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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