Things To Do
Lake Chelan
Take a boat ride up Lake Chelan to Stehikan. There are no roads to this little town nestled in the corner of North Cascades National Park. Or, if boats aren't your thing, you can go to the numerous wineries for tastings and partying.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
This state park is only a few minutes from where we are getting married. You can boat, paddleboard, fish, or swim here. Go for walks on the trails or climb Dirtyface Mountain for sweeping views of the valley (and to visit one of Andy's mountain weather stations).
München Haus
Go get your German brats and beers at this local must-see location. When you're done, walk the downtown strip, dip into shops, and think about next year's Christmas.
North Cascades National Park
Head up the Lady of the Lake via Lake Chelan or drive scenic highway 20. You can make a loop (a long one) from Leavenworth up through the Methow Valley, and over highway 20 through the heart of the mountains. Stop at scenic viewpoints or go for as long or wild of a hike as you can imagine.
Olympic National Park
Head out to the peninsula for Washington's most remote national park. Be sure to go up to Hurricane Ridge to see the views of the park's interior, plus the Strait of Juan De Fuca (with Canada in the background). Or you can head to the ocean to see the wild Pacific Coast. Round it out with a trip to the Hoh Rainforest to take a walk in some seriously old and large trees.
Mount Rainier National Park
This huge mountain is the crown jewel of the state. Head to Paradise or Sunrise to get a close-up view of the mountain, go for some hikes, and get a feel for what it's like to be on a volcano. Be sure to get park reservations beforehand - they have a timed entry system. While you're down in that area, you may as well swing through Enumclaw and see our house!
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are playing at home the week leading up to our wedding. They play the White Sox August 5-7 and then the Rays over the wedding weekend 8-10.
Pike Place Market
This is where you see them throwing the fish whenever there is a nationally televised sporting event from Seattle. There's also lots of fresh food, flowers, knickknacks, and other farmer's market-type vendors. The first Starbucks is located in the market and is a popular attraction. Bonus Seattle activity - Hit up the Space Needle while you're in town checking out Pike's Place.
The Enchantments
The Enchantments are the most popular hiking location outside of Leavenworth. It's a big day (or multi-day) trip to go through them all. But you can do smaller hikes into pristine mountain lakes or viewpoints and get the same effect for less effort. Andy will line you out with a hike if you're interested.
San Juan Islands
The beautiful San Juan islands sit in the rain shadow off the coast of northern Washington. You need to take a ferry from Anacortes, WA out to the islands and reservations are required. Once out there, enjoy a simpler way of life and natural beauty. You can often see orca whales in the nearby waters in the summer.