Dry Falls Loop through Cascades (long day) In addition to Mt. St. Helens , one of the best places to see evidence of the awesome geologic forces that shaped the topography of the Pacific Northwest is Dry Falls, the remnants of what was probably the greatest waterfall in geologic history. Dry Falls and its adjacent Interpretive Center are located in eastern Washington near Soap Lake-- an area of the state characterized by open sagebrush desert and high basaltic escarpments with small lakes and cattail marshes in the canyons. The contrast between the eastern and western sides of the Cascade range is almost reason enough for this drive. This area, known as the channeled scablands, was formed by a series of floods that washed over one of the largest basaltic floodplains in the world (63,000 square miles and 6000 ft deep) during the Pleistocene.

Dry Falls

Dry Falls formed 10-15,000 years ago, when an enormous lake covering much of present-day Montana broke its ice dam and formed a raging river that gouged out a course through the plain. In addition to Dry Falls, which is about 1/2 mile wide and 400 ft tall, an even larger cataract was formed at Grand Coulee to the north.

Getting there: For the most direct route from Seattle, drive I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass and east to George, then follow Hwy 283 northeast to Ephrata and Soap Lake (3.5 hrs). For an alternate route, drive I-5 north to US 2 in Everett, then over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee, US 97 north to Orondo, then US 2 east again over the Waterville Plateau and through the Moses Coulee to Dry Falls. This latter route is more scenic but slower. Better yet, join the two and make a loop over the Cascades. Be prepared for very hot, dry weather in eastern Washington.

Garden Sampler With its mild maritime climate, the Pacific Northwest is one of the premier gardening spots in the world, and there are several inspiring gardens within an short drive from Seattle. The Washington Park Arboretum , with 230 acres featuring diverse plant collections and pleasant walking paths, is a brief (<10 min.) drive from U.W. Campus. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a must for anyone interested in innovative perennial borders-- the one featured here is world-class, and there are also alpine, Japanese, and other gardens here. This garden is about 20 min. drive from U.W. campus.  A trip to the extensive gardens of the Bloedel Reserve, a formerly private estate on the north end of Bainbridge Island, can be combined with a day-tour of the Island. Advanced reservations are required for a visit; consider stopping off at the Bainbridge Island Winery on your way there. Ferries to Bainbridge Island leave regularly from downtown Seattle.

Foxtail lilies at Bellevue Botanical Garden

Heronswood

Finally, serious plant-junkies should not miss a visit to the private garden and nursery at Heronswood. Arrangements to visit this world-famous plant collection must be made in advance, but it's worth the effort to get there. Heronswood is about an hour from Seattle via the Kingston Ferry from Edmonds.

 



Whidbey Island-Deception Pass Loop (full day or more)
 

Whidbey Island offers the beauty of a Puget Sound island and ferry ride without the time commitment needed for most island visits. Langley is probably the most picturesque town on the island and is a good place to find lunch. Other recommended stops include Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, and Deception Pass State Park. All three areas have beautiful saltwater views and beach walking. The first two also offer explorations among old gun bunkers and emplacements abandoned after World War II. Deception Pass has a magnificent bridge spanning the pass (get out of your car and take a breathtaking stroll over it) and deep forest. The walk to North Beach here is especially nice. If you do the Whidbey loop from south to north (see below), drive to the summit of nearby Mt. Erie on your way back for gorgeous views of sunset on the surrounding forests and water.

View from Mt. Erie

Getting there: South Whidbey Island can be reached in 60-90 min. from Seattle if ferry lines are not long. Drive north to Mukilteo and take the Clinton ferry to the island. Alternatively, you can drive north on I-5 to Mt. Vernon and onto the Island at Deception Pass. Highway 525 runs north-south on the island and allows you to make a loop trip-- a favorite way to explore the area. If you do the loop from north to south, you will save yourself money on the ferries, which only charge for car and driver on the return.