sledding.

Washington state parks access almost 700 miles of scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls through natural exhibits to strenuous treks through mountain passes. There are also three long distance backpacking trails that can be reached from various parks. Mountain biking trails are quite abundant as well. Beacon Rock is one of the best Washington state parks for mountain biking, with 20 miles of designated trails.

There are two water trails in Washington that are designated for canoeing and kayaking. These trails wind through miles of scenic waterways and pass by several state parks that offer primitive camping and pullouts. Washington state parks are also popular destinations for horseback riding. There are 10 parks with equestrian trails, some offering horse campsites as well, and horses are allowed on most beaches. Just outside of Seattle, Bridle Trails is one of the best Washington state parks for horseback riding with 28 miles of riding trails. Lake Wenatchee state park offers horse rentals for day trips, as well as overnight excursions.

Whether you're interested in rock climbing at Columbia Hills state park, paragliding at Lincoln Rock, or just enjoying a weekend of Washington state park camping, there is plenty to do and lots to see across the state of Washington.

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Visiting Washington on Your Next Road Trip

Much like its southern neighbor, Oregon, Washington State gives its visitors a pleasing array of outdoor pursuits. From the peaceful scenery of Puget Sound, to the devastated landscape of Mount St. Helen's, Washington is a land of extremes, and its natural attractions beckon visitors year-round.

The Cascade Mountains are home to several state and national parks that provide as much breathtaking scenery as they do diversity. Olympic National Park in northwest Washington boasts some of the most varied landscape in the entire world. On one hand, the Olympic Peninsula showcases alpine mountains, coastal wildlife havens, and temperate-zone rain forests, all of which can be found within miles of each other in this park. Walkers will not only delight in the park's climatic diversity but also in its many prized wildflowers, found nowhere else in the world.

Washington is a land of extremes, and its natural attractions beckon visitors year-round

Did we mention the park's Roosevelt elk population, which is the largest in North America? Trails take you along the rocky Washington coast, meander through lush and overgrown forests, or up through the Olympic Mountains, a small range consisting of a cluster of captivating canyons. The jewel is Mount Olympus, an icy peak at just under 8,000 feet and the bane of the world-class mountain climbers who venture here to tame it. These mountains are home to some 50 glaciers and miles of hiking trails through the high country where you might enjoy a chance encounter with the resident blacktail deer, mountain goat or black bear.

Nestled in the heart of Puget Sound are the San Juan Islands. Although the islands number around 170, only four (Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, and San Juan) are readily accessible. However, don't let that stop you, as they're worth a visit. Lopez Island is a treat for bicycle enthusiasts, with its miles of trails and easy, meandering terrain. Orcas Island is home to Mount Constitution, the tallest mountain in the San Juans. Accessible by hiking, biking, driving or old-fashioned horseback riding, the mountain's peak dazzles with spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Vancouver Island in Canada. And humans aren't the only ones compelled to come here. San Juan Island attracts killer whales during the summer months. Whale watchers won't want to miss an opportunity to visit the newly designated Lime Kiln Park in hopes of glimpsing Earth's largest mammals.

Just 70 miles down the road from Seattle lies Mount Rainier. Part of the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier National Park offers hundreds of miles of leisurely mountain drives as well as a 305-mile trail system for hikers of all experience levels. With a summit of 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier stands as the tallest volcanic mountain in the continental United States while playing host to the nation's largest network of active glaciers. Because of its altitude, the park is susceptible to harsh and sudden changes in weather, so visitors are cautioned to be prepared.

While Washington is home to many natural wonders, the state is also a place where one can get a firsthand look at the results of Mother Nature's awesome power. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen's exploded, blowing off nearly a mile of its summit and flattening nearly 250 square miles of forest around the mountain. The area is now the Mount St. Helen's National Historic Monument and visitors can find days' worth of outdoor activities around the mountain. The blast's path unleashed floods, mudslides, and leveled forests, which is still pretty much how things look today.

For a peaceful respite from the destruction at Mount St. Helen's, the Yakima Valley is Washington's most fruitful valley, where visitors are rewarded with natural bounty. The valley is in fact in the shadow of Mount St. Helen's, but unlike the mountain, Yakima Valley has fully recovered and today is one of the country's most productive agricultural centers. Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine per year and loads of fertile volcanic soil, wildflowers are found in unusual abundance here, and their popularity is rivaled only by roadside fruit stands and "U-Pick" farms throughout the region.

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Three Great State Parks to Visit in North Central Washington

From the Canadian border in the north to Central Washington in the south and from Grand Coulee Dam in the east to Stevens Pass in the west, North Central Washington is blessed with some of the most amazing outdoor attractions that can be found anywhere. This region has an excellent selection of state parks to choose from, each offering different attributes like campsites, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, creeks, streams, rock formations, and hiking trails. Here is a look at three of the best state parks in the North Central Washington area.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Lake Wenatchee State Park is found on the eastern shore of Lake Wenatchee in the beautiful Cascade Mountains of North Central Washington. The park is well equipped to entertain all ages of campers that go there through the many features it has including a protected swimming area, boat launch, campsites, group campground, shower facilities, camp store, beach area, climbing toys, picnic facilities, hiking trails, and more. It is perfectly suited to provide a wonderful camping experience.

Lincoln Rock State Park

One of the more popular destinations for those heading to North Central Washington for camping or water recreation is Lincoln Rock St. Pk. It sits just a few miles north of Wenatchee and is right on a widened spot on the Columbia River right behind Rocky Reach Dam. The campsites there are clean and adjacent to wide open grassy areas. Some of the many popular activities there are to participate in on the water include swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and more.

Sun Lakes State Park

Sun Lakes State Park is a very popular camping destination for both locals and those from outside the North Central Washington area too. There are a number of communities and attractions located within an easy drive from Sun Lakes St. Pk. including Dry Falls, Banks Lake, Coulee City, Steamboat Rock St. Pk., Lake Roosevelt, Electric City, Grand Coulee Dam, Waterville, Moses Coulee, Lake Lenore Caves, Soap Lake, and Ephrata. There are a number of activities that can be participated both in the park as well as in the immediate area including canoeing, kayaking, swimming, camping, hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, and more.

View photos of several great Washington State parks by checking out everything that is available at NCWpics.com! This truly is a great place to travel or move to. North Central Washington is beautiful and has it all, including fun communities, gorgeous scenic areas, and lot of places where all sorts of outdoor recreation is available.

The Different Mountain Pass Advisories Used in Washington State

When driving across the Cascade Mountains in Washington State during the winter, it is important to pay attention to the traction advisories that are used by the Washington State Department of Transportation to communicate the safety level of the roadway. These advisories detail not only how bad the roads are, but what types of vehicles are allowed to make the trip. They are used to make sure that you and the rest of the driving public have as much information as possible about the mountain passes before you head out on a trip.

It is important to understand the mountain pass traffic advisories used in the state of Washington, here are the three different levels of advisories explained.

Traction Tires Advised

The first level of warning is Traction Tires Advised and this lets the public know that it would be best to use approved traction tires when traveling through the mountains. This level also prohibits oversize vehicles from using the mountain pass highways.

Traction Tires Required

Traction Tires Required is a level of advisory that both requires all passenger vehicles traversing the mountains to have approved winter tires on them and it also requires all vehicles over 10,000 gross pounds to have chains on.

Chains Required

Chains Required means that the weather is severe enough that no vehicles, except for four wheel drive vehicles, can cross the mountains unless they have chains on at the time.

By understanding what the specific traffic advisories mean, a driver desiring to cross the Cascade Mountains during the winter in Washington State will have a better chance of knowing what to expect and knowing if in fact they should make the trip at all.

You can view Washington Traffic Cameras so you can see what road conditions are like in the mountains and elsewhere before you head out. Viewing Washington Webcams is a great way to see an area and know what to expect before you actually get there.

Visit Sun Lakes, Lake Wenatchee, and Lake Chelan State Parks in Beautiful North Central Washington

One of the best parts about visiting North Central Washington is getting the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the forests, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, mountains, and desert-like areas that are all found there. One of the best ways to do that, and one of the easiest too, is to check out the fabulous selection of state parks that are found there. Here is a quick look at just three of the best.

Sun Lakes State Park

Sun Lakes, sometimes referred to as Sun Lakes-Dry Falls is located in an amazingly unique and beautiful part of North Central Washington. It is situated just south of Banks Lake and very near to a very interesting sight known as Dry Falls. There are cabins available to rent adjacent to the park that are a great option for those not wanting or unable to camp at the campsites found there. There is also a golf course located right there at the park. Hiking is available throughout the area and it provides a completely different experience that most hikers have never experienced before.

Lake Chelan State Park

Located on the south shore of Lake Chelan is Lake Chelan State Park. This is a small park that is wedged between the mountains and the famous lake, but it is more than equipped to handle the needs of vacationers looking for a fun camping destination. The park features open meadows, nearby hiking trails, climbing toys, snack bar, boat launch, swimming area, and a nice rocky beach area. The park features campsite that are great for both tent camping and RV camping. The views of Lake Chelan are incredible and the lake is one of the big reasons people head there each and every summer.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Lake Wenatchee State Park is one of the true gems of the state parks in all of Washington State. It is located just north of Highway 2, one of the main east-west corridors across the Cascade Mountains and is right on the shore of Lake Wenatchee. In fact, the boat launch that allows access to the lake is actually right on the headwaters of the Wenatchee River which flows out from the lake right near the park itself. A number of activities can be participated in at or near Lake Wenatchee State Park including cross country skiing, hiking, camping, swimming, boating, kayaking, river rafting, and horseback riding. Lake Wenatchee is a great place for people of all ages to visit.

View photos of Washington state parks located in North Central Washington by checking out everything that is available at NCWpics.com! This truly is a great place to travel or move to. North Central Washington is beautiful and has it all, including fun communities, gorgeous scenic areas, and lot of places where all sorts of outdoor recreation is available.

Adventure Travel - Washington

Adventure Washington

Adventure travel into Washington state and you will be surprised at what you will find. Travel along on roads where the forest is so thick you can't see the mountain losing your sense of direction and discovering the secrets the forest has hidden within. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and friendly locals and some of the most scenic landscape of any US tour.

Traveling along the southern border of Washington along the border of Oregon you will find the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway for eighty miles you can discover scenic views, cascading waterfalls and a replica of Stonehedge. Horsethief State Park is where you will find Stonehedge and ancient Indian writings on the rock. You will see the paragliders above you feel the power of the river around you and be filled with adventure within.

Interior Washington adventures are not hard to find when you travel the one hundred twenty mile White Pass Scenic Byway by car. Here you will find virgin forests, meadows full of wildflowers, salmon fishing and enjoy views of wildlife while passing through two National Forests.

Hiking in Mount Ranier National Park if the weather permits is a heart stopping experience. The largest glacier in the lower forty eight states sits on the top of the mountain along the rocky top. You should take a hike here and travel as far as you feel your endurance will hold out. The weather on the mountain can be dangerous so keep your safety in mind. You can hike for a while and head back to the bar with beautiful views of the mountain and just kick back and just enjoy nature.

While visiting the Cascade Range you will want to stop and view the devastation and the quick recovery of the mountain by visiting Mount St Helen's while your in the area. You will realize the power of nature both to devastate and heal it will put your ability to control nature into perspective. Vacationing in Washington would not be complete without a visit to the Pacific Ocean. Here you will find the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean you can travel along the coast by car and see wild orchids, lupine, ferns and many other beautiful plants.

The blue waters of the Ocean are home to gray whales and other sea mammals seeing these enormous creatures in nature is not a sight you will soon forget. Visit Ocean Beach State Park and spend the night. At low tide you can visit tide pools that are full of life and wonder. This area gets over one hundred inches of rain per year so have your rain gear handy.

A visit to Washington will have you seeing green for the entire adventure vacation. Keeping your eyes seeing green, your mind filled with wonder and you will know before you go home that you will be back.

From the green of the forest to the blue Pacific Ocean travel in Washington will keep the adventure traveler in you happy. For more great travel tips visit my website at searchforadventure.net.

Washington State Camping

When planning a camping trip in Washington State, there are many things to be considered. Since the state of Washington varies greatly in both climate and terrain, you will need to determine what area of Washington will meet your and your family's expectations. From shorelines to ice-capped volcanoes, Washington state camping offers a wide variety of opportunities to get up close and personal with nature. This beautiful state can be divided into four distinct regions based on the environment and geography.

Northwest

The climate in this region is characterized by lots of rain. With over 130 inches of rain per year, be sure to bring along your raingear if you choose this area. The payoff for all of that rain can be found in the Olympic Peninsula where you will find lush rainforests. Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands can also be found here providing excellent opportunities for activities on the water.

Southwest

In the southwestern portion of the state you will find the southernmost lines of the Cascade Mountains. With famous peaks such as Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens, this area provides excellent backcountry camping and beautiful scenic views. Like the rest of western Washington, precipitation is plentiful in this region which means lots of snow and ice at the peaks of the mountains.

Northeast

With the Cascade Mountains blocking the rain clouds that come from the Pacific Ocean, the eastern portion of Washington is much drier. In the northeast you will find the Rocky Mountains and Lake Roosevelt, the state's largest man-made lake created by the massive Grand Coulee Dam. With the dry climate and gold-rush history, this area of Washington has an Old West feel.

Southeast

Also lying in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, this section of Washington sees less rainfall. However, with many large rivers for irrigation, orchards, grasslands, and farmlands are plentiful in this area. The geography of southeast Washington is marked by the Columbia River Plateau and the Palouse Prairie. This region includes the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area.

Now that you've determined the area of the state in which you want to visit, the next decision is where to camp. Washington state camping boasts 69 state parks, 58 public use areas, 8 national parks, and numerous private campgrounds. Whether you are looking for a primitive, backcountry experience or a campsite that offers more modern amenities, you can find a campground that will meet your expectations. Campgrounds are available for those who are pitching a tent as well as those in RVs.

Washington state camping offers an exciting adventure for the novice and experienced camper alike. Activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in any area of the state. This state located in the Pacific Northwest is one of the premier destinations for outdoor activities in the United States. Whatever your desire, Washington state camping will far exceed your expectations.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about

camping in Washington [http://campingtripstoday.info/washington-state-camping], please visit Camping Trips Today [http://campingtripstoday.info] for current articles and discussions.

Three Great Places to Visit in Beautiful North Central Washington

North Central Washington is a truly special place with a number of one of a kind places to visit. From the Cascade Mountains in the west to the desert like landscape in the east, the wide variety of terrain and landscape helps the region offer something for everyone. Here is a look at just three of the many places worth visiting in beautiful North Central Washington.

Grand Coulee Dam

One of the many man made wonders of the world that is simply astounding to see is Grand Coulee Dam. This magnificent dam was originally constructed in the 1930s and is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world. There are a number of great views that can be had of the dam from a variety of locations around it. There is also a well equipped visitors center that tells of its history too. One of the top attractions at the dam is a nightly laser light show that takes place during the warmer months of the year. Tours of the dam are also popular with the many travelers that visit there on a yearly basis.

Wenatchee

The city of Wenatchee sits right on the Columbia River at the point where the Wenatchee River flows into it. The greater Wenatchee area is known as the Apple Capital of the World. There is a strong agricultural presence there, but there is also so much more. With the Columbia River flowing by, there is plenty of chances for water recreation. There are also numerous hiking opportunities in the area. Area communities that also offer plenty to do include East Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Chelan.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

The North Central Washington area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Lake Wenatchee State Park sits right in the middle of it. It also sits on the shore of Lake Wenatchee and at the headwaters of the Wenatchee River. For those that like hiking, swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, kayaking, backpacking, and rafting would love the time spent at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

View photos of Wenatchee and other attractions and places in North Central Washington by checking out NCWpics.com!

Washington Wines- Just East of Greatness

When people think of the wines of the northwest, chances are they ignore Washington and think mainly of Oregon. With its penchant for Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir, Oregon has seemingly left Washington state Pinot Poor. Yet, Oregon is not the only state in this upper region capable of making wine, Pinots or otherwise. Washington, over the past decade and a half, has developed into a major wine player and now has more than the ability to serve as Oregon's tag team partner. Move over timber, the northwest has a new baby.

Washington Wine is perhaps the tastiest alliteration in vocabulary today (sorry, pickled peppers, you were a close second). Full of flavor, concentration, and body, Washington Wines are giving everyone a reason to wash down their steak with a bottle of Merlot. Yet, it wasn't always like this.

The first grapes in Washington were planted in the late 1800's. Quite literally late bloomers, they didn't fully develop into greatness until the early 1990's when people began to realize three important things: Washington possessed the same latitude as famous European wine regions, Washington had - on average - two more hours of sunlight a day than California, and Washington contained areas shielded by the Cascade Mountains. This shield left eastern Washington under a geographical umbrella, providing vineyards with nearly ideal climate.

For these reasons, winemakers began to make wine in the eastern portion of the state. In fact, the decision was made to plant eight out of nine viticultural areas in eastern Washington (and four out of five dentists agreed). The sole western wine region is Puget Sound. Laying west of the Cascade Mountains, it spends its day producing grapes that excel in cold climate - such as Madeline Sylvaner, Muller-Thurgua, and Siegerrebe - and its nights singing Celine Dion's "All by Myself."

The eastern viticultural areas include Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke, Rattlesnake Hills, and Columbia Gorge. These areas are famous most notably for two grapes: Merlot and Cabernet. Labeled as among the best red wines in the world, to some people no Merlots and Cabernets can compare to the ones made in eastern Washington.

On the white side of things, eastern Washington is best known for Chardonnays, Rieslings, and Sauvignon Blancs. However, Chenin Blanc, Fruit Wines, Semillon, and Sparkling Wines are also gaining in popularity.

The conditions of eastern Washington may seem like a winemakers dream, but it is not without its faults. While viticulturists reap the benefits of a regular growing season and grapes that attain perfect ripening, they must also deal with fits of weather. Mother Nature occasionally wrecks havoc on this area with winter freezes, leaving wine growers to label her a "drama queen" and also destroying portions of vineyards. Sometimes, it takes several years to bring a vineyard back to full production.

Taking leads from its southern competition, Washington is in the middle of creating a tourism industry that parallels Napa Valley. However, Washington has found itself tangled in a vine of obstacles. These include the remoteness of many of the vineyards - as many of them are located in the proverbial "middle of nowhere" - and lack of lodging (people may find themselves all wined up with nowhere to go). The lack of transportation hubs is also a factor. Nonetheless, the Washington Wine Tourism Task Force was created in 2000. And so, Operation: Wine and Dine, continues.

If a Napa Valley-like industry is eventually created, it would likely benefit Washington on astounding levels, adding a new element to the economy, creating knowledge of the wine industry, and giving Seattle - the Washington city where tourists tend to flock - some much needed space....needle.

As of right now, Washington will just have to be happy with where it stands, showing the world that Washington mountains aren't the only thing capable of erupting. Already second in varietal wine production in the US, this blossoming industry has over 31,000 acres dedicated to vineyards, and 120,000 grapes harvested each year. Washington also ships its product to over 40 nations, giving us Americans the assurance that at least one of our Washingtons is on good terms with the rest of the world.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

Why You Should Discover Washington Wines

Washington state's emergence as a world-class wine region is well recognized by the professional wine world but this message hasn't quite reached all wine enthusiasts. This will change as the quality of Washington wines continues its upward trajectory and the number of wineries in the state increases beyond the current 500 or more in operation today. For wine enthusiasts not yet acquainted with the wines of Washington, this is an excellent time to discover the multitude of different varietals and styles of wine crafted in the state.

The quality is superb and values are excellent. Washington wines regularly win top awards in national and international wine competitions and many of these are priced well below their counterparts from premium California wineries. As the value of the U.s. dollar continues to fall, Washington wines offer a compelling alternative to European wines from France, Germany, and Italy. Washington is the second largest wine producer in the U.S. after California. Although production is far smaller than California, virtually all of Washington's output consists of premium quality wine.

One of the reasons Washington wines don't yet share the world recognition of wines from Napa Valley and other premium California wine regions is that the story of Washington as a great wine region isn't readily apparent. Most people associate Washington state with Seattle, which conjures images of a rainy climate and snow in winter.

While this is an accurate description of Seattle's climate in the western part of the state, most wine grapes are grown in the eastern part which is quite dry and has more than 300 days of cloud-free weather annually. The Cascade Mountains block moisture from the west, creating a dry climate ideal for growing wine grapes with ready access to water for irrigation from numerous rivers, underground aquifers, and lakes.

Grapes are grown across the state in regions that have different micro-climates conducive for growing many wine varieties. Leading red wine grape varietals include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. The leading white varietals are Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Viognier. Currently Washington has nine American Viticultural Areas (A.V.A.s) recognized by the federal government ranging from the Puget Sound A.V.A. in the far West to the Walla Walla A.V.A. in the state's southeastern corner.

Washington's late arrival as a wine region compared to California has enabled wine growers and winemakers to benefit from modern technology as the state's wine industry and regions develop. The wine community is very progressive in terms of sharing technical information, pooling marketing efforts, and boosting a fast-growing wine tourism industry. The vibrant wine industry has attracted talented winemakers from around the world to wineries across Washington state where they continue to innovate and raise the wine quality bar.

A "wine corridor" for tourism has developed from Woodinville near Seattle, across the Yakima Valley through Yakima, Prosser, the Tri-Cities region, and ending in Walla Walla. The charming town of Walla Walla, famous for sweet onions, has seen an explosion in the number of wineries and tasting rooms, from only a handful in the 1980s to more than 150 today. Other emerging wine regions include the Columbia Gorge region and wineries in the Columbia Cascades, near Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and points north.

Touring Washington's wine regions isn't as easy as driving an hour from San Francisco to the Napa Valley in California, but it can be equally, if not more rewarding. Most wineries are small, and many are family-owned. There's a good chance you'll be poured wine tasting samples by the winemaker himself - or herself, something that's harder to come by in California these days. A two or three day excursion from Seattle through the Columbia Gorge or the Yakima Valley is enough to visit many highly regarded wineries and to experience spectacular scenery in the process.

For visitors to Seattle with less time to spend, it is possible to sample Washington wines by visiting a number of local tasting rooms and also to visit a number of wineries concentrated in nearby Woodinville which requires only a short drive across Lake Washington. There are many options available for discovering one of America's new great wine regions before it becomes as widely known - and crowded - as California's popular premium wine destinations.

Tom Parker is a freelance wine and travel writer based in Seattle, Washington. He has followed his interest in wine, travel, and history to destinations around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Asia, and Europe.

http://www.raconteurs.com

The State Parks Of North Central Washington

Whether camping, hiking, boating, fishing, sightseeing, or just a nice relaxing day trip is what you're looking for; there is plenty of opportunity in the state parks of North Central Washington. From the Canadian border to the north, to the dry arid sage lands to the east and south, to the pine tree covered mountains to the west; the North Central Washington region provides limitless diversity and things to do to entertain for a lifetime.

Alta Lake State Park

Alta Lake State Park sits on a small secluded desert lake hidden away from the busy world of Lake Chelan which is only 30 miles to the south.

Nearest towns: Pateros, Brewster, Methow, Chelan

Bodies of water nearby: On Alta Lake, Methow River, Columbia River

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, golfing, sailboarding, swimming

Bridgeport State Park

Bridgeport State Park lays just behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River.

Nearest towns: Bridgeport, Brewster, Pateros

Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Okanogan River

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, golfing, sailboarding, wildlife viewing

Conconully State Park

Conconully State Park is one of the oldest parks in the State of Washington dating back to 1910.

Nearest towns: Conconully, Riverside, Omak, Okanogan

Bodies of water nearby: On Conconully Lake, Salmon Creek

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling

Daroga State Park

Daroga State Park sits right on the mighty Columbia River between Chelan and Wenatchee and is a popular destination to water sport enthusiasts.

Nearest towns: Chelan, Orondo, Waterville, East Wenatchee, Wenatchee

Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Lake Chelan

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, baseball field, basketball courts, golfing, soccer field,

Fort Okanogan State Park

Fort Okanogan State Park is a day use park near where the Okanogan River empties into the Columbia River.

Nearest towns: Bridgeport, Brewster, Pateros

Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Okanogan River, Methow River

Activities in the vicinity: Bird watching, museum

Lake Chelan State Park

Lake Chelan State Park sits on 50-mile long Lake Chelan, an outdoor recreation magnet to the entire Pacific Northwest.

Nearest towns: Chelan, Manson, Entiat

Bodies of water nearby: On Lake Chelan, Columbia River, Entiat River

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping, golfing, shopping, sailboarding, wineries

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Lake Wenatchee State Park sits high in the Cascade Mountains only a few miles from one of the main east-west routes linking eastern and western Washington.

Nearest towns: Plain, Leavenworth, Peshastin, Cashmere

Bodies of water nearby: On Lake Wenatchee, Twin Lakes, Fish Lake, Nason Creek, Lost Lake, White River, Little Wenatchee River, Wenatchee River, Chiwawa River

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, hiking, boating, camping, swimming, mountain climbing, sailboarding, rock climbing, mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling

Lincoln Rock State Park

Lincoln Rock State Park is well used by local water enthusiasts who want to spend the day fishing, boating, or water skiing on the Columbia River.

Nearest towns: Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, Orondo, Waterville

Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River

Activities in the vicinity: Boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, shopping, museum, basketball court, softball field

Osoyoos Lake State Park

Osoyoos Lake Veteran's Memorial State Park is on the south end of 14 mile long Osoyoos Lake which is half in Canada and half in the United States.

Nearest towns: Oroville, Osoyoos, Molson, Nighthawk

Bodies of water nearby: On Osoyoos Lake, Wannacut Lake, Palmer Lake, Similkameen River

Activities in the vicinity: Boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, volleyball court

Pearrygin Lake State Park

Pearrygin Lake State Park sits on beautiful Pearrygin Lake in the heart of the Methow Valley.

Nearest towns: Winthrop, Twisp, Mazama

Bodies of water nearby: On Pearrygin Lake, Methow River, Boulder Creek, Beaver Creek, Chewuch River

Activities in the vicinity: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park

Peshastin Pinnacle State Park is a desert area park popular with rock climbers.

Nearest towns: Wenatchee, Cashmere, East Wenatchee, Peshastin, Dryden, Monitor, Leavenworth

Bodies of water nearby: Wenatchee River, Columbia River

Activities in the vicinity: Rock climbing, hiking, river rafting

Squilchuck State Park

Squilchuck State Park is a small park on the way up to the Mission Ridge Ski Area, just south of Wenatchee.

Nearest towns: Wenatchee, East Wenatchee

Bodies of water nearby: Columbia River

Activities in the vicinity: Mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, skiing, snowshoeing

Steamboat Rock State Park

People looking for water recreation know to head for Steamboat Rock State Park on beautiful Banks Lake.

Nearest towns: Electric City, Coulee City, Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee

Bodies of water nearby: On Banks Lake, Columbia River, Lake Roosevelt (Columbia River)

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, volleyball field, rock climbing, horse trails

Sun Lakes State Park

Sun Lakes State Park sits a few miles south of the south end of Banks Lank in the beautiful Dry Falls area.

Nearest towns: Coulee City, Soap Lake, Ephrata

Bodies of water nearby: (Nine small lakes inside the park's boundaries), Banks Lake, Park Lake, Blue Lake, Lenore Lake, Soap Lake

Activities in the vicinity: Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, water skiing, boating, swimming, golfing, miniature golf, mountain biking

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park is on the south shore of 50-mile long Lake Chelan.

Nearest towns: Chelan, Entiat

Bodies of water nearby: On Lake Chelan, Columbia River, Entiat River

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, hiking, camping, golfing, shopping, wineries, art galleries, museum, ferry ride, mountain biking

Wenatchee Confluence State Park

At the mouth of the Wenatchee River, where it spills into the Columbia River, is Wenatchee Confluence State Park.

Nearest towns: In Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, Entiat, Leavenworth

Bodies of water nearby: On Columbia River, Wenatchee River

Activities in the vicinity: Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, shopping, museum,10+mile paved loop path, wildlife viewing, tennis court, playground equipment, basketball courts, softball field, soccer field

Some information courtesy the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commision.

Mark owns and maintains www.NCWpics.com featuring photos and information about North Central Washington.

A Brief Look at East Wenatchee, Washington

East Wenatchee is located directly across the Columbia River from Wenatchee, Washington and is the largest city in Douglas County. East Wenatchee was built on the agricultural economy that founded many of the communities in North Central Washington, but has since diversified into a number of industries.

Two historically important occurrences happened in the 20th century in East Wenatchee, both bringing with them major national and international attention. First, in 1931 Clyde Pangborn (a Bridgeport, Washington native) and his navigator Hugh Herndon landed their small Bellanca airplane, the Miss Veedol, on a hillside airstrip overlooking present day East Wenatchee. Pangborn and Herndon successfully made East Wenatchee the landing point of the first non-stop flight across the Pacific Ocean. The two pilots had taken off some 41+ hours earlier from a beach outside of Misawa, Japan. To symbolize the historic ties, the cities of East Wenatchee and Misawa, Japan have established a "sister city" relationship. The second major historical even occurred in 1987 when some farmworkers accidentally unearthed a vast amount of 11,000 year old Clovis points and other hunting artifacts. Archaeological digs were executed in 1988 and 1990 and there continues to be much research into what was uncovered.

The first bridge to span the Columbia River and unite the communities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee was constructed in 1907 and the two communities remain tightly joined to this day. The Wenatchee/East Wenatchee area is by far the largest population center in North Central Washington with most major regional businesses having a presence there. The two communities, though separate cities, both jointly promote local celebrations and the agricultural industry as a whole.

East Wenatchee is a prime location for those interested in outdoor recreation. To the south and southeast are Quincy, Moses Lake, the Sand Dunes, the Gorge Amphitheater and the Potholes Reservoir. To the north are Lake Chelan, Chelan, and the Okanogan Valley. To the east is Banks Lake, Dry Falls, Sun Lakes State Park, Lake Roosevelt and Grand Coulee Dam,. To the west of East Wenatchee are the Cascade Mountains, Mission the Ridge Ski Area, the Colockum Wilderness, Lake Wenatchee, and the cities of Wenatchee, Cashmere, and Leavenworth.

Like Wenatchee, East Wenatchee is on the shores of the Columbia River and bookended by two of the hydroelectric dams that have proven to be such a huge part in the building of North Central Washington; Rock Island Dam to the south and Rocky Reach Dam to the north.

There are also quite a few state parks in the immediate vicinity of East Wenatchee, Daroga State Park is about a half hour north on highway 97, Lincoln Rock State Park is just a few minutes north of town, Confluence State Park is just across the bridge in Wenatchee, and Squillchuck State Park (no overnight camping) is across the bridge and south of Wenatchee.

The Wenatchee Valley Mall is also located in East Wenatchee providing year round shopping opportunities that most of the surrounding areas do not offer.

East Wenatchee combines the best of the local agriculture industry with convenient access to the area's abundance of outdoor activities. It truly is an important place in our beautiful North Central Washington.

Mark owns and maintains http://www.NCWpics.com featuring photos and information about East Wenatchee and other communities in North Central Washington.

Incredible Washington State Seaside Vacations on Camano Island

In these tough economic times, who wants to waste their time lodging in expensive hotel accommodations where you're confined to a small room with little privacy and independence of your own. That's why vacation rental homes make so much sense. When you travel, you want to experience a place as it was meant to be. You want to live like you belong there. You want to feel like you're in control of your own surroundings. Why not stay in a house with a yard, a barbecue, access to the beach, a sports court, your own private hot tub? With a vacation rental home you can have essentially everything you could ever want, right in one place, at half the cost.

If you're looking for a great vacation rental home, you may not have given much consideration towards a Northwest Puget Sound vacation by the sea. The Seattle area is filled with culture, unique experiences, and you'll find people there have a great appreciation for the environment with good reason; why would anyone ever want to spoil beauty this great? The activities and entertainment possibilities are endless. I highly recommend renting a place by the ocean on Camano Island. It's only 45 minutes north of Seattle, yet it seems like a world away. It truly is island life at its finest; Washington style. With glistening waters, green surroundings, majestic mountains, and incredible wildlife, you'd be crazy not to see it for yourself. If you really want to convene with nature and invigorate your connection with the great outdoors than Camano Island is for you!

Camano Island sits in the rain shadow produced by the Olympic mountain range. It enjoys a drier climate with less rain fall and more sunshine. Driving onto the island coming from Seattle is an experience in itself. One minute you're driving along in overcast weather surrounded by Evergreen tress, then the next minute the skies clear up and there're Madronas hanging out over gorgeous seaside cliffs. Scenic overviews of the Puget Sound with the mountains in the distance surround you from all angles. Even the air seems to change; a deep breath in and you're senses are engulfed with the fresh aroma of the seaside ocean wrapping around you from every direction.

The best way to experience Camano Island is to do a vacation rental home. Camano Islands Eagles Nest for instance, is a vacation rental that provides all the fixings for a truly great vacation. It sits high above an ocean bay looking out over the water with the Cascade Mountain Range in the distance. Eagles frequently fly through the air and perch in the tops of the trees right before your eyes. I never thought I'd ever end up so close to eagles as they glide with outstretched wings! The way that this wonderful seaside cabin sits, you get some of the most spectacular views on the planet. There is no doubt it'll leave you breathless.

This particular vacation rental home has wonderful charm and character. You'll find that to be the truth with most vacation rentals by owner, but always be selective in your accommodations in order to find the best places - where you stay makes a big difference. Camano Island's Eagles Nest is decorated with everything you'd expect from a northwest coastal cabin. From the wood burning stove in the corner, to gorgeous paintings, and wooden interiors; it's a feeling no lodge or hotel could ever replicate. There's tons of space as the cabin is deceptively large. There're three stories with a main floor, a loft, and a downstairs with yet two more bedrooms and a games room. All of which have incredible views looking out over the ocean with large expansive windows allowing you to sit for hours on end just taking it in.

With a vacation rental home, you have the whole place to yourself too. The freedom and joy you experience being able to unwind uninterruptedly really allows you to get back in touch with yourself. After being far too engulfed in the daily grind that too often consumes us, this is the type of vacation that makes you feel complete again after leaving. I've traveled half way across the world, have been to multiple countries, and I've stayed in numerous accommodations, yet I've never felt quite as connected to my surroundings as I did in this place. As someone who loves to travel and experience things for myself, I think I'll always look into vacation rental homes. Camano Island in Washington State is probably one of the most overlooked vacation destinations I can think of. I highly suggest you discover it for yourself. You will not be disappointed!

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About the Author: Matt Moore is a marketing consultant who loves to travel and write articles sharing his personal insights.

Washington - The "Dual Zone" Wine Country

My son and his family used to live in Anacortes, Washington. We generally traveled to visit them by either by taking Interstate 5 north from California or Interstates 82 and 90 west from Idaho. Along both of these routes, we noticed many scattered Washington vineyards during our trips. I often wondered how the different wine producing zones in Washington managed to produce great grapes and wine because the climatic regimes on either side of the Cascade Mountain Range are so different.

Washington can be generally divided into two grape growing zones with approximately 34 to 36 thousand acres under cultivation. One zone is defined as the Interstate 5 corridor on the west side of the Cascade Range. This zone receives adequate rainfall to grow grapes (average of 48 inches per year). The other zone is defined as the plains on the east side of the Cascade Range. Storms in Washington generally arrive from the northwest Pacific Ocean coastal area and move to the east. As these storms push through the Cascade Range, abundant rainfall occurs on the west side of the mountains. Later, these same air masses push over the Cascades much drier than when they arrived. This produces a rain-shadow effect (average of 8 inches per year) because of the topographic lifting of the air mass over the coastal mountains. Because of the rain shadow effects of the Cascade Range, this area often must use various irrigation techniques to maximize grape production.

The growing season for grapes in Washington is generally from March to September each year. Harvesting starts in August and can run as late as November. Washington is the second largest wine-producing state with only California out doing them. Washington's grape annual production is approximately 160 to 170 tons of grapes, which is only a fraction of California's production of 3.6 to 3.8 million tons. Prohibition arrived in 1920, banning alcohol-based beverages, and, as in other states, set the wine producing industry back. The industry is building rapidly based on the availability of reasonably affordable land, but because most of the vineyards are small operations, the per bottle production costs are higher than most other areas in the country. Washington wines are generally more expensive than wines produced elsewhere. It remains to be seen if this will be restrictive and problematic as the industry grows. Meanwhile, one article I reviewed stated a new winery opens about every other week with the current total around 650 wineries.

The quality of Washington wines cannot be disputed. The wines from this region have won numerous awards and are currently marketed in every U.S. state and 40 other countries. Some of the leading red grapes found are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet France, Malbec, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir and Lemberger. Some of the leading white varietals are Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Semillon and Chenin Blanc. White wine production is 54 percent of the total, while red wine is 46 percent of the total. The total economic impact to Washington State from the wine industry is estimated to be in the neighborhood of 3 billion dollars a year.

Touring wineries and vineyards is an excellent way to pass the time. Cities in the Interstate 5 corridor that could serve as a tour base are Vancouver, Longview, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Mt. Vernon, Bellingham and Fern Dale. Wine production in the more arid eastern side of the Cascade Range is more scattered across the area. Cities that could serve as a tour base are Spokane, Brewster, Chelan, Wenatchee, Yakima, Moses Lake, Toppenish, Richland and Walla Walla. One thing I did notice, when visiting the few vineyards that I have, is that during your visits often you will get a great view of a snow-covered peak.

When visiting Washington, touring its wine country will be very rewarding. Some great wines are produced; the small wine growing operations are friendly to visit; and a landscape of beautiful views will reward you. Remember, buy the wine you like, store it properly, serve it at the proper temperature and enjoy it immensely.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, July 2010

Author: Ron Senn, Vice-president Ideal Wine Coolers, Tucson, Arizona

Ideal Wine Coolers offers a wide selection of products to address your wine and beer cooling needs.

http://idealwinecoolers.com/page/home/index, html

We also have a blog that you can visit.

http://winecoolerblog.com

Tourist Attractions in Washington State

It is one the beautiful and scenic states of United States of America. Washington offers wide varieties to the travelers in recreation, sight seeing, fun, adventure and relaxation.Adventures like fishing, boating, biking, hiking, camping are available for the tourists. Hotels and restaurants are easily available with different food to choose from. Accommodation is available in hotels, inns and resorts, which are mostly used for tourism purpose. Washington offers a wide variety of places and items to see and enjoy. Along with mountains, waterfalls, sculptures, museums it has also lot more in other categories like flower gardens, wineries, agricultural farms, national parks etc. You, as a tourist, will find different types of attraction in the Washington State. All such interesting places and items can be divided in categories like historical, cultural, natural, fun etc.

Historical Attraction

In the historical attraction, Washington will offer you with the chance to visit museums and galleries, lighthouses, historical attractions, sculptures etc. Lighthouses will make a trip romantic, adventurous for you. Washington State lighthouses are the place for such experiences. Museums and galleries are present everywhere. So they are also there in Washington. Museums in Washington showcase the history and culture of the state. There are different types of museums - for carriages, rock museum, glass museum, aviation, sports, science museums, the whale museum etc. Visit them if you like moving through and around old items and find their history.

Cultural Attractions

A lot many historic and cultural attractions are there for you. There is Chihuly Bridge of Glass to Bridge of Gods, Seattle's Ballard, Bellingham's Fairhaven, Gig Harbor historic waterfront, 5th Avenue Theater, Alki Point, and Ansorge Hotel Museum etc. So many such interesting places are there. You can always enjoy such a visit to these places Washington also has some of the famous sculptures, monuments, and statues in its possession.Washington has a rich cultural heritage which is attractive to the tourists also. Ahtanum MissionYakima, WA, Ahtanum Mission , Alpowai Interpretive Center, Clarkston, WA, Alpowai Interpretive Center, Buffalo Eddy Petroglyphs Clarkston, WA, Cathlapotle PlankhouseVancouver, WA are some of the attractions for tourists.If you would like to take a look at the Indian's life style in Washington, you are welcome. There are visits to Indian country.

Natural Attractions

Natural attractions are a big part of Washington's tourist attractions. You will get a peek into the huge and beautiful agricultural farms, fruit farms, Alpaca and Llama farms. Agricultural tours are organized for the interested tourists. Fruit farm visit may be an exciting option even for the children. So many beaches are there in Washington with so many facilities offered. Some use a no car system within 20 miles of the beach area. There are dams available for visit. If you are visiting Washington in May to august, you will be a spectator to the great Washington flower garden bloom. There are hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, mountains and volcanoes present in Washington for the tourist visit. Washington has a growing wine industry, which also attracts many tourists. You can visit the wineries and vineyards. There are 300 plus wineries in Washington, which are open to the visitors. Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker are some of the volcanoes present in Washington, which can be a great fun for biking, hiking and skiing.Wildlife viewing is possible for the wildlife enthusiasts. There are several national parks like the Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. There are waterfalls, which are accessible by walking through green forests. Some others are to be reached by cars. Bridal Veil Falls, Bear Creek Falls, and Carbon Falls are some of them.

Fun

If you want some fun for you and your family, Washington will not disappoint you. It has got water parks for enjoyment of the tourists. There is a kite festival in Washington held every year. In the Water Parks, you will find 40 rides. There are 14 waterslides also. Some of the water parks are Federal Way's Wild Waves, aquatic centre in Moses Lake. If you like kite flying, then there is a chance of your getting a hand on it in Washington. In the Long Beach, an annual kite festival is organized which is very popular.

Bikash is a netpreneur and work from home business consultant. He manages online businesses and helps people to start their own business. He is also a writer and blogger. He writes for The Anti 9-5 Guide and Internet Startup.

Great Washington State RV Camping Adventures

The state of Washington is well known for its vibrant urban areas: Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia spring to mind. RV campers have long known, however, that the spectacular natural diversity of Washington State also offers RV camping adventures for every season. They also know that it's not if, but when, you'll return once you've seen the beauty of The Evergreen State.

RV Camping in Washington's National Parks

One of the best ways to experience all that Washington has to offer is by visiting its National Parks. National Parklands adorn the mountains, lakes and seashores of Washington. Within North Cascades National Park Complex, for example, you'll also find Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.

Whether you like fishing or kayaking the Skagit River, hiking some of the hundreds of scenic trails or getting up close and personal with more than three hundred glaciers, motorhome campers will be thrilled by the abundance of outdoor activities this Park complex encompasses. Check here for more information on RV campgrounds at North Cascades National Park Complex.

If you'd like to splash in the surf, hike in the mountains and enjoy the cool, green forests of Washington all in the same RV camping trip, Olympic National Park is the place to park your motorhome. Located within the Olympic Peninsula, this Park is an easy drive from Seattle.

Watch for elk and enjoy breathtaking views in all directions as you hike mile-high Hurricane Ridge. Visit the world-class visitor's center at Port Angeles, and experience the rocky coastline at Rialto Beach. There is so much diversity in the eco-systems and outdoor experiences of Olympic National Park; you'll soon be planning your trip back. Plan to stay at one of the RV campgrounds within the Park, so you won't have to miss a minute of this fascinating destination.

Two more National Parks deserve mention as awesome motorhome camping destinations in Washington. Mount Rainier is, of course, one of the best-known sites to Washington visitors. You'll see so much more than its memorable snow-capped peaks, however, when you visit Mount Rainier National Park. Temperate rain forests, glaciers and a silent volcano co-exist with mountain meadows and old growth forests. Stow your camera somewhere close at hand as you pull your RV into this unforgettable Park. Two campgrounds can accommodate RVs, so be sure to make your reservations early.

San Juan Island National Historic Park, located within the Strait of Georgia, combines the best of Washington's natural wonders with a look into the State's military history. Occupied at the same time by both American and British troops, this windswept island situated between British Columbia and the US was considered a strategic point for protecting the area's rich natural resources that both countries hoped to control.

Today's motorhome campers can see not only historic reenactments at the American Camp and English Camp, but also thrill to the sights of orca whales, porpoises and a wide range of shore birds. You may also spy a fox or two, and glimpse eagles in the sky high above the island. Lakedale Campground offers beautiful lakeside campsites and opportunities for kayaking, camping, fishing and whale watching on-site.

There's so much more to see in Washington State, enough to fill another entire article. Dip your toe into the glorious sites of The Evergreen State by first RV camping in its National Parks. There's no better way to get to know this gem in America's Pacific Northwest.

This article was written by Joe Laing of El Monte RV, your source for RV rentals throughout the United States. An RV is an excellent way to start off on your next fishing vacation to the State of Washington. Be sure to check out the El Monte RV website for more information about Washington RV Vacations and Washington State RV rentals.

15 Things You May Not Have Known About North Central Washington

North Central Washington provides for one of the widest variety of recreation and scenic opportunities that can be found in one region. There are snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed lakes, rivers, and streams, and arid desert areas as well. Whether exploring the Okanogan highlands to the north, the Cascade Mountains to the west, or the sage covered coulees to the east there is plenty to see and do in North Central Washington. The communities of North Central Washington offer weekend festivals and holiday celebrations throughout the year and out of town visitors are welcome to be part of the excitement. There is a rich local history surrounding the entire region and dating back to before European settlers set foot in the area. The North Central Washington area invites visitors to explore its resources thoroughly, but here are fifteen things you may not have known about North Central Washington.

1. The Bavarian town of Leavenworth was named for Charles Leavenworth, president of the Okanogan Investment Company, who purchased the area that is present day downtown Leavenworth, WA.

2. The city of Cashmere was originally known as Mission, as it was a site of numerous religious settlements.

3. Before 1886, the area of land from Chelan to the Canadian border was called the Columbia Indian Reservation; President Grover Cleveland did away with this reservation in 1886.

4. The island that sits in Lake Wenatchee, just off the shore of the State Park, is named Emerald Island.

5. Lake Chelan measures 50.4 miles in length while averaging a width of only 2 miles.

6. Approximately 70% of the land in Okanogan County is owned by the State and Federal government.

7. The Grand Coulee Dam was used in the Harrison Ford movie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

8. The Pacific Coast Trail (PCT), a hiking trail allowing continuous hiking from Canada to California passes through the North Cascades National Park.

9. In 1909, 60% of the sheep raised in Washington State were summered in the Wenatchee National Forest.

10. The community of Chesaw, located about 25 miles east of Oroville, is the only town in the United States named after a Chinese settler.

11. The first non-stop flight across the Pacific Ocean ended with a landing in a most unlikely of spots, East Wenatchee's Fancher Field.

12. Okanogan County did not have its first stoplight installed until the early 1980's.

13. The Columbia River has eleven dams on it from its beginning in Canada to where it empties into the Pacific Ocean. Five of those dams, almost half, lie in North Central Washington. (Grand Coulee, Chief Joseph, Wells, Rocky Reach, and Rock Island)

14. In 1880, the United States Army maintained Camp Chelan at the current site of the city of Chelan. Camp Chelan lasted one year and was abandoned as it was deemed too remote to conveniently get troops into and out of.

15. The Rock Island Dam was the first dam to be constructed on the Columbia River.

Experiencing all that North Central Washington has to offer in one visit is nearly impossible. From recreational opportunities like boating, camping, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and more; to experiencing the scenic wonders of Lake Chelan, Dry Falls, Grand Coulee Dam, and others, there is something in North Central Washington for everyone.

Mark hosts and updates www.NCWpics.com showcasing photos and information of the North Central Washington area.

Elope in Washington State - 6 Terrific Locations For a Fun and Memorable Elopement Ceremony

Once you have your happy selves, your marriage license, two witnesses, and your Officiant/Minister, you will want a fun and fabulous location for your elopement ceremony. In Washington State, you have many options: from the big city, to the coast, to the mountains and perhaps to the islands!

So, put on your elopement seat beat and let's take a little virtual tour of six terrific locations that could be a best place for your elopement ceremony in Washington State!

6 Terrific Places to Elope in Washington State

1) Bainbridge Island ~ From downtown Seattle, you can catch a Washington State ferry and 35 minutes later, you are on Bainbridge Island. This sweet Island is a bedroom community of Seattle and is home to 25,000 people, a bustling little downtown area, magnificent water vistas, and sweet bed and breakfast choices.

You could either be be married (i.e., elope!) on the deck of the Washington State Ferry or you can find an Officiant or Minister to marry you once you are on Bainbridge Island. After your elopement ceremony on Bainbridge Island, celebrate with a lovely meal at one of the several celebrations restaurants that line the downtown "strip" of this gorgeous island.

Tip: To be married on the Washington State Ferry, you will need to contact the Washington State Ferry System for permission and a permit.

2) Ashford, WA ~ Mt. Rainier State Park ~ Take to the mountains of Washington State and get married near the entrance of Mt. Rainier or inside the park. The best time of year to elope to Ashford and Mt. Rainier is, of course, during the Summer months. The early Fall is also an lovely time as there is often light snow on the ground which only adds to any wedding ambiance!

3) Ruby Beach/Washington Coast ~ From the Seattle or Tacoma area, drive East to Washington State's Coast and get hitched on Ruby Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Washington Coast and hosts a number of elopements and more formal wedding ceremonies each year.

4) Hamilton Viewpoint Park, Seattle ~ In West Seattle, there is a little neighborhood park called Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Known by many of the locals, this park is on a high bluff and overlooks downtown Seattle, The Space Needle and the Puget Sound. If there ever was a truly "Washington State place" to get married with a killer view, this is it.

Tip: Contact the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department for a permit.

5) Orcas Island, WA ~ If you are up for a drive and an extended ferry ride, check out Orcas Island. The Island sleeps during the Winter months and is crazy busy during the popular Summer season. This is a big Island with a wide variety of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts. There are a lot of very cool and fun places to be married - waterside, bluff and bed and breakfasts. Contact the Orcas Chamber of Commerce in Eastsound for specific information as they love to give out free advice to engaged couples!

6) Leavenworth, WA ~ Over the mountains you can go to the picturesque German town of Leavenworth, Washington. Nestled in the Cascade mountains, Leavenworth is a hip and fun place for an elopement. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, consider a hike into the mountains to get hitched or perhaps a wedding ceremony half-way during a river rafting trip! Leavenworth also has beautiful bed and breakfast inns that specialize in small and intimate wedding ceremonies.

Annemarie Juhlian is a Wedding Officiant, Minister & Celebrant in Seattle, Washington. She creates personalized wedding ceremonies for couples of all faiths and traditions. Take a peak at Annemarie: http://www.wedbyannemarie.com or call 425. 922.1325

Some Shocking Facts About Washington Wine

A few years ago my wife and I took a Napa Valley "wine tour". It was terrific: We got to see a beautiful part of the USA up close and personal and meet some very nice people. We tend to prefer smaller, family-owned "boutique"-style wineries, anyway, and the proprietors of such businesses are an interesting group. Winemakers are fun--often "entrepreneurial" but still wildly unconventional.

And of course, we got to sample some outstanding wines.

Imagine our surprise, then, when one of the vintners chided us for our ignorance of the wines in our own backyard! When he discovered that we live in the Wenatchee Valley in north-central Washington State, he said, "Some of the best wine in the world is coming out your valley right now."

When we returned home, it didn't take us long to take a wine tour of our home town. What we discovered was shockingly wonderful! Within 40 minutes of our residence we found more than a dozen top-notch wineries, all of which produce what are now our very favorites wines. With apologies to our friends in Napa Valley: I love Washington wine!

The eastern half of Washington State is sheltered from the drizzly northern Pacific weather fronts by the rugged Cascade mountain range. Therefore, unlike the wet and mild weather of Seattle and the Puget Sound, our half of the state has a dry, continental climate... much like northern California. It is actually somewhat warmer in the summer, and due to our more northern latitude, substantially colder in winter.

It is the winter cold that caused most horticulturalists to believe that Washington was unsuited for wine grapes. A crisis in the apple industry--the Alar scare of the late 80's and early 90's--precipitated a search for other cash crops. Many Washington orchardists experimented with small plots of wine grapes and discovered that the new crops did amazingly well. Much to the surprise of the naysayers, Washington grapes--and the wine they produce--are superb.

Mike Scott, co-owner of Martin-Scott Winery in East Wenatchee, WA, believes that the cold winters are actually one of the important keys to the high quality wine produced in north-central Washington. It produces a "survival of the fittest" scenario: "They come close to death every winter--they're stressed... The plants that survive produce a better vintage."

The rest of the wine world seems to agree: The Washington wine industry is experiencing literally explosive growth. The amount of land devoted to wine grapes has more than tripled in the last decade, and even though winemaking is still in its infancy here, this area is now the nation's second largest wine producer.

As I mentioned at the start, my wife and I have a preference for smaller, family-owned wineries. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, smaller wineries seem to have a great consistency within a given vintage. The characteristics of the grapes used are usually very even since fewer are needed. In my opinion, the massive production runs of the major commercial wineries tends to introduce some degree of inconsistency.

The second reason we enjoy smaller wineries is that when we visit we often get to talk with the owners and even the winemakers themselves. In fact, at the Icicle Ridge Winery, you get to do wine tastings right in the kitchen of the owners' stunningly beautiful log home! Precisely because Washington's wine industry is so young, the wineries are still a very personal experience: There is a very old-world craftsmanship about it that I respect and admire.

I do enjoy the wines of other regions, but it has been a joy to discover that there's no place like home. If you ever visit north-central Washington and taste our wine, I think you'll love Washington wine, too!

Ross Lambert is software engineer by trade and a wine geek by choice. You can read his wine blog at [http://www.LoveRedWine.com] , and see (and taste!) the handiwork of his neighbors and friends at http://www.LoveWashingtonWine.com .

Washington State - Camping Along the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway Near Seattle

Looking for that perfect weekend camping and hiking getaway trip from Seattle? Only one hour's drive away you could experience the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway, one of Washington State's most popular scenic drives. There you'll drive past three wilderness areas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, snow-capped mountain peaks, thirteen U.S. Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds, and wild and scenic rivers. Wildlife enthusiasts would be interested in the fact that eagles, beavers, black bears, mountain goats, black-tailed deer, and barred owls make homes here.

The Mountain Loop Scenic Byway, one of 11 scenic byways in the state, traverses through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the western section of the Cascade Range. It's paved for 34 miles from Granite Falls to a low mountain pass, Barlow Pass, where it becomes an unpaved road. At Barlow Pass, you'll see mountain peaks on either side of you and a stream running alongside that make for a gorgeous setting and a feeling that you're in another world. After 13 miles of bumpy driving, a paved surface resumes for the remaining 9 miles to the town of Darrington. Portions of the unpaved section are narrow and rutted but are drivable in a passenger car.

Campgrounds

Of the 13 USFS campgrounds, the largest is Gold Basin with 83 sites for tents or RVs, and even an amphitheater. You'll appreciate the convenience of showers and piped water, a rarity in most USFS campgrounds. All the campgrounds between Granite Falls and Barlow Pass are situated very close to the South Fork Stillaguamish River, or "Stilly", where skilled anglers can catch summer steelhead, cutthroat trout and whitefish.

Most of the campgrounds along the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway are more rustic than Gold Basin, but many campsites are literally a few feet from a river's edge. Even though most of the campgrounds are within earshot of the highway, the placid sounds of the moving water over river rock create an ambiance that overshadows the sounds of passing cars.

Half of the campgrounds are "group camps" and available for reservation by organizations such as church groups, scout troops, and family reunions. One campground, Wiley Creek, a favorite of scouts, has three Adirondack shelters which are open-air rustic cabins with open-plank bunks and attics where groups can spread out sleeping pads.

One of my favorite campgrounds is Red Bridge because of its 16 campsites, half are right above the river's edge. From Red Bridge campsites you can also get glimpses of snow-capped peaks as you peer through the dense evergreen forests on the far side of the Stilly.

If you continue driving past Barlow Pass you'll find that the rest of the campgrounds are situated next to the Wild and Scenic Sauk River. The Sauk is one of the best kept whitewater and scenic rafting trip secrets in the Cascades. As the river tumbles out of the pristine Glacier Peak Wilderness, the clear, free-flowing Sauk River is considered exceptional by whitewater enthusiasts.

You can camp next to the Sauk River at Bedal and Clear Creek campgrounds. Bedal is one of my favorite Washington State campgrounds. With the sound of the river in the background and set in an old-growth forest, it offers a more primitive out-of-the-way experience. If you choose to camp there you may see groups of kayakers using the spot as a launch point for a day's whitewater outing.

Hiking

Hiking in the area includes easy jaunts such as one along the old Monte Cristo Railroad bed, a nature trail for the wheelchair-bound, short and steep hikes to high lakes, an easy one-mile hike to the unusual Big Four ice caves and even treacherous, cross-country traverses through untamed wilderness.

The Mountain Loop Scenic Byway loops almost entirely around the Boulder River Wilderness, which not many people venture into. This is mainly due to the fact that there are few trails and it has some very steep ascents. If you want to go explore, do some orienteering and cross-country travel, that's a good place to do it.

For technical climbers, the Sloan and Bedal peaks in the Jackson Wilderness offer sheer rock challenges.

The next time you visit Seattle, if you want to experience some of the best of Washington State camping, try to find time for a weekend drive to the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway!

Clark A. Hamilton has catalogued most of the camping destinations in the Pacific Northwest on his website http://www.campground-search.com which covers all types of campgrounds from state parks, USFS campgrounds, national parks and RV parks in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

To view lots of photos of the campgrounds mentioned in this article along the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway visit http://campground-search.com/CampgroundMap.aspx?rid=7 and filter on USFS campgrounds!

Three Great Places to Visit in Stunning North Central Washington

One of the best places to vacation in, especially for those with an appreciation for the great outdoors, is North Central Washington. The NCW region stretches from the Canadian border in the north to the lower Central Washington area in the south and from the Cascade Mountains in the west to the Lake Roosevelt area in the east. Throughout the area there are a number of great campgrounds, lakes, rivers, state parks, mountains, hiking trails, and more. Here are just three of the many great places to see when traveling to North Central Washington.

Lake Chelan

One of the most beautiful areas in all of Washington State is Lake Chelan. Lake Chelan is a 51 mile long lake that stretches from the rolling arid hillsides in the east up into the high Cascade Mountains in the west. The cities of Chelan and Manson sit on the southeastern shore and feature hotels, restaurants, condominiums, and a number of shopping opportunities. At the upper end of the lake sits the community of Stehekin which has no roads leading into or out of it. Stehekin is only reachable by hiking trail, float plane, or by water ferry. Taking the ride up the lake to Stehekin from Chelan is a great way to spend a day or a weekend.

Ancient Lakes

Located just off highway 28 a few miles west of the community of Quincy is an area known as Ancient Lakes. These small lakes are nestled in a small canyon and give a great view as to what the terrain in Eastern Washington looked like centuries ago. There are trails that crisscross the area and even lead travelers up onto the walls of the canyon. Camping is allowed in the Ancient Lakes area and so is fishing. Nearby Dusty Lake and the Columbia River can be reached by trail. There are no motor vehicles allowed in the Ancient Lakes area beyond the parking area which is more than a mile or two away.

Sun Lakes State Park

Just south of Coulee City and Banks Lake sits Sun Lakes State Park. This is a wonderful place for anyone wanting to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in North Central Washington. The park features access to a number of small lakes where fishing, kayaking, swimming, and canoeing are all possible. There are rental cabins, a golf course, rental watercraft, and a nice selection of campsites available there. Nearby attractions include Dry Falls, Banks Lake, Soap Lake, and Lake Lenore Caves.

View Lake Chelan photos, along with interesting photos of the rest of North Central Washington at NCWpics.com!

Exploring The Diversity Of Washington State

Washington State exhibits some of the most diverse geographic and climate features of any state in the United States of America. From east-to-west and north-to-south, the state shows a wide variety of terrain, geology, temperatures, and populations. Eastern Washington and Western Washington, divided by the Cascade Mountains, display some especially contrasting landscapes.

Western Washington

By far the more populated region of Washington, the western part of the state is also the area that feels the brunt of the near legendary rainy weather. The I-5 Corridor stretches north-to-south and goes through communities like Bellingham, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Vancouver on its way from Canada to Mexico. In the north near the Canadian border and the city of Bellingham, the land is forested in most places right up to Puget Sound. Winters are harshest here compared to the rest of Western Washington but are very bearable. Bellingham is also home to one of the six state universities, Western Washington University.

The Seattle-Tacoma area is home to the largest concentration of people in the state of Washington. Seattle is also the business and finance capital of the state and home to professional sports franchises as well as the University of Washington. Seattle has a vibrant downtown area highlighted by the waterfront and world famous Pike Place Market. Ferry service is essential to Seattle and the rest of Western Washington as so many population centers are located on and around Puget Sound. Seattle sits right on Interstate 5 which runs north-to-south, and is also at western most end of the I-90 which is the longest Interstate freeway in the United States (the other end of I-90 is in Boston, Massachusetts). SeaTac Airport, serving the entire state and a major jump off point for flights to Alaska, Hawaii, and Asia is located between Seattle and Tacoma.

To the south, Olympia is the state capital and home to The Evergreen State College. Olympia's weather is similar to Seattle's and it too sits on Puget Sound. Olympia is a kind of hub for travelers as from there you can go west to the Pacific Ocean, northwest to the Olympic Peninsula, east to Mount Rainier, north to Seattle and further on to Canada, and south to the lower Cascade Mountains and Oregon.

The most northwestern portion of Washington State is known as the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic Peninsula is home to Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, Dungeness Spit, Neah Bay, the Hoh Rain Forest, and much more. Popular with tourists, it is possible in one day on the Olympic Peninsula to go from the beaches of Puget Sound, to the old growth forest and mountain peaks of the Olympic National Park, to the one and only rain forest in the continental United States, and finally to the Pacific Ocean.

South of the Olympic Peninsula sit the coastal areas of Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor, and Long Beach. This area of the state, though beautiful, is primarily focused on ocean based tourism, lumber, and marine industries. Further south is the city of Vancouver which sits right across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.

Eastern Washington

The second most populous city in Washington State, behind Seattle, is Spokane which is located in Eastern Washington near the border with Idaho. North of Spokane is the sparsely populated Colville area and further on is the Canadian border. This northeast corner of the state has what can be described as dry arid forests. Spokane is home to many of the common things you find in mid-sized cities like minor league sports, assorted colleges, large parks with many events, and major media outlets. Interstate 90 runs right through Spokane and is the major east-west route across the state. Just outside of Spokane is the community of Cheney which is home to Eastern Washington University.

South of the Spokane area is the southeastern section of Washington State, here lies the other major state university, Washington State University in Pullman. Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities (consisting of Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick) area are the major population centers of Southeast Washington. The land here was originally natural grassland and prairies but has been for the most part changed over to farming and agriculture thanks to the irrigation projects on the Snake and Columbia Rivers.

The Central Washington area is usually the term describing the region surrounding Ellensburg and Yakima. Ellensburg is home to Central Washington University and the Ellensburg Rodeo. Ellensburg also sits right on I-90 and is one of the last towns you stop at before heading over the Cascade Mountains to Western Washington. Yakima is the main population center in Central Washington and also a travel hub. From Yakima you can go southeast towards the Tri-Cities, south to Oregon, east towards Moses Lake and Spokane, north to Ellensburg, and west crossing the Cascade Mountains via White Pass to Western Washington. There are areas of Central Washington that are arid enough to actually qualify as desert land. Thanks to irrigation, the Central Washington area is a highly successful agricultural area. Wheat fields, grape vineyards, apple and pear orchards, and more cover the landscape of Central Washington.

Wenatchee is the most populated city in the North Central Washington region. The southern and central part of the North Central Washington area is scarred arid land carved by a giant ice age era flood that covered most of Eastern Washington. This flood created huge gouges that resemble canyons and valleys and are called coulees. The Columbia River dominates the North Central Washington area and the energy and irrigation made possible by it's hydroelectric dams have been a boon to the region. The gem of these is the Grand Coulee Dam located about two hours northeast of Wenatchee. The Grand Coulee Dam backs up water all the way to the Canadian border. Also in the vicinity of Grand Coulee Dam is Banks Lake, a manmade lake made by damming and filling up a coulee with water pumped from the Columbia River below. Downstream from Grand Coulee Dam is Chief Joseph Dam which is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the nation. Lake Chelan is the largest natural lake in Washington State and sits near the geographic center of the state. At the northwestern end of the lake sits the town of Stehekin which you can only reach by boat, hiking trail, or water plane - no roads lead there. To the north sits what is referred to as the Okanogan country, right on the border with Canada. Rocky rugged forests meet arid steppe lands to make some of the most beautiful country in the United States.

The Cascade Mountains

The Cascade Mountains run generally from north-to-south dividing the State of Washington in half. There are five mountains in the Cascades that are classified as active volcanoes; Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. The Cascade Mountains receive an excessive amount of snow during the winter and are a favorite place to head for anyone with interests in hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, rock climbing, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and more.

There you have it, when it comes to diversity in climates and terrain; no other state can match Washington State. Home to modern cities, an actual rain forest, desert-like conditions, a major mountain range, Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, and tons of other lakes and rivers, Washington State has it all. Whether you live there already or are planning a visit - explore Washington State today.

Mark owns and maintains http://www.NCWpics.com featuring photos and information about North Central Washington.

Skiing in Washington State on Crystal Mountain

Rossignol Used Bandit B1 160cm All Mountain Snow Skis B

There are many reasons to visit Washington State but for the winter sports enthusiast what better reason could there be than to visit the challenging ski resort of Crystal Mountain? During the winter months Crystal Mountain is ideally placed to provide snow-capped peaks of over 7,000 feet, standing proud below the towering Mount Rainier which climbs to over 14,000 feet.
The months of November to April bring several feet of fresh powder snow to Crystal Mountain, this being a reliable happening thanks to the cold Cascade storms common to this area. This factor alone makes a compelling reason to visit this first class Washington State ski area.
There are breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from the summit of Crystal Mountain. The area positively bulges with 2,300 acres of fabulous skiing and here you will find every kind of skiing you can imagine, making this the largest ski area in the state of Washington.
Ladies Ski Bib


Of particular appeal to advanced and intermediate skiers who will enjoy 87% of all runs, there are some 7 runs for beginners which amounts to a generous variety for all levels. Intermediates are best catered for with 57% of all runs and of all the runs the very longest is called Northway and stretches for 2.5 miles or 4km.
With a definite bias in the distribution of trails towards the more experienced skier, lift capacity runs at 20,000 per hour. There are 2 high speed quads, 2 high speed sixes, 2 triple chairs, 4 double chairs and a surface lift for children. Despite leaning towards the more experienced skier, lessons are available and it is possible to rent skis and other equipment as required. This is also useful in the event of losses and breakages.
There is a Kids Club that is open from 8am to 4pm each day for children aged four to eleven years old. They will be well looked after while the experts in the family explore the remainder of the resort and experience the thrill of skiing the black diamond runs. The Kids Club supervises skiing on the appropriate slopes for their charges and there is also snowboarding available for children aged 7 - 11 years old. Children will learn while having fun and being supervised on the slopes while the remainder of the party can enjoy the challenging terrain that this Washington ski resort offers.
For those who enjoy back country skiing, Crystal Mountain has two back country areas which can only be reached by hiking. This is extreme and unforgiving terrain and the ski patrol has specific rules for those looking to ski in these areas. Covered mainly in thick woodland, North Backcountry does have some trails which have been cut through the trees.
The season runs from the middle of November to the middle of April, when the best snow fall is experienced. There are many places to choose for lodging, meals and evening entertainment. After a day of skiing, you should definitely head over to East Peak Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub, sauna, showers and even the games room. Massages are available with a reservation. In the summer of 2004, Crystal built the Campbell Basin Lodge, a Cascade-style lodge serving pasta, pizza, soups, teriyaki, burgers, salads, Mexican food and more.
For a superb vacation skiing in Washington State this is a great place for the family. Everyone can have a great experience at Crystal Mountain, even though the slopes are more for intermediate and expert skiers. Novice skiers can have fun as well as long as careful attention is paid to the grade of slope attempted.







Kerry Devere is a great fan of holidays in the mountains and in particular thrashing the red runs. Before you plan your next ski safari, read more of her ski destination reviews.