You will need to make a timed entry reservation to visit the national park due to increased tourism. Additionally, you will need to purchase a national park pass which can be used at any national park for an entire year . Online Pass: https://www.myscenicdrives.com/store/item/america-the-beautiful-national-park-pass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszcpUMNPl6bqNx5mapEp9xAj0CZV20trXHBG2uH_sn-CmM1bFg8ASixoCbo8QAvD_BwE
No reservation needed to enter the park, but a national park pass is required. Olympic National Forest is on the Olympic Peninsula and the easiest way to get there from Mount Vernon is to take the ferry out of Edmonds to the Kingston terminal. There is no ferry reservation required. Pass: https://www.myscenicdrives.com/store/item/america-the-beautiful-national-park-pass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszcpUMNPl6bqNx5mapEp9xAj0CZV20trXHBG2uH_sn-CmM1bFg8ASixoCbo8QAvD_BwE Ferry: https://wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch/terminaldetail.aspx?terminalid=8
A very special spot, Diablo Lake is the location we got engaged at. There are many locations to hike in this area.
Mount Baker offers a lot of camping and hiking.
There are many locations around Baker Lake for camping and hiking, but there are also locations for fishing if you are looking for something nearby.
The San Juan Islands is a beautiful area that has many activities but requires a ferry out of Anacortes. The ferry visits multiple islands so it is recommended to research which island you would like to visit. Ferry reservations are highly encouraged and can be bought online. Ferry reservations: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle/default.aspx?op=Make+reservations
Deception Pass is a cool bridge with hiking and picnic areas on the beach. If you are looking for something outdoors, this is a very close area. People sometimes see the local orcas from this spot. Discovery Pass is required for parking (Discovery Pass can be used at any WA state park, but not national parks). Discover Pass: https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/31/1777/About-the-Pass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszcHOeI6NSs9TCpA3ydsSlaAlEv_gxEZ7bk-_7v9tY1kV2Qp7nz_QPBoCtSUQAvD_BwE
Anacortes has a whale watching tour where you can have a chance to see our resident orcas! Anacortes is a cute town with some delicious restaurants.
For those with Instagram, you probably have seen this location on your feed. About a 2.5 hour drive from Mount Vernon, this Barvarian inspired town has food/shops/entertainment to explore.
If you want to get out of the country for a day or two, Mount Vernon is 1.5-2 hour south of Vancouver, Canada! Travel Info: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html Additional To Do: https://www.destinationvancouver.com/explore-vancouver/things-to-do
There are so many things to explore in Seattle. Some of the most common places to check out are Pike Place Market, Post Alley (gum wall next to Pike Place), the original Starbucks (next to Pike Place), Space Needle (about a mile walk from Pike Place), waterfront pier, underground tours, Chihuly Garden, and the fremont troll. Rent a boat and spend the day on Lake Union, catch a Mariners game at T-mobile park, or check out many of the breweries in the area.
There is a lot of camping in the area! Reservations are recommended, but many sites have first come, first serve locations. Another booking site: https://www.recreation.gov/ REI has camping and outdoor rental gear with the closest location in Seattle: https://www.rei.com/stores/rentals
If you are interested in hiking, here is a website with some locations and information. Most hiking locations require a Discover Pass. Discover Pass: https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/31/1777/About-the-Pass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtsa9BhAKEiwAUZAszcHOeI6NSs9TCpA3ydsSlaAlEv_gxEZ7bk-_7v9tY1kV2Qp7nz_QPBoCtSUQAvD_BwE